Christian, who, sensible how much error and uncertainty there is in the world, turns his eyes wholly to the blessed Immanuel, and cries, "Lord, to whom can I go but unto thee, thou hast the words of eternal life."

2. Christ is possessed of unlimited authority and almighty power.

While he was here on earth, diseases vanished at his touch, and devils trembled and fled at his word. The multitude were astonished at his doctrine, and the manifold miracles which accompanied it. Mark i. 27. Well might they in amazement cry, "What thing is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." Besides, he endowed his disciples with the power of working many miracles. When, therefore, the question is put by the prophet, "Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah, this, that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength?" It is Christ who answers, "I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save." How distressing would this thought be to the mind of the Christian-perhaps Jesus, though

willing, is not able to deliver my soul from the pit of destruction. Indeed there seems a manifest impropriety in calling him a Saviour, unless he possesses power to rescue perishing sinners from the most imminent danger, and degrading bondage. In the scriptures, we see his omnipotence abundantly displayed. How many precious souls by his outstretched arm, have been snatched back from the opening gulf of despair! And is his hand now shortened that it cannot save, or his ear heavy that it cannot hear? No; having all power in heaven and earth, "he is able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him." Jesus Christ, as the anointed King of Zion, governs his church with a sceptre of power and righteousness. On his almighty arm, how securely may the believer rely! The apostle Paul found the comfort of such a dependence amidst all the fires of persecution, saying, "I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." 2 Tim. i. 12.

3. In Christ we behold matchless condescension and kindness.

Earthly princes are only feeble worms, their loftiest elevation is a mole-hill, and their brightest splendor a vain show. Yet how rarely do they descend from their thrones, to visit and relieve those who languish in the abodes of poverty and wretchedness! In our low and lost estate, Jesus Christ not only saw and pitied us, but also hastened on the wings of love to bring salvation. "He was eternally rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that we through his He was poverty might be made rich." clothed with light, and surrounded with hosts of happy, adoring spirits, yet he submitted to put on our nature, and sojourn among guilty, worthless mortals. Herein is love love without a parallel, love that exceeds description and passes knowledge! The incarnation of the only begotten Son of God, is a mystery of wisdom and love, in which all our thoughts ought to be absorbed, and all our hearts should be enraptured. The wonders of the vast universe, could they be collected and presented to us in one view, would lose all their attraction, and dwindle into insignificance, were we steadfastly to contemplate the marvellous

condescension of the Redeemer, manifested in the humiliation to which he submitted on our account. When he exchanged his throne for the manger of Bethlehem, the shining host of heaven burst into that sublime song, "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, and good will to men."

How can a Christian more effectually learn to abhor pride, and cultivate unaffected humility, than by keeping his eye fixed on the adorable Redeemer? Thus Paul exhorts the Philippians, "Let that mind be in your 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, and took upon him 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." Phil. i. 6-8. Here is condescension which we could not have believed possible, had it not been so clearly and amply revealed. The kindness and love of God our Saviour toward men, appeared with preeminent lustre, in the whole of that great work,

which he undertook to perform for their salvation.

4. Christ is distinguished for faithfulness and immutability.

We have in the gospel exceeding great and precious promises, but what certainty is there that they shall be fulfilled? We must direct our eyes with cheerful confidence to Jesus, who is the faithful and true witness. All the great, and good, and glorious things which he has spoken concerning the prosperity of his church in general, and the happiness of every believer in particular, shall be assuredly accomplished. All the promises of God, in him are yea, and in him amen, to the glory of God by us.

Ministers are called watchmen, stewards, ambassadors. However eminent their gifts, however extensive and useful their labors, they are not suffered long to continue. They fill their sphere, serve their day, and are called away to give place to others, who in their turn are mingled with the dead. "The fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live forever?" Every thing on earth is frail and changeable, but Jesus Christ" is the same yesterday, to-day,