up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Rom. viii. 32). Shortly we believe that this same Jesus will so come in like manner, with the hands of blessing extended, as He was seen go up into heaven. Then " God, even our own God, shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him."

What a privilege to be within the keeping of these hands! What a contrast to the brightest hopes of the poor worldling! He has but to awake in eternity to find them all a dream. Vivid for time, but then for ever past and gone. Those who, through grace, have been led to the protection of the jewelled hands are, indeed, debtors. May we increasingly have power to show forth His praise not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to His service, and walking before Him in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life.

F, with all his wisdom, the celebrated philosopher, Sir Isaac Newton, was obliged to exclaim, "I am as a little child, picking pebbles on the great shore of truth;" how much more is it so with the Christian minister, who is called to speak upon a topic such as this.

Blessed Spirit, open our eyes to see the King in some of His beauty! Give us power to receive His Divine image into our souls, and reflect it upon others!

Consider then

(1.) There is no unloveliness in the Lord Jesus.

It is strange, when on earth, what contradictory opinions were entertained of Him. While some said, "Never man spake as this man," others exclaimed, “He hath a devil and is mad, why hear ye Him?" Did the heart of the widow sing for joy at the raising of her son, the envious feelings of others found vent in

saying, "He casteth out devils by Beelzebub the prince of the devils."

When the common people heard him gladly, the Scribes and Pharisees pronounced him a glutton and winebibber. When the dying thief asked for a place in His kingdom, the busy mockers derided Him, saying, "He saved others, let Him save Himself, if He be the Christ, the chosen of God."

Nor is the case now different. The same feeling still exists. If multitudes, with Mary, sit, in adoring love, at His feet, myriads more only declare, "We will not have this man to reign over us."

The voice of God, however, invariably gives one testimony concerning His Beloved Son. On this subject no uncertain sound is heard within the pages of His Word. From Genesis to Revelation He is altogether lovely. The feelings of His people towards Him have ever been the same. 66 Wisdom is justified of her children." Christ is that wisdom. Their opinions of Him at present are necessarily meagre beyond description; but though poverty-stricken in degree, they are one in kind with those of the spirits of just men made perfect. Gladly they unite in saying, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."

Further, this loveliness is strongly brought out by way of contrast.

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Many of God's saints have, doubtless, been very beautiful in their characters, but none have proved altogether lovely." Their fairest features have been sullied by defects. Take, for example, the law-giver, Moses. He was the meekest of men; yet this feature in his character was marred by the anger which led him to smite the rock. Look at the prophet Elijah. While good Obadiah feared to brave the wrath of Ahab, he determined to see him that day face to face. Still he who slew the prophets of Baal fled before the threat of a woman! David was a man after God's own heart, but not "altogether lovely." "There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good and sinneth not” (Eccles. vii. 20). We may say, “I have seen an end of all perfection." Thus, as the Alps overshadow the surrounding molehills, so does the character of the Lord Jesus the highest attainments of men. He is "altogether lovely."

This great truth is enforced in divers ways by the Word of God.

The Levitical sacrifices all represent Christ. Their number is great, and their diversity very perceptible, still they fail to illustrate His character. The perfection of each sacrificial animal is their one prominent

feature. Thus the lamb was to be "without blemish and without spot." Still it is but a type, and strangely fails to convey an adequate idea of Him who is "altogether lovely."

The Jewish high priest is another type. The 28th chapter of Exodus is taken up with his beautiful robes. They were all designed by the Spirit of God. A peculiar power was given to Aholiab and Bezaleel to make them. And yet glorious as they were, they could not confer purity upon him who used them. Essentially the high priest was not "altogether lovely." The type fails to do justice to the Antitype, for there is nothing unlovely in Him.

(2.) Once more, Our adorable Saviour is "altogether lovely" in the eyes of his Father.

"In Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." "He is the brightness of His Father's glory, and the express image of His person." I marvel not that at His birth angels chanted "Peace on earth, goodwill toward men ;" nor yet that the Holy Ghost in His baptism descended on Him like a dove, and a voice from heaven declared, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." His heart only could take in or give back the love of the Father. When the bosom of a shell can enfold the waves of the Atlantic, then shall we be able to receive all the love of God. But in the