Christ at its first establishment in the world. It consisted at first of our Lord and his twelve Disciples ; and even after our Lord's ascension, their number was only one hundred and twenty. Soon however it spread forth its branches. As the mustard-seed, notwithstanding its sinallness, grows up (in the eastern countries) into a tree of some magnitude, so did the Church, notwithstanding its unpromising appearances, extend its limits with astonishing rapidity. In the space of but a very few years, it filled, not Judaea only, but the whole Roman empire. Nor is it yet grown to its full dimensions. It will in the latter days overspread the whole earth. All the king- doms of the world shall become the kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ. And as Jews and Gentiles have already taken refuge under its shadow, so shall the people of all nations and languages in God's appointed time3.]
2. In reference to the grace of God in the heart —
[Grace, when first implanted in the soul, is often very small, shewing itself only in some glimmering views, slight convictions, good desires, faint purposes, and feeble endea- vours. But in process of time it grows in every part ; it shoots forth its roots into the soul, and becomes stronger in all its branches. The faith which was weak, is confirmed ; the hope that was languishing, is made lively and abundant ; and the love that was but cold and selfish, displays itself with purity and fervour. And all, who come within the sphere of its in- fluence, receive rest and refreshment from its salutary shade b. Indeed its full growth cannot be seen in this world. For that glorious sight, we must ascend to heaven, where every tree of righteousness flourishes with unfading beauty, and exhibits in the brightest colours the power and efficacy of the Redeemer's grace.]
Such being the import of the comparison, we shall now proceed to,
II. Improve it —
The parts of our improvement must necessarily have respect to the different views in which the parable has been explained. We shall draw from it therefore some observations ;
1. For our encouragement respecting the Church at large —
a This by the spirit of prophecy is beautifully described as passing before the prophet's eyes, and as exciting great astonishment in the church itself. Isai. xlix. 18 — 21.
b Hos. xiv. 7.