stumbling-block, and to the Greeks foolishness/' yet he would " know nothing elsea," and " glory in nothing else." He gloried in it,
1. As displaying such wonders of love and mercy to the world at large —
[Here was a plan of salvation suited to, and sufficient for, the necessities of the whole world. All were involved in one common ruin : all needed an atonement to be offered for their sins : the whole universe could not present one capable of expiating their guilt; the highest archangel was as incom- petent to it as was the blood of bulls and goats. But God, of his infinite mercy, had devised a way: he had entered into covenant with his only-begotten Son: he had agreed with him, that, if he would assume our nature, and " make his soul an offering for sin," his sacrifice should be accepted in their behalf, and he should have from amongst the fallen race of Adam a seed, who should serve him, and enjoy him for everb. This stupendous plan has been executed : the Lord Jesus Christ has " been made in the likeness of men, and has become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross:" and, having " borne our sins in his own body on the tree," and been exalted to the right hand of God as the Head and Forerunner of his people, he now offers salvation unto all freely, " without money and without price." The persons sent out and commissioned by him to preach his Gospel, are empowered to declare, that " God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto themc." To every living man is this message sent, with a full assurance, that " they who believe in Christ shall never perish, but shall have eternal lifed."
Now in this wonderful mystery St. Paul saw such honour reflected on all the Divine perfections, and such blessedness secured to man, that he could not but glory in it, and deter- mine never to glory in any thing else.]
2. As making such ample provision for his own
soul —
[St. Paul felt himself to be the very " chief of sinners," and deserving of God's heaviest indignation. But this Saviour had revealed himself to him, even in the midst of all his wickedness ; and by a signal act of grace had not only par- doned his sins, but had appointed him to preach to others that salvation, of which he was so remarkable a monument. By the manifestation of Christ to his soul, he was assured of mercy and acceptance with God. From that moment he no more
a 1 Cor. ii. 2. *> Isai. liii. 10. c 2 Cor. v. 19. d John Hi. 16.