Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/301

 jeclion, knows no difference between Jew and Greek, bond and free. Should such evidence ever become clear (which as yet it is not), it would be in perfect harmony with the prophecies and promises relating to that nation yet await- ing fulfilment in and under the earthly phase of the kingdom.

Natural attachment, as well as a still surviving measure of trust in the long unfulfilled promises, and all their natural prejudices, will be favorable to Israel's general and speedy acceptance of the new rulers ; while their habits of measur- able obedience to the law will also be favorable to their speedy harmony with the principles of the new government.

As Jerusalem was the scat of empire under the typical Kingdom of God, it will again occupy the same position, and be "the city of the Great King." (Psa, 48: 2; Matt 5 : 35 .) A city is a symbol of a kingdom or dominion, and so God's Kingdom is symbolized by the New Jerusalem, the new dominion coming from heaven to earth. At first it will consist of only the spiritual class, the Bride of Christ, which, as seen by John, will gradually come down to earth ; that is, it will gradually come into power as the present em- pires break in pieces, during the Day of the Lord. In due time, however, the earthly phase of this city or government will be established, parts or members of which will be the ancient worthies. There will not be two cities (govern- ments), but one city, one heavenly government, the one for which Abraham looked, "a city which hath foundations" a government established in righteousness, being founded upon the sure rock foundation of the righteousness of Christ the Redeemer, the value of man's ransom which he gave, and the firmness of divine justice, which can no more con- demn the redeemed than it could previously excuse the guilty. Rom. 8: 31-34; i Cor. 3: IT.

Glorious City of Peace ! whose walls signify salvation, proleclioj and blessing to all who enter it, whose founda-

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