February 19 AM

He that acknowledgeth the Son, hath the Father also. 1 John 2:23.

If so, we cannot pay too much homage, nor ascribe too much glory to Jesus, as some object. Did Jesus receive from God the Father, honor and glory by this voice from the excellent glory, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased?" 2 Pet. 1:17. Is it the Father's will that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father? "He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father that sent him." John 5:23. May we not then boldly say with Paul, on another occasion, "As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me in this glorying" in Jesus, as my Lord, my God. Yea, we will acknowledge him in his lowest form and meanest appearance, as the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger; a destitute, outcast infant; obscure and mean in his birth and parentage; working at a common, ordinary employ; without form and comeliness; despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with griefs; mocked, derided, laughed to scorn; crowned with thorns in derision; condemned and crucified as an accursed wretch, unworthy to live in heaven or on earth; adjudged fit only to die, in company with thieves and highwaymen, on a gibbet. Wholly to trust in this MAN, this GOD-MAN, Jesus of Nazareth, the root and offspring of David, this is "the FAITH of God's elect." This the acknowledgment of the truth which is after godliness. This is the only "HOPE of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began." Tit. 1:2. This is a "REPENTANCE to the acknowledging of the truth." 2 Tim. 2:25. Thus are simple, believing hearts "comforted, being knit together in love, unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Col. 2:2, 3.

In this rich mine of truth and consolation we are daily to dig for all wisdom, holiness, and happiness. In this acknowledgment of the Son in his humble state, thus saving us, we have the Father's rich love, and precious promises, and the Holy Spirit's power, influence, and witness. "Ever giving thanks to the Father, who hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." Col. 1:12.

When I behold the Father's love

Shine in the person of his Son,

His Spirit brings my soul to own

My God, th' eternal three in one.

Then sense submits to faith divine,

Which lords it over carnal views:

My soul gets settled in its hope;

This truth I sing, and sweetly muse.