January 9

Lord of Lords, and King of Kings.—Revelation 17:14.

As there was one First Great Cause of all things, so there is also one Universal Ruler, who directeth and preserveth all things. This universal dominion belongs to Christ:—he reigns over all;—he is possessed of boundless authority—not only are all things on earth subject to his controul, but all things in heaven;—his reign extends over all worlds

—“He is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings” —“By him all things consist” and “He upholdeth all things by the Word of his power.” It is evident from these passages that all dominion and authority, and glory are invested in Christ. Here then we perceive, that all his divine perfections wilbe in requisition to effect his purposes and to execute his plans. What a word of power is that, on which all things hang! By his word the whole of the orders of the heavenly hierarchy are ruled, directed, and preserved. By the same word an infinitude of worlds are rolled onward in the immensity of space, without collision, jarring, or confusion. All the higher order of intelligences, who have their assigned dominions, are subordinate to Christ; his throne is infinitely higher than theirs, and before him cherubim and seraphim prostrate themselves, “And crown him Lord of all.” All the inhabitants of the earth are in like manner at his disposal. Empires rise or fall at his pleasure. By him kings are deposed, and beggars exalted to sit with the princes of his people. He maketh the wrath of man to praise him, or he restrains it at his pleasure. Hell in all its gloomy extent, and Devils, notwithstanding all their power and malignity, tremble before him. He limits the sphere of their influence. He stays their hellish fury and violence, and he will finally bind their Prince and consign him through endless ages to that dark abyss originally prepared for him and his Angels. How desirable to be interested in the favor of this glorious Ruler! Who would not fear him? Trust in him! Why should his people despond? Why be anxious and fearful about Zion's ultimate triumph? Never let it be forgotten that the Saviour of the world, and the head of the church, has written upon his vesture and upon his thigh, "King of Kings and Lord of Lords."