The Glorious Law-Giver and the Obedient Subject

1 CORINTHIANS, Chap. xi, Ver. 23, to the End. _For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you_, _&c._ _&c._

OUR most adorable Redeemer is set forth in the sacred Scriptures, as the glorious Mediator of a better Testament. In this character, he sustains the three-fold office in his Church, of Prophet, Priest, and King-from everlasting he was set up to be future man-to ransom the elect, honor the divine Law, and glorify all the sublime Attributes of God. As Man-Mediator he was set up; for as the eternal Jehovah, he could not be higher than he was; God having chosen his elect in him, accepted them in him-he appointed him to be _all_ to them; do all for them; and finally bring them to glory-hence, he says, _Thy throne_, _O God_, _is for ever & ever_. The Lord Jesus having engaged in the eternal Covenant, to be our Surety, Righteousness, Advocate, and Friend, immediately after the breach of the Covenant of Works, he graciously revealed himself in his lovely offices; and, as a Prophet, he foretold his own incarnation, threatened Satan, and pardoned our first Parents. As a Prophet, he preached by the ministry of Noah, to those souls now in the prison of hell-was typified by all the pious prophets that appeared till his coming in the flesh, when he gave ocular demonstration that he was that Prophet that should come into the world-he carries on, and still executes this office in the hearts of his people, by his Word and Spirit-enlightening their minds, and leading them into all truth; removing the veil of ignorance, and delivering his people from all damnable heresies-hence he says, _I am the Lord thy God_, _which teacheth thee to profit_, _and leadeth thee in the way in which thou shouldest go_-this is done by the holy Spirit's inhabitation.