Vera. 15-20.-'.lVie size and strength of the kingdom. "The particularity with which these measurements are given ... shows the importance attached by the pro- phet to the external dimensions. . . . The compass assigned to the sacred buildings exceeded the limits of all ancient Jerusalem. . . . Here is another of those traits intended to render manifest the ideal character of the whole description" (Fairbairn). The fulfilment is found in the glorious magnitude of the Church of Christ, of which the temple was designed to be the type. We look, then, at-- I. THE SIZE OF THE KINGDOM.. The kingdom of Christ is indeed of vast dimen- aions; it requires a heavenly messenger to compute it. 1. It is inclusive of all classes a-nd charrr,ctera. It is not confined to rich or poor, or to those who have "neither poverty nor riches ; " it is not intended for the learned any more than for the unlearned; it is the home of those who have been devout and upright all their days, and it offers an asylum to those who have wandered away into the darkness and fallen into the depths of sin. 2. It is unlimited by race. The Jew at first imagined that the kingdom was for him only; but it was not long before the providence and the grace of God demon- strated that the kingdom of Christ was open to the whole Gentile world; and missionary labours have proved that there is no climate beneath the sun where the seeds of Christian truth will not spring up and bear flower and fruit. 3. It is extended throu,qh all time, Nineteen centuries have nearly gone since John declared that the kingdom was "at hand," and, so far from there being any signs of completion, there is more active and successful evangelization thau at any previous period of Church history. The prophet might well see a large space measured when the area of the kingdom was in question. II. 'l'HE STRENGTH OF THE KINGDOM. This temple is a perfect square, five hun- dred reeds on every side. "Buildings which are four-square are the most stable, firm, and lasting." The kingdom of Christ is immovably strong, and nothing can with- stand it, because: 1. It rests on the basis of Divine truth. Not "cunningly devised fables," but well-established facts, are the foundation on which the fair, spiritual edifice is resting-the facts of the Incarnation, of the works of benefictont power wrought, of the words of trut.h and grace spoken, of the resurrection from the dead accomplished by Jesus Christ; the facts of the apostolic ministry, of the opposition offered to the gospel and of its steady, spiritual, glorious triumph over it. 2. It meets the deep and abiding needs of our humanity. Beneath all skies, under all conditions, through all changes and circumstances, after all political and social revolutions, man wants the s:ime things to be truly and profoundly satisfied. He wants a Divine Father of his spirit; a salvation from siu; a refuge in time of trouble; a source of ulevation in all the meanness and littleness of earthly life; hope in death. This the 364 THE BOOK OF 'l'llE PROPllET EZEKIEL. [err. XL1II. 1-27,
gospel of Christ is always offering him. To hungering, toilina, sorrowincr burdened humanity Jesus Christ is ever saying, "Come unto me, . . ."I will giv:' you rest." 3. It relies on the Divine power and presence. "All power is given to me in heaven and in earth; ~?. ye, therefoi·e, and teach all nations . . . lo, I am with you nlway," etc. (Matt. xxvm. 18-20). In the presence, the sympathetic and active presence, of the all-powerfol Redeemer we have the strongest assurance that the k.inadom 0 will extend and prevail; it is strong in its present and mighty Lord.-C,