ever, with joy unspeakable in the house above.

Christ was a sign of the dispensation of the blessings of God's
Covenant. The Lord made to Abraham the promise, "In thy seed shall all
the nations of the earth be blessed;" and this promise, illustrated by
an apostle, refers to Christ. "Now to Abraham and his seed were the
promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one,
And to thy seed, which is Christ."[735] Hence, when he assumed the
nature of man, it was signified, that the spiritual experiences of the
former saints on earth were not imaginary, but real; their entrance into
glory thereafter beyond dispute; and their title to immortal bliss
secure. And also was betokened the certain glory in reserve for all
others favoured with increased heavenly light, and enabled to believe.
He himself taught the doctrines of a judgment to come, an everlasting
punishment, and a heavenly rest. His miracles attested the truths which
he taught, and proved him a token of their reality. At his birth, there
was commissioned to announce it an angel, and with him "a multitude of
the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, good will toward men." And signally, indeed, had
been announced by his appearance, that peace--his covenant provision. He
himself, the greatest inconceivably of every covenant blessing, had been
given. Could a doubt then remain, when he averred it, that spiritual
blessings had been enjoyed by his saints before, and that every
spiritual blessing in due time should be afforded to all brought to fear
him? The greatest of all benefits was freely conferred; and had there
not been, through him, and would there not be, bestowed the less? "He
that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall
he not with him also freely give us all things."[736]

Through Christ the Everlasting Covenant was to be made known, and
forever had in remembrance. What events for importance are comparable to
the occurrences connected with his sojourn on earth? What a privilege
the Church enjoyed, when the Word was made flesh and dwelt among them,
and they beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the
Father, full of grace and truth! Nor could that be forgotten, nor its
glorious design. The splendour of the cloud of God's promise could not
be forgotten; and could the shades of oblivion cover the advent of Him
who appeared as the brightness of the Father's g