of the works of the inspired writers, it appears manifest, that the Jews had every reason to expect a Messiah, the time of whose coming, as well as the place of whose birth, and other particulars, were foretold several hundred years before his appearance. Prove now that the Jesus whom Christians worship, was that Messiah?

A. Jesus was born at Bethlehem, in Judea ; of the tribe of Judah; of the family of David; in a miraculous manner, of a pure virgin'. All which circumstances are in exact accordance with the prophecies quoted above. And that they did not happen accidentally, but by the express interposition of Providence, is evident. 1st. Because a miracle could not possibly be performed without the divine interference. 2dly. Because St. Matthew, who wrote under the influence of the Holy Spirit of truth, drew that conclusion*. 3dly. Because it is not even pretended that the same fulfilment of remarkable coincidences happened in any other case.

Again, Jesus was endowed with that supernatural power, which no other person ever had in the same degree, or exercised in the same independent manner'. He made the lame to

1 Luke ii. 4. i. 26. 33. Mat. ii. 4, 5. Heb. vii. 14.

* Matt, i. 22,

1 Coloss. ii. 9.

walk, the deaf to hear, the dumb to speak. He, raised the dead. He gave laws to the raging sea, and it was calm. All nature bowed subservient to him ". And his miracles were performed by the fiat of his own will, which Moses essaying to do, was severely punished.

Thus again: his preaching was with authority, not as the Scribes"; and he delivered to mankind those glad tidings of salvation, which the Messiah was to bring to light, and no one else could. Jesus suffered what the Messiah was ordained to undergo. He was despised of men, and himself and his doctrine set at nought. "Is not this the Carpenter's Son "?" exclaimed the Galileans. "Is not this the Carpenter"?" And they disdained to hear him. He was literally delivered up as a lamb to the slaughter. And all the circumstances of his last trial, and ignominious death, accurately agree with the prophecies which foretold, and which were applied to, the Messiah. Thus all that Jesus said,

"Matt. xi. 45. Mark v. 35. 42. John ix. 1.7. Lukex. 17.22. Matt. vii. 29. Matt. xiii. 55.` P. Mark vi. 3. a Luke xxii. 23.

"If," says Bishop Pearson, "we compare the particular predictions with the historical passages of his sufferings; if we join the Prophets and Evangelists together, it will most manifestly appear the Messias was to suffer nothing, which Christ hath not suffered," &c. Art. ii. p. 142, 143.-See also Barrow on the Creed, vol. ii. Serm. XIX. p. 272. 274.

and did, and suffered; his birth, his ministry, his death; prove that he was indeed the promised Messiah. Jesus, the Son of Mary, is no other than the Messiah, the Shiloh, our Mediator, Redeemer, and Judge; to whom all prophecy looked, and in whom all revelation was fulfilled. To him, then, let us turn. In him, let us believe; him let us obey. Let us together worship, and glorify, and adore him. Q. Why are we called Christians?

A. By adopting that name, we shew that we do thus believe in Christ, as the anointed of God, our great High Priest, Prophet, and Lawgiver; the Author and Finisher of our faith; our Saviour and Redeemer.

Q. What duties devolve upon us in consequence of this belief?

A. The duties which devolve upon the Christian are more than we can number, greater than we can describe. The adequate and perfect performance of which, no mortal can attain unto. Our God, however, is a God full of compassion, mercy, and loving kindness; and has promised to accept our imperfect, but well-meant endeavours, if only we are sincere, and zealous, and devoted to his service. All then that we can,

strictest watchfulness over our thoughts and actions. We must drive far from us all impurity; and cherish each kindly affection.

Further, as Christians we are bound to spread Christ's kingdom on earth, both by our instruction and our example. Wilful ignorance, therefore, of the doctrines and duties of our Christian profession, is highly culpable. For he that knoweth not the Law and the Gospel, how can he practise them? how can he teach them? The Bible is open to all: to that fountain-head of knowledge, all must turn; for therein is contained an exhaustless spring of spiritual comfort and edification, which, by the blessing of God, will enable us to be truly, what we are so often only called, Christians. And may the Almighty grant, that we may be among the number of those, who, thus knowing, believe,-and, believing, practise,-to the saving of their souls!

SECTION III.
His only Son.

Q. Did the Jews expect that the Messiah, foretold by the Prophets, was to be the Son of God?

A. It appears that there was such an expectation; for Martha said to Jesus, "I believe that

thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world'." St. Peter also said to Christ, We (that is, the twelve Apostles) believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God." At his trial the high priest said, “I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell me whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God." Still we must allow, that the Jews seemed rather to look for a temporal prince, who was to make them victorious over their enemies, and give them worldly power. This expectation, however, was the result of error, and proceeded from their wilfully mistaking the scope of the Prophecies.

Q. Explain how Jesus Christ is the Son of God?

A. 1st. He is the Son of God by reason of his generation. The angel said to Mary, the mother of our Saviour, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that Holy Thing which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God "."

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2dly. By virtue of his office, as he himself explained to the Jews, Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified and sent into the world,