October 25

"All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."—Matthew 28:19.

IN prosecuting the march which the Gospel has commenced, says one, it consults the map of the world—as the sun of righteousness ascends in the firmament, our moral horizon enlarges. What encouragement have we in the passage before us to exert ourselves for the spread of the Gospel! Consider

THE UNIVERSAL DOMINION OF THE SAVIOUR. This is a subject frequently referred to in the Scriptures, and one of paramount importance. Two things are observable here.

The extent of this power. "All power." Monarchs have power; angels and evil spirits have power, but it is limited, and under certain control. Jesus has all power "in heaven." He exercises unlimited dominion over the shining ranks of angels that bow before him, and the glorious army of the redeemed above, who fall prostrate before his spotless throne. He has power to obtain from the court of heaven pardon, peace, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. He has power "in earth." He upholdeth all things by the word of his power; he regulates and governs the affairs of men; he has power to judge and to punish at the last day; he has power in his church, and is the only true Head of it.

The mode by which it is obtained. It is "given." He possesses unlimited power over all, essentially, as God; but the dominion here referred to is that which he has delegated to him as Mediator, by virtue of the office he undertook, and the work he performed—John 17:2. As God, his power was by right; as man, it was given. As God, he said, "I and my Father are one;" as man, he said, "My Father is greater than I." Let my prayer be, Blessed Saviour, exercise thy power over me.

"Thy blessing shall extend; Thy saving grace appear; And all, to earth's remotest end, The Lord our Saviour fear."