TO THE KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY. SIRE, I BEG leave most humbly to inscribe the following pages to Your MaJESTY, and to avail myself of this opportunity publicly to express my gratitude for YOUR MAJESTY'S gracious protection, and condescending kindness towards me. I will only add, that the doctrine and principles contained in the present Volume, form the groundwork of those Discourses, which I have had the honour of delivering from time to time in the presence of YOUR MAJESTY. I have the honour to be, SIRE, YOUR MAJESTY'S Most dutiful Subject, And sincerely devoted Servant, CHARLES R. SUMNER. WINDSOR, April 15, 1824. PREFACE. It is the object of the following pages to examine a part of our Lord's mediatorial character, which seems to have attracted less attention than any other leading topic connected with his ministry. The separation of that character into three distinct divisions, is at once the most scriptural, and the most comprehensive that can be followed. The inspired description of the priesthood of Christ, which occupies the greater part of the Epistle to the Hebrews, has been illustrated in all the branches of its sacrificial and intercessory duties, with a particularity which was due to its primary importance. His kingly office, connected as it is with his divinity, and with all the subjects relating to the extent and nature of his spiritual empire, present and future, has also afforded materials for much practical as well as doctrinal remark. Much improvement may likewise be derived from an attentive study of our Lord's prophetical character. In the view of that portion of it which has been attempted in this volume, it has formed no part of my design to inquire into the |