Eternal Son, and like their Author are utterly indiscribable, and inconceivable. We might possibly enumerate the particles of dust which form the globe of the earth, or the particles of water which fill up the caverns of the ocean, but to enumerate all the benefits which flow to the believing soul through the Savior's cross, or exhibit either of them in all its importance rises infinitely beyond the ability of mortals. "Eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." In order to meet our feeble capacities, and to represent the blessings of redemption as a portion infinitely sufficient for the immortal soul they are set forth in scripture by a great variety of language. They are emphatically pronounced, durable riches, and the meat which endureth to everlasting life, in opposition to the wealth and the joys of this world which are equally uncertain, and unsatisfying; the one thing needful, which inconceivably enriches, although every thing else should be wanting; the pearl of great price, for securing which a man is justified in "selling all that he hath: A treasure in the heavens where moth cannot corrupt, nor thief break through and steal," being secured for every heir beyond the possibility of failure or forfeiture; an inheritance incorruptible, and a crown of glory that fadeth not away, which will remain undecaying when

all the profits, and all the honors of the world with their miserable possessors have perished forever. In short, both worlds are made over to the christian through the mediation of his adorable substitute, and infallibly secured by the written charter of his word: All things are yours, says the apostle addressing the favored heirs of salvation, things present, and things to come; all are yours, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's."

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These riches imply,

1. Temporal blessings; all that is requisite for our support during the present life. Man by his apostacy from the living God lost his title to temporal, no less than spiritual blessings; he as completely forfeited every claim to the least crumb from the table of common providence, as to the favor of God, or the inheritance of eternal life. The sentence which was denounced against Adam in consequence of his transgression extended even to outward privileges. Cursed be the ground for thy sake; thorns and thistles shall it bring forth to thee. Had it not been for the interposition of the Son of God, and for the sake of his spiritual offspring a general blast must have instantly pervaded the natural world: The heavens must have become as brass, the earth as iron, and the herb of the field withered to its root, refusing nourishment to man. But Jesus Jehovah actually removed the curse that was

due to his people on account of their transgressions, and bought back the forfeited inheritance. He redeemed the bodies of his chosen, no less than their souls, and has therefore secured provision for the one no less than the other. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth; they shall possess the land, and be fed with the heritage of Jacob their father, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." True it is, christian, thou mayest not perhaps roll in the affluence of this world; thou mayest not like the rich man be clothed in purple and fare sumptuously every day, yet whatever can redound to thy real good, or thy master's glory is secured in the covenant, is promised in the gospel, and shall be communicated. "In famine thou shalt be fed: My God shall supply all thy needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." He who gives his angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways; who sympathises in all thy sorrows; who is afflicted in all thine afflictions, and will at last raise up thy frail, vile body in incorruption and glory, will not suffer thee to want what is for thy real advantage. "Thou shalt dwell on high, thy place of defence shall be the munition of rocks; thy bread shall be given thee, and thy water shall be sure.

Although temporal blessings are included in the christian's charter, it also com

prehends privileges infinitely more valuable, and lasting. These riches imply,

2. Remission through the blood, and reconciliation through the righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ. We were naturally involved in an infinite debt, and utterly unable to offer a ransom; bound over as lawful captives to the law and justice of Jehovah, without the possibility of accomplishing our freedom. The redemption of the soul is precious, and must have ceased for ever, as to any wisdom or ability of mortals. No man could redeem himself; neither could any man redeem his brother, or pay to God a ransom for him. But in these circumstances of humiliation and wretchedness the Son of God graciously interposed, and restored that which he took not away: He expiated with his own blood that curse which we had incurred; he secured by the obedience of his own life a new title to that inheritance of glory which we had forfeited, and is thus become the Author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him. This complete, irreversible remission of all iniquity is a precious part of those riches which flow to us thro' the poverty of Jesus; of that legacy which he bequeaths to the objects of his sovereign, everlasting love. "He hath finished transgression, and made an end of sin, and made reconciliation for iniquity, and brought in everlasting righteousness:" Interested in this sacrifice, and this righteousness of the

infinite surety, the sinner is not only discharged from all the guilt of his past transgressions, but possesses a written, and legal charter to all the glories of immortality.Being justified by his grace, he is made an heir according to the hope of eternal life.-The Father who formerly appeared in the character of an avenging judge; who denounced tribulation and wrath against his iniquities is now perfectly pacified; with his own hand he draws up the sentence of his pardon, and proclaims in accents of love, "I will be merciful to thine unrighteousness: I, even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own name's sake, and will not remember thy sins." Contemplating this privilege of the redeemed, the apostle breaks forth in the challenge of exultation and of gratitude, "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth; Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died; yea, rather that is risen again; who is even at the right hand of God; who also maketh intercession for us." Pardon and acceptance, which result from the sacrifice of the surety appropriated by faith, may be considered as introductory to all other blessings.

"Be

ing justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."