1 Col. i. 1(J. '" 'Aca-«(/K(X((iw(7t(<T0at. Eph. 1. 10.
2269.] Christ's incarnation. 137
innocence. At all events, the restoration of their Lord to the honour of which man by transgression had deprived him, and their communion with man in the benefits conferred upon him, cannot fail of exciting in their breasts the liveliest emotions of gratitude. Indeed, we see that this is no fanciful idea, since it is realized in heaven, where saints and angels join in one general chorus, ascribing " salvation to God and to the Lamb "."]
To ENFORCE then the injunction we have been con- sidering, we would say,
1. Welcome him —
[Let not his advent be regarded with indifference ; but welcome him with acclamations and hosannas. The captious Pharisees may indeed condemn you ; but if you neglect to honour him thus, the very stones will cry out against you".]
2. Submit to him —
[Jesus comes, not merely to save mankind, but to set up his kingdom in the world. Let your hearts then, yea, " the very thoughts of your hearts, be brought into a willing captivity to him." " Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish P :" and present your offerings before him in token of your allegiance to him, and your unreserved subjection to his Willi.]
3. Depend upon him —
[He is that nail in a sure place on which are to be hanged all the vessels of his Father's house '^. Trust then on him ; and let his vicarious sufferings and obedience be the stay and support of your souls.]
4. Glory in him —
[Since he is the boast of all in heaven, let him be the boast of all on earth. Let the frame of your hearts be joyous, exulting, and triumphant^. Thus from worshipping him here below, you shall be brought to worship him for evermore in heaven above.]
n Rev. v, 9, 13. ° Luke xix. 38 — 40. p Ps. ii. 12.
1 Matt. ii. 11. r isai. xxii. 23, 24. » See Isai. xliv. 23.