December 21

PART V.— Colossians 3:11.

JESUS is all and in all, in every thing that relates to his Church. The Church is his purchased property. Bought with his inexpressibly precious blood. The church is his kingdom, established upon the basis of his truth and grace. In it he dwells, over it he reigns supreme, and through it all his glory is diffused. The church is his vineyard, chosen, and planted by his own hand. The church is his army, ransomed from the vassalage of Satan, enrolled under the standard of his cross, and led on towards triumph and glory by himself, the great Captain of salvation. The church is his body, fashioned and fitly framed by his own power, and he is its head, the source of vitality, direction, and strength to all its members. The church is his bride, and he is the lovely and blessed bridegroom, whose second coming shall be the signal for the celebration of the nuptial services, between himself and his espoused Church. The Church is his flock for whom he laid down his life, and he is the good shepherd, feeding his sheep, and leading them into the green pastures of his ordinances, and then giving unto them eternal life. The consideration of Christ being all and in all to his church, ought to inspire the saints with joy and confidence. Who can raze Zion, founded by the Lord of Hosts? who can destroy her, when the Lord is both her glory and defence? Her external appearance may be changed, friends may forsake her, ministers may die, but this is her security, Jesus dwells in her perpetually, his eyes are upon it every moment, and his heart is there continually. In all that relates to its security, happiness, and prosperity, Jesus is "all and in all."

Blest Jesus! our almighty king, While in our Zion thou dost dwell, "Our faith shall sit secure, and sing Defiance to the gates of hell."