Page:Lamb in the midst of the throne.pdf/2



E are met this day to celebrate the memorials of the love of Chriſt, in his death and crucifixion, upon mount Calvary. And that our faith may look to him in the beſt light, and to the beſt advantage, we are to remember, not only where he once was, but where he now is: and we will find, we need not be aſhamed of a crucified Chriſt that was once upon the croſs, for now he is upon the throne. The Lamb that was ſlain, as a ſacrifice to ſatisfy divine juſtice for us, the once dying Lamb in the midſt of the croſs, is now the everliving Lamb in the midſt of the throne. And from this throne of God, where he reigns, we expect our food and provision upon the feaſt-day; according to the words of the text, The Lamb which is in the midſt of the throne, ſhall feed them.

From the 13th verſe of this chapter we have a deſcription of the honour and happineſs of theſe that ſhall faithfully ſerve, and patiently ſuffer for the Lord Jeſus Chriſt. Some interpreters think, that the happineſs of the ſaints militant, even in this world, is here deſcribed; ſome, that it is only the happineſs of the ſaints triumphant in heaven; others, make this place of ſcripture relate to both, and with theſe eſpecially I join; becauſe whatever honour and happineſs of suffering ſaints is here ſet forth, they enjoy the ſame partly in this life, and fully in the life to come, as may appear by the particulars here mentioned.

The happy perſons are ſpoken of, ver. 14th, Theſe are they that have come out of great tribulation.