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SERMON XXXVII.

THE EXTENT OF MESSIAH'S SPIRITUAL

KINGDOM.

REV. xi. 15.

The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Chrift, and be fhall reign for ever and ever.

HE kingdom of our Lord in the heart,

TH

and in the world, is frequently compared to a building or houfe, of which he himself is both the foundation and the architect *. A building advances by degrees †, and while it is in an unfinished state, a ftranger cannot, by viewing its present appearance, form an accurate judgment of the * Ifa. xxviii. 16. and liv. 11, 12. + 1 Cor. iii. 9. Eph. ii, 20-22.

defign,

defign, and what the whole will be, when compleated. For a time, the walls are of unequal height, it is disfigured by rubbish, which at the proper feafon will be taken away; and by fcaffolding, which, though useful for carrying on the building, does not properly belong to it, but will likewise be removed when the prefent temporary fervice is answered. But the architect himself proceeds according to a determinate plan, and his idea of the whole work is perfect from the beginning. It is thus the Lord views his people in the prefent life. He has begun a good work in them, but as yet every part of it is imperfect and unfinished; and there are not only defects to be fupplied, but deformities and incumbrances that must be removed. Many of the difpenfations and exercises, which contribute to form their religious character, do not properly belong to that work which is to abide, though they have a subserviency to promote it. When that which is perfect is come, the rest shall be done away.

And thus, although the growth and extent of his kingdom is the great fcope and object of his providence; to which all the revolu

tions that take place in the kingdoms of this world, fhall be finally fubfervient; yet the fteps by which he is carrying forward his defign, are, for the most part, remote from the common apprehenfions of mankind; and, therefore, feldom engage their attention. His kingdom, founded upon the rock of ages, is building, advancing, and the gates of hell shall not be able to withstand its progrefs. Only detached and inconfiderable parts of the plan are as yet vifible, and the beauties are every where obfcured by attendant blemishes. But his counsel shall stand, and he will do all his pleasure. Princes and Statesmen feldom think of him, are seldom aware that in prosecuting their own schemes, they are eventually fulfilling his purposes, and preparing the way to promote the cause which they defpife, and often endeavour to fupprefs. But thus it is. Sometimes he employs them, more directly, as his inftruments, and when they are thus engaged in his work, their fuccefs is fecured. So Cyrus, whom Ifaiah mentioned by name *, long before his birth, as the appointed deliverer of Israel from their captivity, profpered in his enter

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prizes, being guided and girded by him whom he knew not, and established his own power upon the ruins of the Affyrian monarchy. The Roman empire likewise increased and profpered from small beginnings, that a way might be opened, in the proper season, for the deftruction of the Jewish œconomy, and for facilitating the preaching of the gofpel. And pofterity will fee, that the principal events of the prefent age, in Afia and America, have all a tendency to bring forward the accomplishment of my text; and are leading to one grand point, the fpreading and eftablishment of the church and kingdom of our Lord. His plan is unalterably fixed. He has faid it, and it shall be done. Things will not always remain in their prefent difordered state. And though this defirable period may be yet at a distance, and appearances very dark and unpromising, the word of the Lord fhall prevail over all difcouragements and oppofition.

Prophecies, which are not yet fulfilled, will neceffarily be obfcure. Many learned men have laboured to explain the prophecies in this book, to ascertain the facts which are foretold, and to fix the dates when they may

be

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