nakedness, or peril, or sword ? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord2." Here we have a perfect comment on the words of our text : here we see what that confidence is which every Christian should feel, when he says, " In the Lord have I righteousness and strength a." Thus it is, that " in the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified; and thus it is, that they should glory." To all of you, then, I say, " Walk in Christ, rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanks- giving."]
Is this, then, the state to which the whole world shall in due time be brought?
1. Contemplate it in reference to the Jews —
[Does it not rejoice you to reflect on the mercy which is in reserve for them ; — for them, to whose ancestors you yourselves are so greatly indebted ? As far as relates to their restoration to their own land, it is no otherwise of importance, than as fulfilling the Divine promises, and magnifying the grace of God towards them. But their believing in Christ, and experiencing the blessedness of his salvation, how ardently is it to be desired ! and how should the prospect of it fill every soul with joy ! Be not indifferent to it, beloved brethren. The Scriptures are full of this glorious subject; and universal nature is called upon to exult and glory in it. If you had no concern but for the benighted Gentiles, you should take an interest in the welfare of the Jews ; seeing that the " receiving them into the Christian fold will be as life from the dead to the whole world V
But put aside all consideration, except for the honour of your Lord and Saviour. Shall it be no joy to you that his kingdom shall be extended throughout all the earth ; and that upon the whole face of the globe there shall be but " one Lord, and his name one?" Verily, if you have the smallest measure of love to his name, you will strive, and pray that this blessed period may be hastened, and that he may speedily be the " King over all the earth."]
2. Seek to enjoy it in your own souls —
[Hear the determination of the Church of old : " All people will walk every one in the name of his God : and we
z Rom. viii. 33—39. a Isai. xlv. 24, 25. *> Rom. xi. 15.