of pride, envy, malice, and other hateful passions ; which are no less odious in the sight of God, than those lusts which assimilate vis rather to the beasts. But, whatever diversity there may be in the outward conduct of mankind, all agree in this, they cast oft' the yoke of God, and walk after the ima- gination of their own evil hearts
Such is the state of all the kingdoms of this world, as well of those which enjoy the light of revelation as those that are yet immersed in Pagan darkness.]
But they will in due season ** become the king- doms of our Lord, and of his Christ" —
[The Prophets have fully declared this: "The God of heaven will set up a kingdom," which shall not, like the kin<i-- doms of this world, be destroyed, but shall be universal in its extent, and everlasting in its dvn'ation^ To " the Son of man," the Lord Jesus Christ, shall this be committed; and "all people, nations, and languages shall serve him '^;" "all kings shall fall down before him," and " his enemies shall lick the dust." Not that he will interfere with the exercise of kingly power amongst the difterent Potentates of the earth: for " his kingdom is not of this world :" the seat of his empire is the heart : and there will he establish his throne ; not by the sword of man, but by " the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Of what kind his dominion will be, we may form some judgment from what took place on the day of Pentecost. His word on that day was " quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword," and thousands in- stantly fell before it. So, when the time shall have come for the full establishment of his kingdom, all opposition, whether of men or devils, shall fall, as Dagon before the ark, and " all nations shall be subdued to the obedience of faith." Then where sin and Satan have hitherto maintained an undisputed sway, the grace of God shall reign, and iniquity from thence- forth shall hide its face ]
No sooner was this glorious event announced, than all the hosts of heaven were moved to welcome it. Their thanksgivings will lead me to set before you,
IL The joy expressed in heaven at the prospect ofit— Verily, the reign of Christ is a ground of joy, and may well be made so by all on earth, and by all in heaven. Consider the effect of it,
1. As it respects the honour of God — [God is banished, if I may so say, from the very world
wJiich
'■ Dan, ii.44. ' Dan. vii. 13, 14.