Isaiah 42:25

REFLECTIONS

Lord! help both him that writes, and him that reads, to attend to thy call; and while Jehovah is proclaiming concerning his dear Son; and describing him as a most blessed Saviour; O for grace to answer with hosannas, blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord! Yea, Lord, on our bended knees, in transports of rejoicing, we would pray for grace to receive the ever blessed Jesus as the Father's first, and best, and most comprehensive of all blessings: and to make use of Christ, as the Father hath intended, to our salvation; and his glory!

We bless thee, O Lord, for thus holding forth Jesus to the Church. He is, indeed, everything that is lovely in himself, and everything that is gracious for his people. He is meek, and having salvation; a full and all sufficient Saviour; an able and well-qualified Saviour; a kind and tender-hearted Saviour. Yea, precious Jesus, thy people know thee, and have proved thee, that thou art all this, and more; for never hast thou, in any one instance, broken the bruised reed, or quenched the smoking flax.

But while we praise thee, almighty Father, for what thou hast said to us, concerning our glorious Head, and for our encouragement to come to him, we still find cause to bless thee yet more, for what thou hast said to him for us, and as our covenant Head; that he is thine elect, in whom, as the Church's Surety and Mediator, thy soul delighteth. Oh, the blessed assurance, that Jehovah is well pleased for his righteousness sake! O the unspeakable felicity, that

Christ, in our own nature, hath magnified the law, and made it honourable! And O the well-grounded hope, that as Christ is given of our God and Father, as a covenant of the people, and accepted as such; all his people must be found in him, be accepted in him; and be everlastingly secured in him, from all possibility of danger, in life or death, in time and to all eternity! Remember; Lord! we would humbly say, thy word, wherein thou hast caused us to hope. Look upon the face of thine Anointed, and do as thou hast said: I have said, mercy shall be built up forever, are thine own words O Lord; and therefore, as thou hast sworn unto our David, so let his seed be established forever, and do thou build up his throne unto all generations! Blessed be God for Jesus Christ! Amen.