Vol. 2

;CHAPTER II. 307Let us adore and imitate the exact obedience ofJesus to the particular law of circumcision, by whichhe engages himself to observe the whole Jewish law,as well according to the letter, as to the spirit.Give me, Lord, the grace, which thou hast herebymerited for me, to circumcise the pride and impurityof my heart, and whatever remains in me of Adam'scorruption. Christ, though innocent, takes uponhim the mark, the shame, and the remedy of sinand yet the sinner himself cannot bear them ! Theother instances of our blessed Saviour's humiliation,come attended, as it were, with the credentials ofsome miracle; none appears in this. The law,which subjected only sinners to it, authorizes andconfirms it; and nothing dignifies and sets it off butthe adorable name of Jesus or Saviour. By thisfirst effusion of his blood, he exercises the oflace of aSaviour, at the same time that he takes the name.How adorable are these first-fruits of his pains ! Letthis holy name be ever my refuge and confidence, mystrength and support, my peace and consolation ;andlet it be truly to me a name of salvation ! Exertupon my heart, O Jesus, the right and sovereignpower which it gives thee to save me !" 22. And when the days of her purification, accordingto the law of Moses, were accomplished, theybrought him to Jerusalem, to present him to theLord ; 23. ( As it is written in the law of the Lord,Every male that openeth the womb shall be calledholy to the Lord;)"Jesus submits to the law, to redeem those whowere oppressed with it. His public oblation in thetemple, is the sign, and, as it were, the sacrament of