Christ's words unto the end," it cannot be understood of any temporal dominion which the Church shall enjoy. It relates rather to that exalted state to which they shall be raised, when all the powers of this world, which now oppress the Church, shall meet with their deserved recompence. Our blessed Lord, as Mediator, has "received authority from the Father" to judge the world', and to break in pieces his enemies " as a potter's vessel™." And in that day he shall smite them as " with a rod of iron ;" his people also, as assessors with him in judgment", shall concur in his sentence, and " have domi- nion over their enemies in the morning of the resurrection"." As Joshua commanded the captains of his army to come and put their feet upon the necks of the vanquished kings p, so will the Great Captain of our Salvation make those who have fought under his banners to participate the glory and felicity of his triumphs.]
1. That they shall " have the morning star" —
[Christ himself is " the Morning Star," that shall intro- duce us to the enjoyment of an igternal day^: yea, " in his light we shall see lights" His people, while in this world, are not unfrequently in a state of darkness : but in the world above, the clouds shall be for ever dissipated ; and " the Sun of righteousness shall arise upon them" in all his splendor. O glorious morn, in comparison of which the light of sublunary joys is but the delusive shining of a glow-worm ! Yet thine eyes shall see it, whoever thou art that " keepest the words of Christ, and overcomest" the enemies of thy soul. Wilt thou not then exert thyself, thou drooping saint ? Wilt thou not fight yet a little longer, and continue to hold fast the faith and holiness of the Gospel ? Be of good courage : " He who hath promised, is able to perform." Soon shall thy conflicts end in victory ; " thy light also shall rise in obscurity and thy darkness be as the noon-day." " The Lord shall be thine ever- lasting hght, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended ^"]
Application — ■
[You cannot be too often, or too earnestly called to " hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches." O pray for " an hearing ear, and an understanding heart." Never were coun- sels more suitable, reproofs more just, encouragements more reviving, than those administered in these epistles. " Hear" then particularly the commendation given to Thyatira, and seek that it may belong to you also. " Hear" the reproof, and Jeam to guard against every one that may seduce you " from t the
' Jqhn y. 22, 27. " Ps. ii. 8, Q. " Luke xxii. 29, 30. " Ps. xlix. 14. P Josh. X. 24. ' Rev. xxii. l6.
' Ps. xx.\yi, 9. • Isai. Ix. 20.