By this blood they are consecrated a "royal priesthood" to offer up spiritual sacrifices; and there is a period in the world's eventful history, when they shall "reign on the earth." Of the nature of this _reign_ there are two views entertained. That of the Millenarians, under the supposed corporeal presence of Christ, which is _too gross,_ after the manner of carnal Jews: the other _too refined_ and remote, after the manner of carnal Christians, who "will not have this man to reign over them,"--_except in the church._ Such Christians come very near the views and sentiment of those who exclaimed,--"Not this man, but Barabbas." (John xviii. 40.) Of the nature of Christ's royal dominion we will have occasion to treat in other parts of the Apocalypse; but we take occasion to remark, that his kingly office is formally and meritoriously founded on the efficacy of his sacrifice: "Thou art worthy, for thou wast slain."--That the saints shall "reign in glory" in company with their Saviour is a precious scripture truth; but it is not the truth taught in the words,--"we shall reign _on the earth."_ This is not the place to enter on a full discussion of the doctrine here avowed; yet the following may be adduced as part of the warrant of this doctrine. (Dan. vii. 27; Rev. xx. 4.) 11. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne, and the beasts, and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12. Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.