January 31

And thou shalt call his name, Jesus.—Matthew 1:21.

JOSEPH, the espoused husband of the virgin, was the person, to whom the name which the Redeemer should bear, was announced. The Messenger was an angel of the Lord, who was sent to remove all his suspicions and fears, respecting Mary. The name itself was Jesus, which strictly signifies, JEHOVAH, the SAVIOUR, or JEHOVAH, SALVATION. And it was given to him, because salvation was his work and object; "for he shall save his people from their sins." The name Jesus, was the most appropriate name which Messiah could receive. Consider the predictions which had been delivered by the ancient prophets: they all referred to him as a Saviour. Consider his covenant engagements with the Father, they were all connected with salvation. He engaged to redeem the world, and to save all who should believe. Consider the state and condition of the human family; they did not require legislators, or philosophers, or poets, these they had in abundance, but they required a Saviour. Consider the usurped dominion of Satan, as God of this world; view his empire in its despotism, in the cruelty and misery produced in the souls of men, and ask yourselves, what would be the greatest gift heaven could confer? and you will readily admit, a Saviour. Consider men, as destined to an endless duration of existence, and by reason of sin, that existence, irreparably one of separation from the holy presence of God, and one of condemnation and wrath with kindred spirits in a world of woe, and then every thing appears trifling and worthless, except a Saviour. Finally, consider men in their extensive powers and amazing faculties, capable of infinite improvement, and of unspeakable felicity; and remember that only by one means, could this exaltation and felicity be rendered possible, and that by the appearance and work of a Saviour. How precious then is this name; how associated with all that is momentous to our world.

"Jesus, the name to sinners dear,

"The name to sinners given;

"It scatters all their guilty fear,

"It turns their hell to heaven."