Whatever other advantages we may derive from the Scriptures, let us never forget that their grand design is, to make us wise unto salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. "To take Christ from the Bible," says an old writer, "would be like blotting the sun from the firmament." It will avail nothing what discoveries we make, if we find not, to our present and eternal welfare, Him of whom Moses and the prophets wrote. The key of knowledge will be of little use, unless it opens to us the unsearchable riches of Christ. "These things are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing, ye might have life through his name," John xx. 31.

I shall proceed to take a general view of the Perfections and Excellencies of Christ. A great number of powerful arguments might be introduced to prove his divinity; but I shall now merely glance on the names which he bears, the works which he performs, and the honors which he receives.

In the Scriptures Christ is called, The Mighty God, Isa. ix. 6; Jehovah, Jer. xxiii. 6; The Word, John i. 1; The Prince of

Life, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, Rev. xix. 16. Can such titles be properly given to a mere man? If Jesus Christ were not possessed of supreme perfections, such names would rob God of his glory, and introduce that idolatry which he abhors. But if we allow, that the Father and he are personally distinct, yet essentially one, then these divine titles of right belong to Christ, and could not be withheld without equally despising both the Father and the Son.

We shall just briefly refer to his works. It is said of Jesus Christ, "By him all things were created, that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, principalities or powers: all things were created by him and for him; and he is before all things, and by him all things consist," Col i. 16, 17. It is also expressly declared, "That all must stand before the judgment seat of Christ, to give an account of the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or evil." And can such works be performed by any other than the supreme God? Can he who made all things, upholds all

things, and will finally judge the whole world, be himself nothing more than a limited and created being? Who that diligently reads, and candidly examines the Scriptures, can admit such a conclusion?

When Christ was on earth, he was worshipped both by men and angels; and now that he sits with the Father on his throne, he is adored by all the bright hosts of heaven. Rev. v. 12, 13.

Nor do the objections to the Saviour's divinity carry any weight when the Scripture arguments are closely considered. Those passages which speak of Christ as inferior to the Father, may be fairly interpreted as relating to his assumed nature, or mediatorial character. Without entering into this subject controversially, I shall briefly mention those perfections and excellencies of Christ which encourage our dependence on him.

1. Christ is possessed of universal knowledge and infinite wisdom. Our views are indeed, at best, contracted and confused: but all things, past, present and future, are manifest in his sight. "The heart," says the prophet, "is deceitful above all things

and desperately wicked, who can know it?" Can a creature penetrate its folds and mazes, or fathom its depths? No; but Jesus Christ needs not that any should testify, for he knows what is in man. Thus he speaks, Rev. ii. 23, "And all the churches shall know, that I am He which searcheth the reins and the hearts, and I will give unto every one of you according to his works." It is but little, at most, that we can understand of God; but Christ knows the very essence of the Father, in the same manner as the Father knows the Son. See for proof of this assertion, those remarkable words, Matt. xi. 27. Wisdom is that which judges of the fitness of things, or chooses the best means to attain the best ends. Shall we then compare the wisdom of Christ with the wisdom of the most celebrated philosopher? It would be like holding up a glimmering taper as a rival to the noon-day sun. Jesus Christ is wisdom itself, not a slender portion derived from it. The greatest prophets and apostles had only a few broken, scattered rays: He is the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. An inspired writer tells us,

"That in Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," Col. ii. 3. How full and expressive is this language! Wisdom and knowledge are called treasures on account of their unspeakable value; they are said to be hid, not that they are shut up from us, but rather that they surpass our comprehension; they are all hid in Christ, as the grand and never-failing depository. Besides, we are not only sure that Christ is the fountain of wisdom, but also that he is ready to communicate from his inexhaustible stores to us. Hence, Paul, writing to the Corinthians, 1 Cor. i. 31, says, "Of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God, is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." . How well then is he qualified to teach us, and direct our doubtful steps in the way of life! Happy is the man, who, no longer leaning to his own understanding, intrusts his immortal soul to the unerring guidance of the "Only wise God, our Saviour!" Happy is the believer, who, with deep humility and childlike simplicity, sits at the feet of Jesus, to drink in divine knowledge and heavenly consolation! Thrice happy is the favored