January 1

I am Alpha, (i. e. The Beginning.)—Revelation 1:8.

How important to have right views of the blessed Redeemer. How desirable to understand his true character, so that our souls may be captivated with his glories, and that all our affections and desires may centre in him. The holy scriptures are admirably adapted to effect this. There he is exhibited in all his dignity, loveliness, and beauty. Of the system of revelation, he is the great centre, the glorious orb of light, and life, and glory. He says, "I am Alpha." As that letter is the first of the Greek Alphabet, so he is the first letter in the Alphabet of all true and saving knowledge. Christ is the Alpha of all the DIVINE PURPOSES and COUNSELS, respecting our world's salvation. The eternal design or purpose of God, to redeem the world, "was made in Christ." (Ephesians 3:11. See also Ephesians 1:4., 2 Timothy 1:9.) Jesus is the Alpha of all the rich and precious promises. The first announcement of divine clemency referred to the Messiah, as the woman's glorious conquering seed. (Genesis 3:15.) And all succeeding promises were made in

B and through him. "All the promises of God in him." (2 Corinthians 1:20.) He is the Alpha of all the blessings and privileges of salvation. Before a ray of hope could visit our world, Christ must be prospectively given by the Father. All mercy rests on him as its only foundation. He redeemed man from going down to the pit. He satisfied all the honourable claims of the divine law. He shed his blood as a true sacrifice for guilt. He overcame all the adversaries of himself and the human family; conquered death, opened a passage through the tomb, and has exalted human nature, by placing it on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hence we have pardon, gracious acceptance, adoption, peace, entire sanctification, and eternal life in his name. Ought not Christ to be the Preacher's Alpha; the first in every sermon, the leading theme in every discourse? The Worshippers' Alpha: the first object in praise, meditation, and prayer? The Christian's daily Alpha; our first thoughts should ascend to him. He should possess our first affections, and always be to us the chiefest of ten thousand, yea the altogether lovely. Let Christ's glory always be first sought, and his favour be the constant subject of our solicitude and desires.

"I am the first, and I the last,

Time centres all in me;

The mighty God, who was and is,

And shall for ever be."