From its first establishment, the prophet goes on to speak of,
II. Its subsequent preservation —
[From the first instant that the establishment of Christ's kingdom was announced, it was assailed from every quarter. The question asked by the eastern Magi was, " Where is he that is born King of the Jews?" And instantly was Herod's jealousy moved to such a degree, that, to ensure the death of Jesus, " he sent forth and slew all the children in Bethlehem and the surrounding country, from two years old and under11." From the time that he entered on his ministry, his life was sought ; till at last his enemies accomplished their cruel pur- pose, unwittingly accomplishing, at the same time, the very end for which he came into the world. The same opposition has been made to his kingdom in every age and every place. The history of the Acts of the Apostles is one continued illustration of this fact. But greater was He that was in them, than he that actuated his malignant foes. In different places, indeed, his interests have been subverted, as in the Seven Churches of Asia; but if the candlestick have been taken from one place, it has been sent to another. The Church itself has stood, as a rock in the midst of the ocean, and has defied all the waves that beat upon it. Our blessed Lord said, that " it was founded on a rock, and that the gates of hell should never prevail against it0:" and this saying of his has been fulfilled : for though, like the burning bush, it has been con- tinually immersed in flames, it never has been, nor ever shall be, consumed by them. " It shall abide," as the prophet has saidp: " it shall break in pieces, and consume all other king- doms ; but itself shall stand for ever and everq."]
My text yet further declares,
III. Its ultimate extension —
[Its limits hitherto have been narrow and contracted; but the time is coming when they shall extend " to the very ends of the earth." Yes, indeed, " He shall be exalted, and extolled, and be very highr." " All kings shall fall down before him; all nations shall serve hims." All the kingdoms of the world shall be his*; and under the whole heavens " there shall be but one Lord, and his name oneu" ]
Exhortation —
n Matt. ii. 2, 16. ° Matt. xvi. 18. p The Text.
<i Dan. ii. 44. r Isai. lii. 13. s Ps. lxxii. 11.
4 Rev. xi. 15. u Zech. xiv. 9. See, to the same effect, Ps. ii. 8. and xxii. 27.