the truth. But it was yet further accomplished in the time of Constantine, when the Roman empire pro- fessed subjection to the Gospel ; and the religion of Christ became the established religion of the world. Since that time the chief princes of Europe have called themselves by the name of Christ, and wished to be esteemed his followers. It is true indeed that far the greater part of them have only called him Lord, Lord, while they have had no desire to do the things which he commands : still, however, their very professions of regard to his name are sufficient to shew what we may expect, when God shall make bare his arm, and go forth in the chariots of the everlasting Gospel, conquering and to conquer. The time shall come when " Christ shall have dominion from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth ; when all kings shall fall down before him, and all nations shall serve himc."
But the terms in which this promise is expressed deserve a more minute attention. The kingdom of Christ, considered as " a portion which the Father divides unto him," is the Father's gift; but, as " a spoil which Christ divides unto himself," it is the fruit of his own conquests. In both these views we must regard the conversion of men to Christ. None, whether high or low, learned or unlearned, ever yield themselves up unfeignedly to him, but in consequence of their having been already given to him by the Father : " they make not themselves to differ ; nor has one, more than another, aught, which he has not received." " As none can come unto Christ, except the Father draw them," so none will come to him, except God have both given them to Christ, and afterwards given to themselves an inclination and desire to be the Lord's. Nor is this a mere speculative truth ; it lies at the very root of all religion : we never can be duly humbled till we see ourselves destitute of all will and ability to serve the Lord ; and acknowledge from our hearts, that " it is God alone who giveth us either to will or to do" that which is good. Till then, we can
« Ps. lxxii. 8—11.
976.] fruits of Christ's death. 427
never in sincerity refer all the glory of our salvation to God alone : we shall, of necessity, be assuming part of it to ourselves. Our Lord expressly mentions this truth no less than seven times in his intercessory prayer d, which he uttered in the presence of his dis- ciples. What greater proof of its importance can be given ? And how needful is it for us also to remember it in all our addresses at the throne of grace !
It is further noticed in the text, that the conversion of men is also a fruit of the Redeemer's conquests. As Canaan, though given to Abraham and his pos- terity, was to be gained by the sword, so we, however given by the Father to Christ, must be rescued by force out of the hands of our enemies : if Christ will possess us as " a portion," he must take us as " a spoil." The god of this world had usurped a power over us, and, like a strong man armed, kept us under his controul. It was therefore necessary that Christ, who was " stronger than he, should overcome him, and take from him the armour wherein he trusted, and divide the spoils6." Accordingly he engaged with all the powers of darkness, and, " by death, destroyed him that had the power of death, that is, the devil." On his cross " he spoiled principalities and powers, and made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it." In his ascension " he led captivity itself captive ;" and thus delivered us from the power of his great adversary. Not that his warfare is yet accomplished, though the form of it is altered ; for he has still to subdue the rebellion of our hearts. We ourselves are up in arms against him : and, when driven out of one strong hold, we flee to another, till he has cast them all down, and swept away every refuge of lies. We yield not, till his arrows are fixed deeply in our hearts ; we submit not, till he has " made us willing in the day of his power." Never, till his right hand and his holy arm have gotten him the victory, are our " thoughts and desires brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."