October 2

PART II.— Isaiah 9:6.

WHEN Christ came, angels celebrated his advent in songs of praise, and the subject of their anthem was, "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, and good-will towards men." Sin had filled earth with confusion and misery, it had set men in a state of variance with God, and had made men hostile towards each other. In addition to which, the guilty heart of man was the seat of wretchedness, anxiety, and remorse. Jesus came, that harmony might be restored between earth and heaven: that men might be bound together in the closest bonds of affectionate brotherhood, and that the sinner might receive the blessings of heavenly serenity and peace. Now Christ as Prince of Peace, sways his benign and gracious sceptre for the accomplishment of this blessed purpose. And submission to his benevolent sway, will infallibly lead to the most blessed and peaceful results. Let us then ascertain as to the connection which subsists between this Prince and our souls. Are we found amongst the number of his loyal and obedient subjects? Do we honour, love, and serve him as our rightful king? Are his statutes the rejoicings of our hearts? Have we a holy zeal for the extension of his empire and the diffusion of his glory? Do we enjoy the unspeakable peace which he bestows to his people? If so, then how ought we to rejoice in our high and heavenly calling, and to feel deeply solicitous that his rule should be extended among all nations, from the rivers to the ends of the earth. His reign is destined to be universal. All people shall finally be blessed in him, and shall call him blessed, — then will the world be renewed in righteousness — then will war and bloodshed cease for ever — then will the curse be removed — then will Paradise be regained, and the whole earth become one consecrated Eden to the Lord. Amen, the Lord hasten it, in his time!