December 2

"He is despised and rejected of men." — Isaiah 53:3.

THESE words are spoken of Christ; let us view them

AS THE RECORD OF AN AWFUL FACT. Here is the Son of God despised and rejected of men. This was the case when he appeared in human form, to accomplish the work of salvation; and it is so now. To whom is the statement applicable? To those who deny his Godhead. Such individuals despise and slight his person, reject his claims, and refuse to acknowledge his divine credentials. Those who despise his blessings. He has pardon, peace, joy, and all needful blessings to bestow; but the language of thousands is, "Thy gifts be to thyself." Those who neglect his ordinances. The voice from the closet, the sanctuary, the Scriptures, and the domestic circle, is, "He is despised and rejected of men." Let us regard these words

AS THE UTTERANCE OF A SORROWFUL LAMENTATION. Here is the complaint of a good man. Our grief is excited when we think of the excellency of the Object despised. "He is despised." But is there any real ground of offence in him? No. He possesses every thing calculated to draw forth our affections to him. We are grieved when we think of the conduct of those who despise him. They are guilty of the greatest folly, ingratitude, and rebellion: they are "sinners against their own souls." Consider the words

AS THE EXPOSURE OF A GREAT SIN. Those who are guilty of it despise the best Friend, one whose friendship sweetens our mercies, soothes our sorrows, and enriches our souls. They reject the richest blessings, preferring the dust of earthly pleasures to the diamonds and jewels of spiritual enjoyments. They expose themselves to the greatest misery. An awful punishment awaits those who "crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh." Let me earnestly pray to behold the glories and excellences of Christ, that I may love him supremely, and beware of despising his people: for what is done to them he considers as done to himself: It is between Christ and his Church as between two lute-strings; no sooner is one struck, but the other trembles. When Saul persecuted the Church, Jesus said to him, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?"