“When THOU hadst overcome the sharpness of death: THOU didst open the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN to all believers.”—Te Deum.
“Thy kingdom come.”—S. Matt. vi. 10.
CHAPTER I.
THE KING’S HERALD.
|
“On Jordan’s banks the Baptist’s cry Announces that the Lord is nigh; Awake and hearken, for he brings Glad tidings of the King....” |
When the Saviour of the world was about to enter upon His public ministry, the Jewish nation was startled with the cry, “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (S. Matt. iii. 2).
Such was God’s call to His people of old time, to prepare themselves to take part in the fulfilment of the promises, on which their faith and hopes were founded. The fulness of the times had come; and Christ, the long-promised and long-expected Saviour and King, was nigh at hand.
And ever since that day, as the good news of the Kingdom has spread from land to land, it has been the portion of the Lord’s people to endeavour to realise their high position in that Kingdom, and to discharge their duties loyally to their Heavenly King.