40 THE GREAT PREPARATIVES sation and godliness, looking for and basting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being ou fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat ?"(i) § 9. (4) The last preparative to the saint's rest, is their solemn coronation, and receiving the kingdom. For as Christ, their head, is anointed both King and Priest, so under hiin are his people made unto God both king's and priests, to reign and 'to offer praises for ever.(k) The crown of righteousness which was laid up for them, shall by the Lord the righteous judge be given them at that day.(/) They have been faithful unto death, and. therefore he, will give them a crown of life.(m) And according to the iaíprovement of their talents here, so shall their rule and dignity be enlarged.(n) They are not dignified with empty titles, but real dominion. " Christ will grant them to sit with him in his throne ,(o) and will give them power over the nations., even as he received of his Father ; and he will give them, the morning star."(p) The Lord himself with them possession with these applauding expressions ; «Well done, good and faith- ful servant ; thou hast been faithful. over a few things,., I will make thee ruler over many things : enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.'(q) § 10. And with this solemn and blessed proclama tion shall he enthrone them ; " Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the fòundation of the world."(r) Every word is full of life and joy. Come, this is the holding forth of the golden sceptre, to warrant our approach into this glory. Come now as near as you will ; fear not the Beth. shemites judgment; for the enmity is utterly abolish- el(s) This is not such a Come as you were wont to hear : " Come, take up your cross and follow me. "(t> Tho' that was sweet; yet this much more. Comefrom all that afflicted you to all the company of heaven : (i) 2 Peter iii. 7i 2. (k) Rev. v. 10. (l) 2 Tim. iv, 8. (ni) Rev. ii. 10. (n) Matt. xxv.-db1,.233. (o) Rev. iii. 21. (p) Rev. ii. 26, 28. (q) Matt. xxv. 23. (r) Matt. xxv. 34. (s) Ephes. ii. 15. (t) Matt. xvi. 24.
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