July 28

—for what are they? but that He is so unknown, and neglected, and despised. He is great indeed already in the views and esteem of some, and they hope the number is increasing; but his admirers have been always few, compared with the multitude, and they are so still. Thousands and millions have never yet heard of him. Down to this hour, even where his religion is professed, the majority in no one county or village has been actuated by the true spirit of Christianity. At the thought of this two things comfort them. First, that it is not so in another world now. There he attracts every eye, and employs every tongue. A multitude which no man can number of glorified saints, and ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of angels, are continually saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."

Secondly, that it will not be so in this world always. For it is written, and the Scripture cannot be broken, that "from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, his name shall be great among the Gentiles, and in every place incense shall be offered unto him, and a pure offering." Then the nations of them that are saved shall walk in the light of the Lamb—He shall sprinkle many nations—Yea, all nations shall fall down before him, and all kings shall serve him. O blessed day, when there shall be a godly prince on every throne, a godly judge on every bench, a godly pastor in every pulpit, a godly master in every family—when every author will write, and every merchant trade for Him—when the melody of his praise shall soften the labourer's toil, and the poor of the people shall trust in him. O glorious hour when it shall be said, without a figure, "Behold, the world is gone away after him!"

But who shall live when God doeth this? We often now exclaim, "Why are his chariot wheels so long in coming? Why does the whole creation groan and travail in pain together until now? How many are there waiting for an event that will loosen the last cord of life, and lead them to exult. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people." Yet the morning is spread upon the mountains. The day has dawned. Numberless agencies are in action, which, by the ordinary blessing of God upon them, must produce mighty results.

But who shall live when God doeth this? It is probable, even if he cut short his work in righteousness, that the clods of the valley will be sweet about many of us. Yet we shall die in faith, fully assured that he who died on the cross shall see his seed, and prolong his days, and that the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hands. Perhaps we shall be permitted to look down, and see his spreading greatness. If not, we shall be acquainted with the beautifying fact. We shall be where the acclamation will commence which will be re-echoed back from earth: "Hallelujah, for the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever."