which have heretofore existed since the creation of the world, cannot for a moment be doubted, because the Scriptures of divine truth, from beginning to end, are continually pointing to it, and holding it up as the completion of all prophecy. It's commencement is announced by Daniel in these words: "In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever," Dan. ii. 44. The same prophet says in another place, "I saw in the night-visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed," Dan. vii. 13, 14. That this prophecy of Daniel refers to the present time, is evident from what is said in chap. xii. 4, 9, 11; and from the Lord's words in Matt. xxiv. 15, 30. The like is said in the Apocalypse: "And the seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever," Apoc. xi. 15.
The progress, perfection, and glory of the same church are also described by other prophets in the manner following, "For Zion's sake I will not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness,
