December 24

"He is altogether lovely."—Sol. Song, v. 16.

THIS is spoken of Christ, for there is none other to whom the language is applicable; while creatures have their excellences, they have also their imperfections, but not so with him: they are to be admired for some things, and censured for others; there are spots in the sun, but none in the Sun of righteousness; "he is altogether lovely." Let us, in a few words, prove and then improve the subject.

LET US PROVE IT. And where shall we gather our evidence? Ye shining hosts of angels that encircle the throne on which he sits in dazzling brightness on high, tell us your thoughts of him while ye celebrate his praise and sing, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing." Spirits of the departed just, ye now see him in his glory, what do you say of him? Behold they cast their crowns at his feet, and cry, "Thou art worthy; for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood." Patriarchs, prophets, disciples, apostles, martyrs, confessors, and reformers, all speak of his glory, and tell of his grace. What a mass of evidence is there in the Bible, and in the experience of believers in every age, to prove that "he is altogether lovely"! Is high birth a recommendation? He is God's first-born, higher than the kings of the earth. Is wisdom an excellence? "In him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Is holiness to be desired? He is the Holy One of God. Is faithfulness a recommendation? He is the faithful and true witness. Is wealth desirable? He is heir of all things. Is love a recommendation? The love of Christ passeth knowledge. Is gentleness pleasing? He will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax. Is beauty an excellence? He is fairer than the children of men; he is the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley; he is the chiefest among ten thousand, yea, he is altogether lovely.

LET US IMPROVE IT. Is the Saviour altogether lovely, and does he possess such an endless variety of excellences? Then let us admire him; let him reign supreme in our hearts; let him have the throne in our affections, and all creatures but the footstool. Let us exercise confidence in him, and exemplify devotedness to him.