But whether we be professed infidels or merely nominal Chris- tians, the subject before us is highly proper for our considera- tion. Whence came this marvellous correspondence between the predictions and the accomplishment of them, if Christianity be not of divine original ? was it not established at the very time that was fixed in this prophecy ? And has it not pre- vailed, not only without the aid of human authority, but in direct opposition to all the power and policy of the confederate world? And if it have broken in pieces so many adverse powers, and "made them even as the chaff of the summer threshing-floors," shall any of us withstand it with impunity ? Our Lord, in reference to this very passage, has assured us, that " on whomsoever this stone shall fall it shall grind him to powderg." But remember, it is not a feigned or forced sub- mission that is required of us : Christ reigns over a willing people, and must be enthroned in their hearts. Let such be
his influence over you, my Brethren Let " every high
thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ be put down." Let his law be your only rule, his honour your highest aim, and his service your supreme delight.]
To the friends and subjects of Christ, on the other hand, it is replete with comfort —
[As Christianity has not prevailed in the world without much opposition, so neither will it gain a complete ascendency over the heart without many conflicts. But should any one despond because his adversaries are mighty ? We need only look at the prevalence of Christianity in the world, and we may see what shall be accomplished in our hearts. Are we desti- tute of any power in ourselves ? Be it so : yet the stone which was cut out without hands, and became a great mountain, shall crush our enemies, and bring our inmost souls into subjection to Christ. If the gates of hell have not been able to prevail against the Church at large, neither shall they against the weakest member of it. If the greatest empires have yielded to the influence of the Gospel, so shall also the most inveterate lusts. Let Christians then lift up their heads with joy : their conflicts may be severe, but victory is assured to them by the promise and oath of an unchanging Godh.]
s Matt, xx i. 43, 44. See also Isai. lx. 12. h Heb. vi. 17, 18.