Page 7
AN ESSAY ON THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST.
IT having been revealed by ancient Prophets, that the Lord Messiah should be a King, and have universal empire, the chosen tribes in every age expected his appearance under the regal character. While, however, the ge∣neral idea of that expectation was fully warranted by the Spirit of prophecy, the bulk of Abraham's natural posterity were under a gross mistake, respecting the true design of their Messiah's ap∣pearance, and the real nature of his kingdom: which mistake had the most pernicious influence upon their temper and conduct, when the gracious pro∣mise of his coming was fulfilled.
The sense which they affixed to pro∣phecies respecting the great Redeemer, was manifestly such as flattered their pride and fostered their carnality. This gave it a decided advantage, in their