THE WORLD IN THE CHURCH. CHAPTER I. CHRIST'S CHURCH A PECULIAR PEOPLE.-INTRUSION OF THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD. ON the contemplation of God as the omnipotent Jehovah, the Creator of the universe, the upholder, preserver, and governor of all beings and all things, an inquiry is instantly originated-For what purpose is all this magnificence of power, this richness of variety, these arrangements of wisdom, these manifestations of goodness? Such questions might continue to arise till thought itself should become a mighty fathomless abyss. It is, therefore, best that the voice of inspiration solve the difficulty'; and in Revelations iv. 11, we find this mystery unfolded in those ascriptions of praise that are given to Him that sitteth upon the throne, before whom the heavenly company cast their crowns, saying, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power, for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." These witnesses establish the fact that God created all things for his own pleasure; and in harmony therewith he could only propose his own glory as the end of his manifested will. In order that all intelligent creatures might render the homage of their active, glowing, unceasing obedience and praise to God, His will was made the law B |