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is expressed in the Epistle to the Colossians, "For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; and having made peace through the blood of the cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself: by him, I say, whether they be things in earth or things in heaven."

Such is the account which Scripture gives us of Christ's mediatorial kingdom and office. What remains of this interesting subject will supply materials for a future discourse. In the mean time, let us solemnly deliberate on what we have already heard, and beseech the Giver of all good things, to impress these holy truths upon our hearts, that they may instruct us in our duty and regulate us in our practice; that they may enlarge our views of God's wonderful works, and impress us with awful apprehensions of our responsibility under them. Let us call to mind the deep interest we have in Christ, who is the true "and living way" to Paradise, the only mediator between God and man. He regards us with a friendly eye, and both our lives and actions are of moment to him. We form the subject of his daily intercession. O let us think of this when we think of him. It is well calculated to touch our souls. Can we be timorous when we look at such a Mediator? If we had no one to stand in the gap and turn away his wrath, our sins and infirmities might justly make us tremble before God. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,

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let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

SERMON XXIV.

CHRIST'S MEDIATORIAL KINGDOM AND OFFICE.

SECOND SERMON.

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1 COR. XV. 24, 35.

THEN COMETH THE END, WHEN HE SHALL HAVE DELIVERED UP THE KINGDOM TO GOD, EVEN THE FATHER; WHEN HE SHALL HAVE PUT DOWN ALL RULE AND ALL AUTHORITY AND POWER. FOR HE MUST REIGN, TILL HE HATH PUT ALL ENEMIES UNDER HIS FEET."

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WHEN our blessed Lord was examined by Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, on the charge of treason with which he stood accused, he disclaimed in the clearest manner, all pretensions to secular government. My kingdom," said he, "is not of this world, else would my servants fight." He admitted, however, in these very words, that he had a regal sovereignty, and he formally and expressly appropriated to himself the title of King of the Jews. There was an ambiguity in the mode of his expression, taken in connection with his unassuming and friendless appearance, which Pilate did not understand, nor perhaps did any one of his disciples at that period of his ministry. But the ambiguity is done away by our knowledge of his character, and we see, very

plainly, that in the sovereign power and title which he claimed, he was alluding to his mediatorial kingdom and office. That kingdom was not of this world. It was not to commence till he had entirely done with the world as a member of it; till he had laid down his mortal life, and entered on his immortality. And it ought to be observed in perusing the New Testament, that what we read of the kingdom of God, the kingdom of Christ, the kingdom of heaven, and similar phrases, is spoken of the gospel dispensation in general, and of Christ's mediatorial kingdom in particular, not always indeed, but commonly. Without we bear this in mind, the language of Scripture, where such phrases occur, will be obscure and misunderstood. "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God." In both these places it is not the kingdom of heaven properly so called, that is intended, but the better dispensation, the spiritual reign of Christ which was about to commence. As he himself said, "Behold, the kingdom of God is within you."

Christ, on his triumph over the grave, was, as St. Paul informs us, consituted "head over all things the Church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." Into this Church all mankind are invited to enter, are admitted to it by baptismal regeneration, and are replenished in it by the gifts and graces of of the Holy Spirit. He is the High

Priest who ministers therein before the throne of the Eternal, mediates between God and man, and makes

intercession for transgressors. It is a spiritual "house not made with hands," and its services and benefits are entirely spiritual.

We see, therefore, that the headship or sovereignty to which Christ laid claim on earth, related to the heavenly kingdom of which all good men are component parts, the subjects over whom he rules, and the objects of his bounty, mediation, and intercession. Of this kingdom he did not openly take possession till he went up triumphantly into heaven. Then he began, in the fullest sense, to execute supreme dominion over all, for then it was, that according to the scheme of the divine counsels, he had the pre-eminence in all things.

Is has been pointed out to you in my last discourse, that Christ, on his ascension, was invested with all authority and power; and that, in consequence of such investiture he became qualified, as our High Priest, to make intercession with God for us. It now remains for us to consider the Third particular then noticed, namely, That, at the end of the world, he will resign this authority and office, which are only of temporary duration, "that God may be all

in all."

That this mediatorial dignity which commenced at the ascension, has continued ever since, and is at present in full operation, we have the most complete and satisfactory assurance of which the case will admit. "This man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able

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