May 16

That Prophet.—Acts 3:21.

PETER is now concluding his address to the people, who were collected by the miracle he had wrought upon the lame man. In doing this, he exhibits Jesus unto them, as the person to whom Moses referred, when he said, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me, him shall ye hear in all things, whatsoever he shall say unto you." As a prophet, Jesus therefore appeared in our world, and as such, he is to be believingly and affectionately regarded by his church and people. As a prophet, Jesus was richly qualified for his office, by the possession of the infinite stores of riches and wisdom. In Jesus all fulness dwelt, so that before his wise and omniscient eyes, all things were lucid and plain. He knew every thing from the beginning, and needed not that any man should teach him. As a prophet, Jesus possessed the entire and unbroken influences of the Holy Ghost. To other prophets, the Spirit was given by measure; to Jesus, the whole was given. The Spirit of God descended as a dove, and lighted upon him, so that he became the consecrated shrine of the Holy Ghost. As a prophet, Jesus ever possessed the Spirit of prophecy. It did not come upon him at specific seasons, or on particular occasions, or for extraordinary purposes, but as the Spirit continually dwelt in him, he was qualified at all times, for the exhibition of his office, and the execution of his duty. As a prophet, Jesus has no successor. God, who in former times had spoken to the world by prophets, has now spoken to us by his son, and this is the last and most luminous economy, with which the world shall ever be favored. The canon of scripture is now completed. the revelation of the mind of God, is now perfect, we now enjoy meridian light, noon day splendour, and whosoever will not hearken to Jesus, as the great prophet of God, shall be destroyed with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.