your names shall be embalmed in their immortality, written upon those unperishable memorials that shall become pillars in the temple of God, and go no more out. All heaven shall gaze upon those pillars, and read those inscriptions that shall record love felt and deeds done, which God will not let die. Look beyond the boundaries of time, and bring near the solemn realities of the future world, to fortify you against the temptations of the present, and lift your hearts heavenward. Think of the great white throne, and place yourself there in imagination, that you may be the better prepared to appear there in reality. Lead a life of faith in the Son of God, that you may be strong in Him to resist evil and to do good, and when the Bridegroom cometh you may enter in with Him to the marriage supper of the Lamb. 66 Pensioner of life, be wise, and heed a brother's counsel; queror, Thy friend, the same for ever, yesterday, to-day, and to-morrow." CHAPTER VI. THE UNIVERSALITY OF THE DOMINION OF THE LORD. PHILIPPIANS II. 10, 11. "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Ir will form a not inappropriate conclusion to our remarks on the Parable of the Talents, to take a glance at the universal dominion of Christ. In the Parable of the Pounds, not only is the unfaithful servant punished, but the Lord says, "Those mine enemies which would not that I should reign over them bring hither, and slay them before me." Universal jurisdiction is asserted. He proceeds upon the justice of His title to the obedience of all men, and to call every one of them to account. It is high treason to touch the honours of His None can plead exemption from His authority. All are bound to bow to His dominion, and live under the sway of His righteous sceptre. crown. He is no usurper, but the lawful Sovereign of all men. The question naturally arises, What is there in Christ, or in His government, to justify these high claims? Would it be robbery to withhold our allegiance from Him? Is His authority inherent and underived? or is it a reward won by His unparalleled merits? As God, He is the Maker and Upholder of all things, and the Ruler of the universe! and as the God-man, all power is given to him in heaven and on earth. "Because he became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name that is above every name, that at the name Jesus every knee should bow." This is part of His mediatorial honours for having hung on the cross in the form of a servant, and given His life a ransom for many. But is there anything in the Spirit of His kingdom to point it out as fitted and destined to be universal? Has His religion the qualities and elements that adapt it for so wide a sway? Is it mild, or despotic? Is it absolute truth? or is it a mixture of truth and error? Does it teach pure and exalted views of God? and exhibit a perfect standard of spiritual and moral excellence to man? Does it cherish faith, love, hope, meekness, humility, patience, and thankfulness, and the other graces that go to make man good, useful, and happy? and does it brand with condemnation all that is selfish, malignant, proud, and revengeful? While it curbs sinful propensities, and awes the heart by its threatening, does it impart strength and encouragement to its disciples by the help it affords, the prospects it opens, and the hopes it inspires? There are bright stars visible from some parts of the globe, which shed no light on the horizon of other parts. As the navigator sails over the wide. ocean, familiar constellations sink lower and lower in the sky, till they disappear altogether, while others, of new forms and striking brilliance, come in sight, irradiating the heavens with a fascinating glory. Is it so with Christianity? Is it meant and suited only to be a local star, to illumine one portion of the globe, while other regions are to remain in darkness, or have their gloom relieved by a different light? No. Its office is universal. Christ came to be the light of the world. The Sun of righteousness has arisen with healing in His wings, that His rays may shine in every land, and all flesh see the salvation of God. Some plants grow only in particular places and climates. They droop and die when transported from their favour ite region. Christianity is not a plant of this type; for, like man, it can live in every part of the earth. It blossoms and bears fruit among the snows of the North, and under the burning heat of the South. Truth was not designed to be limited to a single district of the globe. It is good for man everywhere; and should encircle the world like the air we breathe. I shall now advert to some of the reasons that lead to the belief that Christianity is adapted and intended to be Universal. I. Christianity is fitted to be Universal. This part of the subject is divisible into several branches. 1. Christianity has no restrictive Peculiarity to confine it to one place, or age, or people. Judaism was necessarily local, its whole spirit and framework marking it as limited in its range and operation. Beyond the bounds of a restricted territory and a particular race it could not with efficiency extend. With its temple at Jerusalem, to which the male population of the Jews were commanded to repair thrice a year to pay their vows, and offer their sacrifices to the Lord, it could never become universal; for if it had covered the earth, its requirements could not possibly have been obeyed by persons inhabiting remote regions of the globe. Judaism was the egg of a better Dispensation, laid in Judæa as in a sheltered nest; but when the celestial Bird was hatched, the broken shell was left behind, and it spread its wings to fly round the world. The old economy was but the scaffolding for erecting a more magnificent build |