December 20

PART IV — Colossians 3:11.

THE whole superstructure of redemption rests on Christ. He is the foundation stone, as well as the head of the corner. It originated with him. It was effected through him. And it will be consummated by him. All the dispensations with which God has favored the world, have derived all their excellency and importance from him. In offering their rural sacrifices, the saints of the antediluvian world had respect to him, as the seed of the woman who should bruise the serpent's head. Abel's sacrifice could not have been accepted without this. Enoch's piety and fellowship with God, could only be effected through this. The patriarchs were all evidently influenced by the same subject. Abraham saw Christ's day and was glad. Jacob expired in peace, because he knew him to be his salvation. Moses pointed to him as the great prophet, of whom he was but a type. David consecrated his muse to the celebration of the glories of his person, and the blessings of his reign;

and to him gave all the prophets witness. So that Jesus is interwoven with all that relates to the history of redemption; and holy Simeon, who had been waiting for the consolation of Israel, no sooner had Jesus in his arms, than he exclaimed, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation." And the benefits of redemption are only known and experienced, as Jesus is preached and believed in, by a guilty and dying world. In every thing then that relates to man's salvation, Jesus is "all and in all."