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To estimate aright, therefore, the will of God in this decree; and the results of this decree in the souls already actually given to Christ; and to estimate aright the future results of this decree in the coming triumph. of the gospel, we must add to all the Christians now on earth, all who have ever been upon earth, and every one of whom-not one lost or missing-are now in heaven. And still further, in estimating what the gospel, as the power of God and the wisdom of God unto salvation, can now do, and what it can accomplish for the generations following, we must lift up our heads and behold that great cloud of witnesses who now surround us in heaven, and who, through faith and patient obedience, have inherited all the promises, and are now enjoying that eternal weight of glory, which is so unspeakable, that while here below neither eye saw, nor ear heard, nor did it enter into their hearts to conceive it.

Come brothers! let us onward.

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Then, boldly let us venture!

This, this is worth the cost:
Though dangers we encounter,
Though every thing is lost,
O world! how vain thy call!

him who went before,

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THE FULFILMENT OF THIS DECREE AND OF GOD'S PLAN, IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF HIS CHURCH.

From such a survey of the actual working of God's 'decree, and of what has been accomplished under it in ages past, God's will -including both his purpose and his planin the establishment of Zion as the church or kingdom of Christ is made unmistakably plain, and our faith and obedience as indubitably certain. The church of God implies the existence of heathen, and of heathen in remote and distant lands, even to the uttermost parts of the earth. The decree of God in setting up Christ as the king of Zion, evidently presupposes such a fallen and apostate condition of humanity as originates the abominable system of idolatry, with all its defiance of God, and its temporal and everlasting destruction of the well-being of man. And hence the word of God regards sin as rebellion against the government and laws of God. It declares enmity

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bellow and adore.

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THE ADAPTATION OF THE CHURCH TO THE FULFILMENT OF GOD'S DECREE.

Such is Zion. It is God's appointed instrumentality for the subjugation of a rebellious world; for the overthrow of the kingdom of darkness; for the reconciliation of apostate men; for their restoration to the image and glory of God; and for their

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