Messiah's Kingdom. CHAP. I. Introductory Statement. THE word of truth unfolds to us the kingdom of Messiah under a three-fold state or manifestation.HE is there revealed as the Creator and Preserver of all things: for it is written, God "created all things by Jesus Christ:" and of the Word who was in the beginning with God," and was afterwards "made Flesh," we read, that " all things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made that was made."- He "in the beginning laid the foundations of the earth; and the heavens are the work of his hands." -" He upholdeth all things by the word of his power :" and providing for the well-being of his creatures, he rules, ordains, directs, and governs all things in heaven and in earth, B so that the very hairs of our head are numbered, and not a sparrow falls to the ground without him. He is revealed likewise as the God of all grace and consolation: and in this character he governs his spiritual as he does his natural kingdom, by his Power and his Spirit, giving to his people all things needful for life and for godliness, bringing their hearts and consciences into obedience to his will, and by his mighty power keeping them, through faith unto salvation. His spiritual kingdom cometh not with observation, but is established within us; it is not after the form, or the fashion of this present evil world: no worldly pomp or honor is attached to it and yet the Lord's people know it, feel it, and comprehend it. But unless a man be born from above, he can neither see nor enter into it, for it is "righteousness, joy, and peace in the Holy Ghost." There is also another state or manifestation of the power of the Messiah plainly declared in Scripture, but not yet presented to our sight; and it may be termed his kingdom or government upon earth as Messiah-He proclaims himself to the Apostle John, as "the Prince of the kings of the earth." He has "a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords." He is declared " in all things to have the pre-eminence." He is "the Prince of princes," " whose |