4 INFLUENCE OF REVELATION. 4. Benevolent in their design. 5. Demonstrative in their evidence. 6. Stamped with perfection. 1 Thess. ii. 13. Luke, xxiv. 25-27, 44-46. Ps. Acts, xxvi. 22. Rom. i. 2. Ps. xix. 7-12. Prov. xxx. 5. John, xx. 31. Rom. xv. 3, 4. II. THEIR ILLUMINATING VIRTUE. Their "entrance" into the soul "giveth light." Revealing, 1. The perfections of Deity. 2. The depravity of man. 3. The gracious provisions of redeeming love. 4. The realities of the future state. 5. The means of personal salvation. Exod. xxxiv. 5, 6, 14. Rom. viii. 7. Col. i. 15-19. III. THEIR LEGITIMATE CLAIMS. The words of God demand, 1. Devout investigation. 2. Cordial belief. 3. Practical submission. 4. Faithful adherence. John, v. 39. 1 Pet. ii. 2. James, i. 18-21. Cof. iii. 16. Heb. ii. 1—4. Acts, xvii. 11. Jude, 3, 5, 17, 18. Why is it that men love darkness rather than light? The reason is obvious, and truly alarming!" Because their deeds are evil." "This is the condemnation," (John, iii. 19.) Is this charge to be preferred against any of you? Let your consciences testify. The true light shines-Christ in the Scriptures. Arise, thou that sittest in the dust, and in the shadow of death. The Sun of Righteousness hath risen, "with healing in his wings." The word "is nigh thee; even in thy mouth, and in thy heart." Now believe," with all thine heart." Does the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom? Then walk as "children of light, and of the day." Exemplify, in your lives, the Divine power of the truth as it is in Jesus. THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER RECOMMENDED. "THEN AGRIPPA SAID UNTO PAUL, ALMOST THOU PERSUADEST ME TO BE A CHRISTIAN."-Acts, xxvi. 28. MINISTERIAL fidelity admirably displayed by the Apostle of the Gentiles. Though calumniated-imprisoned-scourged-brought before the tribunal of kings,—yet not dismayed-" not ashamed of the gospel of Christ." Extraordinary unction characterized his bold appeals. We have a deeply interesting case presented in this chapter. Agrippa's acknowledgment of the force of truth will lead us to examine the principles essential to the Christian character, and their paramount importance. CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. I. THE PRINCIPLES ESSENTIAL TO THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. Christianity requires 5 1. That we receive with implicit confidence the instructions of the Son of God. 2. That we rely on his atoning sacrifice, as the exclusive medium of justification. 3. That we habitually copy his holy example. 4. That we consecrate our energies to his cause. Now observe II. THEIR PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE. It is important to be a Christian, because Gal. ii. 16. 1. Christianity is invested with the authority of the SUPREME. 2. Christianity greatly enlarges the sphere of our knowledge;In relation to the Divine character-Man's depraved condition-the mode of reconciliation-the benefits of redemption-the immortal state. 3. Christianity tranquillizes the soul. 4. Christianity inspires with fortitude, and sustains the spirit in adversity and dissolution. 5. Christianity qualifies man for celestial enjoyment. Acts, xxvi. 17. 1 Thess. iv. 8. 1 Cor. ii. 9. 2 Cor. v. 17. 1 John, iii. 1, 2. Rom. viii. 35, &c. Col. i. 12. Now have you not frequently listened to the stirring appeals of an Evangelical ministry? Have you no charge of unfaithfulness to prefer against those who have spoken to you words whereby you may be saved? Then what is the result of your attendance on this ministry? Do you acknowledge the Divine excellency of the Christian system, but remain undecided? Beware! Indecision is foolishignoble-ruinous! Now embrace the religion of Christ. THE HOLY ALLIANCE. 66 THEN MOSES STOOD IN THE GATE OF THE CAMP, AND SAID, WHO IS ON THE LORD'S SIDE?"-Exod. xxxii. 26. "THE carnal mind is enmity against God!" Of this an appalling demonstration, even at the holy mount of God-SINAI-" that burned with fire ;"—where, also, were "blackness, and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:”- -"And so terrible was the sight that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake." Yet even there, the Divine Majesty was most grievously insulted, by Israel's idolatrous estrangement. "They changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass."-" They worshipped the molten image."-" They forgat God their Saviour, which had done great things in Egypt." Moses was commissioned to go from the Divine presence to the camp of the idolaters. The molten image destroyed—the faithful called together -punishment inflicted on the incorrigible. The whole case places before us the necessity of alliance with God; and we shall, therefore, consider the principles of its constitution, the nature of its obligations, and the importance of its establishment. I. THE PRINCIPLES OF ITS CONSTITUTION. 1. By the display of divine grace. 3. By an unqualified abhorrence of sin. 4. By an ardent love of holiness. 2 Sam. vii. 18. 1 Cor. xv. 10. 1 Tim. i. 14. Ps. cxxxix. 21, 22. 2 Cor. vi. 14-17. II. THE NATURE OF ITS OBLIGATIONS. This alliance demands Ps. xx. 7. 1. The adoption of all suitable measures for the suppression of immorality. 2. A public avowal of Jehovah as the exclusive object of adoration. 3. Intense solicitude and valiant effort for the universal establishment of the kingdom of God. Ps. xciv. 16. 1 Kings, xviii. 36, 37. Jer. x. 7. Dan. xi. 32, 33; xii. 3. III. THE IMPORTANCE OF ITS ESTABLISHMENT. 1. The Divine character and authority demand it. 2. The honour of true religion demands it. 3. The advancement of the world's well-being requires it. 4. It is necessary to ensure everlasting emolument. Ezek. xviii. 4. 1 Cor. vi. 19. 1 John, v. 19. Matt. xix. 28. Rom. xii. 1. Prov. iv. 7. Let the rebellious submit themselves.-" Kiss the Son," &c. God is now propitious-there is an atonement. Behold the Lamb! Let the Lord's faithful allies acquit themselves as men, being "valiant for the truth upon the earth.” THE ILLUSTRIOUS TEACHER. 66 THIS IS OF A TRUTH THAT PROPHET THAT SHOULD COME INTO THE WORLD."-John, vi. 14. MIRACULOUS signs intended for the confirmation of the truth of Christ, and to demonstrate his Messiahship. His miracles stupendous and benevolent. Important result-Recognition of the Lord's Anointed. He executes the office of prophet-Text. Christ the light of the world—the light of life emanates from his salutary dis ILLUSTRIOUS TEACHER. 7 courses. Notice His pre-eminent qualifications, his invaluable instructions, and his legitimate claims. I. HIS PRE-EMINENT QUALIFICATIONS. 1. The authority with which he is invested. 2. The vastness of his intelligence. 3. His inviolable truth and righteousness. 4. His unparalleled condescension. 5. His disinterested and unbounded benevolence. Deut. xviii. 15-19. Isai. xlii. 3-7; lv. 4. Matt. xi. 27-29. Luke, x. 22, 23. Col. ii. 3. Heb. i. 1—3. John, ii. 24, 25. Luke, ix. 47. II. HIS INVALUABLE INSTRUCTIONS. His doctrines are 1. Comprehensive :-Bearing on The character and will of God-The guilt and impurity of mankind-Man's moral recovery-The means of personal salvation-The future state. 2. Perspicuous. 3. Consolatory. 4. Energetic and vital. Ps. xl. 9, 10. Isai. Ixi. 1—3. Ezek. xxxiv. 14—16. III. HIS LEGITIMATE CLAIMS. Christ claims 1. Our devout attention. 3. Our entire consecration. Acts, iii. 22, 23; vii. 37. John, xiv. 8, 9, 11, 30. 2 Pet. i. 16, 17. 1 Pet. i. 21. John, vi. 27, 38, 62, 64, 69. Luke, v. 28. We will not close our observations without reminding you of the awful destiny of those who refuse to hear the Divine Prophet :— "It shall come to pass, that every soul that will not hear this prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people." Fall down at his feet, and receive his instructions with humble docility. This will be your honour and happiness-you will become "wise unto salvation." Are you his disciples? "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly." ISRAEL'S INCOMPARABLE HAPPINESS. "HAPPY ART THOU, O ISRAEL: WHO IS LIKE UNTO THEE, O PEOPLE SAVED BY THE LORD, THE SHIELD OF THY HELP, AND WHO IS THE SWORD OF THY EXCELLENCY! AND THINE ENEMIES SHALL BE FOUND LIARS UNTO THEE; AND THOU SHALT TREAD UPON THEIR HIGH PLACES." -Deut. xxxiii. 29. VALEDICTORY address of Moses deeply impressive-replete with wisdom, and piety, and consolation. Let us examine the high 8 ISRAEL'S HAPPINESS. encomium he here pronounces on the Tribes of the Lord. Consider the moral characteristics-and the incomparable happiness of the true Israel. I. THEIR MORAL CHARACTERISTICS. 66 ISRAEL," signifies a prince of God, or one who has power with God. Given to Jacob when he wrestled and prevailed with "THE ANGEL." Compare Gen. xxxii. 24-29, with Hosea, xii. 3-5. The true Israel are distinguished 1. By the circumcision of their hearts. 2. By the spirituality of their devotion. 3. By the object of their delight. 4. By the foundation of their confidence. Rom. ii. 28, 29; ix. 6. 1 Cor. vii. 19. Gal. v. 6. 1. The divinity of its source. Divine in its provision-revelation-application. 2. The spirituality of its nature: including Deliverance from sin, and from the powers of darkness-Consciousness of the Divine favour-Hope of immortality. 3. Its supreme excellency: discovered in its purity-plenitudeelevating and invigorating tendency—and glorious consummation. Num. xxiii. 20-24. 2 Sam. vii. 23. Ps. xxxiii. 12. Carefully examine yourselves. Who, then, is an Israelite indeed? Implore the Spirit's renovating energy. not let thee go, except thou bless me!" privileges. 66 IMPORTANCE OF SELF-INVESTIGATION. EXAMINE YOURSELVES, WHETHER YE BE IN THE FAITH; PROVE YOUR OWN SELVES."-2 Cor. xiii. 5. SECULAR engagements too frequently absorb the mind, and deprive us both of time and the disposition to attend to the sacred duties of religion. Let us now notice one of the most important of those duties-SELF-INVESTIGATION. Consider its subject, its rule, and its importance. Observe— I. THE SUBJECT OF THIS INVESTIGATION. "Yourselves"-" Your own selves," "Whether ye be in the faith"-whether ye be Christian believers. It is necessary to examine 1. The character of our sentiments. 2. Our moral relation to God. |