of himself and yet his conflicts, his victories, and his
triumphs Must not that power be wonderful that is
able to keep him, and effectual for his preservation even to the end ? Yes verily, it is no less a power than that which was put forth to raise the Lord Jesus Christ himself from the dead, and to exalt him above all the principalities and powers both of heaven and hellf.]
It is by the united and continued exercise of these two perfections, that he becomes " our Saviour " —
[In the name of " Saviour" he glories ; and under that character he loves to be viewed by us. His perfections would indeed be the same, though never put forth for us, any more than for the fallen angels : but, as they are so exercised for our welfare, it becomes us to contemplate them in that parti- cular view, and to render to him the praise which such mani- festations of them demand. Reflect a moment on him as a " Saviour ! " not merely as preserving us in our conflicts here, but as " presenting us faultless before the presence of his
glory" in the world above One moment's reflection
upon his character in that view, will abundantly suffice to shew you,]
II. The dispositions with which it should be con- templated—
Beyond all doubt our hearts should be lifted up with devoutest affection towards him, as the Apostle's was ; and should be filled,
1. With love—
[Review the character before described, and say, whether, though you yourselves were not the objects of his care, the very existence of those perfections ought not to endear him to your souls ? How much more then, when from all eternity they have been consecrated to your service, and destined to be
exercised for your good ! 1 call you then to love him,
with all your heart, and all your mind, and all your soul, and all your strength ]
2. With gratitude —
[Go to the world above, and see and hear how all the glorified saints are occupied around the throne : what songs of praise are they singing night and day to God, and to the Lamb! How do they all labour for utterance ; and, by the very accu- mulation of the terms by which they strive to evince their gratitude, shew how inadequate even the language of heaven itself is to express the feelings of their hearts s Thus
f Eph. i. 19—21. 8 Rev. v. 9— KJ.