the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron." (Rev. xix. 15.) But once more. You know that David founded and established his kingdom in Jerusalem, or Zion. Now, in the Bible, God's church, or people, both in earth and heaven, are called by these names. St. Paul says, "Ye are "Ye are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem." (Heb. xii. 22.) He is there speaking to Christians, to the people of Christ, and telling them of all their blessings and privileges. These blessings and privileges are often compared to those which the Israelites of old enjoyed in Jerusalem. That was indeed a favoured and a happy city. It had in it the ark, and the ser And vice of God, and his appointed priests and ministers, and his worshipping people; and David the king was in the midst of them, ruling over them, protecting them, fighting for them, and subduing their enemies and his own. so the real people of God now are enjoying blessings still greater than these. They have the blessings of the gospel; they have God's appointed ministers to instruct them; his word to guide and direct them; his Spirit to teach and comfort them; and Christ himself, the Beloved One, the true David, is their King and Ruler. He fights for them against the enemies of their souls, so that they are "more than conquerors" through him who loves them. And the time will come when all these enemies will be subdued; and then, in the Heavenly Zion, the New Jerusalem, there will be no more fighting, but only peace and joy for ever. founded the earthly Zion; Christ himself founded the spiritual Zion David -his church here on earth, and his church above in heaven. It is founded on the "Rock of Ages;" and, therefore, it is so firm that nothing can shake it; it will stand fast for ever. Dear children, do you belong to this Zion? You do by name and by profession; but this is not enough. You must belong to Zion in spirit, as well as in name and profession, or you will not share the blessings of faithful citizens and subjects hereafter. David had some rebellious subjects in his kingdom, and he commanded that they should be treated, not like his own people, but like enemies. And so, And so, Christ will not admit into his presence hereafter any who have not been faithful and obedient to to him, even though they may profess to belong to him, and expect to dwell in his kingdom. This is an awful thought. Pray that you may now be made obedient subjects to Christ, and that he may reign in your hearts; then you will indeed be citizens of the true Zion, and be one day admitted into that bright city, the Heavenly Jerusalem, of which we read that it has "no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine in it; for the glory of God doth lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." (Rev. xxi. 23.) HYMN. Glorious things of thee are spoken, He whose word cannot be broken, What can shake thy sure repose' With salvation's walls surrounded, Thou mayest smile at all thy foes. See, the streams of living waters, Ever flows their thirst t' assuage? Grace which, like the Lord the Giver, Never fails from age to age. Saviour, if in Zion's city Thou record my humble name, All his boasted pomp and show; Solid joys and lasting treasure, None but Zion's children know. |