whom the whole universe is as nothing in his eyes. Hence our Lord interested himself more particularly on their behalf. His zeal for his Father's glory would not suffer him to be for one moment unmindful of their interests.]
2. Christ himself has an equal propriety in them, " All mine," &c.
[They belong to Christ by the Father's donation, by his
own purchase, and by the closest possible union l Will
he then be regardless of this precious gift, and lose the purchase of his blood, and suffer his own members to perish, for want of his continual intercession ? Surely his interest in them is a very sufficient reason for his unwearied solicitude respecting them.]
3. Christ is glorified in them —
[The ungodly world bring no glory to Christ ; but it is the labour and delight of his people to glorify him. He is glorified now in their faith, love, worship, and obedience : he will be glorified and admired in them at his second coming1" : he will be glorified by them to all eternity. While therefore he has any concern for his own glory, he cannot but be studious of their welfare.]
Infer —
1. How honourable a character is the true Christian !
[The Christian is eminently distinguished from all the rest of the world. He is highly esteemed both by the Father and by Christ, who equally claim him as their property, " He is mine ;" " he is mine." He is interested in all which Christ has done or is now doing. How infinitely does this honour exceed that which cometh of man ! Let every one be ambitious to attain it : nor let any earthly attainments whatever satisfy our desires.]
2. How secure and blessed is his state !
[There may be some who shall never be benefited by the Saviour's intercession ; but Christ's people are continually re- membered by him before the throne. They therefore are sure to have every want supplied ; nor can any defeat the purposes of their blessed Lord. Let therefore every Christian rejoice and glory in the Lord : let the thought of Christ's intercession dissipate all fears of condemnation " : let Christ be viewed as an Advocate under every fresh-contracted guilt0 : let every one seek to glorify him, and to be glorified with him.]
1 They are one body with him, Eph. v. 30. and one Spirit, 1 Cor. vi. 17.
m 2 Thcss. i. 10. n Rom. viii. 84. ° 1 John ii. 1.