JEHOVAH.

Jehovah! What name so solemn, so glorious, so mysterious. This title can be applied to none other than the True — the Living — the Eternal God, for his “Name alone is Jehovah.” Ps. lxxxiii. 18. Listen to his words, ye his followers, “I am, (Jehovah,) the Lord, that is my name, and my glory will I not give to another: neither my praise to graven images.” Isaiah xlii. 8. Again, “Sing unto Jehovah a new Song,” new Life imparted, new blessings bestowed and experienced, new deliverances realized, new desires generated, new hopes well founded, new prospects unfolding before us, all these and more resting on an immutable basis, the glorious, the enriching, the eternal union of God and his people demands a new Song. And when the believer knows and feels these things in his own soul, he is constrained to say, “He hath put a new song into my mouth even praise unto my God.” Jehovah made all things for his own glory. Nature with all its varied beauties, Providence with all its manifold and startling wonders, grace with its striking, thrilling, and heaven born realities are alike the work and revelations of himself; these make known his love, wisdom, and dower. The Essence or Being of Jehovah is incomprehensible, His will is unchangeable, his Power is all creating and all sustaining, He is infinite in wisdom, holiness and love, he is self-existent, giving being to all, He is Independant, and all things are dependant upon himself. “He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Rev. i. 8.

When the Lord revealed himself to Moses out of the bush burning with fire, “He said unto him I AM THAT I AM, and said, thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel I AM hath sent me unto you.” Exodus iii. 14. These terms are very expressive, denoting self-existence, all-sufficency, eternity and immutability. See now how the sainted spirits of by-gone days have used this glorious name, Jehovah. Abraham, on a memorable and touching occasion, when Isaac, his son was delivered, and a Ram instead was caught in the thicket; Called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh, (the Lord will provide,) as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.” Gen. xxii. 14. How true the answer that Abraham gave to Isaac, when the young man said, “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham said, “My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering,” Here Abraham saw the day of Christ. he saw it, and was glad. And are there no seasons in which you, reader, have been enabled, through divine grace, to say, Jehovah-jireh (the Lord will provide,) Did you never read of the victory gained over Amalek? in commemoration of which, “Moses built an altar, and called the name of it, Jehovahnissi (the Lord is my banner,) for Moses said, because the Lord hath sworn that he will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” Exodus xvii. 15, 16.

Gideon, one of the ancient saints, of whom the world was not worthy, on receiving true tokens of the divine presence, when blessed with the evidence he desired, of the Lords being with him, erected an altar, and called it Jehovahshalom (the Lord sends peace.) Judges vi. 24. In the Prophecy of Jeremiah, you find that the Lord graciously condescended to reveal himself to the prophet as Jehovah-tsidkenu, “The Lord our Righteousness.” Jer. xxiii. 6. In Ezekiel, it is said, the name of the holy city shall be, Jehovahshammah, (the Lord is there.) The Church’s language in Isaiahs prophesy is “O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortest me. Behold God is my salvation: I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” Reader, may this great and eternal God be your refuge at all times, in all places, and under all circumstances, that the beautiful language with which the xlvi. Psalm commences, may be yours, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” May the ready and writer have grace to do as Mary did, “Who kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Now, unto him, who is the blessed and only potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, be honour and Power everlasting. Amen.

Great God! how infinite art thou?
   What worthless worms are we?
Let the whole race of creatures bow,
   And pay their praise to thee.

Eternity, with all its years,
   Stands present in thy view:
To thee there’s nothing old appears;
   Great God! there’s nothing new.

Our lives thro’ various scenes are drawn,
   And vex’d with trifling cares;
While thine eternal thoughts moves on
   Thine undisturb’d affairs.

Watts.

THE TRINITY.

The doctrine of the Trinity of Persons in the One Jehovah, is the grand foundational truth of the Glorious Gospel of the blessed God! In whatever point of view we contemplate the work of redemption, we perceive this great and sublime truth. Have we ever been enabled to meditate sweetly upon it? for its importance, in its whole bearing, on the scheme of Eternal Salvation is inconceivably vast. The mysterious subject which we are now contemplating, has been often times treated with scorn. But by whom? Not by those feeling their guilt, misery, and helpless condition, seeking mercy, through Jesus Christ. — Not by the humble, honest. and spiritual follower of Emmauel, — Not by the man favoured with nearness to, and fellowship with the King of kings, — Not by the Christian, tried and tempted as he is; who knows the power, and who can at times, rejoice in the vitality and liberty of the Gospel of the Grace of God; for such are brought to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.

But it is treated with derision by the proud, the foolish, the obdurate, such as are “Blinded by the God of this world.” Because, such with all their awful darings of thought, and towering flights of fancy and carnal reasonings, cannot understand this exalted theme; because finite beings cannot grasp the Infinite, and the creature of time, who is crushed before the moth, cannot explore the depths of the unfathomable greatness of the Creator; this subject forsooth must be pronounced unscriptural, useless and foolish.

How truly scripture declares, “Vain man would be wise, though born like the wild asses colt.” “Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty to perfection?” Our object now will be to show a little of what the word of God says upon this doctrine, “For all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be thoroughly furnshed unto all good works.” 2 Tim. iii. 16. The word must be our standard upon this matter, and may the spirit of life, of truth, and of comfort help us, that our meditation upon it may be profitable. The truth of the Trinity was strongly intimated in the Old Testament, but its more clear, forcible and direct manifestations occur in the New Testament. Old Testament truths really are better understood by New Testament light. Have you ever read of, and thought upon the creation of man? Is it not told us in the book of Genesis, that the Lord said, “Let us make man in our Image.” Doubtless you have read many times of the world being drowned; after which, the children of men builded a tower, hoping it would reach to heaven. And is it not decided that “The Lord came to see the city and tower which the children of men builded; and the Lord said, behold the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do, and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they had imagined to go to; let us go down and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech;” then it is said, “So the Lord scattered them abroad,” &c. Also the prophet Isaiah, Daniel, and others, refer to this fundamental truth of the Christian faith. But we will leave these and make reference to the New Testament. In the Gospel of St. Matthew, the third chapter 16 and 17 verses, the subject is dearly, forcibly, and undeniably brought before us, and Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water, and the heavens where opened unto him; and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him, and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” Again, in the Redeemer’s commission to his disciples, the great truth was declared, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” In the 14th chap. of St. John, the Lord Jesus Christ says, “I will pray the Father, and he shall send you another comforter that he may abide with you for ever; even the spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him, but ye know him, for he dwelleth you, and shall be in you.” And again, “But the comforter, who is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you.” You have read of Stephen the Martyr, a “Man full of the Holy Ghost.” who when his furious, cruel and blood-thirsty persecutors were stoning him, was calling upon God, and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” There are numerous passages of scripture over which we must necessarily pass in this small book, a few more must suffice. Is it not written that it is “Through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” “There is One Sprit, One Lord, One God and Father of all.” Again, “For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the whole family in heaven and earth is named: that he would grant you according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with all might by his Sprit in the inner man,” and now may “The Lord direct our hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” Can any man who is the subject of Divine grace want any further evidence? He has an internal and an ever-living testimony, to the sacred truth in his own vital experience. “Truly, his fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. Now the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. and the Love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with us.” Amen.

In Israel’s God we make our boast.
The Father, Son and Holy Ghost;
In Godhead one, in person three,
Revealed, and yet a mystery —

Mysterious one! Mysterious three!
None can by searching find out thee;
Beyond the stretch of human thought,
Incomprehensible thou art

We bless thee that thou hast reveal’d
Thyself to us, our pardon seal’d;
In thee alone we’ll make our boast.
Hail Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

EMMANUEL

Emmanuel, how interesting the word, how emphatically glorious its meaning, “God with us.” God in our nature, and since Jesus is Emmanuel; and Emmanuel is God with us; it follows that Jesus is God, and as such, He possesses the perfections of Deity naturally, essentially, and eternally. Jesus Christ has also all the amazing, glorious, and exalted names of Jehovah; He is Jehovah; God, God over all; Lord of all; the Lord of hosts; the only wise, true, and faithful God; the God of the whole earth; God manifest in the flesh. It is likewise stated in language, at once striking and clear, that, “All things were created by him and for him, and that without him, nothing was made that is made;” all things are alike the work of his creative and omnipotent power; and alike unfold his unbounded skill — as the poet says, referring to the starry heavens

“Those mighty orbs proclaim thy power,
   Their motion speaks thy skill;
And on the wings of every hour,
   We read thy patience still.”

All things bear His impress, from the dew-drop upon the blade of grass, to the brilliancy of the seraph surrounding His throne, from the atom of dust floating in the air, to the sparkling stars of the heavens. Have we not gazed upon the heavens with wonder? Have we not sometimes been overcome by the voiceless eloquence of the star bespangled and bestudded sky? Have we not at times while meditating, been constrained to burst out, “What is man that thou art mindful of him.” The wisdom of Emmanuel is Infinite; He searcheth the hearts, and trieth the reins of the chihlren of men; There is no searching of his understanding; He upholdeth all things by His Almighty fiat; He is everywhere present. His presence fills immensity, seeing then that he is God; He is a proper object of worship; Angels around his throne delight to do him homage; they derive all their bliss from him, and gladly crown Him Lord of all. Sainted spirits that have passed out of this world of sin, of sorrow, and of temptation, to the sunny and salubrious plains of a brighter world, delight to sing in strains of music which earth never knew, “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: to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

The saints on earth, though afflicted, tempest-tossed, and perplexed, adore Him, as the object of their worship, faith, hope and love. My Reader, have you felt yourself to be a lost hell-deserving sinner? A great sinner needing a great Saviour? One Mighty to save? Jesus says, “I am Jehovah, and beside me, there is no Saviour.” There is no other name given under heaven among men, whereby we can be saved. “God with us,” this truth comforts the mourner, liberates the captive, heals the sick, feeds the hungry, secures the exposed, enriches the poor, ennobles the fallen, and is “as rivers water in a dry place. To the blessedness of this truth,” “the living in Jerusalem” can give their hearty and united testimony.

Believer, no enemy escapes his eye, and in his hand, you are eternally secure; the length and strength of his potent arm, shall hold you up above every wave of temptation; His exhaustless fulness will supply your wants. The eyes of Him who watches over your deepest interest, are slumberless. His attachment to you is stamped with immutability. “I am the Lord that change not, therefore, ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” Emmanuel, in him are combined all the infinite perfections of God, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily,” and as man he possessed the sympathies and tender ties of humanity. “The word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” As man he was made of woman, made under the law. O! how great the mystery of godliness, God above all law, yet condescending to be made man under his own law. “Great is the mystery of Godliness, God manifest in the flesh.” In Christ Jesus the Emmanuel, there are two distinct natures, the divine and the human, the Godhead and the Manhood, constituting one glorious complex person; these natures are beautifully and mysteriously united, yet not so as for the human to become divine, or for the divine to become human.

Take away the Deity of Jesus Christ and you rob the Church of her greatest glory; the foundations of her brightest hopes and of her sublimest prospects. Take away the manhood and there is no sacrifice to offer. Take away either of them and then the whole scheme of redemption would be useless; the gospel be without lustre, adaptation, and power.

The doctrine of Christ’s person is the food of faith, the life of grace, the spirit of prophecy, the substance of the gospel, and without Christ we are lost ! lost ! ! and lost for ever ? ! ! Reader, where is your hope. In what are you trusting. To whom have you fled for refuge.

Emmanuel, this name occurs only three times in the sacred, ever-true, and spirit inspired writings. Isaiah vii. 14. Jesus is truly the spirit of prophecy for the miraculous conception of the Redeemer is there foretold, “Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call his name Emmanuel,” this important prophecy was fulfilled about 500 years after it was delivered. In the gospel by Matthew, it is declared, “Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, “Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted, is God with us. In the eight chapter of Isaiah, 8 verse, we read, “And he shall pass through Judah, he shall overflow and go over; he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings, shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Emmanuel,” these are the only places in which the word occur in the Bible.

That Jehovah condescended to take human nature into union with the divine, and that in this human nature, he shrouded his refulgent glory, are truths, full of the deepest interest. The children being made partakers of flesh and blood, Christ also himself took part of the same. For verily, he took not on him the nature of angels; but took on him the seed of Abraham, “Wherefore in all things, it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren.” He was a man of sorrow, and deeply acquainted with grief. What privations he suffered, what pains he endured. How exceeding sorrowful he was even unto death. He offered up strong crying and tears; He came in the likeness of men — in the likeness of sinful flesh; behold this man, this blessed God-man, thirsting at Jacob’s well; weeping at the grave of Lazarus; hungering in the desert; praying, sweating, and bleeding, in the garden of Gethsemane; suffering on the cross, crowned with thorns, clothed in mock royalty, crying, it is finished, giving up the Ghost. Quickened sinner, have you heard him say, I have finished this work for you. Has the love, the sovereign, the changeless, the eternal love of God been shed abroad in your heart. Has the blood, the precious blood of Jesus been applied to you? Has it spoken pardon and peace to your soul. If such is your experience, then you have a sweet manifestation that God is on your side; that God is with you.

Reader, if God is for us, or on our side, who can be against us; the mere hearing that God is merciful to such as seek him — the mere fact of having read that Jesus is Emmanuel, will not satisfy the sinner, that can say, with Paul, “We have the sentence of death in ourselves.” Something must be known and felt, a true token of interest must be given by the eternal light imparting, and life giving, and life sustaining spirit of God, the love of God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. be with you.

Sweeter sounds than music knows,
Charm me in Immanuel’s name:
All her hopes my spirit owes,
To his birth, his cross, and shame.

Did the Lord a man become,
That he might the law fulfill;
Bleed and suffer in my room,
And can’st thou my tongue be still.

No, I must my praises bring,
Tho’ they worthless are and weak;
For should I refuse to sing,
Sure the very stones would speak.

Newton

PHYSICIAN.

We are diseased with the most inveterate, loathsome and destructive disease, the leprosy of sin, from “the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in us, but wounds and bruises and putrifying sores.” No one truthfully applies to Jesus the Physician to be made whole, unless disease is first felt; no one in perfect health would send for a Physician, “For the whole need not a physician, but such as are sick.” Those that are sick know by bitter experience that they cannot remedy their state; they spend all their substance for a cure, but they can find none: then says the Lord, “Behold I bring health and cure.” He asks the trembling, desiring, and sin-plagued sinner, “Wilt thou be made whole? Ah, says the convinced and penitent sinner, this is what I have been seeking after, for this I have been to other physicians, but have invariably found them valueless. For this cure I have been pleading, but there is no man when the water is troubled to put me into the pool.” Jesus then shows Himself as the Lord — “The Healer.” O how full of tenderness! “What bowels of mercy! What matchless love! The Lord causes his people to feel their disease, then applies the remedy, the Balm of Gilead — the balm of His sin-atoning, sin-cleansing, and peace-speaking blood. The disease of sin is deeply seated in the human heart; every member of our bodies, every faculty of the mind is demoralized by it. This malady is destructive in its nature and influence. Once man was in the image of his Maker, but O how awfully he is fallen, and through sin has destroyed himself. Sin destroys the comforts — mars the peace — struggles with the hopes of the children of God. O how grievous! Into whose bosom can they pour their grief? Whither can they retire to unburden their hearts? What person sympathises with them? None but Jesus, who has said to the sin-sick soul, I am Jehovah rophecha — the Lord thy Healer. Sin is a disease for which human skill can devise no remedy; it baffles the skill of the wisest and most profound earthly physicians. Thy wounds saith the Lord are incurable, thou hast no healing medicines; though thou wash thee with nitre, and take with thee much soap, yet thy iniquities are marked before me. There is no cure but the blood of Christ; the blood of Jesus Christ. God’s dear Son, cleanseth from all sin. Jesus the Physician, displays the greatest sympathy, the tears, — the sighs, — the groans, — the complaints of His patients, he takes the deepest interest in removing, and imparts strength equal to the day, — grace sufficient for every trial, and reviving cordials for the present. He gives them joy in believing Christ in his treatment and management of the disease; shows that he possesses infinite skill; the cause, character, and different stages of the complaint, he perfectly understands; and applies the balm accordingly. This glorious, skilful, and gracious Physician acts with infallibility; when did His touch, or word fail? He performs His cures through his word, his spirit, and his blood. He heals the broken in heart, — binds up their wounds, — opens the eyes of the blind, unstops the ears of the deaf, — causes the dumb to sing, and the lame to leap as an hart. In his skill, attention, and sympathy, you may put the greatest confidence; He was bruised, pierced, and wounded that you who are sensible of your state should have eternal life, joy, and peace. And all that Jesus has done for you has been without price or reward; He waits upon you graciously and says, “Ho, every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters, come buy wine and milk, without money and without price. And such as are brought to drink of these, and realize the restoring effect of the balm of Gilead, shall never perish. You have been blessed with the leaves of the Tree of Life, you have been washed in the healing waters, to you is given newness of life. The sun of Righteousness has arisen upon you with healing in his wings; And surely your cry is, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; and who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies.” Having obtained help, health, and mercy, you are travelling to that country where the inhabitants never say they are sick.

Courteous Reader, shall you and I be permitted to enter that better land, that land flowing with milk and honey? Have we through the Holy Ghost’s teaching been brought to mourn over the vanity and deceitfulness of our hearts? Have we ever desired to see Jesus, the good, wise and infallible Physician? Have we desired to be in His company continually; to worship him devoutly, and to praise him for ever. It is dark oftentimes with us, our prospects sometimes seem gloomy, there is no enjoyment, — no fellowship with Jesus; and it is no uncommon thing for us to fear lest after all the work of grace is not commenced in the heart. But why this trouble? How is it that sin is a burden to us? How is it that we cannot delight in the profanity, customs, and dreamy pleasures of the world? How is it that we are not satisfied with a mere profession of religion, with the form, — the outer garment, — why trouble about the reality, the power and the vitality of godliness? Ah, we know this, and this alone can enrich, — ennoble, and make us happy. May the Lord the Spirit give us greater longing for his truth; a fuller developement of the glory of the Saviour, and a more continued reliance on Christ the Physician for spiritual health and cure. Amen.

Deep are the wounds which sin has made,
Where shall the sinner find a cure;
In vain, alas! is nature’s aid;
The work exceeds all nature’s power.

Sin, like a raging fever, reigns
With fatal strength in every part;
The dire contagion fills the veins.
And spreads its poison to the heart.

And can no sovereign balm be found?
And is no kind physician nigh,
To ease the pain and the wound,
Ere life and hope for ever fly?

See, in the Saviour’s dying blood,
Life, health, and bliss abundant flow:
Tis only this dear sacred flood,
Can ease thy pain and heal thy woe.

Steele.

PROPHET.

Moses said unto the children of Israel, “The Lord, thy God, will raise up unto thee a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken: according to all that thou desirest of the Lord, thy God, in Horeb, in the day of the assembly, saying, “Let me not hear again the voive of the Lord, my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.”

And the Lord said unto me, “They have well spoken that which they have spoken.”

I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. Deut. xviii. 15, 16, 17, 18.

By a prophet, we are not to understand merely a person foretelling future events, but on raised up to instruct people, and to preach and reveal unto them the will of God. Christ Jesus was the bold, zealous, honest, persevering, and uncompromising “Prophet of the Highest.” Possessing “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,” and the inspired volume asserts that the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him; the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Isaiah xi. 2, 3, The truths he taught were great and solemn realities. “Never man spake like this man,” he disclosed to his followers the true meaning of the law and the prophets, and declared to his disciples unto you it is given, to know the mysteries and kingdom of God.”

What infinite wisdom he displayed? What instruction he imparted? What force and majesty attended his words? What grace was evidently poured into his lips; well might Nicodemus say unto him, “We know thou art a teacher come from God, for no man can do these miracles which thou doest. except God be with him.” John iii. 2. How persevering was Jesus; he taught daily in the temple; he was ever about his Father’s business. It was his meat and drink, and as the Father gave him commandment, so he spake. Christ taught the people when upon earth, through parables and similes, these were the outer garments in which were embodied great truths — through these important and everlasting truths were conveyed to the minds of the disciples. You have read of His being at Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and as his custom as, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and standing up for to read, there was delivered unto Him the book of the Prophet Esaias, and when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel unto the poor: he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

The Spirit of the Lord, — of wisdom, of counsel, and of knowledge, rested upon Him: not as upon the Prophets before Him, for they had the Spirit by measure, but Jesus without measure and that constantly. He was a preacher of the gospel, of which He himself was the substance and fulness; the gospel in which His work is clearly declared, in which the all-important work of the Eternal Spirit is set forth. In a word, he preached “the glorious gospel of the blessed God,” and it was said concerning Him, that “the poor heard Him gladly.” He preached fearlessly, affectionately, and distinctly, the doctrines of grace. He kept nothing back, He pampered not with the carnal desires and appetites of men. Christ also foretold future events, respecting his sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension, and second coming. Again, relative to the persecution His disciples should suffer. The descent of the Holy Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, the solemnities of the great day of Jehovah’s wrath, the day of judgment; when the wicked shall be driven away in their wickedness, and the righteous shall enter the presence of the Lord. This same great Prophet, mighty in deed and word before God, still teaches His people by his Spirit; and the first lesson is self-acquaintance. We are naturally ignorant of our sinful, helpless, and lost condition: this lesson, however, solemn, and however humbling, is a necessary one; the Spirit teaches us what we are, — what we need, — where we are, — and where we are going. He shows us the nature, necessity, validity, and suitableness of the atonement. What an unspeakable mercy to have such a teacher! What intelligence on the most vital matters he gives! What amazing sympathy He displays in condescending to teach such rebellious worms of earth! To make such wise unto salvation — To make such acquainted with the truth as it is in Jesus in its sweetness, power and fulness. And surely truths taught in this way are more consoling to the Christian, more honouring to the True and Living God, more to the glory of Jesus, the Great Prophet, than all the theories, philosophy and speculations of men, the knowledge of Christ and all such information as the spirit imparts, humbles, and removes self conceit and vain glory. To you who are thus taught, nothing can be more clear than the fact — that what was prophetically said of Jesus in the 40 Psalm, 10 verse, was strikingly and beautyfully fulfilled by Him. “I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart, I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy loving-kindness and thy truth from the great congregations.” May the Divine Teacher ever cause us to sit at His feet, to receive His gracious life-giving and spirit-stirring words — that we may enjoy the entrance of those words that giveth light — that we may know and feel the power of His doctrine which drops as the rain, and His speech that distils as the dew. The cry is sometimes uttered, “Teach me to do thy will — for thou art my God, thy spirit is good, lead me into the land of uprightness.” Hast thou not said, O Lord, “I will teach thee and instruct thee in the way which thou shalt go.” Great Prophet! ever be our leader and teacher, for without Thee we are ignorant, foolish, and vain. Give us to say concerning Jehovah, “For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death: He shall guide us by His counsel, and afterward receive us to glory. O what feasting, what rejoicing, and singing after our schooling, our bondage and our tribulation. When through Sovereign Mercy and unchanging love, we shall be brought into the kingdom which is our heavenly Father’s good pleasure to give. Amen.

We bless the Prophet of the Lord,
That comes with truth and grace:
Jesus thy spirit and thy word,
Shall lead us in thy ways.

We honor our High Priest above.
Who offered up his blood:
And lives to manifest his love,
By pleading with our God.

Hosanna to his glorious name,
Who saves alone by grace,
His mercies lay a sov’reign’s claim.
To our immortal praise.

PRIEST.

Christ is the great High Priest. that is passed into the heavens. The priests, and the high priests of the old dispensation, typified Him in their appointment, in their apparel, and in their work. Every high priest taken from among men, is ordained in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. No man taketh this honour to himself, but that he that was called of God, as was Aaron. Aaron was consecrated with the most holy oil, which was compounded for holy uses. Exod. xxix 7. Such was the plentitude of the holy oil poured on Aaron’s head, that it ran down upon his beard to the skirts of his garment. Ps. cxxxii. 2.

Behold Jesus, he was anointed by His Father with the Holy Ghost and with power. And He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed of the devil, for God was with him. Acts x. 38. Christ was such a High Priest as became us, holy, harmless, and separate from sinners. The Apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Hebrews, shows the vast superiority of the priesthood of Christ over that of the Aaronical priesthood, and in the most able and masterly style sets forth Christ in the greatness of His person, in the unsullied purity of His character, and in the perfection of His priestly work. Read now what is written in the 28th and 29th verses of Exodus on the beauteous garments of Aaron, then ask yourself whether or not they are descriptive of the work and truth of Zion’s High Priest. “These are the garments which they shall make, a breastplate and an ephod, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle.” The garments were for glory and beauty, they were also essential for the performance of the work to which Aaron and his sons were appointed. Aaron must have his garments on when he ministered in the holy place, he dared not to enter the holy place without them lest he died. The mitred head of Aaron, truly sets forth Jesus; Aaron’s mitre was made of the finest of the linen, to which was appended, on a blue lace, a plate of pure gold; on which was inscribed, “Holiness to the Lord;” this was upon the front of the mitre. So without holiness it is impossible to please God. This shows, as in truth the whole institution of the priestly office does, that there is no approaching God without a mediator; the plate on which such important words were engraved, reminded Aaron of what he was, and the sanctity of the work in which he was engaged: and we also learn, that without the perfect obedience, and the sufferings of Jesus Christ, opening a new and living way, there could be no pleasing God. Aaron was to bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel should hallow in all their holy gifts, that they might be accepted before the Lord. So no gifts, prayers, or praises, would, or could be received but for the hallowing influence, and unspotted purity of Emmanuel. Aaron had also an ephod, “And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and and of purple, of scarlet and fine twined linen, with cunning work; it shall have the two shoulder pieces thereof joined together.” Upon this ephod was put two stones on the shoulders of it, for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel; and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his shoulders for a memorial. This was typical of Jesus being the supporter of His people, bearing them up continually, and presenting them as the memorial of His grace, goodness, and power. The embroidered work might set forth the rich, and various graces of Jesus. Once more. — Aaron had a robe, — a blue one, with which he was clothed; upon the hem of this robe was pomegranates and golden bells, setting forth the glorious righteousness of Christ, and the precious doctrines of His grace connected therewith. May we be enabled to lay bold by precious faith of the hem of the Saviour’s garment, and realize the virtue flowing from it. May His word be like a box of ointment when opened, shed a rich and ever-during perfume, that the name of the great High Priest may ever be as ointment poured forth.

As a priest Christ Jesus offered up Himself a sacrifice to God for the sins of the people, and in His person may be seen altar, priest. and sacrifice. Jesus hath appeared, (saith the word) once in the end of the world, to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Isaiah declares by the spirit of prophecy, “That the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” And the word tells us, that He who knew no sin, was made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” Paul showing the superiority of Christ’s work over that of any other priest. states, “But this man after he hath offered one sacrifice for sins, for ever sat down on the right hand of God.” “Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many.” Peter says. He died the just for the unjust to bring us to God. The blood and sacrifices of the Levitical Economy could never take away sin, but through the blood of Christ it is removed; for the blood of Jesus Christ. God’s Son, cleanseth from all sin. Another work of the priesthood was to teach the people; the priest’s lip kept knowledge: the people sought instruction of them. So grant Holy Spirit that we may seek continually to be taught by Jesus. The priest blessed the people, and the whole election of grace are blessed of and in Jesus with all spiritual blessings. In the Sermon the Lord preached on the Mount, he opened His mouth and taught them, saying. Blessed are the poor in spirit. Blessed are they that mourn. Blessed are the meek. Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness. Blessed are the merciful. Blessed are the pure in heart; and blessed are the peacemakers, &c. It is written also that Jesus led His disciples out as far as Bethany, and he lifted His hands and blessed them; and it came to pass while he blessed them, he was parted from them and carried up into heaven. Jesus left His disciples in the act of blessing them, and they are blessed, and none can curse them. Now again I must refer to Aaron, for he entered the holy place, and none but the high priest went within the vail, nor he, only on the great day of atonement, nor then, without blood. “Into the holy place went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and the errors of the people. Heb. ix. 7. “Christ is not enetered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” How has He entered? not with the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, with which he has obtained eternal redemption for us. He is appearing in the presence of God for us. Jesus ever liveth to make intercession, and be is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God by Him. The intercession of Christ the High Priest of our profession is authoritative, compassionate, earnest. and unceasing. Now it will be admitted freely by all who know any thing experimentally of Jesus, that He is pre-eminently the great High Priest. infinitely greater than the priests under the law, in the dignity of His person — in the value of His sacrifice, — in the prevalency of his prayer, in the strength of His love — in the richness of His blessings, — in the extent of His power, and in the tenderness of His sympathy. May the whole church of the Living and Eternal God, remember that it is through Him they have boldness of access, — the full assurance of faith, the steadfastness of hope, — the pure conscience. Remember, the incense of Jesu’s merits has stopped the greatest plague. By suffering that plague Himself, the punishment due to sin, Jesus appears in the presence of His Father for us. May this encourage us to follow him, to look to him in times of danger, to remember Him when tempted; “For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, and yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Amen.

Jesus, in thee our eyes behold
A thousand glories more,
Than the rich gems and polish’d gold,
The sons of Aaron wore.

They first their own burnt off’rings brought,
To cleanse themselves from sin;
Thy life was pure without a spot,
And all thy nature clean.

Jesus, the King of Glory reigns,
On Sion’s heav’nly hill:
Looks like a lamb that has been slain,
And wears his priest-hood still.

He ever lives to intercede,
Before his Father’s face;
Give him, my soul, thy cause to plead,
Nor doubt the Father’s grace,

Watts.

KING.

Without doubt or question this word is applied to God in his trinity of persons, as the Supreme Ruler and Omnipotent Protector of the world. “The Lord is a great God, and a great King above all God’s.” Psalm xcv. 3.

But it likewise belongs to Jesus Christ in his mediatorial character. Psalm ii. 6. “I will set my King upon my holy hill of Zion.” He is appointed King and Head of the Church by the Father: and as such the Father hath put all things in the hands of Jesus Christ. John iii. 35. While meditating upon the majesty — the glory — the power — and the unsearchable riches of this King, shall we not be constrained to say — “who is sufficient for these things.” May we ever know that “our sufficiency is of God.” Who shall speak of him before whom seraphs bow! Who shall speak of him whom angels crown and adore! Who shall speak of him who is king over Zion, possessing all the infinite perfections of deity. Had we the penetrating wisdom of a cherub, and the celestial eloquence of angels tongues, we could not describe the greatness of him “Who maketh his angels ministering spirits and His ministers flames of fire.” In the further consideration of this glorious person, may the Holy Spirit be our teacher. “The Lord Jesus Christ is the King of Saints, the king of Zion, and the king of kings, “It is by Him that kings and princes decree justice.” All power is given unto Him in heaven and in earth.” Matt, xxviii. 18.

He putteth down the mighty from their seats and exalteth the humble and the meek. O how great his power. He sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grass-hoppers. He taketh up the isles as a very little thing. He weigheth the mountai:ns in scales and the hills in a balance. He is higher than the kings of the earth. He binds kings in chains and princes in fetters of iron. He suffers no man to do his people wrong, yea he reproves kings for their sakes. As a king He has His crown. His throne. His scepter, and His kingdom; the Jews anticipated a kingdom of temporal pomp and grandeur, but in this they were disappointed, for Christ said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” It hath no earthly attractions, no glitter and external show, but it is a spiritual and everlasting kingdom, a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, world without end.

Christ reigns in righteousness. He is a king that shall reign and prosper; because the Father hath committed all rule, authority, and judgment unto his Son. The principles upon which his government is based — are holiness, equity, wisdom and love. All His laws proceed from his own compassionate heart, and are so framed as to make all things subservient to his own glory and the eternal interests of his Church. Upon the maintenance of those laws rests his own illustrious character, and the happiness of his subjects. Christ is king over his enemies, and whoever are enemies to the Lord’s spiritual zion, to his tried followers, and to the gospel of his grace, are enemies to Jesus, and over them he reigns. The legions of wicked spirits of the bottomless-pit are chained by his power. And there is no enemy to the Church upon earth, however crafty, however powerful, however cruel, but is under the control and the power of this king. He will make the wrath or man to praise him, and the remainder of it he will restrain. Christian, He reigns for you, over every trial, temptation and enemy. You shall be made more than a conqueror through him that hath loved you; though you may be like Gad, overcome by a troop, you shall overcome at last, then shall your cry be, thanks be unto God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ. He reigns in the heart of every believer, over all fears, conflicts and desires. What trembling in the soul, — when Christ commences his reign in the majesty, spirituality and broad extent of his holy law. What fearing! What quaking! What heart harrowing feelings. O what fears of hell. What a sight of ones own depravity, misery and helplessness. But Christ also reveals his love, his promises, his sufferings, and his suitableness to poor, helpless, forlorn, and undone sinners. He reigns in love in the hearts of his children. He breaks their fetters, and gives liberty, peace, and joy. He reigns with infinite wisdom. He knows all his subjects, their enemies, their wants and afflictions, and all those in whom he reigns, he will present faultless before the presence of his Father’s glory with exceeding joy. Saying, Here am I, and the children thou hast given me.” His riches in which all his people are interested are searchless, exhaustless, and infinite. Durable riches and righteousness are with me, saith the Lord. The king of peace gives eternal life to such as follow in his train. He gives them all things richly to enjoy. He gives of his own bountifully, and without money and without price. He loves them with an everlasting love. He gives himself to them as their portion, and defends them by his strong arm. He never leaves them, nor forsakes them. His promises are unbroken. His person is altogether lovely, and to be interested in his love is better than life. In this office, as in every office that he sustains, He is precious to them that believe. When the Queen of Sheba had seen and heard Solomon, she said to the king, “It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.” 1 Kings x. 6, 7, 8. Surely, if this was the statement made by the queen concerning Solomon, might we not justly remark a “Greater than Solomon is here.”

Gracious Lord, give us grace to seek thee, and do thy commandments, for “Blessed are they that do thy commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

Come ye that love the Saviour’s name,
   And joy to make it known:
The sovereign of your heart proclaim,
   And bow before his throne.

Behold your King, your Saviour crown’d
   With glories all divine!
And tell the wondering churches round,
   How bright those glories shine.

Infinite power and boundless grace
   In him unite their rays.
You that have e’er beheld his face,
   Can you forbear his praise?

O! happy period! Glorious day
   When heaven and earth shall raise,
With all their powers the raptured lay,
   To celebrate thy praise.

HUSBAND.

How varied and how beautiful is the language used in the word of God to set forth the ancient, mysterious, hallowed, vital, and undying union of Christ and his Church.’ The Church is the the Bride, the Lamb’s wife. Rev, xxi. 9. He is the Bridegroom, she is the Bride; there is a sameness of nature, and an identity of interest between them.

The word husband denotes the most intimate union, and the greatest possible sympathy. To the Bride it is said in the prophecy of Isaiah, “Thy maker is thine husband, the Lord of Hosts is his name, and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; the God of the whole earth shall he be called.” Isaiah v. 4, 5.

O thou Holy Glorifier of Christ. aid us to meditate upon the loveliness of his person. He is fairer than the children of men. Grace is poured into his lips. He is blessed for ever. His garments smell of myrrh and aloes and cassia. In a word, to his bride he is altogether lovely. What precious words proceed from his lips! What preciousness in his name!

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
   In a believer’s ear;
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
   And drives away his fears

His name is verily as ointment poured forth. His name is immortalized by his own doings It is a running crystalized stream, and an under-current of life in the Holy Scriptures. His name is above every name, and “unto you” therefore, “which believe he is precious.” There is none in heaven, nor upon the earth so precious, so beautiful, so desirable as Christ to the regenerated. And if there is one figure used to exhibit the union of Christ and his people more sweet, more clear, more fraught with blessedness than another, it is that of the husband and wife. Paul says in his epistle to the Ephesians, “Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish:” and the Apostle keeps on in a similar strain, till he states, “this is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” You will now observe a little on the love of Christ to his Church; and by his church we mean his predestinated, redeemed, and spirit-taught people The love of Jesus is dateless in its origin, — glorious in its provisions, — invincible in its working, — and constraining in its influence. It passeth knowledge. Though he knew no sin, (yet such was his love,) he was made sin for his people. All their iniquities were laid upon him. He was wounded for their transgression and bruised for their iniquities, and the chastisement of their peace was upon him, and with his stripes they were healed. He hath paid all the church’s debts, and she is by this marriage union interested in all his triumphs, riches, and glory. Being married to Him she takes her Hushand’s name, “The Lord our Righteousness.” Jer. xxiii. 6. His love to her is so great and so constant, that he will not withhold from her any good. He has given her His person, — his fulness, — his unsearchable riches, — and unearthly glory. And the word declares, “The mountains may depart, and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.” His love was without beginning, and it is also without end. He says, “I will even betroth thee unto me for ever: Yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving-kindness, and in mercies. I will betroth thee unto me in faithfulness, and thou shalt know the Lord.”

His love to the church was such, that he thought no humiliation too deep for himself, that by it he might raise her up out of the ruins of the fall. He thought no journey too long to undertake to bring her back to himself. He thought no blood too rich to redeem her to God. Death in all its dreadful forms could not move him from accomplishing the great purposes of his love. The apostle of the Gentiles stated, “that he was persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor heighth, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Again, notice the ability of the Husband to defend his bride, and to supply her wants. As the woman is dependant on the greater strength of the man, so the church is leaning on the arm of her beloved, and sustained by his almightiness. His perfections are her defence. What enemy can withstand Jesus? What foe cannot he conquer? He has conquered sin, death, hell, and the grave. No weapon formed against his church shall prosper, and every tongue that riseth against her in judgment she shall condemn. This is her heritage, and her righteousness is of the Lord. He never leaves her in other hands. He defends her himself; and such is the union between them, that because he lives she shall live also: and she shall no more be termed forsaken, neither shall her land any more be called desolate; but she shall be called Hephzibah, and her land Beulah, for the Lord delighteth in her, and her land shall be married; and as the Bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall her God rejoice over her. The husband says concerning the bride, “Behold thou art all fair my love; there is no spot in thee.” She is comely through the comeliness placed upon her.

In Christ there is an everlasting fulness, and out of that fulness she receives grace for grace. Whatever may be her real needs, Jesus most willingly, prudently, constantly, and richly supplys. He adorns her with jewels, or with the graces of his spirit, which are more precious than rubies. Christ loved his church and gave himself for it. His person is lovely, yea, altogether lovely. His love is hearty and infinite, — His power unlimited, — His fulness of riches is ever-during. He is never mindless of the best interests of his church. May the divine Spirit with power make it manifest that we are vitally united to Jesus, and that because he liveth we shall also live. Holy Spirit, grant that we may have the happiness of saying. He is our beloved and our God. Amen.

Who is this fair one in distress,
That travels from the wilderness;
And press’d with sorrow and with sins
On her beloved Lord she leans?

This is the spouse of Christ our God,
Bought with the treasures of his blood;
And her request, and her complaint
Is but the voice of every saint.

O let my name engraven stand
Both on thy heart and on thy hand;
“Seal me upon thine arm, and wear
That pledge of love for ever there.

Stronger than death thy love is known,
Which floods of wrath could never drown,
And hell and earth in vain combine
To quench a fire so much divine.”

FATHER.

Father! what term more interesting, more endearing, God in Christ is the everlasting Father of the whole household of faith. Father! how expressive of tenderness, of care, and of love; all his children are partakers of the divine nature, are all born again not of blood, nor of the will the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. As the everlasting Father, he loves his sons and daughters with an eternal and changeless love. My soul art thou feelingly interested in His parental care, — art thou daily living upon his fulness, — art thou desiring to live continually viewing his smiling countenance. Reader, what are thy thoughts concerning Jesus, arc you sensible that you need him, his grace, his promises, and his great salvation. Are you seeking, panting, and desiring to know him as your gracious Parent, The glorious> the infinite, and the Almighty Person to whom you are attached, “satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Surely to know him as our Father will increase our confidence, will make our love spiritual and fervent, will brighten our hopes, and cause us to sing of mercy and love. Nothing affords that strong, that heavenly and lasting consolation to depressed minds, as the knowledge that Christ is their God and Father. The ever-enduring truth, that God in Christ is our Father, supports our minds under numerous trials, fiery temptations, and deep afflictions. It emboldens the mind when the chilling flood of death is in prospect. As a Father he watches over his children with sleepless eyes, — He neither slumbers nor sleeps. He defends them in times of danger, — He feeds them when hungry, — He clothes them when naked, — He binds up the broken-hearted, — gives wine to the sad, — instruction to the ignorant, — honour to the despised, — liberty to the captive, — and riches to the poor. He is infinitely wise and benificient. He knows when and how to correct. He teaches all his children that they are dependant upon him, and that without him they can do nothing. He delights in teaching them the nature, necessity, value, and suitableness of the atonement. O what a wonderful privilege to be children of God! How bright and cheering the prospects! How certain, boundless, and eternal their portion! Though they have had many cheerless and restless nights here, there is no night in that better country to which they have a right through relationship to Jesus. O who so rich, exalted, and so well guarded! God is their reward; They are heirs of the promises, — heirs of all things, — heirs of the kingdom. Heaven is their home. Angels will be their associates. Singing will be their everlasting employment. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat, for the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them into living fountains of water, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. In the presence of their heavenly Father there is a fulness of joy, and at his right hand pleasures for evermore. A few days more, or weeks, or years at most in this trackless desert, in this scene of sorrow, disappointment and wickedness: then they shall take the kingdom and possess it for ever and ever. Their toil shall all be over, and no cloud shall intervene between them and their Parent’s smiling face. They shall have no more doubts, no more fears, no more conflicts, no more sin. They shall be crowned with glory, an eternal weight of glory, and be with the Lord for ever.

May we be enabled to trust him at all times, to seek him under all circumstances, to love his truth, which is as clear as crystal, and to praise him for blessings continually vouchsafed unto us. May we rejoice to say with the Psalmist. “Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth I desire beside thee.” To say with John, “We love him because he first loved us.” If God in Christ is our Father, then he will defend us in times of danger: our enemies are powerful, crafty and malicious, but none can overcome him: all are controlled by his power, and without his permission none can tempt, harass, or afflict us, There is nothing heartless, nothing cruel in Christ; no unmindfulness of his people in him. He is a wall of fire round about his church.

What can be more pleasing, more precious, more truthful than that God in Christ being our Father, he will bring all his family to their final home. Not one shall be missing. Not one shall perish. He giveth unto them eternal life. He will give them the possessions that he as the everlasting Father hath laid up for them. Here they are poor, despised, and persecuted, — there they shall have eternal riches, eternal glory, and eternal happiness. Remember, ye poor, ye tempted, and afflicted ones of the Lord, that Jesus is your Father; your rich, your slumberless and your everlasting Father. One that will not withhold any good from them that walk uprightly. One that giveth grace and glory. One that never leaves or forsakes you. One whose promise never fails. One who is the same yesterday, to day and for ever. Amen.

Father, I long, I faint to see
   The place of thine abode;
I’d leave thy earthly courts and flee
   Up to thy seat, my God!

Here I behold thy distant face,
   And ’tis a pleasing sight;
But to abide in thine embrace.
   Is infinite delight.

I’d part with all the joys of sense.
   To gaze upon thy throne;
Pleasure springs fresh for ever thence
   Unspeakable, unknown.

BROTHER.

Not a more beautiful personal type of Jesus Christ in the character of a Brother is given us in the Holy Scriptures than that of Joseph. Nothing can be more affecting than the life of the Son of Jacob — and the more we examine it under the light and teaching of the Spirit, the more we are delighted with its typically beauty and importance. Joseph was greatly beloved of his Father, but he was cruelly treated by his brethren. His dreams relative to his future exaltations and greatness increased their enmity to him. See the trials he endured, the changing and the conflicting scenes through which he passed. Notwithstanding these painful circumstances, the Lord was on his side, the Lord was with him, and made all that he did to prosper in his hand, and such was the compassion of his heart when raised to the greatness to which he was destined, that he delivered his brethren from death, supplied their wants, raised them to honour and wealth, and forgave all the ill treatment he had received from them. But you will observe they did not go to Joseph till they were driven by absolute necessity, and directed to him by the providence of God. But our business here is not to expatiate upon points that are evidently typical in the career of Joseph, but to speak of Him who is emphatically a revealer of secrets, an interpreter of dreams, and a preserver of suitable provision for his brethren. How amazing the Love of Jesus in that he should condescend to become our Brother. Jesus declared in terms the most plain and unmistakable, “Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in Heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” The noble-minded and highly-favoured Paul, makes this astonishing declaration, “He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, the children being partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same.” Now as Jesus verily took not on him the nature of angels but the seed of Abraham, in order to be in the likeness of men, so we must be made partakers of the divine nature — in a word, be regenerated by the Holy Spirit, must receive the spirit of adoption, we have then right or “power to become the Sons of God.” John i. 12. We are then experimentally children of God by faith in Jesus Christ. It is in virtue of union to Jesus as our Brother, that his God and Father as Mediator, became our Father also. So Jesus has condescended to take our nature into union with his divine nature, and raised us by making us partakers of his Spirit. How rich! How safe! How blessed! And how honourable are all those whom he owns as his brethren. As a Brother he has taken a deep and untiring interest in their welfare: and he has made arrangements to raise them from sin, poverty, and misery, to holiness, to durable riches, and to everlasting happiness. His countenance wears no frowning aspects; his heart knows no want of affection and sympathy; he never passes his brethren by because they are poor; “He is a Brother born for adversity.” He is like Joseph, he knew his brethren, but they knew him not. And though he may at times seem to treat his brethren roughly, yet he is full of love and tenderness to them. He gives his brethren provision for the way, but the fulness is in reserve till they arrive at home. Jesus the affectionate Brother, is gone to heaven there to appear in the presence of God for all his relations — before he ascended he said to them, “I ascent unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God.” Jesus is not ashamed to own his brethren before the world — before his Father and his holy angels. He will not be ashamed of them when the assembled myriads of beings shall stand before his great white throne. He will then say, “Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from before the foundation of the world.” Holy Spirit, increase our love to and our confidence in Jesus: help us to walk in his ways with delight — to receive out of his eternal fulness with thankful hearts: help us to be ever seeking the bread of everlasting life from his hand.

To every distressed, seeking, perishing sinner, the Father saith, go unto Jesus, and what he saith to you, do. The provision Jesus hath made and laid up for all his brethren, is inexhaustible. O for grace to praise him with joyful lips — to praise him in time and to praise for evermore. Many there doubtless are, whose minds are dark, and harassed, whose circumstances are distressing — whose lot it is to do business in deep waters — who think they have no interest in the gospel of the grace of God. Who are fearing they are not of the remnant, according to the election of grace — in a word, that do not belong to the spiritual brotherhood. Was ever the penitent seeking sinner turned away from Jesus. Does he not say, “Call upon me in the day of trouble.” Hitherto ye have asked of me nothing. O thou spirit of all grace and of prayer, by thy help, may we ask of Jesus large things, for lie hath said, “Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. Joseph sent not his brethren empty handed. Neither will Jesus send his relations away without a blessing, but will say unto them, “Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid; in this world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.” We close this piece with these words: “Consider how great things he hath done for you.” “The lord hath done great things for us, whereof, we are glad.” Amen.

Now dearest Lord, to praise thy name,
   Let all our powers agree;
Worthy art thou of endless fame
   Our springs are all in thee.

Here in thy love we will rejoice,
   All sovereign, rich, and free:
Singing, (we hope with heart and voice,)
   Our springs are all in thee.

To whom, dear Jesus, O! to whom
   Should needy sinners flee.
But to thyself, who bidst us come,
   Our springs are all in thee.

FRIEND.

Christ Jesus is the Friend of sinners. In bitterness to him the Scribes and Pharisees murmured, saying, this man receiveth sinners and eateth with them. Luke xv. 2. Can it be that the incarnate Deity is the Friend of persons so fallen, so helpless, and so sinful as we are? Where is the convinced sinner? Where is the broken-hearted sinner but will rejoice and be glad that the glorious God-man is the immutable Friend of such? The friendship of the world is ensnaring, delusive, and dangerous to the sorrowful, the despised and humble followers of the Prince of Peace. But the friendship of Christ is at once beneficial, faithful, and ceaseless. Jesus declared to his disciples, “Henceforth I call you not servants, for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth. But I call you my friends, for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

What a striking instance of real friendship existed between Jonathan and David; the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his bow and to his girdle. 1. Sam. 18. After all we might say concerning real friendship, unless the Holy Ghost has taught us and made us to feel that Christ is our Friend, we know but little of the sweetness of true friendship. Holy Spirit give me feelingly to say in language the most fervent and truthful, “This is my Friend.” I am not satisfied with merely hearing, or reading, or saying that Christ is my Friend, for I want true, unmistakeable tokens of it brought home to my mind by the rich anointing and dewy power of the divine Spirit. Such tokens increase my love, embolden my confidence, and cause me to take courage and go forward. Do we consider my Reader, that constancy of affection is a peculiar trait in a real friend. This we cannot find as in Jesus. Have you had none in the circle of your acquaintance that used to shew a smiling face, that gave you in times past a hearty welcome? with whom you seemed to have communion? that now (you know not why) treats you with coldness, and with derision. Not so with Jesus, for he is a Friend that loveth at all times: a Friend that sticketh closer than a Brother. He having loved his own which were in the world, — loveth them unto the end. There is no variation in the boundless and everlasting stream of his love. There is no change in him, for he is the Lord that changeth not. He hateth putting away. He hath loved all those experimentally interested in his friendship, with an everlasting love, therefore, with loving kindness, he hath drawn them. His love is such, that it gives comfort to the disconsolate — peace amidst the turbulence and commotion of this present evil-world. How blessed amidst all the changes of this world — the changeableness of creatures, and the insincerity of mere professors; that he is faithful that hath promised. Who can charge Jesus with unfaithfulness? with breaking his promises. He never suffers his faithfulness to fail. Nothing of all that he has promised has yet failed. We may entrust all our secrets with him — tell him all our woes — seek his counsel in all our trials. He encourages us to call upon him — to cast our burdens on him. He comforts his followers with tokens of his presence, and fortifies their souls with the rich and ancient verities of his holy word; the wounds that he sometimes inflicts are faithful, for faithful are the wounds of a friend; Christ, as the friend of his people is deeply solicitious for their happiness, prosperity, and eternal welfare. From everlasting, He interested himself on their behalf. He so loved them as to give himself to die for them. He loved the Church and gave himself up for it. He was a friend entirely devoted to their cause, and full of sympathy to them, and He says now in his word, “Fear not, for I am with thee, be not dismayed: I am thy God: I will strengthen thee — yea, I will help thee — yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. He is my friend who gives me honest counsel and wholesome advice. Jesus is the wonderful counselor; and he says, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear, and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see. He also says to those who are thirsting, “Ho every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money, come ye buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” O how important his counsel? How good his advice? Help us Holy comforter to listen to him. How consoling to know that all his perfections — his fulness, and his spirit are engaged to promote the best interests of his people. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar form the dunghill, to set them among princes and to make them inherit the throne of his glory.

The great acts of the friendship of Jesus, open a wide field of thought for our meditation, we must pass by many of them. Christ was set up from everlasting. He engaged in the covenant of life and peace, ere the dust of Adam was fashioned to a man — ere the green carpet of the earth was laid down — ere the blue heavens were marshalled with the stars that glitter above us. This covenant is an everlasting covenant, one never to be broken. Mark the incarnation of the Son of God, the word, the uncreated word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. He was the great, the true, and the only wise God, yet the babe wraped in swadling clothes in Bethlehem’s manger. Behold him in all his travels in the wilderness, in the garden, in the temple, in the affliction of his soul, praying with strong crying and tears, sweating great drops of blood, ascending up the hill of calvary, hanging between two thieves on the cross, having his side peirced, his brow crowned with thorns, dying, — dying, and yet by dying conquering death, and him that had the power of death — that is the devil. He hath obtained eternal redemption for his people. He hath sent his spirit to convince, to comfort, and to instruct them. He hath delivered us in temporal difficulties — worked wonderfully for us. Surely we can say, “This is our friend, infinitely wise to guide and lead us. Almighty to shield and protect us — unsearchably rich to supply our wants — invoilably true in his promises to us. O what grace — what tenderness, and what constancy in the friendship of Jesus.”

One there is above all others,
   Well deserves the name of Friend:
His love is beyond a brother’s,
   Costly, free, and knows no end:
They who once his kindness prove,
Find it everlasting love.

Who lived on earth abased,
   Friend of sinners was his name;
Now above all glory raised.
   He rejoices in the same:
Still he calls them brethren, friends,
And to all their wants attends.

O for grace our hearts to soften,
   Teach us Lord at length to love;
We alas! forget too often,
   What a friend we have above:
But when home our souls are brought,
We will love thee as we ought.

LEADER.

The Israelites were peculiarly favoured with the presence of the great Jehovah, at the time of their departure from Egypt. The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them in the way; and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light; to go by day and night. Thus it was marvellously manifest that the hand of the Lord was leading them. Their path was through a rough, thorny, and dangerous wilderness; but here the Lord led them about, instructed them, and protected them. But the hand of the Lord is not always so manifestly, so strikingly, and so marvellously with his people. Moses, when first he left the country in which he was brought up, educated, and befitted for his after- work, knew of no influence but that of fear, occasioned by his slaying the Egyptian; but at this time an invisible and glorious being was leading him. The woman of Samaria knew of no directing power taking her to Jacob’s well, but that of her need of water, and that of her will to fetch it. How strange that she should go to the well at noon, the mornings and the evenings being the usual times. How remarkable that she goes to the well at the very hour that Jesus was seated upon it. The truth is a hidden hand, — guided her. Read the account given of Manoah, — the history of Abraham, — of Isaac, of Jacob and many others, and you will soon discover that the Lord has various ways of leading his people, whilst they are wholly unconscious of his gracious purposes towards them. The Lord always leads his people unerringly. He never leads them the wrong way, and he never promised to lead them by an easy, comfortable, and pleasant way, but a right way, — the way that leadeth to a city of habitation. It is a right way, though not always as we in our ignorance would have right. Jesus is “given as a Leader, and a Commander to the people. Isaiah lv. 4. He knoweth all the rough and dry places, the mountains and vallies, and there is no fear about his mistaking the way. “He leadeth in the way thou shouldst go.”

He leads with great love and attention. What says the tried follower of Christ, when his way is shut up, — when the clouds hang heavy? When every thing is against him? Can this be leading me loveingly? Jacob did not thingk so when Joseph was taken from him? When he cried out in the bitterness of his soul, “All these things are against me,” hut God was then upon the side of the patriarch; Joseph must needs go into Egypt to prepare food, to lay up stores for his Father and his family, and when the brethren of Joseph went to that country to buy com, they found, by a mysterious providence, that their young brother whom they had so cruelly treated, was the man of whom they were purchasing food, their former treatment of their brother came to their mind, and they were sorely grieved, but Joseph said, be not grieved within yourselves, for God did send me here to provide for you. In the midst of all this dark, perplexing, and severe circumstance of Jacob’s the Lord manifested great love, wisdom, and attention. Does he lead his people into the wilderness, it is that he may speak comfortably to them, and to their hearts. Does he blast their gourds and blight their hopes, it is that he may lead them more than ever to value that shelter, and those bright cheering prospects which he himself affords. “Jesus leads his followers, in paths that they have not known. He makes darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things the Lord will do for them and not forsake them. He calleth his own sheep by name and leadeth them. He leads his own out of delusion, out of all fialse religion, and out of all their refuges of lies. He leads them out of self-confidence into confidence in his own person, life and atoning death, for pardon, peace and glory. As he directed the Isrealites to leave their tents, for the purpose of gathering manna, so He leads his people out of the tents of self righteousness, to give unto them the bread of everlasting life, that they might live, rejoice, and triumph in Jesus. He leads his disciples out of love to the world, out of its spirit, its company, and its ungodly glorying: to live by God for the Lord, and to glory in the cross of Christ — the cry of him that loves the Lord, is, — “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Such an one feels that he is weak and insufficient to guide himself, and his prayer is spiritual, fervent, and effectual. It is in this rock of ages that the weak are sheltered from every tempest. On this rock the sinner finds a firm basis for his hopes. He leads the poor mourning sinner to the fountain of his side — to the throne of his grace, and to the promise of his truth. He leads the sin wounded soul to his cross, and shews his great and eternal salvation, and the manner in which he leads the people, is with supplications. He leads into the land of uprightness, in the way of righteousness, and in the midst of the paths of judgment. When Jesus was upon earth, he led his disciples up into an high mountain apart by themselves. So He leads his children now out of communion with the world, to have fellowship with himself, apart from the world. He sometimes favours his people by leading them into the green pastures of his word; here they are refreshed and strengthened, and by the power of the word, they are enabled to take courage and go forward; in the word, they find doctrine, experience, promise, and precept, in it, is all manner of precious things — new and old, for all that walk in Zion’s ways. To all the regenerated., this world is a thorny, dangerous, and mazy wilderness. But the commander of Zion leads his people safely and unhurt out of it. He leads them out of every temptation, out of every difficulty, and out of the dangers to which they had been exposed. He leads them out of time into eternity, out of sorrow, into consummate happiness; out of war, into eternal peace and victory; out of poverty, into riches unending; out of a country full of disease and death, into that land where the inhabitants shall not say they are sick. Grant holy spirit that we may realise that Christ is our leader, our Saviour, and our God. Then shall we be encouraged to say, “Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterwards receive us to glory. The grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ. be with us all. Amen.”

Guide me, O thou Great Jehovah!
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, hut thou art mighty,
Hold me with thy powerful hand;
               Bread of Heaven,
   Feed me till I want no more.

Open thou the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing streams do flow;
Let the fiery cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through;
               Strong deliv’rer,
   Be thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of deaths, and hell’s destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side;
               Songs of praises,
   I will ever give to thee.

JESUS OUR SAVIOUR.

Sin is the transgressions of God’s holy law. It is the accursed thing which the divine being hates; and to all the regenerated people of God it is a burden intolerable. They are taught by Him that cannot err, that sin is their most formidable and most deadly foe. It is sin that brings condemnation and death; and when sinners are made to feel that sin is slavery of the most direful character, and that it exposes them to God’s displeasure, and to eternal misery; their cry is, “What must I do to be saved.” Such feel themselves to be poor, blind, naked, and miserable; they are unrighteous, helpless, and lost; and to them, how precious the truth — How glorious the message of mercy — How suitable the tidings — Christ came into the world to seek and save them that were lost. Jesus came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance; and Paul, the apostle of Jesus, declares, in 1 Tim. i. 15. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” The angel told Joseph in his dream, that Mary should bring forth a son, and He should call his name Jesus: he being appointed to save his people from their sins. The scripture informs us, that it was revealed unto Simeon, (a just and devout man,) by the Holy Ghost. that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ, and that Simeon came by the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him, after the custom of the law, that he then took him up in his arms and blessed God, and said, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes hath seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared before the face of all people: a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Isreal.” Salvation free, complete, and eternal, is of the Lord. He well deserves the glory, for although he makes the sinner to tremble at the majesty, the spirituality, the broadness, and the demands of his righteous, and of his reigning law. He redeems from its curse and its dreadful sentence by suffering them himself. He saves from the wrath to come, to happiness, and honour inconceivable and endless.

Could man try countless years to save himself, all would be vain. What! A sinner save himself; as soon could he stop the revolution of the earth — pluck the life invigorating sun from the heavens — stop the planets in their course, and bring a new world into being.

“What saith the word of unerring truth. Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of earth, for I am God, and beside me there is no Saviour. Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. No other name than Jesus can afford real comfort to a convinced sinner, groaning under accumulated guilt; no other name is known in heaven — no other name is recorded in the Bible, through which peace, like a river can flow, than the name of Jesus; through him alone the wounded can be healed; the lost saved, and the poor enriched; Jesus is the only foundation, the only sacrifice, the only Saviour; waft it ye winds — roll it ye waters, and proclaim it ye ministers of his. That He is “mighty to save,” and that “He is also able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Heb. vii. 25. Jesus, he is a Saviour, and a great one, for he is Emmanuel, God with us. “In him dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” “He is the great mystery of godliness — God manifest in the flesh.” How great in the dignity of his person — How great in his love — it is without beginning — it is conquering, ardent and everlasting love. How great the work it has effected. How undeserved by such regardless sinners. In this love salvation originated, and by it the saved will have consummate happiness. How meritorious his sufferings and death! How great the length of his arm! How amazing the strength of his hand! He by his power and his word dries up the sea. He makes the rivers of water a wilderness! He bindeth up the floods from over-flowing! He saves from hell by his grace! from error by the revelation of his truth! from the love of sin by giving a love to holiness! and by conquering sinner’s hearts through the word. He saves from satan, by vitally uniting the sinner to himself, from delighting in the profanity, the false religion and the dreamy honours of the world, by enabling them to delight in the Lord God of truth, in his great salvation, and in the unspeakable provisions of his mercy. He saves his people by the “washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Well might his name be called Jesus, as it is said by the angel, “thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.” What a delightful testimony is given of his saving power in the word by Paul. “He hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace.” We were obdurate, guilty, polluted and enemies to God by wicked works. It was, therefore, an act of free, unmerited, and sovereign grace to save such. Christ is the mighty saviour, the merciful and just saviour, the unchanging saviour, and the soul satisfying saviour. He is the author and finisher of salvation, the gospel of Jesus, is the gospel of salvation, and unto you is the word of this salvation sent. God hath chosen his people to salvation. He hath appointed them to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. His grace bringeth salvation. It is by grace that we are saved through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God. Christ is the captain of salvation, and the author of eternal salvation to all that obey him. He hath deprived the law of its condemning power over his redeemed. Spoiled principalities and powers — abolished death and brought life and immortality to light. He is a prince and saviour, and as such, is exalted to give repentance unto Isreal and forgiveness of tins. The man that can truly embrace Christ. the saviour in the arms of faith, is released from the heaviest debt, emancipated from the vilest vassalage, and elevated from the deepest misery and degradation. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. To the only wise God, our saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Jesus, the spring of joys diving,
   Whence all our hopes and comforts flow,
Jesus, no other name but thine
   Can save us from eternal woe.

In vain would boasting reason find,
   The way to happiness and God:
Her weak directions leave the mind
   Bewilder’d in a dubious road.

No other name will heaven approve:
   Thou art the true, the living way,
Ordain’d by everlasting love,
   To the bright realms of endless day.

Safe lead us through this world of night,
   And bring us to the blissful plains:
The regions of unclouded light,
   Where perfect joy for ever reigns.

HEAD.

How great is the love of God, and how admirable is his wisdom in using similes so simple, so familiar, and so striking, to make known the union of Christ and his church. “Jesus is the head of the body, the church.” Col. i. 18. The apostle Paul, states, “As we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we being many, are one body in Christ. and every one members one of another, he also observes, that we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. Christ is the head from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted, by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measures of every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in love. Eph. iv. 16. Christ is the head from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God: how precious the truth — how deeply interesting the fact, that the followers of Jesus are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. O what amazing compassion, what unspeakable love, that he who in his Deity is one with the Father, in purity, in glory, and in majesty, should become One with man; should be made in likeness of sinful flesh, should be one with man in nature and in interest. and that which is the interest of the church should also be the happiness of Christ its head —

O holy spirit for such amazing love, let hills their lasting silence break; for such tender compassion let the trees of the forest clap their hands.

The headship of Christ was with the apostle Paul a noble theme, no subject to him more important; and he was deeply anxious to lead the minds of Christians (to whom he addressed himself) into this sentiment. He states when writing his epistle to the church at Corinth, “I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God.” Cor. xi. 1, 2. If you remember that the head is the seat of thought and direction to the body, the idea will be very precious to you. Seeing also that Christ is the source of wisdom, of spiritual motion, and of divine guidance to the Church; and so important is the union between the head and the body, that if the head be severed from the body, the body becomes lifeless and useless — so is every member apart from Christ: for without me, saith Christ. “Ye can do nothing.”

So close is the union of Jesus and his people, that Christ hath said, “He that receiveth you, receiveth me, and he that despiseth you, despiseth me.” What a marvellous proof of this when Saul, of Tarsus, was stopped in his way to Damascus; the man heard a voice from the luminous cloud over him. saying, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me,” inasmuch as he persecuted the members of Christ’s Church, which is his body, he persecuted Him. In as much as ye did it unto one of these my little ones, ye did it unto me.” As the Head, he has all wisdom, in him are hid the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; he hath the spirit of wisdom and understanding; the spirit of counsel and might; the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. Isa. xi. 2. A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps. He rules by his wisdom and grace in the church. For the good of his church all things are under his control, subject to his great power, for he is the head of all principality and power. In him the head, the wisdom, the strength, and the glory of the body resides; in him are all its springs found, and from him all its needs are supplied. His wisdom enables the church to escape the snares of the fowler, to see the dangers to which its members are exposed, and by this wisdom its members are made truly wise unto salvation.

He is the head of communication, from him. flows all the holiness, peace, and life of the church; the faith, the hopes, the desires, and expectations of glory of all its members, are the consequences of its inner, spiritual, and undying life, which life is communicated by Jesus. Christ is the life of his people, and he shall appear, they shall also appear with him in glory. Christ is the life of his people, and he that hath this life shall not die, nor come into condemnation; this inner spiritual life prompts to every holy act; to walk after the spirit and not after the flesh. While Christ the head lives, the body cannot die; Jesus and believers are one spirit. Christ is a river of pure-immortal life to such as know him. Such is the union of Christ, the head, and his members the church, that she was with him in his sufferings, death, and resurection. His people, by virtue of union to him were always considered as with him, and now they are by this same vital union sitting with him in heavenly places.

Through union to Jesus, they become victorious, and entitled to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. How beautifully has one writer expatiated upon the union of Christ and his people. He says, “Union with Christ, implies communion of life, sentiment, and nature with Christ.” As every member of the natural body is actuated immediately by the head: so every member of Christ’s mystical body is guided by his wisdom, and receives all true nourishment and activity from him, as being the source of life to all that believe. It would be strange, indeed, were the head and the body to live by different principles, go different ways, act for separate purposes, and come to different ends. There is no such schism as this in Christ’s spiritual body. His members hold, and hold fast too (as the word signifies) their life giving head, from which all the body, by joints and bands, having nourishment ministered and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. They have the same spirit and life with Christ.

O believer, to what an honoured state art thou brought, to be a member of the church invisible, which has communion with Christ in grace, and glory unending hereafter. You are coming unto mount Zion and unto the city of the living God — the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels. To the general assembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel. But the saints of the most high should bear in mind, that if members of Christ, they are also members one of another; they are also to seek one anothers good, and to bear each others burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. O happy, and for ever blessed, are those that are united to Jesus. When created streams of comfort fail, union to Jesus, gives them the fountain of peace, of strong consolation, and of eternal glory and blessedness.

Reader, may you be enable to speak well of his name, to tell of his wonderous faithfulness, to glory in his cross, and sing thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory, through our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Allied to thee our living head
   We act, and grow, and thrive:
From thee divided — each is dead,
   When most he seems alive.

Thy saints on earth and those above,
   Here join in sweet accord:
One body all in mutual love,
   And thou our common Lord.

Oh, may my faith each hour derive
   Thy spirit with delight;
While death and hell in vain shall strive,
   This bond to disunite.

Thou, the whole body wilt present
   Before thy Father’s face;
Nor shall a wrinkle or a spot,
   Its beauteous form disgrace.

SUN.

Christ is perfect, essential, and unchanging light. He is the light of life, like the sun, whose genial influences we feel from day to day, he sheds his streaky and beautiful rays to disperse the gross darkness that overcasts the minds of his people. Jesus prompted by his amazing love, came a light unto the world, that whosoever believeth on him, should not abide in darkness. From the time that Adam sinned, man’s mind has been enveloped in darkness, yea, in the thick darkness of ignorance, error, and uncertainty, concerning the Divine Being, and his relation to Him. God who dwelleth in light inaccessible, could have no fellowship with sinful man, hence man by sin is fallen into the darkness of separation from God. Man in this state loves darkness rather than light, and the reason is, because his deeds are evil; he is described as sitting in darkness, and in the shadow of death. In this awful, dark, and dangerous night, no man can work so as to please the Lord. How dark, how dismal, and now ruinous would the state of the earth be, if the light of the sun become extinct; and what is the state of our minds without the “Sun of righteousness,” without the rays of light and life that emanate from him, we should be more dark, and more dismal than this world would be without the natural Sun, the bright luminary of nature shines in its own unborrowed light, that is it borrows none of its lifht from surrounding planets, but freely transmits its light to them; the sun is the source of light and motion; how refreshing, how beautiful, and how life invigorating its rays. So Christ shines in his own unborrowed, independent, and eternal light, life and love. And what rays of spiritual light He transmits to his people; he removes their darkness, and causeth them to enjoy the light of life in their hearts, thus they are brought to renounce the hidden things of dishonesty, for God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in their hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ. Jesus hath brought life and immortality to light by the gospel, and scattered the gloom, the spiritual darkness that brooded over the minds of the people. Christ saith to the prisoners, Go forth: to them that sit in darkness, shew yourselves. He who is the resurrection and the life, said by the mouth of his prophet, Arise, shine: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

The sun forms the centre of the planetary system: and is the great point of attraction. So Jesus is the heavenly centre of his church, all its members meet around him; he attracts them to himself. What is the desire of the person that hath an experimental knowledge of Jesus? Draw me and I will run after thee. He ariseth as the sun of righteousness with healing in his wings, on the minds of those that fear the name of the Lord, and Jesus reveals to them his Father’s glory, majesty, dominion and love. He giveth the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, so that the people that walked’ in darkness have now seen a great light; and they that dwelt in the shadow of death: upon them hath the light shined. Such have found the light sweet, and what a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun. Such were once darkness, but now are they light in the Lord; they are children of light, of truth, and of God. Christ hath delivered them from the power, the love, and the kingdom of darkness, and guided their feet into the way of peace.

The sun expands the air, thaws the ice, warms the earth, causes the seed to germinate, gives beauty to flowers, ripens the fruit, and fills creation with life, plenteousness, and glory. So Christ the sun of righteousness gives spiritual life and heavenly air to his people. He thaws their icy hearts, warms them, and causeth the incorruptible seed to germinate in them; he gives them spiritual loveliness; he gives ripeness to their fruits; in a word, he gives them vitality, plenteousness and glory. All the graces of the spirit in the hearts of the saints; all the fruit they are enabled through grace to bear, to the honour and glory of God. These are “precious fruits brought forth by the sun,” from Christ is their fruit found; all is barrenness without Jesus, without him there is no real cheerfulness or blessedness, without him all is wintry and comfortless. But Christ the sun of righteousness arises with healing in his wings on the minds of his followers, then surely the winter is past and the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, and the time of the singing of birds is come. We have seen the lark in the morning soaring towards the rising sun, mounting heavenward with steadiness. We have heard its musical, its grateful, and its thrilling strains as it hath been towering towards the sky. So when Christ ariseth upon the soul as its light, its life, and its glory; there is mounting in desire, in hope, in love, and in faith; there is also a grateful, musical, and thrilling hymning of Jesu’s praises, The time of singing of birds indeed is come, when the soul is made alive, when its fetters are snapped asunder, when it feels its eternal interest in the love of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost — surely, the song will be, because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. The people when thus enlightened see light in the light of Jesus, rejoice with joy unspeakable, and glory in the cross of Christ; he gives health and cure, wisdom and prosperity, holiness and heaven. Oh the love, the wondrous love of Jesus, where would all his followers now have been, had he not given them light and spiritual life, they would have been sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, they would now have been in the kingdom of darkness and loving darkness rather than light; they would still have been servants of sin, and led captive by the devil at his will. Oh happy change, when brought to love Christ. to follow and serve him. He gives them light to understand his word in its doctrines, in its adaptation to the inner life, in its exceeding great and precious promises, and in its holy precepts.

He shows them what sin is, and what the remedy is, that is provided for it, all sound, spiritual, and experimental knowledge is by the light and teaching of the spirit of Jesus. Christ the light is needed by all his disciples, for information — security — prosperity — and comfort. Having found him to be as the light of the morning, when the sun is dawning, so welcome, so sweet, and so refreshing after the dark hours of night. The desire of such persons as have realized these things, is beautifully expressed by the Psalmist, “O Lord, send out thy light and thy truth.” Hast thou my soul been brought to see light in God’s light? Hast thou been enlightened by the true light? May the light that God hath given thee never be put under a bushel. May it shine that man may see it, and glorify the Father which is in heaven, Courteous Reader, hath the Lord given thee the light of life, which makes manifest the hidden evils of the heart, and leads you in the path of righteousness: if so, may the Lord increasingly shine in your heart by the glory and light of the truth — and when you leave this world, you shall enter that city where there is no night, where the Lord God giveth light for ever, where you shall worship him that liveth for ever and ever. Amen.

Great Sun of Righteousness arise,
   Dispel each gloomy fear;
Break through the great impending cloud,
   And graciously appear.

Thou all-enliv’ning source of bliss,
   Thy heavenly rays impart,
And let thy all-inspiring heat.
   Now warm my chilly heart,

Blest fount of light — blest source of life.
   Whose will is heaven below;
Unvail thy all transporting face,
   And all thy glory shew.

Absence from thee is gloomy night,
   With thee is endless day:
When will this sun no more go down,
   But ever on us play.

FOUNDATION.

The foundation of a building is a very important part. It is a mass under ground which supports and gives durability to the house, and the strength of it must be in proportion to the weight of the superstructure to be raised upon it. The Church of God is a building of living stones, established on Christ the only true and sure foundation. The Church is the building of eternal mercy destined to reflect the high perfections of its divine builder far more and far more lastingly, than the blue and starry heavens. The Church of God is often spoken of as a building: and Jesus once taking this view of it, says, referring to himself, “Upon this rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matt. xvi 18. Here is a founoation so solid, so strong, and so immoveable, that amidst all the revolutions of time it remains unshaken, and it is not to be injured by all the blasts and combinations of wicked spirits. Christ is the rock of ages, — unimpaired, — immoveable, — and imperishable. Perish and decay what may, this rock is eternally the same. The basis upon which the believer rests his hopes for safety, for happiness, and for glory, is ever the same. Jesus is not a temporary, but an everlasting foundation. Such an one Jehovah’s hand alone could lay; “Therefore saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” Isaiah xxviii. 16. Without a firm basis, no building however beautiful its exterior, can endure. This sacred edifice in which the Lord’s glory shines, is the noblest work of his hands: he dwells in it by his Spirit, power, wisdom, and love. It has a foundation stronger than sin, — deeper than human guilt, and lasting as the throne of God. Without Christ the church would be a formless, a chaotic mass of ruins; but through his sovereign grace, redeeming blood, and lifegiving spirit, it is a temple out-vyeing Solomon’s in splendor and costliness.

Christ is the foundation of the whole gospel scheme; all its doctrines centre in him. Was the church loved with an everlasting love? Was she chosen before the world was? It was in him. All the promises are yea, and amen in him. All the precepts are in connection with him, and are for the good of his people. The sin-wounded and law-wrecked sinner cries out, What must I do to be saved? He attempts to lay a foundation, but it is useless, “For other foundation can no man lay, than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” When the poor mourning sinner knows this, then there is an inward moving towards Christs as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God and precious. And how consoling indeed to find that he is so strong, that the weary, heavy-laden sinner may cast all his burden upon him. He hath been tried by the Father’s wrath, by the fury of lost spirits by the persecution of carnal professors, by the cruelty of the world, and by all the sin of the church. But all this could not move him. Christ in his person, in his atonement, in his righteousness, and in his whole mention, is the only foundation. How false is the ground upon which many are resting. Some upon their honesty, others upon their charitable doings. Some upon their exemption from gross crime; others upon their being members of the visible church, — while others seem to be trusting in their vague notions of the mercy of God, and merely say God is merciful, and for this reason we shall be saved. Some are trusting to their clear doctrinal views, to take them to heaven, while others are trusting to their own doings in connection with the work of Christ. But all these are like the man who built his house upon the sand — he had no solid foundation. God will sweep such baseless fabrics away by the flood of his righteous wrath; then the building, though like the tower, (of which we read,) reaching to heaven; will be thrown down, and great will be its fall. Those who build aright, build upon the rock Jehovah; and when the flood arises, and the stream beats vehemently upon the building, it shall not be shaken, because it is founded upon a rock, — the sure, the only, and the tried foundation.

My soul, thou hast to live for ever, and art oftentimes hoping when thou leavest this world, thou shalt enter a better, where thou shalt enjoy the presence of Jesus, of angels, of the noble army of martyrs, and of all the saints and redeemed spirits. Upon what is thy hope resting? Surely thou canst say feelingly, Christ, — Christ alone, — Christ crucified. Reader, what are you trusting to for life, salvation, and eternal glory? Apart from Christ there is no happiness, no salvation, no heaven. Oh that he may ever be the foundation of your hopes! He has been tried by myriads. He supports all that put their trust in him, and will support them for ever. None that trust in him will ever be put to shame; none will ever be confounded. Oh, how unspeakable the mercy, that the foundation, (covenant) of the Lord standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his. Christ Jesus is a foundation to the quickened, regenerated family of God; necessary, invaluable, and everlasting. Christ crucified is to some a stumbling block, to some foolishness, but to those who believe, the power of God and the wisdom of God. Christ in his fulness, his unsearchable riches, in his glorious atonement, in the perfection of his willing obedience, in his resurrection triumphs, and inimitable glories of his person, is the only, and divinely appointed ground of the sinner’s acceptance with God, and that to the praise and glory of his own grace. May the Lord give us grace to praise and adore him for such a firm, suitable, and undecayable foundation. Amen.

Came happy souls, who know the Lord,
Who love and trust his sacred word,
With songs address his gracious throne,
And Jesus sing, “the living stone.”

No other trust shall intervene,
To him I’ll look, on him I’ll lean.
And all foundations I’ll disown,
But him who is the “living stone.”

Here my salvation stands secure.
This “Rock of ages” must endure;
Nor shall my hope be overthrown,
Built upon “Christ the living Stone.”

LAMB.

The character of Christ the Son of God derives no beauty, no power, no loftiness from the embellishments with which man aims to set it forth. The outward adorning, hides, rather than manifests its glory. Who can add beauty to the character of him who is essential loveliness; “Who can give power to him whose almightiness framed the world? Who can impart loftiness to that glorious being before whom angels bow? No language can be so simple, so beautiful, and so sublime, for the purpose of shewing the conduct and work of the Messiah as the language of the Scriptures. And perhaps of all the emblems used in the word of God, there is not one more simple and familiar than the Lamb. This animal in its meekness, in its innocency, and in its usefulness, is not unfrequently used in the sacred volume as an emblem of Christ Jesus. His resemblance to a Lamb was pourtrayed by Isaiah in those melting words, “He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. Isaiah liii. 7.

What patience! What meekness! What compliance with the will of the Father! Have you never read of Abel, that “he brought of the firstling of his flock, an offering to the Lord.” Gen. iv. 4. Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord, he did not bring the first fruits of the ground. He had no eye to Christ in what he did; but in the epistle to the Hebrews it is declared, that “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts, and by it he being dead yet speaketh. Heb. xi. 4. The Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering, but unto Cain and his offering he had no respect. Gen. iv. 5. When Abraham was commanded to offer up his son Isaac, the lad not being aware that he was to be offered up, asks his Father the artless question, where is the Lamb for a burnt offering.” The parent replied, “My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering.” And in the sequel of this affecting history, we are told that Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up instead of his son.” In all this Christ the Lamb of God was seen in his sacrificial, in his suffering, and in his substitutionary work. In the Mount of the Lord it was indeed seen, that Jehovah will provide. Here Abraham saw the day of Christ and was glad. By faith Abraham when he was tried offered up Isaac: and he that received the promises offered up his only begotten Son. The passover again is full of meaning, all of which is to manifest the goodness, the wisdom, and the power of God. The passover was instituted on the ever-to-be-remembered night which preceded the deliverance of the children of Israel out of the house of bondage. The annual repetition of the passover was appointed to commemorate that signal emancipation. This likewise served to excite lively desires for that more important and more glorious events the salvation of the true Israel from the thraldom of sin, of the world, and of Satan. Why should the lamb slain on this occasion, be called the passover. Surely, it was for the following reason: the Lord while he slew the firstborn of the Egyptians, passed over the doors of the Israelites, on seemg the blood of the lamb upon the lintel and door posts. The blood of the lamb was to the Israelites for a token upon the houses where they were; and the Lord said to them, “When I see the blood I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.” Exod. xii. 13. The sprinkling of the blood was the appointed means of protection from the destroyer. So the blood of Christ alone can give real security from the destroyer. Peter seems to have reference to this when he says, “Ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers, but by the precious blood of Christ. as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. It is strikingly recorded of Moses, that through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest He that destroyed the first-born should touch them. Heb. xi. 28.

The lamb for the passover was to be perfect. Christ likewise was without blemish or spot; — he, though the eternal Spirit offered up himself without spot to God, — the Lamb was slain. Jesus also suffered, bled, and died. He was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. The paschal lamb was roasted by fire. Christ endured the burning, the melting, the killing power of divine wrath. What bitter prophetic statements are recorded concerning Jesus in the 22nd Psalm: “My heart is like wax, it is melted in the midst of my bowels; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws, and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.” The blood of the Paschal Lamb was sprinkled upon the lintel and door posts. So the heart must be sprinkled with the blood of the Son of God. The lamb was eaten by the circumsised, no stranger was to eat thereof. So all that are not strangers to God, to regeneration, to the circumcision of the heart, must eat by faith the Lamb of God. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life: and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood dwelleth in men, and I in him. There is much in the account of the Paschal Lamb that is sweet and instructive; every part of it seems full of some gospel truth. These we would delight to dilate upon, but we must forbear for the present.

John was the voice of one crying in the wilderness. He speaks of himself as it was right for him to do in language humble and servantlike: but he speaks of Jesus with wonder, nobleness, and clearness, in these words, “There standeth one among you whom ye know not: He it is who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. Again, he says on the next day, seeing Jesus coming, Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. Christ was the Lamb ordained by, devoted to, and accepted of God. John’s heart burning with love to the Saviour, his mind moved by the Spirit of God, could only give utterance to the quenchless ardour of his feelings by reiterating, Behold, the Lamb of God. When John the divine was banished to the isle of Patmos, he was favoured to have fellowship with the eternal world: he saw things startling, wonderful, and heavenly; and while enraptured with the scenery he beheld, and lo, a lamb with the marks of recent slaughter, presented himself before the throne. And while entering into the revelations of John, which seem irradiated with all that is truly beautiful and sublime in nature, let us enquire what is the procuring cause of the glory of the saints above: and shall we not find as an answer to us, “Their names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” They were washed, and their robes made white in the blood of the Lamb. Through the blood of the Lamb they overcame all opposing powers, and with the redeemed in heaven, what pouring forth of song! What harping! and what bursts of praise! Thou art worthy O Lord to receive glory, and honour, and power, for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation. All believers having followed the Lamb withersoever he goeth, shall join at last (and the Lord grant reader that we may be amongst them) in the song, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Amen.

What equal honours shall we bring
To thee, O Lord our God, the Lamb,
When all the notes that angels sing,
Are far inferior to thy name?

Worthy is he that once was slain,
The Prince of Peace that groan’d and died,
Worthy to rise, and live, and reign
At his Almighty Father’s side.

Blessings for ever on the Lamb,
Who bore the curse for wretched man;
Let angels sound his sacred Name,
And every creature, say say Amen.

Watts.

SON OF MAN.

Christ is called a man; the Son of man, and man of God’s right hand. One ordained of God to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” In the glorious work of redemption the son of man delighted; for while he was upon the earth it was his meat and his drink to do the will of Him that sent him and to finish his work. To Jesus the Son of man all power was given both in heaven and in the eartn. He was made strong by the indwelling of the fulness of the Godhead, for the great, the generous enterprise in which he had engaged. His work was to glorify the perfections of Jehovah, — his justice, wisdom, power, holiness, and love: to save forlorn, helpless, and perishing sinners; to deliver, raise, and bless his fallen church; to advance in every way the spiritual interests of his kingdom. The Lord when upon the earth frequently declared himself to be the Son of man: this term. Son of man, was expressive of his humiliation, and nothing can be more striking than the apostle Paul’s language to the Phillipians, when addressing them upon the greatness of the humiliation of Christ, he says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus; — who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, but took upon himself the form of a servant; and was made in the likeness of men, and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Jesus as the Son of man foretold the amazing, suffering, and outward conditon to which he willingly submitted. He grew in stature and wisdom as man, and such he was, full of sympathy for his fellow-men, for he went about doing good to the bodies, as well as to the souls of mankind. When he was journeying it came to pass that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging; and hearing the multitudes pass by, he asked what it meant: and they told him that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by; and he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.” The heartless multitude rebuked the poor blind man; they endeavoured to make him hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. Jesus, full of tenderness, and ever ready to do good, stood & commanded the blind man to be brought unto him. And when he was come near, he asked him, saying, what wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, receive thy sight; thy faith hath saved thee. In this case we have undeniable proof of Christ being the Son of man, or he never would have stood still when the blind man cried unto him. Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And in the giving of sight to the blind, Jesus showed himself by his power to be the Almighty God. Reader, hast thou ever cried, have mercy on me? Hast thou ever known and mourned over thy blindness, and cried, God be merciful to me a sinner? Should you never have yet cried for mercy, remember, without an interest in it you are lost for ever. May the Spirit of truth, of liberty, and of prayer, teach us to pray. We shall be sure to have a multitude rebuking us, and crying out, hold your peace: but if a deep consciousness of need is wrought in our hearts, we shall only cry so much the more. Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. The Lord Jesus Christ suffered the deepest poverty, his own words are. The foxes have holes, the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Oh, who so poor as the houseless, friendless, and moneyless Son of man. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes, (saith Paul) he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be made rich. He was the true and affectionate friend of publicans and sinners. In him the needy, the despised, and the forlorn, always found a heart full of kindness. He was one that paid untiring attention to the poor. He delighted to preach to them the word of mercy, of truth, and of life: and it is said concerning his preaching, the common people heard him gladly. He was fairer than the children of men. His words were full of living power. Grace was poured into his lips, and he was blessed for ever. He convinced the sinner, — healed the broken in heart, — raised the dead, — gave sight to the blind, imparted strength to the weak, — and comforted the sorrowing. And his whole life was one ceaseless work of doing good. Christ the Son of man was misrepresented, vilified, and crucified by his enemies, who were heartless, shameless, and fiendish, but amidst all, he manifested firmness, meekness, and love. He came to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself; to repair the breaches sin has made, and to magnify the law, no suffering, no misrepresentation of him, no persecution could make him forego his purpose, for he is of one mind and none can turn him, or say unto him, what doest thou. The son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost, not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. He who was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners, was lifted up on the cross, for as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the son of man be lifted up. He said himself the son of man must suffer many things. He was the great mystery of Godliness — God manifest in the flesh — the word made flesh and dwelling among men — the complexity of his person gives efficacy to his work — efficacy to his blood to atone and cleanse, and gives dignity to his righteousness. It gives meaning to the word — substance to the gospel, and preciousness and eternity to the promises. Oh! the wonder of the incarnation of Deity. Oh! ye angels of light — ye bright seraphs around the throne lend! lend! ! your seraphic powers upon a theme so great — so overwhelming and so infinite.

John, the divine, speaks of the son of man in the midst of the golden candlesticks, clothed with a garment down to the foot, girt about the paps with a golden girdle. Christ was the son of man, the just man, the man of sorrow, and the man of Jehovah’s right-hand. He was indeed the Christ, the son of the living God, corresponding accurately with the ancient prophecy, “Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called wonderful! Counsellor! The Mighty God! The everlasting Father! The Prince of Peace.” By Jesus it was said, “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly, so shall the son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth; his sufferings, his death, and his burial are past and gone, and the time of his second coming will soon be. Then shall the son of man appear in his glory, and all his holy angels with him; then shall he sit on the throne of his glory, and before him shall be gathered all nations, and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth the sheep from the goats: and shall set the sheep on his right-hand, but the goats on his left. Reader, may it be our privilege to hear the words “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. May Christ be in us, now the hope of glory; this will make us all glorious within, and the righteousness of Christ will be unto us, as clothing of wrought gold. Grace be with you. Amen.

With joy we meditate the grace,
Of our High Priest above:
His heart is made of tenderness,
His bowels melt with love.

Touch’d with a sympathy within,
He knows our feeble frame:
He knows what sore temptations mean,
For he has felt the same.

He in the days of feeble flesh.
Pour’d out his cries and tears;
And in his measure feels afresh,
What ev’ry member bears.

Then let our humble faith address,
His mercy, and his pow’r;
We shall obtain deliv’ring grace,
In the distressing hour.

Watts.

MAN OF SORROWS.

Christ, the wise, the just, and faultless man, was despised and rejected of men; men had no true knowledge of him, for they were blinded by satan, the great enemy of God and man; they were deceived by the God of this world, and those for whose benefit Jesus came into the world treated him with the utmost contempt; The Jews thought the Messiah would appear in outward, striking, and stupendous pomp and power, but when they saw him, not knowing his inward life, his inner glory, his hidden power, they scorned him, and said, Is not this the carpenter’s son? The heart of man was then as it is now, filled with unjust, unreasonable, unmeasured, willful, and death-darting hatred against Him. The heart is deceitful above all things, and over it all such as are taught by the life-giving. the life sustaining. and the life cheering spirit of God have deeply to mourn. Man in his carnal state is no more pleased of Christ, no more in love with the truth, and no more desirous of knowing Jesus, truly and spiritually, than the men of past days.

Christ was despised and rejected of men, but all they could do, did not move him from the purpose for which he became man, none of these things moved him. The affliction that Jesus endured from men was light, when compared to the weight of suffering he had from the subtle and the formidable powers of the prince of darkness. Jesus was led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil; he was tempted, but the Saviour ever resisted the tempter. How blessed for the Church of the living God. We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities: but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. When the shades of the evening of the Saviour life were drawing upon him; when the hour of death approached him—then satan, the peircing serpent, even leviathan, that crooked serpent mustered all his force against him. What tongue can tell? What heart can conceive? What the son of man suffered from the serpent while he was bruising his heel. But His poverty; His opposition from men; His outward trials; His sufferings from satan were but light, when contrasted with the unutterable agonies of his soul. He says by the Prophet Isaiah, “I gave my back to the smiters and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.” Hear what he saith by Jeremiah, “Is it nothing to you all ye that pass by? Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrows which is done unto me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger.” Hear the Prophet Isaiah again, “He was despised and rejected of men: a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief; and we hid, as it were, our faces from him: he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely, he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken of God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions: he was bruised for our iniquities.” “He bore our sins in his own body on the tree.” “He hath once suffered for our sins — the just for the unjust.” “He bare the sins of many.” “He was manifested to take away our sin, and in him was no sin.” He had no sin of his own, for he was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. But we are told, “that he bore our griefs and carried our sorrows — He bore the burden that we should have unending happiness, and an eternal weight of glory. He met and overcame sin in all its awfulness, that we should have the glorious gospel of the blessed God. He was wounded that we should be made whole. He suffered death that we should have eternal life. The deep calleth unto the deep — the deep of sin calleth to the deep of divine wrath, and all the waves and billows of Jehovah’s wrath went over Jesus. Listen to his cry in the garden of Gethsemane, “Father, if thou be willing remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.” In Matthew it is declared that, he said unto Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here and watch with me, and of Jesus it is said, he went a little farther and fell on his face and prayed, saying, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Mark says, that Jesus taketh with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be sore amazed and to be very heavy, and saith unto them, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death, tarry ye here, and watch, and he went forward a little and fell on the ground prayed, that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him;” and he said, “Abba Father, all things are possible unto thee, take away this cup from me: nevertheless, not what I will, but what thou wilt.” What must have been the awful agony of his soul; what sufferings he experienced; when he sunk in the deep waters where there was no standing; when he was poured out like water; when his strength was dried up like a potsherd; when he was brought into the dust of death; when dogs compassed him, and the assembly of the wicked enclosed him; when they pierced his hands and feet, but above all, when the prophetic language of Zechariah was carried into effect, “Awake, O sword against my shepherd and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of Hosts? Smite the shepherd.” When it pleased the Father to bruise him, and to put him to grief, Oh! what he suffered when lifted up on the cross; when suspended between earth and heaven as if he were not worthy of either; when he hung between the thieves on the cross; when he had to suffer the want of communion with his Father; to suffer the hidings of His Father’s countenance, and cried, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” the Psalmist wrote of him, crying, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me and the words of my roaring.” See how he was used when in this dreadful agony; the people passed by wagging their heads, shouting out with a sneer, “Thou that destroyest the temple and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God come down from the cross.” The Chief Priests likewise mocking him with the scribes and elders, said, “He saved others, himself, he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel let him come down from the cross and we will believe him.” He trusted in God: let him deliver him now, if he will have him, for he said, “I am the Son of God.” His enemies gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall; they parted his garments, casting lots that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the Prophet. They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. The thieves themselves were treated far better than this man, in whom Pilate could find to fault. Jesus was abused, insulted, sneered at, and crucified; but what meekness! What unbounded kindness! ! what prayerfulness did he manifest. Now were we to choose a text at this part of our subject, surely, it would be as follows: — “Behold the man,” the people taught by the Holy Ghost love to behold Jesus by precious faith; ask them what they desire; what they want: what they are seeking after; the answer would be, sir, we would see Jesus; they love to trace him from the Bethlehem’s stable to Egypt; from that country to Nazareth; thence to the temple at Jerusalem; from this place to Gethsemane’s garden; to Pilate’s bar; to the ever to be remembered Mount Calvary; to the cross, even to the death cross; to the grace numbered with transgressors, where he made his grave with the wicked. They love to meditate on his bursting the bands of death; on the heavens going into mourning; on the rocks rending, and on the temples vail being rent in twain. God hath raised up Jesus, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that he should be holden of it: the soul of the man of sorrows was not left in hell, neither did God suffer his holy one to see corruption, thus Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead.

Courteous reader, may the God of all grace and of all our mercies, constrain us to think more of Jesus; to love him more earnestly: to follow him more constantly, and seek his mind more than ever in his precious truth. The grace, mercy, and peace of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, he with the Church of God, for ever, and ever. Amen.

   When I surrey the wond’rous cross,
   On which the Prince of Glory died;
   My richest gain I count but loss,
   And pour contempt on all my pride.

   Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast.
   Save in the death of Christ, my God;
   All the vain things that charm me most.
   I sacrifice them to his blood.

   See! from his head, his hands, his feet,
   Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
   Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
   Or thorns compose so rich a crown.

Watts.

MEDIATOR.

There is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. The mediator is intimately acquainted with the character of God and man, thus Jesus is in his work available with both. The name mediator denotes strictly, a person who interferes and treats between two parties, those parties being at variance, and requiring or needing a third person, suitable for a medium of their reconciliation. No man can approach the Deity without a mediator, and the mediator must be in every way qualified for this important work. No one could be a mediator between God and the sinner, if he were not in justice unbending and in holiness unsullied. He must have power with God and men, in order to be a day’s man between them, and to lay hands on both. Who but Jesus could engage in this enterprise? Who else hat ability to meet the demands of so vast a work? Who that was not divine could have trod the wine press alone? Who else than the incarnate Word could endure the just indignation of God? Christ the word was with God. and the word was God, Jesus is the brightness of his Father’s glory, and the express image of his person. He is the “one mediator between God and man,” on him was poured out the fulness of divine wrath; on him the sword of stern unbending justice fell. Through him only is preached peace, which passeth understanding. In him only is eternal salvation. Where can you have such views of the holiness of Deity, his hatred to sin, his stern justice; as in the sufferings and death of Christ; you may discover sin to be your worst enemy; you may feel it to be your heaviest burden; you may mourn over it, as that which causes you inward trouble; but, however, deeply you have been convinced of sin; yet it is in the sufferings and death of Jesus that you see it in its exceeding awfulness. Moses stood between God and his people, not only that the Lord might not destroy them, but also to shew them the word of God. When the Israelites saw the thundering and the lightnings and the noise of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, and when the people saw it, they removed and stood afar off, and they said unto Moses, speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. So Christ stands between God and man. If God speaks in his holy, just. and spiritual law, we die by it, we are condemned and we die; but through Christ Jesus, the true, the seeking, and the spiritual Israel have life and peace. God hath in these last days spoken unto us by his son, whom he that appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. Christ is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. Jesus engaged in the covenant to finish the work of redemption, to see and to save the lost, and to take to glory all that the Father hath given him. Through the mediation of Christ, the spirit of truth, of comfort, and of freedom descends to sinners; and all blessings come to them through the same medium; and through it their prayer, their sighs, their pantings, and desires, are accepted before God. Through Jesus we have access by the spirit unto the Father. Yea, we have boldness and access by the faith of him; yea, brethren, we have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the veil, that is to say, his flesh: and having an high priest over the house of God, may the holy spirit ever enable us to draw near to Jesus, with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

O how amazingly great is the Love of God to the whole election of grace, to accept of a mediator, but still more marvellous is it in providing one in every way qualified for the work. Christ Jesus is the mediator between God and man, and all that the Father giveth him shall come to him, and him that cometh, he will in no wise cast out. He came down from heaven not to do his own will, but the will of him that sent him, and Christ said, “this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day, and this is the will of Him that sent me that every one which seeth the Son and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up in the last day. Christ is the One mediator between God and man, he trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with him. He was alone amidst the awful waves of divine wrath: alone working out salvation for his people; alone in his making atonement for sin. He appeared once in the end of the world to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Christ. as mediator, had power to lay down his life and power to take it up again. He had power on earth to forgive the sinner, and to do many wonderful works. Are we, my reader, experimentally interested in the mediation of Jesus? Are we assured that Jesus interposed betwixt us and the wrath of God? if so, how well the Psalmist’s language suits us. The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad. God hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ; according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world: having predestinated us unto the adoption of sons by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his Will. Through Jesus, the mediator, we are pardoned, justified, accepted, and sanctified. Through Christ, every petition, ascends to the throne of the Almighty, which comes from his spirit-taught disciples. Through him is given much incense to offer with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which is before the throne; and the smoke of the incense which comes with the prayers of the saints, ascends up before God out of the angel’s hand. My Reader, if the spirit of Christ is in you, then it is very clear that thou hast a mediator, every way qualified for his work. “Ye are come,” saith the Apostle, “unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven; and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than the blood of Abel.” O what amazing love the mediator manifests to his people; love stronger than death; love as strong as the Deity himself, for God is love. Christ is still the mercy seat from which God speaks to his people; here is their meeting place; here Jehovah makes manifest his goodness, mercy, and power. Christ because he continueth for ever, hath an unchangable priesthood, wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you and with all them that love Christ. not in word only, but indeed and in truth. Amen.

Lord, what a heav’n of saving grace
Shines thro’ the beauties of thy face,
And lights our passions to a flame!
Lord how we love thy charming name!

When I can say, my God is mine,
When I can feel thy glories shine;
I tread the world beneath my feet,
And all the earth calls good or great.

While such a scene of sacred joys,
Our raptur’d eyes and souls employ;
Here we could sit and gaze away,
A long, an everlasting day.

Well, we shall quickly pass the night,
To the fair coasts of perfect light;
Then shall our joyful senses rove,
O’er the dear object of our love!

Watts.

ROCK.

Christ Jesus inquires of his disciples, Whom do men say that I the son of man am? and they said, some say, thou art John the Baptist, some Elias, and others Jeremiah, or one of the Prophets. He saith unto them, but whom say ye that I am? and Simon Peter answered and said, “Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God;” and Jesus answered and said unto him, blessed art thou Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven; and I say unto thee, that thou art Peter: and upon this Rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Christ is the firm, immoveable, and everlasting foundation of the Church of the living God. Christ is the foundation, which God, the Father, laid in Zion, and this is the only one on which we can rest the hopes of all that are seeking mercy; the worldling; the butterfly of fashion, and the mere carnal religionist have nothing solid, nothing substantial, nothing ever during upon which their hopes can rest; their hopes are visionary and like the hope of the hypocrite, they shall perish. All the unregenerate, whatever be their station, whatever be their attainments, whether men of learning, distinction, or property, all are poor, miserable, blind, and naked; without God and without hope in the world. Christ is a Rock and His work is perfect. He is the Rock of ages; the Rock of Israel; the Rock higher than us; the true, spiritual, and smitten Rock. Christ is as the munitions of Rocks in all the mighty, marvellous, undying, and immutable realities of his incarnation. The Psalmist saith, “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.” O the grand, the unequalled, and eternal heights of the Rock of Ages. Christ lives in his own inconceivable, untarnishable, unchangable, and unending glories. He liveth and blessed be my Rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted. Christ is a strong rock and in his own strength he has conquered all his enemies. Sin conquered Adam in his primeval estate, and through him all his posterity, but Jesus conquered sin, removed and cast it away. Temptations are strong, but Jesus resisted them all. Satan has strange and wonderful power, but Jesus has gained a complete victory over him. Christ is stronger than the curse of God’s righteous law. He took away the curse and blotted out the hand-writing that was against us. Death reigns through sin over all mankind, but Christ hath conquered and destroyed death, and him that hath the power of deat, that is the devil. The strength of the Saviour is omnipotent and if Almighty strength can secure the followers of Jesus, they are secure, If strong, hearty, and undying love can bless them, they are blessed, and with Christ they shall be glorified. His strength can overcome all our difficulties, conquer all our foes; and save us to the uttermost. He is mighty to save, mightier than many waters; yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. He is the strength of Israel and the rock of ages, therefore, the Prophet exhorts the Church to trust in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord is everlasting strength. However, many their burthens, however weighty their cares. However great their temptations, their strength shall be in proportion to them. As their day is so shall their strength be. Christ is the sustaining Rock. For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God? there is no change in him, amidst all the storms, temptests, the raging and the wintry blasts of this world, he abideth faithful: He is the same yesterday, to day, and for ever.

Christ Jesus is the sheltering, defending rock. The Psalmist saith to the Lord, “Be thou my strong habitation whereunto I may continually resort; thou hast given commandment to save me: for thou art my rock and my fortress.” Think of the law, the curse, and the wrath of God, the strength, the policy, and the craft of your enemies, the weakness, sinfulness, and ignorance of yourselves, and it will he clearly discovered that you need a hiding place. We need to be kept continually by the power of God. We need to pray, be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. Having experienced his continual care over us, we are ready to sing. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence: I shall not he moved. The Church of the living God is safe, for ever safe in the clefts of the rock of ages; she is secured by the finished work of Christ; in the cleft of his obedience; in the cleft of his wounded side; the cleft of his resurrection triumphs; the cleft of his intercessory work; she has a defence, as vast, as infinite wisdom devised, and as great as Almighty power gives. He holdeth our souls in life and suffereth not our feet to be moved. The name of the Lord is a strong tower into which the righteous run and are safe. In Christ their life is hid; the Apostle saith, your life is hid with Christ in God. Oh! how secure; how blessed; how well defended; let the inhabitants of the rock sing, and shout from the top of the mountains.

Christ is a high rock from off which the saints of God have commanding and heavenly prospects. He is the high and the lofty one that inhabiteth the praises of Israel. When the children of God can by precious faith realize their standing, on this unshaken and everlasting rock; they are privileged, empowered, and enabled to enjoy cheering prospects which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard; neither hat it entered into the heart of man to conceive. From the rock on which the church is built, they discover with astonishment and self abasement, all the amazing, unequalled, and eternal wonders of everlasting love. Being raised upon this Rock, they have communion with the mysterious world before us; there is a communion of spirit with spirit, through Jesus, the truly spiritual have communion with the true and eternal God, who is a spirit; they have their conversation in heaven, from whence also they look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. They are (when thus highly favoured) longing for the presence of Christ. for the joys and company of heaven, counting or reckoning that the sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory to be revealed. Well might the Psalmist cry, “when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Paul saith, brethren, “I would not that ye should be ignorant how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea: and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea: and did all eat the same spiritual meat and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. The rock in the desert gave copious, miraculous, and refreshing streams of water, to the thirsty and weary Israelites. So Christ Jesus is as rivers of water in a dry place. He is as waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert; to give drink to God’s people, his chosen. What refreshing! What cleansing! And what abundant streams of living water flow from Jesus, the true spiritual Rock. Streams as clear as crystal. Streams of salvation. Streams as constant as the love of Jehovah flow from Christ, the spiritual Rock.

The Lord put forth his hand upon this rock, and overturned the moutains of our guilt by the roots. This rock, the convinced regenerated sinner, embraces for the want of a shelter. Reader, may Christ Jesus be our Rock, our hiding place, our strength, our refreshing, and our eternal life. May we be enabled to praise, worship, and serve the Lord Jesus Christ; to embrace and cleave unto him, for ever and ever. Amen.

Jesus my Rock, on thee thy Church,
Is so securely fixed;
That all her foes in hell or earth,
Can ne’er remove her thence.

Jesus my Rock on thee I build,
And rest my hope for heaven,
For me thy precious blood was spilt,
Which speaks my sins forgiven.

Jesus my Rock, who, when my soul
Was sitting in despair;
Didst give me faith, which made me whole,
And banished all my fears.

Jesus my Rock, on thee I’d lean,
When death approaches near;
And hope thy worthy praise to sing,
In a far higher sphere.

T. J. N.

SHEPHERD.

Christ is a shepherd — the good — the attentive — the chief — and the great shepherd of his chosen flock. He has the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, therefore he knows their wants, their dangers, their enemies, their bleatings, and their names, for he calleth his own sheep by name and leadeth them out. He takes infinite care of his silly, straying, and helpless sheep while they are in this wilderness of thorns and briars, of enemies and disappointment. When the lion or bear comes and takes a lamb out of the fold, the true-spiritual David rises up engages with the lion, battles with the bear, and rescues the lamb. He searches and seeks out his sheep, for they have wandered through all the mountains and upon every high hill. He goes after them by the means of the gospel ministry; by providential crosses and affliction; by the great and invincible power of the spirit; when he hath found one of these silly sheep he does not merely invite and beseech it to return, but he lays it on his shoulder and brings it back, and then calls on his friends in earth and in heaven to rejoice with him, for he hath found his sheep which was lost. He restores them in this way when they wander; heals them when sick; washes them when unclean; watches over them continually, and lest any should hurt them, he keeps them night and day. He came into the world that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. What has Christ done for his sheep? he gives an answer himself, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” “I lay down my life for the sheep.” O what love, amazing, strong, hearty, and eternal love. He says, I give unto them eternal life, they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hands. My Father which gave them me is greater than all: and no one is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hands. He stands and feeds them in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. The Prophet Isaiah says, “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the labs with his arms and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. He feeds them with green pasture unlike Moses, who led the flock of Jethro “to the back side of the desert.” He feeds them in good pasture, in fat pasture; and upon the high mountains of Israel I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God.

Christ seeketh out his flock. For thus saith the Lord, “Behold I even, I will both search out my sheep and seek them out. He delivers them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. He seeks that which was lost, and brings again that which was driven away. He goeth before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Strangers will they not follow but flee from them, for they know not their voice, because of this the strangers push and thrust at them with their horns, till the sheep are scattered abroad. Sometimes through their heedlessness, disobedience, and obstinacy, the sheep venture too near the haunts of the beasts of prey; but Jesus shews his deep regard fro their welfare, by calling them and taking them into the green pasture and to the waters of quietness. The shepherd has prepared for them green and eternal pastures in another world, where the wicked cease from troubling, and where the weary shall for ever rest; but ere they can reach these refreshing pastures, they must cross the swelling Jordan; through the valley of the shadow of death; even then the good shepherd will comfort and protect them; they shall fear no evil, but will rejoice that the Lord is with them. Christ is the shepherd and bishop of immortal souls, and how great his love; how indefatigable his labour; how inconceivable the tranvail of his soul, in order to redeem the souls of his people. He loves them too well; suffered for them too much, and is too deeply concerned for them ever to forget them. He says to his followers, “I will not forget thee.” The good shepherd is known of his sheep.

My Reader, do we know him, his voice and his love, not by mere report, not by commendations of others, but by our own personal experience? In this way do we know his faithfulness; his tenderness; his forbearance, and his wisdom, power and love? Peter says, when the chief shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. All his sheep are marked, he knoweth them that are his. He hath written upon them his “new name,” they are his own, and he hath put a mark upon their foreheads, so that they are distinguished from those around them. He gathers thie lambs in his arms, and though they are sickly and weak, they shall not be left behind. If the lamb is weak, so that it cannot always keep up with the sheep, it shall be carried, and that not carelessly or heartlessly, but tenderly, carefully, and affectionately, it shall be carried in his bosom. Jesus on one deeply interesting occasion, said, “Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” If infinite wisdom can lead the flock safely, surely Jesus’s sheep must be secure, for with him is unbounded skill; with him are the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. If Almighty power can uphold and defend them, then they are well defended, for Christ, the shepherd is the creator of all things. He is the Almighty, Omniscient, and Omnipresent Jehovah. He can secure his sheep from the chilling blast and from the wintry storm. He will lead them beside the still waters. He leadeth them in paths of righteousness for his name sake, and they are willing through grace to follow him withersoever he goeth; willing to keep close beside their shepherd’s tent. Are we members of his little flock? Has the holy spirit brought us back to the shepherd and bishop of our souls? O how great the love of God in bringing us back; why were we brought into the narrow, while multitudes are left to perish in the broad way? No reason can be given but this, “Even so Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.” O may we be enabled to hear the shepherd’s voice: keep close to the shepherd’s tent; feed in the green, rich, and refreshing pasturage of his word. Good Shepherd, help us; give ear, O Shepherd of Israel; Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; Thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.

While my Redeemer’s near,
   My Shepherd and my Guide;
I’ll bid farewell to anxious fear,
   My wants are all suppli’d.

To ever- fragrant meads,
   Where rich abundance grows;
His gracious hand indulgent leads
   And guards my sweet repose.

Dear Shepherd, if I stray,
   My wand’ring feet restore;
To thy fair pastures guide my way,
   And let me rove no more.

Unworthy as I am,
   Of thy protecting care;
Jesus, I plead thy gracious name,
   For all my hopes are there.

Steele.

LIFE.

All that are without Christ however grave their profession, however moral their character, however consistent their external appearance, are dead in trespasses and in sins. Christ has overcome spiritual death, by the free communication of spiritual life. He is a quickening spirit, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Eph. ii. 1. Christ is the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth, and the life. Passing from a state of spiritual death to spiritual life, is a spiritual resurrection. We pass from death to an undying life, by virtue of union to Jesus. The spiritually dead hear his voice, and they that hear do live. “He quickeneth whom he will.” John v. 21. He has overcome eternal death, by suffering the just demerit of their sins that shall believe in him. He drank the cup of the Father’s wrath. He trod the wine-press alone — work himself, and his own arm brought salvation unto him: and his fury (zeal) it upheld him. He swallowed up death in victory, he was its destruction, and he also destroyed him that had the power of death, that is the devil. So that to the true believer — death is stingless, death now is a falling asleep in Jesus.

Christ is the fountain of life, “In him was life: and the life was the light of men.” John i. 4. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life.” 1 John v. 12. In Christ is all the believer’s life; from him flows the life of desire — of holiness — of faith — of joy — and of peace. Jesus saith, “I am the resurrection and the life. I came that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Christ is the principle of the believer’s life; Paul says in his epistle to the Galatians ii. 20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh — I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Christ is the great moving wheel on which all other wheels move. He is the great main spring, without which there is no moving heaven-ward, without which there is no spiritual action, word, or thought.

Christ is also the end of a believer’s life; “For me to live is Christ.” Are we living in the truth through the indwelling of Jesus? Through whom do we live? For whom are we living? Or for whom are we desiring to live? O that we may be able to say in truth as the apostle did, “For me to live is Christ.” “I live not to myself, but to Christ: and that whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” Rom. xiv. 8. If Christ is our life, while he lives we cannot die. Spiritual and immortal life is ours: Christ said, “because I live, ye shall live also.” He declares, “I am he that liveth and was dead: and behold I am alive for evermore.” Beloved reader, think of that glorious scripture on the point in Colossians iii. 4; “When Christ, who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory.” To know Jesus is life eternal: may our desire be, to know him and the power of his resurrection. “Christ Jesus is the Tree of Life, which bare twelve manner of fruits.” Here is a rich variety, and such is the suitabillity of the fruits, that whatever may be the state of the disciples of the Son of God, here is fruit that will suit them: it yieldeth its fruit every month, it is always fresh — seasonable — and life cheering and life invigorating. The leaves of this imperishable tree are no less useful then its fruits, for these are for the healing of the nations. This tree was on either side of the river. We would not wish to be fanciful in our interpretations of the word of God: but we do think that this river — this pure river of water of life as clear as crystal, is truly descriptive of the whole word of Jehovah; and that Christ is the Tree of Life in the old testament, and also in the new testament side.

Where can we find such delightful shade — such refreshing as under the tree of life. Have we not sat under its sheltering branches, and found its fruit sweet to our taste? Have we not received its leaves — the precious promises, and found their soothing and healing properties? These leaves when received by precious faith, heal the most inveterate diseases.

Christ is the bread of life; he is not only the fountain, the principal, and the end of life: but he is also the supporter of life. Jesus himself said, “I am the bread of life;” the bread of God is “he which cometh down from heaven and giveth life to the world.” This is the indispensable food of the soul. How blessed to have our souls hungering after the bread that is the staff of life. Having tasted of this living bread, it destroys the appetite for worldly pleasure, there is no more satisfaction apart from the Lord. Joseph nourished his brethren with bread, so Jesus causeth his followers to eat living bread by faith, and be nourished. The Lord surely has visited his people in giving them bread, and that not dry and mouldy like the Gibeonites. Josh. ix. 5. The bread that the Lord gives, strengthen man’s heart. The Lord said, and will he not do it: “I will satisfy my poor with bread;” we would say, “Lord, evermore give us this bread.” Multitudes are feeding upon ashes, dust, and empty husks, — and spending their money for that which is not bread. Christ says to every one hungering after him, “Eat, O friends: drink: yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.” He is the prince of life. He giveth life as one having authority, to as many as are given him; and when he imparts life to the soul he secures it, for he holdeth our souls in life, and suffereth not oour feet to be moved. May it be our highest aim to seek to know Jesus, to serve him, to love him, to enjoy him, and to seek his protection. We have found by bitter experience, that the ways of the world are dishonourable, and delusive as a shadow, and as deceitful as an eastern brook. May we be enabled to come and sing in the height of Zion, and flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, that we may be satisfied with the goodness of the Lord. Then truly shall we have tasted, handled, and looked upon the word of life — and be able to say our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus. Holy Spirit, bless these truths to those that may read them, bless them, and make them a blessing. Amen.

When sins and fears prevailing rise,
   And fainting hope almost expires;
Jesus, to thee I lift mine eyes,
   To thee I breathe my soul’s desires.

Art thou not mine, my living Lord?
   And can my hope, my comfort die;
Fix’d on thy everlasting word,
   That word which built the earth and sky.

If my immortal Saviour lives.
   Then my immortal life is sure;
His word a firm foundation gives.
   Here let me build, and rest secure.

Here, O my soul, thy trust repose!
   If Jesus is for ever mine;
Not death itself, that last of foes.
   Shall break a union so divine.

THE CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL.

How strong! How suitable! And how heavenly the consolations given by the Redeemer to followers. Christ is the foundation, the imitable source, and the everlasting spring of true spiritual comfort. Christ is “the consolation of Israel,” and for him the venerable — the spiritual-minded Simeon waited, and for him, a few of the Jews daily prayed. All real peace and comfort comes from Immanuel. The Father is indeed, “The God of all comfort, the God of all consolation.” The Spirit also is the comforter. But it is only in and by Christ, and his finished work, that the sorrowing — the law condemned sinner can he comforted. He was sent to bind up the broken-hearted — to comfort all that mourn — to appoint beauty for ashes — the oil of joy for mourning — the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. He delighted when he was upon the earth, to comfort those that were cast down. He still delights to comfort his followers in all their tribulations, by the power of his spirit and by the testimony of his word, brought home to the mind. He is the person by whom we have access to the Father, and hold sweet fellowship with him. He gives the strong spiritual drink of consolation, to those that are sad in their countenance, and heavy in their hearts. How strong is the consolation Jesus gives to the sinner that is awakened and convinced, that he was living in the city of destruction, and therefore has fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before him in the gospel: truly he meets with many obstacles in his path, meets with many false advisers, and a deep slough of despond. But O, how rich the consolation he has when he sees his interest in the atonement, in the divine perfection of the redeemer’s righteousness, in the exceeding great and precious promises of the word, and in the inexhaustible fulness treasured up in Jesus. What can be compared to this real happiness and blessedness, that the believer possesses through Jesus, the consolation of Israel. As there are degrees of bitterness experienced in the soul, so there are in the realization of comfort. A view of Jesus, the King of Zion, in his beauty by precious faith, fills the soul with joy unspeakable and divine glory.

Joseph comforted his brethren and spake kindly unto them. So Jesus reveals himself to his friends, and he speaks comfortably to them and to their hearts. He manifests himself unto them as he does not unto the world: and one word from Jesus gives the penitent sinner more comfort than the world, with all its boasted greatness and richness could. Such can truly say, “In the multitude of my thoughts within, thy comforts delight my soul.” This is not the language of men in general, they know nothing of inward spiritual trouble; they know nothing of mourning for sin; therefore they never think of seeking strong consolation where alone it can be found. Such as mourn for sin are comforted: Jesus said concerning them, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Christ by one of his prophets, said, “I, even I, am he that comforteth you.” Christ comforts them that are cast down by an inward manifestation of his great love, by causing them to find his words and to eat them. When the soul is favoured with a precious faith’s view of Christ in his lovely character, its language is, “Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth I desire beside thee.” My reader, is Christ all and in all to you? Is he altogether lovely to you? Is he the fairest among ten thousand? Is your prayer let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth? If so, may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father which loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation, and good hope throught grace, — comfort our hearts stablish us in every good word and work.

Israel’s strength and consolation,
   Hope of all the saints thou art:
Dear desire of every nation,
   Joy of every longing heart.

Born, thy people to deliver,
   Born a child, and yet a king;
Born to reign in us for ever,
   Now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal spirit,
   Rule in all our hearts alone;
By thy all-sufficient merit,
   Raise us to thy glorious throne.

WAY.

Christ Jesus is the Way, the new and living way, the highway, and the way of holiness, and there the redeemed of the Lord shall walk.

When Adam sinned in the garden of Eden, he brought all mankind into a sinful, undone, helpless, and miserable condition. For by one man’s disobedience, many were made sinners. Sin rendered it impossible for God and man to have communion, out through a glorious and divine mediator. Jesus Christ is called the way, because it is through him the believing penitent, the spirit convinced sinner could have fellowship with the Great Jehovah, through Jesus the soul escapes from sin, its love, its reigning power, and its awful condemnation, as the bird escapes from the fowler. Herein is love, strong, hearty, and unceasing, that Christ should condescend to become the way from sin to holiness: from inward war to inward spiritual peace; from the just indignation of God to the riches, the happiness, and the glory of heaven. All that the violated law can do, is to pronounce “Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law to do them.” The law cannot pardon the transgressor, it is impossible for the law to do this, for the law is weak through the flesh — not weak to condemn but to save. It cannot justify, accept, and help the sinner. No man in his fallen state can do what the law demands; therefore by it there is no life for him. But what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh — for sin condemned sin in the flesh. Jesus Christ then is the way to the Father, by his own blood and sacrifice, — no man can come to the Father but by him. He only can bring his people into the gospel Canaan; Moses brought the ancient Israel to the borders of the promised land, but Joshua brought the people into it. It is by the obedience, sufferings, and death of Christ alone, that the great, the infinite, and the almighty work of salvation is accomplished. Through him we have access by one spirit unto the Father. He is the only way through which the sinner can approach God successfully. By him the prayers of the saints are heard and accepted, having with them much incense from his merits and his works.

How wonderfully doth the scape-goat set for the taking away of sin by Jesus Christ. In Leviticus 16, it reads, “And Aaron shall lay both hands upon the head of the scape-goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat: and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness. And the goat shall bear upon him the iniquities, into a land not inhabited, and he shall let go the goat into the wilderness.” The prophet Isaiah said concerning Christ. “The Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all.” The psalmist says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Jesus is the good old way by which sin is removed — and cast into the depths of the sea. He takes us from a state of sin, of war against the truth, of darkness and of spiritual death, to a state of grace, of truth and righteousness, of light and spiritual life. Jesus is the living way by which the sinner passes from death to me, and shall never come into condemnation. He is a living way, not only because it leads to eternal life, but because he in truth, — possesses life-giving, life-comforting, life-sustaining, and life-glorifying power. How marvellous, how unparalleled, that Jesus should by his own blood, by his own death, open a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the veil that is to say, his flesh. So then notwithstanding our unworthiness and our unholiness through this way, we have a gracious reception with the Holy One. Christ is the christian’s indwelling, quickening, undecaying, and eternal life. He that hath the Son hath life: and by it he goes from strength to strength until he appear before God. He is a new way, in opposition to the original way of access by personal righteousness, which sin has for ever closed; a new way in contrast with the entrance which the Jewish High Priest made once a year, which itself proved, “that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest.”

He is a free way for all seeking, longing, and pleading sinners: however stained, however polluted, however unworthy through sin. It is by grace we are saved through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast, for we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works. The believer is justified freely by God’s grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: and being justified by the blood of Jesus, he shall be saved from wrath through him. Christ is a free way, a way barred up against no person however vile, that really seeks pardon through his blood. “Him that cometh to Jesus he will in no wise cast out.” He leads in the right and appointed way to God, without money and without price.” He makes all those that come unto him acceptable to the Father, by his own glorious and everlasting righteousness. Jehovah is well pleased with them for his Son’s sake. Through Jesus we may approach God with holy boldness, and expect from him great and numerous blessings, even showers of blessings. Through the blood-shedding, and the intercession of Christ, sinners hold communion with the great searcher of hearts, walk with God, and are brought to an agreement with the truth as it is in the gospel; they are brought to the acknowledgment of the mystery of the Father and of Christ. Jesus is a safe way, unlike the unsafe way of approaching God, by outward observances, by cold heartless, self-righteous formalities.

Jesus is a secure way, no lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon; it shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. So while walking in the spirit — while walking in this way by faith, there is nothing to fear, though we cannot help fearing, — there is no cause for alarm though we are quaking, there shall be nothing that can by any means hurt us; “for all things work together for good to them that love God: to them who are called according to his purpose.” Jesus by his glorious work, honours the perfections of the godhead — honours his redeemed, by bringing them into the way of holiness, by giving them all things richly to enjoy God, for the sake of the work of his well-beloved Son, is pleased with all those that walk in Zion’s highway. Stern unbending justice is satisfied with every one found walking therein. Mercy with benignant countenance smiles upon them, and angelic spirits will welcome them to the bright scene of the eternal world. Christ is the way of holiness, nothing unclean shall pass over it, the Lord makes such as walk in him clean by the word, spiritual in their views of truth — spiritual and holy in their motives for action, in their desires, in their zeal for good works. This way we find to be a narrow one: no bringing of our own righteousness — our creature doings — our alms deeds — our prayers into it, for nothing that is unclean shall pass there. All such as walk in “wisdom’s ways, which are ways of pleasantness and paths of peace,” are enriched by the unsearchable riches and fullness of Jesus, are enobled by all that is great, solemn, and heavenly in the Lord — are secured by the oaths promises, and almightiness of Deity: and soon shall they praise him in unearthly strains in the bright world to which they are travelling.

Christ is the way of peace; he gives peace, not as the world giveth. There is no warring, no strife, no petty jealousies in this way, he is full of peace, and Paul says of him, “he is our peace.” My reader, are you in this way, the new way, the living, the safe and peaceful way. Have you passed through the strait gate and the narrow way of regeneration, at the head of the way of truth, of righteousness and salvation. Have you been enabled to put your trust in Jesus, for life and eternal glory? If so, the Lord hath indeed done great things for you, and for them you are doubtless desirous of praising his name. May we have the unspeakable happiness of singing salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God for ever.

There is no path to heavenly bliss,
Or solid joy, or lasting peace,
            But Christ the appointed road;
Oh, may we tread the sacred way,
By faith rejoice, and praise, and pray,
            Till we sit down with God!

REFUGE.

Christ is the rock that the poor trembling and seeking sinner embraces by faith, for want of a shelter. Jesus Christ is a refuge in which his people are secured from the wrath of Jehovah, to which we are all exposed by violating his laws. Sin and transgression have exposed us to every danger, made us obnoxious to divine indignation. When this is made known in the conscience by God’s most righteous law, there is a fleeing for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us in the gospel. Christ Jesus in his person, character, and offices, in his almightiness, in his atonement, righteousness and all-prevailing intercession, is a strong and eternal refuge. He welcomes and receives the sinner filled with alarm for his safety, dreading his exposedness to danger. He receives the brokenhearted sinner into his wounded side, and into this blessed cleft he enters by precious faith. If the sinner is pursued by opposing powers, in Jesus he finds a strong fortress, If wearied with the trials, the burdens, and the heat of the journey of life: Christ is to him the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Christ was himself rent, that he might become a suitable hiding place. He endured “the blast of the terrible ones, as a storm against the wall,” that he might be to sinners a “covert from the tempest.” He suffered the fatal stroke of the avenger of blood. He voluntarily left the bosom of the Father, and became a little sanctuary unto his people.

How wonderfully did the Lord shelter Noah in the ark from the deluge, and how far more astonishing, that Jesus should shelter his people from the deluge of Jehovah’s wrath. How hearty God’s love was to the Israelites when he secured them by the blood of the lamb slain; and how great! how matchless! ! how hearty! ! ! the love of Christ, that he should shed his own blood for poor trembling and pleading sinners. How strong and lasting is Christ the refuge for the poor and distressed. He is the Almighty, the Eternal, and the only wise God; the creator of heaven above, and the earth beneath. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite; the thunder of his power, who can understand? there is none that can find out God to perfection. And O how amazing, that the almightiness of Jehovah should be the believer’s protection: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it and is safe.” Here seeking sinners have found safety in every age, and rejoiced in God their Saviour. Here they repair by faith from the fiery darts of satan — from the curses of a broken law — the malice of their enemies — and the storms of divine providence. Here they find a peaceable habitation, a quiet resting place, and a sure dwelling. What a glorious refuge! What a blessed abode! What infinite security! Christ has been the hiding place of his saints in every season of trouble, and the refuge of his people in every blasting storm. They are enabled to say, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble: Therefore will not we fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” Christ is a refuge, wherein the weary find rest: for he saith, “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The noble-minded Paul saith, “we which have believed do enter into rest.” Here the refugee finds true happiness — strong consolation — invaluable security — inimitable glory, and imperishable riches.

Here is a little sanctuary in which they enjoy the inestimable privilege of communion with the God of all our comforts. Here is a refuge made sufficient to secure all that are fleeing from the avenger of blood — driven to their wits ends — and sickened of their lying refuges. — Jesus saith, “all that the Father giveth me shall come to me, and him that cometh, I will in no-wise cast out. Who then can hesitate to praise Jesus, for the protection he affords? Who can be injured or destroyed, having a dwelling in this refuge? Hast thou not known, hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God — the Lord — the creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not neither is weary? He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might, he increaseth strength. Is it not declared, that “he that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most high, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty?” Surely Christ will deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence: he shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings thou shalt trust; his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. So you shall be enabled to say, “Thou art my hiding place, thou shalt preserve me in trouble, and thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.” He is my refuge and my fortress: my God: in him will I trust. He is my strong tower and my refuge. O my reader, may we be enabled to take shelter in the righteousness of Jesus; we are surrounded by enemies, these are crafty — malicious — and powerful — these besiege us without and within. We are exposed to the wrath of God — to the storms of a violated law in our natural state — to the storms of a guilty awakened conscience: and it matters not how near we are to the refuge, if we are not enclosed by it, we must be for ever lost. It was in vain the inhabitants of the old world climbed the massy, the lofty, and the cloud clapt mountains — in vain their climbing the towering trees — in vain their clinging to the outside of the ark, for Noah only remained alive and they that were with him in the ark. It was of no avail for the man-slayer to be near the cities of refuge, when the avenger of blood had overtaken him — within the walls he was safe — without them he was unsafe. In Christ the refuge we are eternally secure, apart from Jesus we are undone, unsafe, and lost. Holy Spirit, lead us to this great rock — to this strong tower — to this everduring hiding place in every season or danger, and in every time of trouble, and there let us be sheltered from every raging and fearful storm: and there let us sing as inhabitants of the rock: and there let us sing of the goodness and mercy of the Lord that have followed us all the days of our life. Holy Comforter, thou knowest that we are often in doubting castle, and have often times been in the slough of despond: but give us to know that in Jesus we have defence and glory. The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. Christ is a refuge never subject to decay — never useless — never to be destroyed. He is the Lord that changeth not, therefore the sons of Jacob are not consumed. How blessed! How encouraging! How God honouring! that this hiding place stands fast — that time with all its ravages — that our enemies with all their blasting power, that the wrath of God with all its outbreaks, could not move it. Stood it has and stand it will, till time shall be no longer. My reader, may the Holy Ghost help us to repair to him — to abide in him — trust at all times to him, and e’er long we shall say, thanks be unto God who always causeth us to triumph in Christ. Soon we shall have done with false hearts, delusive hopes, cloudy storms, and perplexing nights, and with the warring, the noise, the bustle and the trials of this world. May Christ be our supporter, supplier, and protector while in this world we stay, then in a brighter world shall we sing a new song unto the Lamb, then what pouring forth of hallelujah’s! What harping! What falling down before Jesus! What crowning him Lord of all! Saying amen. “Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”

Jesus, lover of my soul,
   Let me to thy bosom fly,
While the raging billows roll,
   While the tempest still is high I
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,
   Till the storm of life is past:
Safe into the haven guide,
   O receive my soul at last!

Other refuge have I none.
   Hangs my helpless sold on thee;
Leave, ah! leave me not alone.
   Still support and comfort me:
All my trust on thee is stay’d.
   All my help from thee I bring;
Cover my defenceless head
   With the shadow of thy wing.

VINE.

How various are the metaphors used in the word of God, to instruct the mind in the great and immortal theme of the union of Christ and all true believers. How amazing the condescension and kindness of Jesus in choosing such familiar things through which to make know the closeness of this union, and its utility to all his disciples. Jesus Christ is the true and living vine, and through in him, to the carnal — unregenerate mind, there is nothing attractive, no form nor comeliness; the believer experiences from him life-spiritual, ever-flowing and eternal. And as in the literal vine — the branches have an important union: so in Christ the saints have a hallowed — vital — and imperishable union. True believers may be like the branches of the vine in the blasting storms of winter, when the branches appear to have no sap, no nourishment: but let the summer’s sun shine, let the evening’s dew fall — and oh! what a change, life showing itself in every part — sap flows freely, vigorously, and sufficiently from the parent root. So it is with the spiritual followers of Jesus: They have their wintry blasts as well as their summer’s fruitfulness. They receive all spiritual life from Jesus. He quickeneth whom he will. His communications never cease. His vital influence never fails.

“Jesus immutably the same,
The true and living vine.”

His people are the branches, and how precious is the truth, that they have a hidden union in Jesus, they are called hidden ones — their life is hid with Christ in God. The branches are in the literal vine before they show themselves, — so all true believer’s had a secret union to Jesus before ever it was made manifest. We are known only by our fruits: the Lord grant we may not bring forth wild grapes, or grapes of gall, but may our fruits be such as are called the fruits of the spirit, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, against such there is no law. Such as love Jesus know that it is only by the constant communications of spiritual life — that they are enabled to bring good fruit to the praise and glory of God. In Jesus are all their springs — from him is all their fruit found. He makes all his people partakers of the divine nature — light, holiness, and love. He giveth them his spirit, and if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Apart from Jesus, our fruit is unrighteousness and death: in union to Jesus, our fruit is unto holiness and God.

Christ is the true vine, affording delightful shade to every law-condemned, undone, seeking sinner: under this vine they dwell safely. How glorious! sheltered by Jesus, dwelling under his shadow with great delight. How plainly it is shown us, that there is no good fruit without vital union with Jesus. How amazingly close is the union existing between Christ and his people. How great the care of the husband man in pruning the branches of this vine. May the Lord in his grace and power make it manifest to us, my reader, that we are one spirit with the Lord; that we are branches of the true and living vine, imperishably united to Jesus. O thou living, life-creating, life-invigorating, and life-sustaining Sprit, grant us more than ever to feel thy glorious power, that we may bring forth fruit an hundred fold to the glory of Jehovah. Amen.

Jesus, immutably the same,
   Thou true and living vine;
Around thy all-supporting stem
   My feeble arms I twine.

Quicken’d by thee, and kept alive,
   I flourish and bear fruit!
My life I from thy sap derive,
   My vigour from thy root.

I can do nothing without thee;
   My strength is wholly thine:
Wither’d and barren should I be
   If sever’d from the vine.

CHRIST IS ALL AND IN ALL.

How true it is that Christ is all and in all. Meditate upon the covenant of grace — of life — and of peace; a covenant never to be broken, an everlasting agreement. And you cannot, (if taught by the Holy Spirit,) fail in discovering Christ to be its all and in all. Gaze upon the startling wonders and amazing glory of creation, and in this you see the power and life of Christ. Every blade of grass wet with the dew of heaven proclaim him: every shining star is but the sparkling of Messiah’s glory, “For all things were created by him, and without him nothing was created.” He is all, in the types and shadows of the old dispensation, their glory, their meaning, and their substance is all found in Jesus. The bible is full of Christ, its history, its prophesy, its sacrifices, and its ordinances, unite in setting him forth, he is all and in all, in the work of salvation. In this work the eye of faith sees Christ in his ancient, essential relative, and mediatorial glory. In eternal salvation how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty. Christ is all, in the doctrines of the gospel: he give them sweetness, savour, and power. The gospel is a pure river of water of life as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb. Christ in all, in the christians experience, “He that hath the son, hath life: and he that hath not the son, hath not life.” Here is the secret of all true, vital, christian experience; “Christ is formed in the heart the hope of glory. Apart from him what leanness, what distress, what despondency of soul. His name is indeed to the child of God, as ointment poured forth. He will be the christian’s all, in heaven, to all eternity: may the Holy Ghost grant that the reader may be enabled to say, “The Lord is my portion saith my soul.” Amen, and Amen.