350 Isaiah, Liii. 2, '3. [<J67.

that has not poured contempt on Christ? The Apo- stles and other disciples of our Lord went to every quarter of the known world, and preached Jesus as the Saviour of men : but in every place did the glad tidings meet with the same reception. Even where the word was most successful, the great majority re- jected it with disdain. And how has it been received amongst us ? Blessed be God ! we are not left wholly without witness ; but the generality despise and reject Christ, as much as ever the Jews did in the days of his flesh. He is not indeed exposed to their outrage ; they cannot scourge and buffet him as once they did ; but there are many other ways wherein they no less virulently express their contempt of him. With what pertinacity do many controvert the divi- nity of his person, the reality of his atonement, and the efficacy of his grace ! And what is this but to deny the Lord that bought them? Again, what is more common than for persons to rely upon their own repentance and reformation for acceptance with God, instead of trusting simply in his blood and righteousness ? and what is this, but to rob him of his glory, and exclude him from the office, which he came to execute? Can any thing be more contemptuous than this ? Again, he has given us commandments, in obeying which we are to testify our regard to him, and to honour him in the world. But who yields to his authority ? Who brings his thoughts and actions into captivity to Ms will? Is not the language of the generality at least, " We will not have this man to reign over us ?" To what purpose is it to say, Lord, Lord! if we do not the things which he says? It is only to act over again the part of those who bowed the knee to him, and yet smote him on the face. Indeed, all despise him, who do not value him as they ought. If we viewed him in his real character, we should see a beauty in him for which he is to be desired ; Ave should " behold his glory, as the glory of the only- begotten of the Father;" he would appear to us "fairer than ten thousand, and altogether lovely;" and the language of our hearts would be, " Whom