Priest ; and appeared to the beloved Apostle arrayed in priestly vestments, in token that he still carries on the work which lie began on earth m. In him the kingly power of Zerubbabel, and the priestly office of Joshua, were to be united : and it was for this reason that both the crowns were put upon the head of Joshua, who in so remarkable a manner represented him. Being " a priest upon his throne," his government was to be mild, like that of a compassionate Priest; and his intercession effectual, like that of an Almighty King.]
2. By these united offices he was to perform the work assigned him —
[The salvation of men has been contrived by infinite wisdom, and is effected only in that way which God has ap- pointed. It is not accomplished either by power alone or by price alone; but by price and by power. Christ in his priestly office atones; and in his kingly office imparts the benefit of that atonement : " the counsel of peace is between them both." However meritorious the death of Christ might be as a sacrifice, we can receive no salvation by it, unless he exert his al- mighty power to renew and sanctify our nature ; nor, on the other hand, would his grace be sufficient to bring us unto God, unless he had offered a sacrifice for our sins, and continued in heaven to make intercession for us. But by making satisfac- tion to the injured Majesty of heaven, and delivering us out of the hands of all our spiritual enemies, he both effects our reconciliation with God, and renders us meet for our heavenly inheritance.]
Infer —
1. What abundant provision has God made for our peace !
[A guilty conscience is not easily pacified : in the midst of all its endeavours to divert its attention from the state of the soul, it will feel many fears and secret misgivings: it will always suspect, either that something which they do not possess, is necessary for the securing of pardon, or that the exertions used for the attainment of holiness, are inadequate to the end proposed. But God has given us a Saviour, who equally bears the sacerdotal censer, and the regal diadem ; and unites in himself the compassion of a Priest, with the power and authority of a King. What then can be wanting to satisfy our minds? Surely we need only believe; and " according to our faith so shall it be done unto us." If our minds be but " stayed on Christ" as a willing and all-sufficient Saviour, we shall, according to his word, be " kept in perfect peace."]
m Rev. i. 13.