governed the world in general, and the affairs of their church and nation in particular; and to whom, in the new testament, is ascribed, the creating and disposal of all things.

The apostle's description is so plain and full, that it is surprising that any should refuse to assent to this truth. He tells us, that all things in heaven and earth were made by him, and for him: and adds, "he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in all things he might have the pre-eminence, for it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell."

In favor of this cause, several other names which are given to Jesus Christ, may be applied with great propriety. As alpha and omega,-the beginning and the ending,-the first and the last. All these, I humbly conceive, have an immediate respect to his creating and governing all things,his managing all the dispensations of God, and bringing them to a glorious conclusion at last.

The word AMEN, which will bear no translation, and is therefore the same in all languages, is of the same import with " the truth," a designation which Christ appropriates to himself denoting that he is the author, as well as the scope of all the truth contained in revelation.

The attentive consideration of the first twelve verses of John's gospel, will convince any one of the truth I have been illustrating. Jesus Christ, who is there called the Word, is described as having existence WITH GOD before any thing else existed, and his giving existence to all things,being the light and life of all in general,-his

ancient relation to the Jewish nation, who are called his own,-his divine power in giving the right and privilege of adoption to those who are made the children of God. That all these are said of him, before his appearing in flesh, is plain from the narrative itself, and the way this paragraph is closed, by adding, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory," &c. To add this, had been a manifest impropriety, if the things formerly said, had not referred to a time prior to his being made flesh. Besides, it is further added, "No man hath seen GoD at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father; he hath declared him." This plainly shews, that all the knowledge ever any had of God, in any period of time, came by him, who, since he assumed flesh, is commonly called the Son of God.

I am persuaded the impartial reader will be satisfied from so many scripture testimonies, that Jesus Christ not only made the world, but hath governed all things, and the church in particular, in all ages,---did all the mighty works, and assumed all the titles due only to God.

I should more particularly prove, that the saints under both testaments worshipped him as their God and King. Having proved that he was the God and King of Israel, it follows that they worshipped him as such. Nay, they were expressly prohibited from worshipping any other than the Holy One, who is called the creator of Israel, and their King,-their Redeemer,-the King of glory,-the King, the Lord of Hosts,-the King of Zion. All which are applied to Jesus Christ, who owns himself to be the King of the Jews; and approves of Nathaniel's address, "Thou art the Son of God, thou art the King of Israel.”

The proper enjoyment of these titles, by right, gives him the justest claim to the worship and praises of Israel.

What evasion will be found, if instances are produced of the prophecies concerning the worship that should be given to GOD, literally fulfilled in him; and the most solemn acts of worship immediately directed to him? The psalmist says, " Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength, because of thine enemies," &c. This was fulfilled in the most striking manner in the praises of the children, who cried, "Hosanna to the son of David." Which honor being envied by his enemies, the Jews, he refers them to this prophecy in the psalms, as fulfilling in their presence.

After the psalmist, in a most animating description, had shewed the beauty and grace of the church, and the majesty of her King, he adds, "The King shall greatly desire thy beauty; for he is thy Lord, and worship thou him."

Whatever relation that magnificent description in the seventy-second psalm may have to Solomon, as the title would insinuate, I shall not determine; but it is certain, the ascriptions are such as will only suit a character that is truly divine. The perpetual and universal dominion, mentioned therein, is only applicable to Christ, whose "dominion is an everlasting dominion, and whose kingdom ruleth over all." And what is said concerning the bringing of presents, and offering gifts by eastern kings, was literally accomplished at his birth, when the sages from the east* presented their gifts, and worshipped him.

Matt. ii. 11.

"O* come let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD (JEHOVAH) our maker: for he is our GOD, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand; to-day if ye will hear his voice," &c. If the character of a shepherd, so plainly implied here, is reckoned not sufficient to limit the worship to Jesus Christ, it will certainly put it beyond doubt, when the apostle applies the passage expressly to him.

In the new testament, we find divine worship given him by the saints both in earth and heaven. I shall not take notice of all the instances of worship and homage given him by the people, when they were under surprise from the greatness of his miracles: this, perhaps, would be reckoned by some too low a kind of worship, to argue the Deity of the object from: but I shall select an example or two of divine worship solemnly directed to him; one is, that remarkable instance of Stephen, who, when his enemies were stoning him to death, could venture his departing soul, with every concern of his, in eternity, to the care of Jesus Christ, and with his last breath, addressed him in solemn prayer, in behalf of himself and his murderers. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon, and saying, Lord Jesus receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." I have omitted the word God in this text, because it should not be there; and the English reader will see that the trauslators, who supplied it, have been so fair as to put it down as a supplement. But for what reason it should be there at all, is more than any friend to the Deity of Jesus Christ can account for, as it weakens the evidence in the text for Christ

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* Psa, xcv. 6, 7.

+ Heb. iii. 7, 8. aud iv. 7. Acts vii, 59, 60.

being the object of Stephen's worship, which is so conspicuous without it, as the greatest enemy to Christ's divinity cannot deny it, if he will admit that Luke spoke good sense. His words are literally thus, "And they stoned Stephen, crying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

Another plain text to this purpose is, what Peter concludes his second epistle with. " Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: to whom be glory both now and evermore. Amen."*

And the inhabitants of heaven do also account the Lamb worthy of divine adoration.-" And+ I beheld in the midst of the throne, a Lamb, as it had been slain,--and when he had taken the book, the four beasts, and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the saints,-saying, with a loud voice, worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and

* Acts i. 24. "Thou, LORD, who knowest the hearts, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen," &c. That it was Christ, who is here solemnly addressed seems plain. First, from his challenging the same perfection of knowing the reins and the hearts, Rev. ii. 23, 27. which is here attributed to him. Secondly. From the subject of the petition, viz. the appointing an apostle, which was his office as Lord and head of the church, and whom Paul tells us, had called him and all the other apostles to their offices.

There are many other texts, which point out the worship of Christ, a few of them I shall here cite. Matt. xxviii. 19. Luke xxiv. 51, 52. John v. 22, 23. Acts ix. 13, 14, 21—15, 17. 1 Cor. i. 2. Acts xix. 13.—iii. 6.—vii. 59. 2 Cor. xii. 8. Phil. ii. 10, 11, 19. Col. iii. 11-17. 2 Thess. ii. 16, 17. 1 Tim. 1. 12. 2 Tim. iv. 18, 22. Tit. i. 4. Heb. i. 6. 2 Pet. iii. 18. Rev. v. 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13.—vii, 10.

† Rev. v. 6.-14.