Page:Cross of Christ the Christian's glory.pdf/10

 xxxii. 18. He hath made all his glory to paſs before the aſtoniſhed eyes of angels, and of men. Here juſtice has ſet her moſt awful terrors in array: even while goodneſs appears, with inexpreſſible lovelineſs, and the moſt attractive beauty. Here, truth, more unſhaken than a rock, takes her immoveable ſtand; and mercy, tenderer than the mother's tear, yearns with bowels of everlaſting pity.In a word; the croſs of Chriſt is a conſpicuous theatre, on which all the divine perfections unite, and harmonize, and ſhine forth with tranſcendent luſtre.

As Chriſtians, we have, in the croſs of Chriſt, the richeſt proviſion for our ſpiritual wants. This is a foundation of the ſublimeſt hope, and a fountain of the moſt exuberant joy. This affords matter for the deepeſt humility, and yields fuel for the moſt flaming love. Faith in our crucified Jeſus, is an ever-active principle of the moſt cheerful and exact obedience: is an ample and inexhauſtible magazine, from which we may fetch arms to conquer; abſolutely conquer, the allurements of the world, the ſolicitations of the fleſh, and the temptations of the devil.By this, a way is opened for us unto the holy of holies; and what may we not venture to aſk, what may we not venture to receive, who have the blood of the everlaſting covenant to plead, in all our approaches to the throne of grace?Having, therefore, ſuch an High-prieſt: having in his croſs, unſearchable riches: Who ſhall make our glorying void? What ſhall hinder us from rejoicing? and ſaying, "Bleſſed be God, for theſe opening beauties of ſpring! Bleſſed be God, for the expected fruits of autumn! Bleſſed be God, for ten thouſand thouſand gifts of his indulgent providence! But, above all, Bleſſed be God, for the croſs of Chriſt!" A8