15:25). In the very opening of the plan of redemption Christianity is represented as an aggressive conquering power, under the following symbol: "And I saw, and behold a white horse, and he that sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given him, and he went forth conquering, and to conquer." Rev. 6:2. The symbol is that of a victorious warrior, and is drawn from the civil and military life of the Romans. He well represents the primitive church of God. The white horse denotes purity. Holiness was the mighty steed upon which the Christian church rushed to battle. The rider, no doubt, signifies the ministers, who stood for the church entire. The bow signifies that this rider was a warrior. With the sword of truth the early ministry and church rushed forth to battle against the powerful systems of error with which they had to contend. A crown was given unto him. Why? Because he conquered. "He went forth conquering, and to conquer." This rider wore the victor's crown. So the early ministry and church triumphed over every foe. They multiplied into a strong kingdom of priests and reigned in life. Thus Christ conquered nations through his pure church and ministry. She was

seen terrible as an army with banners (S. of Sol. 6:10).

OVER SIN AND DEATH.

...

In the early morning of Christianity the church of God enjoyed perfect freedom from sin and victory over it. "They sung a new song, saying, . . . thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests." Rev. 5:9, 10. "Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father." Rev. 1:5, 6.

For four thousand years the world was held under the power and dominion of sin. As a result, "death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Paul said that "death reigned" and that "sin hath reigned unto death." The gloomy pall of sin and death hung over all-spiritual death, which comes as a result of sin. But Christ came mighty to save, and through his death and resurrection conquered death. Yes, "abolished death and brought light and immortality to life through

the gospel"; and "he that hath the Son hath life." "God hath given unto us his eternal life, and this life is in his Son." So the really saved "are passed from death unto life." In this divine spiritual life is granted perfect deliverance from all sin. "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." Rom. 6:18. "The blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all sin"; and this happy condition is not the state of the saints of God merely in heaven, "but now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life" (Rom. 6:22). “Sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are under grace. Rom. 6. 14. Thus by being redeemed, washed in the blood of Christ, the early Christians were made kings, and reigned in life over sin and death. Not only did they obtain a perfect deliverance from sin, but through the abundant grace of God which was granted them, they were enabled to serve God in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of their life (Luke 1:75); yes, to live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present world (Tit. 2:11, 12). That blessed reign of righteousness through

Christ, as we shall hereafter see, is restored to us in this evening time.

OVER SATAN, THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS.

Originally man was a king and reigned over the world. It lay prostrate at his feet. He held dominion. "Thou... hast crowned him with glory and honor. Thou hast set him over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet." Psa. 8:5, 6. But through the subtility of the devil, man lost his kingdom and became a servant-was brought under bondage. Satan became prince of this world and held dominion over all mankind. Over four thousand years he held them fast under sin and death. During that time they were never fully delivered from his tyrannical rule. But Christ, the king of heaven, came to earth to restore to man "the first dominion." He set up the kingdom of heaven in direct opposition to the kingdom of darkness. He began by saving men from their sins and by healing" all that were oppressed of the devil." Thus he "spoiled principalities and powers, triumphing over them." This caused Satan's kingdom to fall "like lightning" (Luke 10:18).

By giving his life on the cross and rising triumphant from the grave, Christ conquered death, sin, and hell, bringing salvation, freedom, life, and liberty to all men. Hear his own words, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." "Wherefore he is able to save them unto the uttermost that come unto God by him." He began to proclaim 'liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; and to bring out the prisoners from the prison.' He led forth a "multitude of captives" into the glorious freedom of truth.

Thus the prince of the world, Satan, was cast out (John 12:31) and Christ was raised up a Prince, a Savior (Acts 5:31), Prince of the kings of the earth (Rev. 1:5), Prince of life (Acts 3:15). This same power he gave to the church. "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents, and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy." Luke 10:19. Thus we see the prince of darkness dethroned, the god of this world cast down, and Christ and his church reigning over him.

OVER PAGANISM UNDER THE ROMAN POWER.

Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, marched