January 12

To him gave all the prophets witness.—Acts 10:43.

AMIDST all the diversified topics of ancient prophecies, there is one person who has ever a prominent place; there is one subject interwoven with the whole. That person is Christ Jesus; that subject is the work of human redemption. A general reference to the writings of the prophets, will at once justify Peter's declaration, that "to him gave all the prophets witness." In the first books of the Old Testament scriptures, written by Moses, there are several illustrious predictions of Jesus. He is predicted as the WOMAN'S SEED. (Genesis 3:15.) He was to be of the posterity of Abraham and Isaac. Of the tribe of Judah. The SHILOH, unto whom should be the gathering of the people. (Genesis 49:10.) He is also the subject of one of Balaam's prophecies; as the STAR of JACOB, and SCEPTRE of ISRAEL. (Numbers 24:17.) Moses refers the Children of Israel to him, as a "PROPHET," like unto himself, raised up from among their brethren, unto whom in all things, they should hearken. (Deuteronomy 18:18. Acts 3:22.) Job expresses his lively confidence in him, as his "Living Redeemer," who should stand in the latter days upon the earth. (Job 19:26, 27.) The Psalmist in his prophetic songs, celebrates him as the "Governor of all the earth." (Ps.viii. 1.) As the ROYAL BRIDEGROOM. (xlv. 1.) As KING OF ZION. (cx. 1, 2.) As the MIGHTY ONE, on whom help is laid. (lxxxix. 19.) As the PRIEST, after the order of MELCHIZEDECK. (cx. 4.) As the REJECTED OF THE BUILDERS, yet the HEAD STONE OF THE CORNER. (cxviii. 22.) As the AS- CENDING MIGHTY CONQUEROR. (lxviii. 17, 19.) As REIGNING and CLOTHING his enemies with shame. (cxxxii. 18.) Such are some of the beautiful and striking representations of Messiah, as contained in the book of Psalms; and the sweet singer's last words referred to him, as "the God and Rock of Israel." (2 Samuel 23:3.) And his last prayer was, "that the whole earth might be filled with his glory." (Psalms 72:19.) How rich, how dignified are these predictions of the blessed Saviour. How directly calculated to procure our confidence in him, and our attachment to him. Here is ample range for delightful contemplation, and surely, our meditations of him, will be superlatively sweet.