exercising the same faith in hira that we do in the Most High GodP, and honouring him in every respect as we honour the
Father 1. To kiss him, like Judas, and betray him,
will fearfully aggravate our condemnation.]
The vast importance of this injunction will appear, if we consider, II. The arguments with which it is enforced —
And here we notice,
1. The danger of disobeying it — [Grracious and loving as the Saviour is, he is susceptible of anger on just occasions, and feels a holy indignation against those who slight his love. And " if once his wrath be kindled, yea, but a little," it will utterly destroy us^ It will be but little consolation for us to see others suffering under his heavier displeasure: the person who feels the smallest portion of his wrath in hell, will be inexpressibly and eternally miserable : and therefore it becomes us to offer him the sincerest tribute of our afPection without delay. Nothing but this can prevent our ruin. In whatever "way " we are walking, we shall "perish from it," if we do not embrace him with the arms of faith, and " cleave to him with full purpose of heart ^"]
2, The benefit arising from obedience to it —
[What was before metaphorically represented by " kissing the Son," is here more simply expressed by " trusting in him." In fact, a cordial and entire confidence in him, as " our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption," com- prehends all the duties which we are capable of performing towards him in this world.
Now such a trust in him renders a man inconceivably blessed. It brings peace into his soul : it obtains for him the forgive- ness of all his sins ; it secures " grace sufficient for him," and " strength according to his day." It makes him " blessed" in every state ; in health or sickness, in wealth or poverty, in life or death. It entities him to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance in heaven. No creatui-e that possessed it, ever perished. Glory and honour and immortality are the portion of " all that trust in Christ." Whatever may have been their past conduct, or however they may doubt their own acceptance with God, they " are " blessed, and shall be blessed for evermore.]
Application —
[Here then is the direction which in God's name we give to all ; " Kiss the Son." If you have any desire to escape the
P Acts ix. G. John xiv. 1. i John v. 23.
•• Rev. vi. 15 — 17. ^ Acts xi. 23.