proper name. For Joshua and Jesus are, in the original, the same word; only pronounced a little differently. And hence Joshua is constantly called Jesus in the Greek language; and even in our translation of the New Testament, the two only times that he is mentioned there. But if he deserved to be named a saviour, how much more did that person, who hath taught and enabled us to overcome our spiritual, which are infinitely our worse enemies-who hath obtained for us, on most equitable terms, deliverance from the punishment due to our guilt-who hath destroyed, on our behalf, death, and "him that hath the power of "death ;" and will bestow on us eternal salvation, in the kingdom of heaven? With perfect justice, therefore, was the order given to his virgin mother, "Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall "save his people from their sins. "5 Only let us remember, that none will be saved from them hereafter, that continue to live in them here: for, is the holy "Jesus the minister of Sin? God "forbid."6 2. His offices are expressed by the word Christ. This, and the Hebrew word Messiah, to which it answers, in their literal meaning signify Anointed. Oil was anciently in very high esteem among the Eastern nations on various accounts; and, as they were wont to express almost every matter of importance by actions, as well as words; one way of setting any thing apart, and appropriating it to an honourable use, was, by anointing it with oil. Therefore, we find Jotham, in his parable, makes the olive tree speak of its fatness, as that "wherewith they honour God and man.”7 cordingly, the tabernacle, and temple, and their furniture, were consecrated, by anointing them. (3) Acts vii. 45. Heb. iv. 8. (4) Heb. ii. 14 (6) Gal. ii. 17, (7) Judges ix. 9, Ас And almost every sacrifice had oil, mixed with flour, added to it, when it was offered up. Nor was it used only to such things, but such persons, as were distinguished in honour above others; to kings-who are thence frequently styled in Scripture "the Lord's anointed;" to priests-concerning whom God commands, in the case of Aaron and his sons, "Thou shalt anoint them, "that they may minister to me in the priest's "office:"8 and lastly, to prophets; as where Elijah is directed to "anoint Elisha prophet in his room."9 we And when once, by custom, anointing came to signify raising any one to a station or dignity, the same word was used, even on occasions where no oil was actually employed. Thus, when Elijah was bid "to anoint Hazael to be king over Syria, "and Elisha for prophet in his own room; find not that he ever did it literally.2 Again, when God is introduced, as saying of the Jewish Patriarchs, before Moses, "Touch not mine "anointed, and do my prophets no harm:"3 we have no ground to think that they were ever entitled to this name by any solemn outward unction performed upon them; but only by the distinguished favour and regard of heaven. And in this sense it was that "God anointed our Saviour "with the oil of gladness above his fellows:"4 that is, exalted him to a rank of dignity and honour beyond all creatures. For in his person were united those three offices, in the highest degree, to which you have seen persons were anciently set apart by anointing. He is the greatest prophet that ever was: hav (8) Exod. xl. 15. (9) 1 Kings xix. 16. (1) The Jews say that 'WD unction, signifies principality and greatness; .Reland, Ant. Hebr. Par ענין קענות ובדולח c. 8. § 6. and see this further proved, ib. c. 9. § 6. (2) See 1 Kings xix. 15, 16. comp. v. 19. and 2 Kings viii. 13. (4) Psalm xlv. 7. (3) Psalm cv. 15. ing given to mankind the fullest knowledge of God's will, and confirmed his doctrine by the most illustrious miracles and predictions. Hence Isaiah, speaking in his name, long before his appearance, gave that description of him, which he so justly, in the synagogue, applied to himself-"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he hath "anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor."" And St. Peter, after his resurrection, says, that "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth, with the Holy "Ghost, and with power." What these words mean, the next explain: "who went about doing "good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him ;"7 and the whole means just the same thing, with what he elsewhere says, that he was "a Man approved of God by miracles, and wonders, and signs. 66 66 In the next place, he is a Priest of an Order, strictly speaking, confined to his own person, and of which no other ever was or can be: though in some respects the priesthood of Melchizedeck peculiarly resembled and prefigured it. He offered up himself for the sins of mankind, as shall hereafter be explained to you. With this sacrifice he appeared before God, "not in the holy places "made with hands, which are the figures of the true, but in heaven itself;" made reconciliation for us with him, derives to us continually blessings from him, and thus remains for ever "an 66 66 1 high priest over the house of God;" compared with whom, the Jewish priesthood, and the sacrifices, which they were daily making, were but as empty shadows to the real substance. But lastly, he is, in the highest sense, a King; King and Lord of all. Hence, in the second (5) Chald. doth not understand the anointing here to be with material oil. (6) Isa. Ixi. 1. (8) Acts. ii. 22. (1) Heb. x. 21. (7) Acts x. 38. (9) Heb. ix. 24. Luke iv. 18. Psalm, he is called the "Lord's anointed, whom "he hath set to be king on his holy hill of Sion." Hence, in Isaiah, it is prophesied, that he should "sit upon the throne of David, (that is, reign over the people of God) to order and establish "it for ever. 993 And hence his title in Daniel is, Messiah the Prince, or the anointed Prince: the "Son of man, to whom dominion shall be given, "and a kingdom: that all people, nations, and "languages, should serve him."5 The completion of these prophecies we find in the New Testament: whereas he professes himself a "King; "but not of a kingdom of this world;"" so we find him, "after the suffering of death, crowned "with glory and honour," infinitely superior to the highest of mortal potentates: "all power being given unto him in heaven and in earth;' 66 66 " and a name above every name that is named in "this world, and that which is to come;"9 for which reason he is, in the Revelation, styled "King of Kings, and Lord of Lords."1 This kingly power he exercises, partly by giving laws, which every one is bound to obey, and no one may alter, diminish, or add to them; partly by protecting his Church against all his enemies, visible and invisible-so that neither shall, at any time, totally prevail against it; partly by conducting every member of it, who is dutiful to him, in the way of peace and happiness, through the grace of his spirit, and the ministry of his ordinances; and finally he will, in the most conspicuous manner, display his regal power, by everlastingly rewarding his faithful subjects; and punishing all who have rejected his authority, rebelled against it, or disobeyed it. (2) Psal. ii. 2, 6. (4) Dan. ix. 25. (6) John xviii. 33, 36. (8) Matt, xxviii. 18. (3) Isa. ix. 7. (5) Dan. vii. 13, 14. (7) Heb. ii. 9. (9) Phil. ii. 6. Eph. i. 21. (1) Rev. xix. 16. 'These, then, are the offices to which God hath anointed-that is, raised and exalted him; and in respect of which he is called the Christ. Let us all be careful to receive him suitably to them; and to hearken to him as our Prophet; that we may partake of his atonement, as our Priest; and live under his protection, as our King, for ever and ever. 3. The next thing mentioned in the Creed concerning our Saviour, is, the relation which he bears to God, as the only Son of the Father Almighty. Indeed the Scripture speaks of God as the Father of all men; and of all that are good, as his sons. Good Christians are so in a higher sense than other good men. Angels are the sons of God, in a degree still superior to them but yet, all other sonships are so inconceivably inferior to that of Christ, that they are in comparison as nothing; and he deserves, notwithstanding, to be called, as he is several times called in Scripture, "the only begotten Son of God," which greatest of titles appears to be his due, on several accounts. : First, because, being born of a virgin, he had no earthly father; but was begotten of God by his holy Spirit. This reason the angel gives, in St. Luke," The Holy Ghost shall come upon "thee, and the power of the highest shall over"shadow thee: therefore, that holy thing, which "shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of "God." 992 Secondly, as by virtue of the above-mentioned offices, to which he was anointed, he received higher marks of divine favour, and higher degrees of divine likeness, than any other person ever did: for, as himself argues with the Jews, (1) John i. 14, 18. iii. 16, 18. 1 John iv. 9. |