lievers will be "punished with an everlasting de"struction from his presence."

The kingdom of Christ is administered by him in the character of a Mediator. As soon as sin entered into the world, the Lord made known his purpose of dealing with men, through the intervention of a Peace-maker; in whose person as Emmanuel, and through whose obedience unto the death of the cross, he might honourably shew mercy to the transgressors of his holy law. So that they who oppose his kingdom, not only rebel against the authority of God, but despise the riches of his everlasting mercy. To effect our reconciliation to our offended Creator, the eternal Son of God was made partaker of flesh and blood; and having "suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, "that he might bring us to God;" he is now ascended into the heavens, as our merciful and faithful High-priest and Advocate. "The go

vernment is upon his shoulders," that he might be able to save to the uttermost all those that come to God through him." Angels, principalities, and powers obey and adore him. "He has "the keys of death and hell;" He is "King of

kings, and Lord of lords." The kingdom of nature and providence is administered by him as our Brother and Friend: "All judgment is com"mitted to him;" "all the fulness of the God"head dwells in him bodily." He is the Head of

all things to his church, "the fulness of him that "filleth all in all.""

How astonishing is this language! how stupendous his grace; who, from this height of personal and mediatorial dignity and pre-eminence, looks down in compassion on us sinful worms, and seems only to glory in his power, as it enables him to enrich and bless our guilty souls! He reigns upon a mercy-seat, dispensing pardons and gifts to rebellious men; pardons and gifts, which he purchased for them with his own blood! He proclaims his immeasurable love in the blessed gospel; he sends his Holy Spirit to glorify him in our hearts, receiving of those things which belong to him, and shewing them to us, in all their suitableness and inestimable value. He invites all that will, to come and take of these blessings freely; he casts out none that come; and he confers all things pertaining to life and godliness on every waiting soul. With the highest propriety therefore, angels celebrated the Redeemer's birth in that expressive song of praise, "Glory to God in the highest, "and on earth peace, good will towards men ;" for "God sent not his Son into the world to con"demn the world; but that the world through "him might be saved." Yet, if men "refuse him "that speaketh;" if they "despise his counsel, and "will none of his reproof:" he will most certainly glorify his power in their destruction. "God

"hath given him a name which is above every "name; that at the name of Jesus every knee "should bow;--and that every tongue should con"fess, that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of "God the Father." This agrees with the solemn declaration quoted by the apostle, "As I live, "saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."

Let it be likewise observed, that "the yoke of "Christ is easy, and his burden light." Not only are all his subjects made heirs of heaven; they have "also the promise, of the life that now is ;" the full assurance that no good thing shall be withholden from them, and they shall receive an hundred-fold, even in this present time, for all the losses they sustain from love to Christ and the gospel.

II. Then let us notice the exhortation of the text: "Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and so ye

perish from the way:" that is, Submit and be reconciled to him, before the day of vengeance overtake you.'

This implies in the first place, submission to the righteousness of God, and a humble acceptance of mercy in his appointed way. We cannot come to a Saviour, except in the character of lost sinners.

'Is. xlv, 21-25. Rom. xiv. 11. Phil. ii. 10, 11.

We are therefore required to humble ourselves before God, and to allow the justice of his awful sentence: and we must not at all excuse our crimes, or expect deliverance from wrath, and the gift of eternal life, as in any degree our due. "Wilt thou," says JEHOVAH, "condemn me, that "thou mayest be righteous'?" This was precisely the case of the ancient Jews; "they being igno"rant of God's righteousness, and going about to “establish their own righteousness, have not sub"mitted themselves to the righteousness of God." "For Christ is the end of the law for righteous"ness to every one that believeth."

There are two principal reasons of men's rejecting the gospel. In general they hate religion, and desire to live without restraint. They take pleasure in worldly objects: and if not compelled by their circumstances to labour, or engaged in covetous or ambitious pursuits; they love to spend their time and money in gratifying their own humour and inclinations: but submission to Christ is absolutely contrary to such a course of life. When, however, this seems to be in a measure got over; and men take a nearer view of Christianity; they are greatly offended at its humiliating doctrines. To come before God as dependent creatures, might be endured: but to approach him as justly condemned criminals is an intolerable degradation;

especially when connected with self-denial and renunciation of their darling pursuits. A method of salvation, which paid more respect to their wisdom, learning, or other distinctions, and especially to their virtue and goodness of heart, would meet with a better reception. To speculate and decide as philosophers, to perform duties by their native energies and good dispositions, and to demand a reward of their distinguished piety and charity, would better suit their feelings; than to be saved by grace alone, to sit as little children at the feet of Jesus, to give the Lord the glory of every good desire, thought, word, and action; to rely on the all-sufficient merits and atoning blood of the Saviour, and to receive eternal life as the gift of God in him. Yet the general tenour of Scripture requires this unreserved submission of sinners to divine justice, and reliance on free mercy and grace, as essential to salvation.

But the language under consideration, likewise demands implicit obedience to the Saviour, as the anointed King over his redeemed people, and over all worlds for their advantage. "Kiss the Son "lest he be angry, and so ye perish from the way." When Samuel anointed Saul king over Israel, he testified his cheerful and cordial acquiescence in the Lord's appointment, by the kiss of allegiance. In like manner, we are not only required to welcome the salvation of Christ with unfeigned gratitude, and to express our love by obedience in