We bless thee, that forasmuch as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same: that he took not on him the nature of angels, but our nature, and was in all things made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest, in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people; " and that he is not ashamed to call them brethren. And that the first-begotten was brought into the world with a charge given to all the angels of God to worship him." [7.] For God's gracious owning of him in his undertaking, and in the carrying of it on. We bless thee, that thou wast in Christ reconciling the world to thyself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and that thou hast committed unto us the word of reconciliation." That thou hast thyself given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people." That he was sanctified and sealed, and sent into the world, and that the Father which sent him did not leave him alone, for he always did those things that pleased him.' Glory be to God in the highest, for in and through Jesus Christ there is on earth peace, and good will towards men. In this was manifested the love of God towards us, because that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.' We thank thee for the power thou hast given him over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as were given him." [8.] For his holy life, his excellent doctrine, and the glorious miracles he wrought to confirm his doctrine. We bless thee for the assurance we have, that he is a teacher come from God, since no man can do | those miracles which he did, except God were with him.' That thou hast in these last days spoken unto us by thy Son," whose doctrine was not his, but his that sent him,* and he spake as one having authority; and that we are encouraged to come and learn of him, because he is meek and lowly in heart, and in learning of him we shall find rest to our souls.2 We bless thee, that he has left us an example, that we should follow his steps, in that he did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth, and when he was reviled he reviled not again; and his meat and drink was to do the will of his Father ; in that he was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separated from sinners. O that we may be armed with the same mind, and that as he was, so we may be, in this world; and that we may so walk even as he walked. We bless thee, that the works which he did, the same bore witness of him, that the Father had sent him, that by his power the blind received their sight, the lame walked, the lepers were cleansed, the deaf heard, the dead were raised up, and the poor had the gospel preached to them, and even the winds and the sea obeyed him, for which we glorify the God of Israel. Doubtless this was the Son of God.' [9.] For the great encouragements Christ gave to poor sinners to come to him. We bless thee, that Jesus Christ came to call, not the righteous, but sinners (such as we are) to repentance, and had power on earth to forgive sin ;* that he came to save his people from their sins ;' and is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world," and that he is (to his honour, and not to his reproach) a friend to publicans and sinners." We thank thee for the gracious invitation he gave to those who are weary and heavy laden to come to him for rest: and for the assurance he has given, that whosoever comes unto him, he will in no wise cast him out.P That he made a gracious offer, that whosoever thirsts might come unto him and drink.a [10.] For the full satisfaction which he made to the justice of God for the sin of man, by the blood of his cross, for the purchases, victories, and triumphs of the cross, and for all the precious benefits which flow to us from the dying of our Lord Jesus. Herein indeed God commendeth his love to us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," that we might be reconciled to him by the death of his Son. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world; that he tasted death for every man," that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. We bless thee, that by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified,' that he has finished transgression, made an end of sin, made reconciliation for iniquity, and hath brought in an everlasting righteousness." That he has redeemed us from the curse of the law, by being made a curse for us. That what the law could not do in that it was f John v. 36. g Matt. xi. 5. h Matt. viii. 27. k Matt. ix. 6, 13. 1 Matt. i. 21. m John q John x. 36. p Isa. Luke ii. 14. w Heb. i. 2. e 1 John iv. 17. i Matt. xxvii. 54. i. 29. n Matt. xi. 19. q John vii. 37. u Heb ii. 9, 14. r Rom. v. 8. v Heb. x. 14. weak through the flesh, God hath done by sending | same Jesus whom they crucified is both Lord and his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, who by a Christ." sacrifice for sin condemned sin in the flesh.y That he was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities, and that the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed and that the Lord having laid upon him the iniquity of us all, it pleased the Lord to bruise him and put him to grief. That appearing to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself, he did by the eternal Spirit offer himself without spot unto God, and by his own blood entered once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.a That he hath spoiled principalities and powers, and made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in his cross, and hath blotted out the handwriting of ordinances which was against us, which was contrary to us, taking it out of the way, by nailing it to his cross.b That he is our peace, who having broken down the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile, hath made himself of twain one new man, hath reconciled both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.c That he hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us unto our God kings and priests.d O the height, and depth, and length, and breadth of that love of Christ which passeth knowledge! * that great love wherewith he loved us!! Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing; for he was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by his blood.s [11.] For his resurrection from the dead on the third day. We thank thee, that as he was delivered for our offences, so he rose again for our justification," and was declared to be the Son of God with power, by the resurrection from the dead.i That though he was dead, yet he is alive, and lives for evermore, and hath the keys of hell and death; and being raised from the dead, he dies no more, death hath no more dominion over him.' That now is Christ risen from the dead, and is become the first-fruits of them that slept, that as in Adam all died, so in Christ all might be made alive,m and every one in his own order. That God suffered not his Holy One to see corruption, but loosed the pains of death, because it was impossible he should be holden of them, and so declared to all the house of Israel, that that And that for this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and the living," and that whether we wake or sleep, we might live together with him." [12.] For his ascension into heaven, and his sitting at God's right hand there. We bless thee, that our Lord Jesus is ascended to his Father and our Father, to his God and our God; is ascended up on high, having led captivity captive, and hath received gifts for men, yea, even for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them." That as the forerunner he is for us entered, entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us, a Lamb as it had been slain standing in the midst of the throne." That he is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,' angels, and authorities, and powers, being made subject to him." That he is gone before to prepare a place for us in his Father's house, where there are many mansions; and though whither he is gone we cannot follow him now, yet we hope to follow him hereafter, when he shall come again to receive us to himself, that where he is, there we may be also. [13.] For the intercession which he ever lives to make in the virtue of his satisfaction. We thank thee, that having borne the sins of many, he makes intercession for transgressors; and prays not for those only that were given him when he was upon earth, but for all that shall believe on him through their word; that they all may be one.3 That we have an advocate with the Father, even Jesus Christ the righteous, who is therefore able to save to the uttermost all those that come to God" as a Father, by him as Mediator, seeing he ever lives making intercession. That we have a High Priest taken from among men, and ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifice for sin, who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way, and that he is become the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him.d [14.] For the dominion and sovereignty to which the Redeemer is exalted. We thank thee, that because our Lord Jesus humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, therefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee might bow, and every tongue confess (as we do at this time) that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. That all power is given unto him both in heaven and on earth, that thou hast set him over the works of thy hands, and hast put all things in subjection under his feet, and so hast crowned him with glory and honour.s That he is King of kings, and Lord of lords, that the Ancient of days has given him dominion and glory, and a kingdom, an everlasting dominion, and a kingdom which shall not be destroyed.i That the government is upon his shoulders, and that his name is called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of peace; and of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end. That thou hast set him as King upon thy holy hill of Zion, and that he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever," shall reign till he has put down all opposing rule, principality, and power, till all his enemies are made his footstool, and then he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father, that God may be all in all." V We bless thee, that when our Lord Jesus went away, he sent us another Comforter to abide with us for ever, even the Spirit of truth, who shall glorify the Son, for he shall take of his and shall show it unto us." That being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he poured it forth as rivers of living water. Blessed be God for the signs and wonders, and divers miracles and gifts, of the Holy Ghost, with which God bare witness to the great salvation." And blessed be God for the promise, that as earthly parents, though evil, know how to give good gifts to their children, so our heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him, that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession. a [17.] For the covenant of grace made with us in Jesus Christ, and all the exceeding great and precious privileges of that covenant, and for the seals of it. We thank thee, that in Jesus Christ thou hast made an everlasting covenant with us, even the sure [15.] For the assurance we have of his second mercies of David, and that though the mountains coming to judge the world. We bless thee, that thou hast appointed a day in which thou wilt judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom thou hast ordained, whereof thou hast given assurance unto all men, in that thou hast raised him from the dead." That in that day the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: and shall come to be glorified in his saints, and admired by all them that believe ;P for them that sleep in Jesus he will bring with him.a That he shall then send forth his angels to gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity,' and to gather together his elect from the four winds, and then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. And we then, according to thy promise, look for new heavens, and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness: Lord, grant that, seeing we expect such things, we may give diligence to be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless: and then, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly." [16.] For the sending of the Holy Spirit to supply the want of Christ's bodily presence, to carry on his undertaking, and to prepare things for his second coming. may depart, and the hills be removed, yet this covenant of thy peace shall never be removed. That thou hast given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these we might be partakers of a divine nature: and that Jesus Christ is the Mediator of this better covenant, which is established upon better promises. That though thou chasten our transgression with the rod, and our iniquity with stripes, yet thy lovingkindness thou wilt not utterly take away, nor cause thy faithfulness to fail; thy covenant thou wilt not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of thy lips.s That being willing more abundantly to show to the heirs of promise the immutability of thy counsel, thou hast confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lic, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us. That baptism is appointed to be a seal of the righteousness which is by faith, as circumcision was: that it assures us of the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost; and that this promise is to us and our children. And that the cup in the Lord's supper is the blood of the New Testament, which was shed for many, for the remission of sins.1 [18.] For the writing of the Scriptures, and the preserving of them pure and entire to our according to the commandment of the everlasting day. We thank thee, that we have the Scriptures to search, and that in them we have eternal life, and that they testify of Christ," and that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness." That whatsoever things were written afore-time, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scripture might have hope: and that we have this most sure word of prophesy, as a light shining in a dark place.P That the vision is not become to us as the words of a book that is sealed, but that we hear in our own tongue the wonderful works of God.' We thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that the things which were hid from the wise and prudent, and which many prophets and kings desired to see, and might not, are revealed to us babes; even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. God, and the gospel which was made known to all nations for the obedience of faith, was mighty, through God, to the pulling down of strong holds: that the Lord wrought with it, and confirmed the word by signs following; so that Satan fell as lightning from heaven. That though the gospel was preached in much contention, yet it grew and prevailed mightily, and multitudes turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven. Now came salvation and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: and the exalted Redeemer rode forth with his bow, and with his crown, conquering, and to conquer ;* and nations were born at once.' [21.] For the preservation of Christianity in the world unto this day. We bless thee, that though the enemies of Israel have afflicted them from their youth up, have many a time afflicted them, yet they have not prevailed [19.] For the institution of ordinances, and against them; though the ploughers have ploughed particularly that of the ministry. on their back, yet the righteous Lord has cut asunder the cords of the wicked.m We thank thee, that thou hast not only showed thy word unto Jacob, but thy statutes and judgments unto Israel, unto us: Thou hast not dealt so with other nations, and as for thy judgments they have not known them.* That the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them," and that he has set his sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore,' and there will meet the children of Israel." We thank thee, that thou hast made known unto us thy holy sabbaths; and that still there remains the keeping of a sabbath to the people of God. And that when the Lord Jesus ascended up on high, he gave gifts unto men, not only prophets, apostles, and evangelists, but pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; and that while they teach us to observe all things which Christ hath commanded, he has promised to be with them always, even unto the end of the world.a That Jesus Christ has built his church upon a rock, which the gates of hell cannot prevail against," but his seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven." [22.] For the martyrs and confessors, the lights of the church, and the good examples of those who are gone before us to heaven. We bless thee for all those who have been enabled to approve themselves to God in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, who when they have been brought before governors and kings for Christ's sake, it has turned to them for a testimony, and God has given them a mouth and wisdom, which all their adversaries were not able to gainsay or resist. That those who for Christ's sake were killed all the day long, and accounted as sheep for the slaughter, yet in all these things were more than conquerors, through him that loved us." That they overcame the accuser of the brethren by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and by not loving their lives unto the death.' We bless thee for the cloud of witnesses with which [20.] For the planting of the Christian religion we are compassed about,' for the footsteps of the in the world, and the setting up of the gospel-flock," for the elders that have obtained a good rechurch, notwithstanding all the oppositions of port, and are now, through faith and patience, inthe powers of darkness. heriting the promises." Lord, give us to follow them, We thank thee, that the preaching of Jesus Christ as they followed Christ.* [23.] For the communion of saints, that spi- | Jesus Christ,' and made us nigh by his blood, who ritual communion which we have in faith, and by nature were afar off? Not untó us, O Lord, not hope, and holy love, and in prayers and praises unto us, but unto thy name, give glory.' with all good Christians. We bless thee, that if we walk in the light, we have fellowship one with another, even with all that in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours." That we, being many, are one bread and one body, and that though there are diversities of gifts, and administrations, and operations, yet there is the same Spirit, the same Lord, and the same God, which worketh all in all." We thank thee, that all the children of God which were scattered abroad are united in him who is the head of the body, the church; so that they are all our brethren and companions in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. [24.] For the prospect and hope of eternal life, when time and days shall be no more. We thank thee for the crown of life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him; the inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for us. That having here no continuing city, we are encouraged to seek the better country, that is, the heavenly, the city that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.h That we are in hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lic, hath promised; and that all true believers through grace have eternal life abiding in them.k (5.) We must give God thanks for the spiritual mercies bestowed upon us in particular, especially if we are called with an effectual call, and have a good work of grace begun in us. [1.] We must bless God for the strivings of his Spirit with us, and the admonitions and checks of our own consciences. We bless thee, that thou hast not given us over to a reprobate mind, that our consciences are not seared, that thou hast not said, concerning us, they are joined to idols, let them alone," but that thy Spirit is yet striving with us." We thank thee for the work of the law written in our hearts, our own consciences also bearing witness, and our own thoughts between themselves accusing | or excusing one another.P [2.] We must bless God if there be a saving change wrought in us by his blessed Spirit. And has God, by his grace, translated us out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of his dear Son? Has he called us into the fellowship of We give thanks to God always for those to whom the gospel is come, not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance." Thou hast loved us with an everlasting love, and therefore with loving-kindness thou hast drawn us," drawn us with the cords of a man, and the bands of love." When the strong man armed kept his palace in our hearts, and his goods were in peace, it was a stronger than he that came upon him, and took from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divided the spoil. [3.] We must give thanks for the remission of our sins, and the peace of our consciences. We bless thee for the redemption we have through Christ's blood, even the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of thy grace, wherein thou hast abounded towards us.y That thou hast forgiven all our iniquities, and healed all our diseases; and hast in love to our souls delivered them from the pit of corruption; for thou hast cast all our sins behind thy back." When thou broughtest us into the wilderness, yet there thou spakest comfortably to us, and gavest us our vineyards from thence; and the valley of Achor for a door of hope.b [4.] For the powerful influences of the divine grace, to sanctify and preserve us, to prevent our falling into sin, and to strengthen us in doing our duty. Thou hast not quenched the smoking flax, nor broke the bruised reed, nor despised the day of small things, but having obtained help of God we continue hitherto. d In the day when we cried thou hast answered us, and hast strengthened us with strength in our souls. We have been continually with thee; thou hast holden us by the right hand, when our feet were almost gone, and our steps had well nigh slipped. We have reason never to forget thy precepts, for by them thou hast quickened us; and unless thy law had been our delight, we should many a time have perished in our afflictions; for thy statutes have been our songs in the house of our pilgrimage. Unless the Lord had been our help, our souls had almost dwelt in silence: but when we said, Our foot slippeth, thy mercy, O Lord, held us up: and in the multitude of our thoughts within us, thy comforts have been the delight of our souls.i e John xi. 52. g Heb. xiii. 14. d Col. i. 18. e Rev. i. 9. h Heb. xi. 10, 16. i Tit. i. 2. z Ps ciii. 3. a Isa. xxxviii. 17. b Hos. ii. 14, 15. c Matt. xii. 20. d Zech. iv. 10. e Acts xxvi. 22. f Ps. cxxxviii. 3. g Ps. lxxiii. 2. b Ps. cxix. 92, 93. i Ps xciv. 17-19. |