FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT.
SUNDAY.
Christ Your Judge.
"Behold the Lord cometh with thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all." (Jude, xiv. 15.)
I. The gospel of this day tells us, that Jesus Christ is to be the judge of all mankind. We ought to dread His judgment. 1. On account of His supreme jurisdiction, from which there can be no appeal. 2. On account of the rigor of His justice; for no entreaties can affect Him, no bribes divert the course of His justice. 3. On account of His infinite knowledge, from which nothing can be concealed. 4. Because Jesus Christ will not only be the judge, but also the party offended.
II. How great would be the favor, if the judge himself should in the most friendly manner visit a criminal in his prison, and inform him of the means by which he might secure success in his trial. This favor Christ will show you this day. Receive Him, therefore, as He deserves, with love and gratitude, and now, whilst you can, endeavor by earnest prayer to gain His favor against that dreadful day on which prayers and entreaties will have no avail. That day will certainly arrive, and perhaps sooner than you expect.
III. It is your duty, then, to take care that there exist nothing in your soul which may be displeasing in the eyes of your pure Judge when He condescends to visit
