PREFACE. WE learn from the BIBLE, that there are Two Kingdoms on the earth-one, called the world, which belongs to Satan; the other, called the church, which belongs to Christ. Of the first, we read that it is lying "in wickedness, or "the wicked one," 1 John v. 19, and Satan is called its Prince. John xii. 31. (See Matt. iv. 8, 9.) Of the other we find this description, that it is composed of "Them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints;" &c. 1 Cor. i. 2. that it is subject to Christ; Eph. v. 24, and that He is King over it. Rev. xv. 3. These Two Kingdoms exist together upon earth; as is fully declared by the parables contained in Matt. xiii., where we read that the good seed are the children of the kingdom of Christ, but the tares are the children of the wicked one. Men are therefore called upon to choose whom they will serve. The Kingdom of Satan is large and prevailing; that of Christ, small and secure. Our Lord calls His people a little flock; and He says of the gate which admits into His Kingdom, "few there be that find it." Yet is this gate ever open, and all may enter who will. God our Saviour "will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth;" 1 Tim. ii. 4. but at the same time, will surely exclude those who do not use the means which He has Himself appointed. therefore the flock is "little," it is because men will not come unto Him that they may have life, John v. 40.; and if the gate be found of few, it is because the many do not seek it with all their heart and with all their soul." (See Deut. iv. 29.) If May the Lord be pleased to grant a blessing on the following pages, that some who read may be gathered into His blessed Kingdom; and all be led to ask themselves, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" Heb. ii. 3. THE TWO KINGDOMS. THERE is much in the life of every Christian that is common to all, for as face answereth to face in a glass, so does the experience of one brother to another. And this it is that occasions the interest we feel when perusing the history of those who are following the same course as ourselves, so that I am tempted to relate what has befallen myself as I have journied onwards, with the observations I have made; and I will throw my little narrative into the form of an allegory, to render it more impressive. B |