dience of faith ; 4. That their field is all nations j 5. That the design of all is to honour Christ ; it is for his name, vs. 1 — 5.
2. The gospel is contained, in its rudiments, in the Old Testament. It is the soul of the old dispensation, v. 2.
3. Christ is the Alpha and Omega of the gospel. In stating the sub- stance of the gospel, Paul says, ' It concerns Jesus Christ,' v. 3.
4. Christ is at once God and man; the son of David and the Son of God, vs. 3, 4.
5. Christ is called the Son of God in reference to his divine nature, and on account of the relation in which, as God, he stands to the Father. The name, therefore, is expressive of his divine character, vs. 3, 4.
6. He is the proper object of prayer, and the source of spiritual bless- ings, V. 7.
7. He is the mediator, through whom our prayers and thanksgiving must be presented unto God, v. 8.
8. God is the source of all spiritual good ; is to be worshipped in spi- rit, and agreeably to the gospel ; and his providence is to be recognised in reference to the most ordinary affairs of life, vs. 8 — 10.
9. Ministers are not a class of men exalted above the people, and independent of them for spiritual benefits, but are bound to seek, as well as to impart good, in all their intercourse with those to whom they are sent, vs. 11, 12.
10. Ministers are bound to preach the gospel to all men, rich as well as poor, wise as well as unwise ; for it is equally adapted to the wants of all, vs. 14, 15.
11. The salvation of men, including the pardon of their sins, and the moral renovation of their hearts, can be effected by the gospel alone. The wisdom of men, during four thousand years previous to the advent of Christ, failed to discover any adequate means for the attainment of either of tnese objects ; and those who, since the advent, have neglected the gospel, have been equally unsuccessful, v. 16, &c.
13. The power of the gospel lies not in its pure theism, or perfect moral code, but in the cross, in the doctrine of justification by faith in a crucified Redeemer, v. 17^ &c.