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To him the whole dispensation has an immediate respect. To fulfil the divine decree of bringing glory to the REDEEMER,
all the vast series of events are rendered subservient, and to this point, in all their intricuate movements the wheels
are forever turning.
The world is established in CHRIST that it cannot be moved.
[Psal xciii. 1.]
For his sake it is spared and daily blessings bestowed even upon the rebellious; the world, even for this, has cause to
rejoice that the REDEEMER reigneth. But it is especially a reason for johy, and the multitude
of isles may be glad, that the whole earth will at length submit to CHRIST, that the darkest corners
will be enlightened by the Sun of Righteousness, and all flesh shall see the glory of the LORD.
The event is determined. From the rising of the sun, even unto the going down of the same, his name shall be great
among the Gentiles.
[Mal. i. 11.]
All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD; all the kindreds
of the nations shall worship before him.
[Psal. xxii. 27.]
The kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our LORD and of his CHRIST.
[Rev. xi. 15.]
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but these promises shall not fail. He will overturn,
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overturn, overturn, until he come whose right it is, and he will give it him."
[Ezek. xxi. 27.]
THIS is the great scope and end of providence, and shall most assuredly be attained.
Infinite wisdom will employ the best means for producing the best end, and almighty power ensure success.
The different stages through which the Church must pass, the progressive manner in which all this will be
obtained, are indisputably marked in the prophetic vision which Daniel interpreted.
[Daniel ii. 34, 35, 44.]
- "A stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image - and the stone which smote the image
became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth - in the days of these kings shall the OD of heaven
set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed, and the kingdom shall not be left to other people,
but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever."
Let it suffice to remark upon this celebrated prophecy: that the Church, the visible kingdom of CHRIST
in the world, is here exhibited as remaining for a series of ages, - small and circumscribed in its limits -
moveable and changing its place - suffering and exposed to buffetings and insults. A state, very aptly
designated by comparing it to a stone. But a
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