3. The everlasting Father —
[This title respects not his relation to the Deity (for with respect to that, he is the Son and not the Father) but rather his relation to his spiritual seed, whom he has begotten by his word and Spirit. But perhaps the words should rather have
^ These are by many considered as two distinct titles ; but, if we unite them, each title will have its proper attribute.
e Col. ii. 3. £)' w soil. jLiuoTTjpt'w. ^ Isai. xxxv. 8.
g 1 Cor. ii. 8. Acts xx. 28.
been translated, " The Father of the everlasting age." The Jewish dispensation was intended to continue but for a limited time ; but the Christian dispensation was never to be succeeded by any other: hence it is called "the last times;" and may be considered as " the everlasting age." Of this Christ is the author ; it owes its existence to him as its parent ; it is pre- served by his guardian care ; and the whole family in heaven and earth who participate its blessings, both bear his image, and inherit his glory.]
4. The Prince of Peace —
[In all which Christ has done, whether in planning or executing the work of redemption, he has cojisulted the peace and welfare of his people. It was to purchase their peace that he became incarnate and died upon the cross. It was to bestow on them the blessings of peace, that he assumed the reins of government, and undertook to manage all their concerns. Peace was the legacy which he left to his Church when he was just departing from the world ; and, on his ascension, he poured it down like a river on myriads of his blood-thirsty enemies : yea, at this very hour does he dispense it according to his own sovereign will, and impart it, with royal munificence, to all the subjects of his kingdom.]
This SUBJECT furnishes us with abundant reason,
1. For admiration —
[If all heaven was filled with wonder at the sight of their incarnate God, and if the " Angels yet desire to look into" that " great mystery of godliness," how marvellous should it appear in our eyes! Let us then adore with reverence what we cannot comprehend ; and exclaim with profoundest wonder, " Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift''."]
2. For gratitude —
[Has the mighty God become a little child for us, and shall we regard his condescension with indifference ? Is he govern- ing and overruling every thing for our good, and shall we feel no sense of his kindness ? Let us rather say, What shall I render to the Lord for all the benefits he has done unto me ?]
3. For devotedness to God —
[If the government be upon his shoulder, we should shew ourselves willing to have it there, and submit ourselves cheer- fully to his authority. In vain shall we regard him as the source and foundation of our peace, unless we yield ourselves to him as the governor of our lives.]
h 2 Cor. ix. 15.
873.] IMPENITENCE UNDER DIVINE CHASTISEMENTS. 52ii