The ACTS of the Apostles

Charles Simeon's Devotional Commentaries

 

#1735

CHRIST'S ASCENSION

Acts 1:9-11.

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into Heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into Heaven."

WE are surprised to see how slow of heart the Apostles were to receive and understand the instructions given them from time to time by their Divine Master. If he spoke to them of his death, they could not endure the thought of such an outcome to his ministrations. If he spoke of his resurrection, they could not at all apprehend his meaning, or conceive to what he could refer.

In like manner, when he spoke of his returning to his Father in Heaven, and declared to them the special ends of his ascension, and of the deep interest which they themselves had in it, (since he was going to prepare a place for them, and to send them another Comforter, who would far more than compensate them for the loss of his bodily presence,) they could not enter into the subject. They thought, indeed, that they understood him, and said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech, John 16:28-29."

They showed, even after his resurrection, how ignorant they were; since they still dreamed of his establishing a temporal kingdom, and asked, in reference to it, "Lord, will you at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel, verse 6." It was thus that they surveyed the ascension of their Lord at this time. Instead of being prepared for it, and expecting the completion of his work on earth, they stood and gazed at him, with a kind of stupid amazement; until two Angels, in the form of men, reproved their stupidity: and assured them, that, at a future period, their Divine Master would again return to earth, in a way similar to that of his departure from it.

The points for our present consideration are,

I. The ends of his ascension to Heaven—

These are fully declared in the Holy Scriptures. He ascended,

1. To receive a recompense for himself—

The Father had engaged in covenant with him, that, "if he would make his soul an offering for sin, he would see a seed, and prolong his days; and the pleasure of the Lord would prosper in his hands, Isaiah 53:10." In this compact, his human nature was ordained to have a full participation of his glory, being enthroned at the right hand of God, and, by its union with the Godhead, invested with all the honors due to the Most High God. "All the angels in Heaven," no less than his redeemed saints, were "bidden to worship him, Psalm 97:7 with Hebrews 1:6." And to this, in part at least, he looked forward, as to "the joy that was set before him;" in consideration of which "he endured the cross, and despised the shame, until he sat down on the right hand of the throne of God, Hebrews 12:2." All this was conferred on him as the recompense of his humiliation and sin atoning death: for so says the holy Apostle: He, "being in the form of God, thought it no robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee would bow, of things in Heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue would confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, Philippians 2:6-11."

In his ascension was in some degree fulfilled that vision of the prophet Daniel: "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of Heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, would serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom shall not be destroyed! Daniel 7:13-14.

2. To carry on and perfect his work for us—

As our great High-Priest, he offered himself a sacrifice upon the cross. But, in order to execute the whole of that sacred office, he must carry that blood within the veil, and offer incense also before the mercy-seat: nor, until he would have done this, would he have any authority to bless his people. Accordingly, in his ascension he performed this remaining part of his priestly office: entering into Heaven with his own blood, and offering before God the incense of his continual intercession, Hebrews 9:11-12; Hebrews 9:24.

But his kingly office also was now to be executed, in a fuller manner than it had yet been. David had said, "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool, Psalm 110:1." And again; "The stone which the builders refused, the same is made the cornerstone, Psalm 118:22." This, therefore, now remained to be fulfilled: and for the accomplishment of it, Christ was now exalted to glory. And this accords with the account given to us by Peter: "This Jesus has God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has shed forth this, which you now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he says himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit on my right hand, until I make your foes your footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made that same Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ, Acts 2:32-36."

To the same effect Paul also speaks: "Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Therefore he says, When he ascended up on high, he gave gifts unto men: he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: until we all come, in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, Ephesians 4:7-14."

This then, I say, was the end of his ascension; and in this way was fulfilled what Paul had spoken respecting him: "God raised him up, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come; and has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the Church, which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all, Ephesians 1:20-23."

In connection with this, we are of necessity led to consider,

II. The time and manner of his future advent—

There are two periods at which the Lord Jesus Christ may certainly be expected to come again, after the manner of his departure from this lower world.

1. At the period of the Millennium, to establish his kingdom—

Christ laid the foundation of his kingdom in the Apostolic age: and it has been maintained and carried forward, even to the present day. But there is a time coming, when all the kingdoms of the world shall be subdued unto him, and he alone shall reign over the face of the whole earth, Daniel 2:44. That I apprehend to be the season called, in Scripture, "the times of the restitution of all things;" until which period the heavens have received him: but when that period shall have arrived, "he will again be sent after the manner of his departure hence, Acts 3:20-21," in power and great glory. And it seems, from prophecy, that, as he ascended from the mount of Olives, so on that very mount will he again appear, Zechariah 14:4, and not improbably as he did once on Mount Tabor; but certainly to establish his empire over the face of the whole earth, Zechariah 14:9.

Then will take place what is called in Scripture the first resurrection, when, it is said, all his saints shall rise, in order to reign with him. Whether this shall be spiritually accomplished, as beyond all doubt the resurrection of God's ancient people, spoken of by the Prophet Ezekiel will be, Ezekiel 37:1-14; or whether any, or all, of them will be summoned to meet him, as Moses and Elijah were on the Mount of Transfiguration; I will not take upon me to determine. But I must enter my protest against that bold, confident obtrusion of this matter upon the Church of Christ, which we have witnessed of late, and which has tended exceedingly to draw away the minds of many pious people from the more sober and serious contemplation of matters of far deeper interest, and of incomparably greater certainty. I object not to the consideration of any point contained in holy writ: but I deprecate the giving of such extraordinary and almost paramount importance to things which, to say the least, are extremely questionable, and which, if ever so fully established, would tend in no degree to quicken the soul in the service of its God. For, whether we are to enjoy the presence of our God and Savior in Heaven or on earth, it can make no difference in our present duties, nor can it add one jot or tittle to our present encouragements. And the grievous errors which have been broached by some who have been most zealous in propagating their Millenarian notions, are abundantly sufficient to keep all prudent persons from being drawn into their vortex.

The sleep of the soul, for instance: the worshiping of idols not being idolatry, provided the worshiper believe them to be God: and other things, which have been stated in conversation to the Author, too horrible to be mentioned; but which, it is hoped, are peculiar to the individual who stated them, and not common to those who maintain the other sentiments.

God alone knows to what all this extravagance may lead. Of this however we are certain, that "all the ends of the earth are given to the Lord Jesus for his possession," and that in the appointed season, which we hope is now fast approaching, "all flesh shall see the salvation of God." Yes, whether by his personal appearance, or by the operations of his Holy Spirit, "he shall reign in Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his Ancients gloriously, Isaiah 24:23."

2. At the last day to judge the world—

Of this our blessed Lord himself has spoken fully. "The Son of man shall be seen coming in the clouds of Heaven, with power and great glory." "He shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him: then he shall sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations; and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats, Matthew 24:30; Matthew 25:31-32."

This is the advent spoken of also by Paul, who says, "The Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God." "He shall be revealed from Heaven, with his mighty angels, in flaming fire; taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power! 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9." "In that day every eye shall see him, Revelation 1:7," and every soul receive from him his everlasting doom, 2 Corinthians 5:10.

This being universally acknowledged among us, I will wave any further discussion of it as a fact to be established, and call your attention to it only as a truth to be improved.

A mere vacant gaze, like that of the Apostles, or, what I would consider as equally worthless, a mere speculative acknowledgment, I would join with the holy angels in reproving, as altogether unsuitable to the occasion. But I would say: Direct your eyes to the Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven, and prepare for his future appearance in the clouds of Heaven. You cannot have your eyes too earnestly fixed upon him.

Look at him as "your Forerunner," "gone thither to prepare a place for you."

Look at him as your Head, that insures to all his members a participation of his glory.

Look at him as your Advocate and Intercessor, who maintains continually your peace with God, and secures to you all needful supplies of grace and strength.

Look to him as "possessing in himself all fullness for you," that "out of his fullness you may receive all that you can ever stand in need of."

Look at him as "your very life:" and let your soul rejoice in the assurance, that, "when he shall appear, you also shall appear with him," as "the fruit of his travail," the trophies of his victory, "the jewels of his crown."

And, while looking for his advent, keep "your loins girt, and your lamps trimmed, and yourselves as servants waiting for the coming of their Lord." This is the proper posture of his people, to be "waiting for his appearing," "loving it," delighting in it, and "hastening it forward, 2 Timothy 4:8. Hebrews 9:28. 2 Peter 3:12." By all possible means; that, at whatever hour he shall come, you may enter with him into his presence-chamber, and be for ever happy in the fruition of his love.

 

#1736

OUT-POURING OF THE SPIRIT

Acts 2:1-4.

"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

It was not long after the Flood, that man lost the knowledge of the true God. No sooner did the posterity of Noah begin to multiply upon earth, than they conceived an idea of counteracting the intentions of their Maker in relation to their dispersion over the world, and actually began to build a city sufficiently large for their accommodation, and a tower which might place them out of the reach of any future deluge.

When they had made considerable progress in the work, God was pleased to inflict upon them a judgment, which instantly put a stop to the building, and compelled them to separate themselves to different and distant places. They had hitherto been "all of one language and one speech:" but now "God confounded their language, so that they could not understand one another." This introduced such confusion, that they could not prosecute their purpose, but were necessitated to form themselves into distinct societies, each uniting with the party whose speech he understood.

From hence the knowledge of the true God was speedily lost; until in a few generations it seemed to have vanished from among men. This knowledge however was revived in Abraham, and continued in a part of his posterity, until the time came that God had fixed for the diffusion of it over the face of the whole earth.

The time so fixed was after the ascension of our blessed Lord: then was his Gospel to be preached to all nations: and, in order that it might be so, God reversed, as it were, the judgment he had before inflicted; not indeed by restoring a unity of language among all nations, but by enabling his chosen servants to address all people in their native tongue. This miracle is to be the subject of our present lesson, and we shall,

I. Make some observations for the illustration of it—

The miracle itself was the enabling of the Apostles, without any previous study, to speak with propriety and fluency whatever language was most familiar to their respective hearers; and to communicate unerring information on the great subject of religion, which, until that hour, they very imperfectly understood. If we reflect how difficult it is even for men of learning to attain a new language, and how much time and study are necessary to acquire any proficiency in speaking it, we shall see how stupendous a miracle this was, which enabled a number of illiterate fishermen to address foreigners of different nations, whose language they had never so much as heard. But there are some peculiar circumstances respecting this miracle, to which we would call your more particular attention:

1. The time when it was wrought—

There were in the year three great feasts, at which all the males in Israel were required to go up to Jerusalem, namely:
the Passover, or feast of unleavened bread;
the Pentecost, or feast of weeks;
and the feast of tabernacles.

The first was appointed in commemoration of their deliverance from Egypt.

The the second (the period referred to in our text) was held in remembrance of the giving the law from Mount Sinai, fifty days after their departure from Egypt, Exodus 19:1; Exodus 19:11. Now God was pleased to make that very day on which he had proclaimed his law, the day for publishing his Gospel also: so that their connection might the more plainly appear, and the one might be the more fully acknowledged as introductory to the other.

It is further to be remarked, that on the day of Pentecost, "the first-fruits" of the wheat harvest were offered unto God, as the first-fruits of the barley harvest had been seven weeks before, Leviticus 23:15-17. This also, no doubt, was designed of God to typify the first-fruits of the Jewish Church, which were now presented unto him. It is certain that converts, whether from among Jews or Gentiles, were so designated, James 1:18. Revelation 14:4, and especially the first in any place, Romans 16:5; and consequently, the typical offering was, as it were, completed on this day, in the conversion of three thousand persons unto Christ.

Moreover, it is probable that the anointing of the first-fruits also had respect to the out-pouring of the Spirit upon the converts on this day, Leviticus 2:1; for that very idea is distinctly suggested by Paul in reference to the Gentile converts, who were brought by him as "an offering in a clean vessel unto the Lord, Isaiah 66:20," and were accepted of the Lord, "being sanctified by the Holy Spirit, Romans 15:16."

2. The manner in which it was wrought—

As in the time of working the miracle we see types fulfilled, so in the manner of its being wrought, we behold emblems illustrated and realized. The attention of the whole multitude was fixed by an appeal both to their eyes and ears. "They heard a sound from Heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind." Our Lord compares the influences of the Spirit to wind, "The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound thereof, but can not tell whence it comes and where it goes: so is every one who is born of the Spirit, John 3:8." Who then must not recognize in this tempest the inexplicable, but effectual, operations of the Spirit on the minds of men?

At the same time "cloven tongues, like as of fire, appeared," and abode visibly on the head of all who were then assembled. Now we know, it is the property of fire to enlighten, to warm, to purify: and such were to be the effects of the Spirit which was poured out upon them; for while, by the diversity of tongues in which they spoke, they communicated light and understanding to the world; they inflamed them with love to the Lord Jesus Christ, and transformed them into the very image of their God: and thus was the prophecy of John the Baptist accomplished; "I baptize you with water; but He who comes after me shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire! Matthew 3:11."

Such was the miracle, which, however interesting in itself, derives a still greater interest from the circumstances before referred to. We now proceed to,

II. Suggest some reflections for the improvement of it—

The decided proof which it gave of Christ's Messiahship, and of the power and glory to which he is exalted, must naturally suggest itself to every mind. We therefore wave the consideration of the miracle in that view, (more especially as we propose to notice it in the following discourse;) and confine our attention to other reflections less obvious, but equally important:

1. What rich provision has God made for the salvation of the world!

Was the gift of his only dear Son necessary to redeem us from death and Hell? He so loved the world as to give his Son for us.

Was more necessary? Was it necessary that the third Person of the blessed Trinity would bear testimony to Christ, and qualify persons to make him known to the world, and actually render their labors effectual for that end? Behold, God sent his Holy Spirit to work this stupendous miracle in confirmation of Christ's Messiahship, and to endue his servants with such powers as were necessary for the preaching of his Gospel to every creature, and to convert to the faith of Christ thousands who but lately had crucified him as a malefactor.

What then will he not do for those who desire to be saved? What will he refuse us, who has, unsought and unsolicited, done such great things for us? Let us bear in mind that we are as much interested in these things as those who lived in the apostolic age; for "the promise is to us, and to our children, and to as many as the Lord our God shall call".

2. What a striking resemblance appears between the events of that day, and the period wherein we live!

We confess that miracles have ceased, and that the operations of the Spirit are no longer audible in sounds, or visible in tongues of fire: but have they therefore ceased? No! we affirm that they yet exist; and that too in no common measure or degree.

Persons, it is true, are not enabled to address themselves successively, without any previous study, to foreigners of every country in their own vernacular tongue; but persons are stirred up to study different languages, and to translate the Scriptures into those languages, so that persons of every country may adopt the same acknowledgment as was used on the day of Pentecost; "We do, every man in his own tongue, hear spoken to us the wonderful works of God, verse 6, 8, 11."

Nor is this effect produced in any slight or partial degree; for persons of every rank, and almost of every nation, are contributing to this blessed end. In our own nation, such an attention has been excited to this work as has never been known since the apostolic age. Nobles, as well as others, have united in disseminating the Holy Scriptures, and in spreading the knowledge of them to the ends of the earth. Is not this work of God? Yes; and, by whoever it be opposed, it shall stand; nor shall all the powers of Hell prevail against it!

3. How certainly may we expect, before long, a yet greater work!

God has reserved in his own power the times and the seasons wherein he will work: but he has assured us, that in due time "the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea:" and we have reason to believe that that time is fast approaching. Behold with what astonishing rapidity the work has been carried forward of late! In this land, schools have been set on foot for the education of the poor; so that in a little time we may hope they will be established in almost every town and village in the kingdom. At the same time, Bibles have been so liberally dispersed, that no poor person who desires to possess that heavenly treasure, needs to continue destitute of it. A similar kind of spirit has been diffused through other countries, where even crowned heads: the Emperor of Russia, and the Kings of Prussia, Sweden, etc. are contributing to advance the glorious cause.

Above all, the very same means as Providence used for the speedy establishment of Christianity throughout the Roman empire, are at this moment provided against the time that the Spirit shall be poured out to convert the world. At the Passover, the Jews throughout divers countries assembled at Jerusalem, and went home to report what they had seen and heard respecting the death and resurrection of Christ. At the day of Pentecost they did the same, in reference to the ascension of Christ, and the descent of the Holy Spirit, and the instantaneous conversion of thousands to the faith of Christ. Reporting these things in their respective cities, they prepared the way for the ministry of the Apostle, and excited the greatest attention to them.

Thus at this day, Jews are spread over all the earth, and for their use the New Testament is translated into Hebrew, at the same time that translations are going forward into all the languages of the world; insomuch that we may hope, in the space of twenty or thirty years, there will be scarcely a nation that shall not possess the Scriptures, or at least a considerable portion of them, in their own language. Moreover, there is a society formed for the express purpose of converting the Jews, and of educating their children in the Christian faith. If then God is pleased to send forth his Spirit upon the Jews by means of the Scriptures which are translated into their language, there will be missionaries without number already found in every country under Heaven, conversant with the habits and languages of the people among whom they dwell, and able to explain to them the Scriptures which have been previously translated into their respective tongues. What a glorious prospect does this open to us! O that God would even now pour forth his Spirit upon all flesh, that "his word might run and be glorified throughout the earth!"

 

#1737

SENDING FORTH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Acts 2:32-33.

"God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear."

MARVELOUS, beyond conception, was the miracle wrought on the day of Pentecost; when a company of illiterate fishermen were enabled, in one moment, to speak a great diversity of languages, with as much ease and fluency and propriety as their own native tongue.

Some, who were of a more than ordinary profane character, when they heard foreigners of different nations addressed in languages which they themselves could not understand, said, that the Apostles were drunk with new wine. But the Apostle Peter, repelling the accusation as both unmerited and absurd, showed that this very miracle had been foretold, as ordained to mark the days of the Messiah, and as intended to introduce that new dispensation to which the descendants of Abraham had looked forward for two thousand years. That we may see the full scope of his argument, I will show,

I. In what light we should view the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit—

This stupendous miracle had an especial respect to the Lord Jesus Christ,

1. As an evidence of his mission—

It had been foretold by the Prophet Joel, whose words are cited by the Apostle Peter, and declared to have been accomplished in that event. Compare Joel 2:28-32 with Acts 2:16-21. The testimony of the Apostles, relative to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, on which all his claims to the Messiahship were founded, might be supposed to have been the result of a deeply-laid plot: but, in the miraculous powers imparted, there could be no conspiracy; since persons of all the different nations then present at Jerusalem could not but attest the truth of the miracle then wrought. Of this the most inveterate enemies were made the judges: and therefore, if they were convinced by it, even three thousand of them in one single hour, we may be sure that the evidence was clear and irresistible. If "by his resurrection from the dead, the Lord Jesus was proved to be the Son of God with power," much more was he by his visible ascension to Heaven, and his sending forth of the Holy Spirit according to his word.

2. As the reward of his sufferings—

The Father had engaged in covenant with the Lord Jesus, that if he would "make his soul an offering for sin, he would see a seed who would prolong their days, and the pleasure of the Lord would prosper in his hands: yes, that he would see of the travail of his soul, and be satisfied, Isaiah 53:10-11." And now this promise was fulfilled. By the sending down of the Holy Spirit, the recompense was accorded to him: "the great were divided to him for a portion, and the strong for a spoil, because he had poured out his soul unto death, and been numbered with transgressors, and bore the sins of many, and made intercession for transgressors, Isaiah 53:12." It was in the prospect of this that he had "endured the cross, and despised the shame, and had sat down at the right hand of the throne of God, Hebrews 12:2;" it had been declared unto him, that "he would receive gifts for men, even for the rebellious, that the Lord God might dwell among them:" and his being empowered to "confer these gifts" was, on the Father's part, a fulfillment of the engagement he had entered into, compare Psalm 68:18 with Ephesians 4:8, and a bestowment of "the benefits which he had purchased with his own blood, Acts 20:28."

3. As the pledge of his glory—

"The prophets, speaking by the Spirit of Christ, had from the beginning testified respecting the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that would follow, 1 Peter 1:10-11."

Now, this sending forth of the Holy Spirit was the commencement of the Savior's glory, both among Jews and Gentiles, Acts 11:15; and to this had John the Baptist and our Lord himself referred, as the pledge of his triumphs, Matthew 3:11. Acts 1:4-5. Our blessed Lord, previous to his ascension, had taught his disciples to expect this: but it was not until the renewal of this miracle to the Gentile converts, six years afterwards, that Peter recollected his words; and then they were brought most forcibly to his remembrance: "Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit, Acts 11:16."

In all subsequent effusions of the Holy Spirit has the glory of Christ been advancing, even unto this time, John 16:14; and by this, at a future period, will his kingdom be extended over the face of the whole earth: "when the Spirit will be poured out from on high, the wilderness shall become a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest, Isaiah 32:15." The request for that effusion of the Spirit needs only to be made by him; and "the heathen shall instantly be given to him for an inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for his possession, Psalm 2:8."

Nor is this a mere speculative subject. It has a great practical tendency; as will be seen, while I show,

II. What we may learn from it—

Some idea may be formed of the immense importance of this subject, by the mention of two things only, to which I will confine your attention. We may see, then, from hence,

1. What we ourselves, if we believe in Christ, may expect—

Our blessed Lord, in the days of his flesh, stood in a place of public concourse, and cried, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink; and out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. This he spoke of the Spirit, which they that believe in him would receive, John 7:37-39."

True, in his miraculous powers we are no longer to hope for the Holy Spirit's operations: but, as our Teacher, our Comforter, our Sanctifier, we may expect his influences now, no less than in the apostolic age: for the Lord has promised, saying, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world, Matthew 28:20." See his discourses just previous to his departure from this world, how full they are of this subject, John 14:16-17; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7-13. What assurance he has given us that we shall not seek the Spirit's influence in vain, Luke 11:13.

To every one of you, then, I say: Enlarge your expectations, to the full extent of your necessities: for God the Father will save you by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit, which he will shed forth on you abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Savior, Titus 3:4-6. Indeed I must not content myself with saying that this great gift shall be given unto you, if you will believe in Christ; for it is the express declaration of Almighty God, that, "if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his Romans 8:9."

2. In what respects we may ourselves confirm the testimony here given—

The Apostles, on the day of Pentecost, were witnesses for Christ, not only in a way of oral testimony, but especially in the miraculous powers which they exercised. And though these miraculous powers have ceased—yet are there spiritual influences, by which the agency of the Holy Spirit is no less displayed.

What if we saw, "in the whole valley of vision, the dead bones resume their former vitality, and rise upon the earth a large army," would that not display the operation of a divine power? Ezekiel 37:1-10. Behold, such a witness for the Lord is every soul that is "quickened from its death in trespasses and sins, Ephesians 2:1." Not less power is exerted in the salvation of every lost soul, than in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and his investiture with divine authority over all the principalities and powers both of Heaven and Hell, Ephesians 1:19-23.

Be then, my brethren, witnesses for the Lord, by showing forth the power of his grace, 1 Peter 2:9, and bringing forth in rich abundance the fruits of his Spirit, Galatians 5:22-24. Especially bear in your conduct, a resemblance to the Lord Jesus Christ, in all his holy tempers and dispositions under his unparalleled afflictions; and then "the life of that blessed Savior will be made manifest in your bodies, 2 Corinthians 4:11." Be "planted in the likeness of his death and resurrection;" and you will be witnesses for him, that he is possessed of all power in Heaven and in earth, and that in due season every enemy shall be put under his feet.

 

#1738

JESUS IS THE CHRIST

Acts 2:36.

"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!"

WHEN we consider the advantages possessed by the Apostles, we are astonished to find how slow of heart they were to receive and understand the great mystery of the Gospel salvation. Not only before the death of their Lord, but after his resurrection, yes, and after all his appearances to them, and the fresh instructions given them during the space of forty days, they could not divest themselves of the idea of a temporal kingdom. Not an hour before his ascension to Heaven, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" But from the day of Pentecost there was no more of doubt upon their minds respecting any fundamental point of our religion. For some years indeed they retained their prejudices about the Gentiles, not conceiving that they were to be admitted to a full participation of the blessings of the Gospel: but, respecting Christ, and his salvation, they were fully instructed, and never spoke but with the most unshaken confidence. This appears from the very first sermon which was delivered by any of them. Peter argued with as strong a persuasion of mind as he possessed at any future period; and without hesitation affirmed, in the presence of thousands of his countrymen, that Jesus, even the very person whom they had crucified, was indeed the Christ, the true Messiah! The order of the words in the Greek makes the expression very emphatic.

His words are evidently the close of an argument: and, as they are delivered with peculiar confidence, it will be proper to consider,

I. The force of his reasoning—

Our Lord, according to his promise, had poured out the Spirit in a visible manner on his disciples, whereby they were enabled to speak a great variety of languages, which gift was emblematically represented by the appearance of cloven tongues, as of fire. The circumstance of their immediately addressing all persons in their native tongues, excited the greatest astonishment: but those who understood not the particular language which they spoke, represented them as in a state of intoxication. In vindication of himself and his associates, the Apostle justly observes, that such an imputation was absurd, since none but the most abandoned of men could have been drinking to intoxication so early as nine o'clock in the morning, and that upon a solemn feast-day, when they were about to worship God in his temple; and then proceeds to argue with them respecting the Messiahship of Christ, as proved by this event. He states,

1. That this miraculous gift was foretold by the Prophet Joel, as to be conferred by the Messiah—

The passage cited from the prophet Joel undoubtedly refers to the times of the Messiah. Compare verse 16-21 with Joel 2:28-32. Previous to that time the Holy Spirit had been given only in a very partial way to a few: but, when Christ would be glorified, he was to be poured out, as it were, upon multitudes, both of men and women, that by his miraculous operations he might testify of Christ, and by his efficacious grace he might bring men to Christ.

After this would have been done for a space of time sufficient to evince the distinguished kindness of God towards his ancient people, and their incorrigible obstinacy towards him, God would give them signs of a very different kind; even such terrible signs, as would be like "turning the sun into darkness, and the moon into blood;" and then would destruction come upon them to the uttermost. But as, previously to that period, all who would believe in Christ would be saved from the condemnation in which all others would be involved, so, at that period, all his believing people would escape the miseries which would overwhelm the residue of that devoted nation.

This was the plain meaning of the prophecy, which at this time began to be fulfilled; and which in due season would receive a perfect accomplishment.

2. That this gift was actually conferred by Jesus—

It was known to all of them, that Jesus, during his ministry on earth, had wrought innumerable miracles in confirmation of his word and doctrine: and though the nation had put him to an ignominious death—yet had God raised him from the dead, and empowered him to send forth the Spirit in the manner he had done.

With respect to the truth of his resurrection, it had been foretold in terms that could be applicable to him alone. Compare verse 23-28 with Psalm 16:8-11. It could not be of himself that David spoke those words; for he did die, and see corruption; and his tomb remained even to the Apostles' days. But Jesus saw no corruption: his soul was not left in the place of departed spirits, nor was his body permitted to continue in the grave long enough to undergo any change: he rose on the third day, as all his disciples could testify, because they had themselves seen him on that day, and occasionally conversed familiarly with him for forty days afterwards, even to the very hour when in their presence he ascended up to Heaven. Moreover he had expressly told them that he would send down the Holy Spirit upon them, in the manner he had done: and therefore it must be HE, and none other but HE, that had wrought the miracles which they now saw and heard, verse 29-33.

If they would still be inclined to think that David had had any concern in this miracle, the Apostle called their attention to another prophecy of his, wherein David himself declared, that the person who would be thus invested with power at the right hand of God, was his Lord; and that the person so exalted, would "make all his foes his footstool. Compare verse 34, 35 with Psalm 110:1."

It was evident therefore, that, as the Messiah was to rise from the dead, and ascend up to Heaven for the purpose of establishing his kingdom upon earth; and as Jesus had risen and ascended agreeably to those predictions; there could be no doubt but that it was he who had now sent down the Spirit, according to the promise which he had given them. He had told them, but a few days before, that he would send forth upon them the promise of the Father, and baptize them with the Holy Spirit, Acts 1:4-5; and he had now done it in a way which commended itself to the eyes and ears of all the people.

3. That therefore Jesus must unquestionably be the true Messiah—

It was not in the power of any creature to work the miracles now wrought: nor would the Father work them in order to confirm the claims of an impostor. They must of necessity therefore have been wrought by Jesus, who had thereby proved himself to be the true Messiah.

On these grounds Peter declared to them, that, as they could not doubt the existence of those prophecies, or the application of them to the Messiah, or the miracle now wrought by Jesus in confirmation of his claim to that office, "the whole house of Israel might know assuredly, that God had made that very Jesus, whom they had crucified, both Lord and Christ."

Such was the Apostle's reasoning: and from the confident manner in which he expressed himself, we are led to notice,

II. The importance of his conclusion—

If God has constituted Jesus both Lord and Christ, then we may know assuredly,

1. That Christ is our only Lord and Savior—

The force of this was felt by Peter's audience, insomuch that three thousand of them instantly obeyed the heavenly mandate, and surrendered up themselves to be saved and governed by him alone.

Precisely in this manner must we devote ourselves to him: we must not be contented with "calling him Lord, Lord," but must feel the same need of him as they did, and cast ourselves upon him for mercy, and consecrate ourselves entirely to his service, verse 37, 38. We must admit no other ground of hope but his obedience unto death: we must suffer no "other Lord to have dominion over us:" but, having been bought by him with his most precious blood, we must "glorify him with our bodies and our spirits, which are his."

2. That he is an all-sufficient Savior—

Whatever we can want, he is exalted to bestow. Do we need forgiveness of sins? He is empowered to grant it. Do we need repentance? He can impart that also. This we are assured of, on the testimony of Peter and all the other Apostles. What joyful tidings are these! Hear them, all you who are laboring under a sense of guilt; and know, that "the blood of Jesus Christ is able to cleanse you from all sin." And you, who mourn on account of the hardness of your hearts, know that he can "take away the heart of stone, and give you a heart of flesh." If God the Father has constituted him "Head over all things to the Church," you need not fear, but that there shall be found in his fullness an ample supply for all your necessities. Paul pursues the same line of argument as Peter, and founds upon it this consolatory truth. Acts 13:35-39. See also Hebrews 7:25.

3. That none shall ever look to him in vain—

"Him that comes unto me," says Christ, "I will never cast out" What then have we to do with desponding thoughts? Has God thus exalted his Son, and will he disappoint those who trust in him? No! it cannot be: "he never did," nor ever will, "say to the seed of Jacob, Seek my face in vain." Did the vilest person in the universe only desire mercy as much as God delights to exercise it, he would in one instant be purged from all his sin! We need only look to the effect of Peter's sermon on the murderous Jews, and we shall see a perfect pattern of what God is ready to do for us, the very instant we believe in Jesus. "Know this," my brethren; know it "every one of you;" know it "most assuredly;" know it for your inexpressible comfort: and may God make this another Pentecost to our souls, for his mercy's sake! Amen.

 

#1739

REPENTANCE EXEMPLIFIED IN THE FIRST CONVERTS

Acts 2:37-39.

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

THE doctrine of a crucified Savior is that which God has exclusively honored in converting sinners to himself. The terrors of Mount Sinai are often used by him to awaken men from their slumbers; but it is "the law of faith," as published from Mount Zion, that alone captivates the souls of men. It was this, which, when exhibited in types and shadows, overcame the saints under the Jewish dispensation: and no sooner was it plainly preached by the Apostles, than thousands yielded to its all-powerful influence.

The manner in which it operated we may see in the text. Peter had charged home upon his hearers the guilt of crucifying the Lord Jesus; and had declared that God had exalted that very Jesus to be the Sovereign "Lord" of all, and to be the "Christ," the anointed Savior of the world, verse 36. Instantly was a wonderful effect produced on the whole assembly: in order to illustrate which, we shall notice,

I. The penitent's inquiry—

In the question which these first converts put each to the Apostle who stood nearest to him, we may observe,

1. Deep contrition—

They were "cut to the heart" with a sense of all their sins, and especially the sin of crucifying the Lord Jesus. And we also must be humbled in like manner; seeing that our sins were the procuring cause of Christ's death, Isaiah 53:4-5; yes, and we have crucified him afresh ten thousand times by our continuance in sin, Hebrews 6:4-6.

2. Extreme earnestness—

Nothing lay so near their hearts, as to obtain the knowledge of salvation. Thus must we also feel our whole souls engaged in this great concern.

3. A determination to comply with God's terms, whatever they would be—

This is one of the strongest and most unequivocal marks of true penitence. And it must show itself in us, as well as in them. We must not dispute about the terms, as too humiliating, or too strict, but be willing to be saved on the conditions prescribed in the Gospel.

4. A respectful regard for those whom they once hated for their attachment to Christ—

The Apostles had addressed them in these respectful and affectionate terms, "Men and Brethren." They now, in their turn, use the same language towards the Apostles; though but one hour before, no words would have been too harsh to use in invectives against them. Thus must our hearts also be turned towards the ministers and the disciples of Christ, however much we may have before hated and despised them. Nor are our inquiries after salvation such as they ought to be, if they are not accompanied with all these marks of penitence and contrition.

This inquiry was not in vain, as we may see from,

II. God's answer to it—

The reply given by God's ambassador, contains,

1. A plain direction—

The term "repent" imports in this place, a change of mind: and it refers to their former apprehensions of Christ: they had lately crucified him as an impostor; now they must be persuaded that he was the true Messiah; yes, they must rely on his death as an atonement offered for them, and seek the remission of their sins through him alone. They must moreover "be baptized in his name," and become his avowed, his faithful disciples.

Such is the direction given to every one of us. We have scarcely thought Christ at all worthy of our regard; now he must be "precious to us", "fairer than ten thousand, and altogether lovely."

We must renounce every self-righteous method of seeking acceptance with God, and believe in him for the remission of our sins.

We must give up ourselves to Christ in a perpetual covenant; we must join ourselves to his Church and people; we must confess him openly in the midst of a persecuting and ungodly world.

2. A rich encouragement—

The Apostle told them that "they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." We do not apprehend that this promise extended solely, or even primarily, to the miraculous powers with which the Apostles were invested; for it was made to all believers who would ever be called into the Church of God. We apprehend it referred chiefly to those saving and sanctifying operations of the Spirit which are necessary for all people in every age. All need the Holy Spirit:
to instruct and guide them into all truth,
to strengthen them for their spiritual warfare,
to comfort them under their afflictions,
to renew them after the Divine image, and
to make them "fit for their heavenly inheritance."

For these ends and purposes did the Apostle engage that they would experience his operations.

He assured them that the promise of the Spirit for these ends and purposes was given to all who would believe in Christ. Accordingly we find that that promise was made, Isaiah 44:3; that it was a part of the covenant of grace, Isaiah 59:21; and that Jesus Christ himself referred to it as made in the Old Testament, and as to be fulfilled under the Christian dispensation, to all who would believe in him, John 7:37-39; and Paul also mentions it as included in the promise made to Abraham, to be purchased by Christ for his believing seed, and to be conferred upon them all without distinction, Galatians 3:14.

What further encouragement could they need?

Were they guilty? the blood of Christ would cleanse them?

Were they polluted? the Holy Spirit would sanctify them. He would come and dwell in them as in his temples, and perfect in them the good work that was now begun. The same promise is now made to us; and shall be fulfilled to all who seek for mercy through Christ alone.

APPLICATION—

Some possibly may be led to question whether this subject is properly addressed to them: since, having never crucified Christ, as the Jews did, they need not "repent;" and having been "baptized in the name of Christ," they have "received the remission of their sins," and "the gift of the Holy Spirit:" they have also been taught in their catechism, "What they must do to be saved;" and therefore need not, like those in our text, to make that inquiry.

But who among us has not "crucified the Son of God afresh," by a continuance in sin? Who has not, in numberless instances, done what he ought not, and left undone what he ought to have done? Consequently, we need to repent as much as they: and need also, as much as they, to apply to Christ for the remission of our sins.

Moreover, let any man look at his indwelling corruptions, and say, whether he does not need the influences of the Spirit, to mortify and subdue them.

Let him also look at his duties, and say, whether he does not need the Spirit to strengthen him for a more suitable performance of them.

Brethren, the name of Christians, or a form of godliness, will profit us little. Religion must be taken up by us, as it was by those Jews, as a matter of infinite importance, and of indispensable necessity.

Like them we must he humbled,

like them must we flee to Christ for mercy,

like them must we become his faithful followers.

Let all of us then "look to Him, as pierced" for our sins; and expect from him that divine Comforter, who "shall teach us all things, and work in us as effectually for our salvation, as he wrought in Christ for his exaltation to glory, Ephesians 1:19-21."

 

#1740

SEPARATION FROM THE UNGODLY RECOMMENDED

Acts 2:40.

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation!"

IT is in many respects a great advantage to us that we have the Holy Scriptures comprised in so small a space: for if they had been very voluminous, they would have been far less accessible to the poor, and few even of the rich would have found leisure or inclination to peruse them. One cannot however but feel a kind of regret that some particular parts have not been more copiously transmitted to us. What an inestimable treasure, for instance, would we have possessed, if the whole of our Lord's discourse with the two disciples in their way to Emmaus had been preserved, Luke 24:27. So it would, doubtless, have been a rich feast to our souls, if every part of Peter's first sermon, whereby three thousand sinners were converted to God, had been recorded.

But we must be contented to gather up the fragments which are left us in the inspired volume, and study with the more diligence those records which God has deemed sufficient for us.

The substance of the Apostle's sermon we have in the foregoing context; and the application of it, in the words of our text. It is with the latter that we are at present concerned: and for a just improvement of it, we shall consider,

I. Peter's testimony—

We cannot doubt but that Peter testified of Christ as the true Messiah, and showed from the Scriptures that his death and resurrection were the means which God had appointed for the salvation of a ruined world. But it is evident, that, as he testified for Christ—so he testified against that generation, whom he reproved as an "corrupt generation." But what ground was there for ascribing to them this character? Surely there was abundant reason fur the appellation, even though it had been still more severe, for they were,

1. An impenitent generation—

John the Baptist, our Lord himself, and all his Apostles, had, for the space of four years, preached among them, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand! Matthew 3:2. Mark 1:15; Mark 6:12." Yet, like their forefathers, they would not hear, Jeremiah 7:23-24. Zechariah 7:11-12. They were even more obdurate than the heathen: for the Ninevites had repented at the preaching of Jonah; and even the Sodomites themselves would have repented, had they heard such preaching as our Lord's; but the people of that generation would "not regard the voice of the charmer, though he charmed them ever so wisely, Matthew 11:20; Matthew 12:41 and Psalm 58:5."

They were satisfied with their descent from Abraham, and thought that their relation to him was a certain pledge of their acceptance with God, Matthew 3:8-9. John 8:33-41. These things were subjects of complaint against them, and strongly characterized the people at large, Matthew 21:31-32.

And do we see here no resemblance to our present generation? The people of this land have thousands of monitors, who call them to repentance. Yet whom do we see smiting on their bosoms and imploring mercy? Who calls himself to account, "saying, What have I done?" "Who asks, Where is God, my Maker?" Because we are called Christians, we imagine ourselves to be Christians, even though we could not mention one single particular wherein we resemble Christ. All that die are, as a matter of course, supposed to go to Heaven, even though they never took one step in the way that leads thither. Say then, whether the appellation given to them, be not suitable to us also?

2. An unbelieving generation—

The Scriptures were publicly read and expounded in their synagogues every Sabbath-day. To them also our blessed Lord appealed as testifying of him, John 5:39; and he confirmed his word with unnumbered miracles. Yet did the whole nation, except a few individuals, reject him: so that the complaint which had many hundred years before been uttered against them by the prophet, was abundantly verified, Isaiah 53:1 with John 12:38 and Romans 10:16.

Would to God there were less occasion to involve the present generation also in the same condemnation! We have the Scriptures, which are appealed to by every faithful minister of Christ. But who believes what we say? Who believes the necessity of conversion to God? Who believes, that, "unless he be born again he can never enter into the kingdom of God?" and that "without real, universal holiness, no man can see the Lord?" That men profess to believe these things, we acknowledge: but who follows after the attainment of them, and evinces the sincerity of his faith by the earnestness of his exertions? A little gleaning of believers may be found; but the harvest is borne away by unbelief.

3. A persecuting generation—

In every age the Jews had persecuted their prophets unto death: and that generation filled up the measure of their fathers' iniquities, by "crucifying the Lord of Glory." Against the Apostles also they raged with insatiable fury, and against all that called upon the name of Christ.

It is true, we do not, in this age, see crosses erected, and fires kindled, for the destruction of the Lord's people: but has persecution ceased? Is not a life of real godliness still hated by the world? Does it not invariably become an object of reproach; and do not the opprobrious names given to religious people lower them in the estimation of others, insomuch that all their good qualities are lost sight of, and they are deemed worthy only of pity and contempt?

No thanks to the world, then, that fires are not kindled as much as ever: it is to our laws, and to the providence of our God, we owe it, that bounds are prescribed, beyond which the enmity of men is no longer allowed to exert itself. But it is still as true as ever, that "all who will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution! 2 Timothy 3:12."

But let us pass on to,

II. His exhortation—

Peter well knew, that all who retained their enmity against God and his Christ, must soon perish: he therefore exhorted his hearers to save themselves from the impending ruin. The same exhortation befits us also. Is it asked, How are we to save ourselves from this untoward generation?

We answer,

1. We must renounce our sinful ways—

You judge where such sinful ways must lead. Need you be told, that, "except you repent, you must all perish!" Or that, "if you believe not, you cannot see life, but the wrath of God abides on you!" Or, that all who make Christ "a stumbling-stone, will be broken in pieces?" Deceive not yourselves: do not think that the number of your associates will afford you any security: numbers did not protect the inhabitants of the plain, or the antediluvian world; nor shall you find the termination of the broad road any other than you have been forewarned concerning it. Of this you may rest assured, that "whatever you sow, you shall also reap: if you sow to the flesh, you shall, from the flesh, reap corruption: you must sow to the Spirit, if you would, from the Spirit, reap life everlasting."

2. We must forsake our sinful company—

We know that you cannot entirely separate from the ungodly; for then, as the Apostle says, "you must need go out of the world." But you are not to choose them as your companions; for, "what communion has light with darkness, and Christ with Belial?" It is not sufficient that you "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness; you must also reprove them, Ephesians 5:11." Need you be told what even a heathen writer could declare, that "evil communications corrupt good manners, 1 Corinthians 15:33.

This is a quotation from Menander, "Do you not know, that men insensibly imbibe the spirit of their associates; and that you must "come out from Babylon, if you would not be partakers of her sins and of her plagues, Revelation 18:4." Know assuredly, that "a companion of fools will be destroyed, Proverbs 13:20;" and that, if you belong to Christ, "you will not be of the world, even as he was not of the world, John 17:16." I say to you, therefore, in the words of the great Apostle, "Come out from among them, and be separate; and touch not the unclean thing; and I will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty! 2 Corinthians 6:17-18."

3. We must devote ourselves entirely to the Lord—

The conduct of those whom the Apostle addressed, will form the best comment on his exhortation. His converts instantly applied to Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, and devoted themselves unreservedly to his service: and from that day "continued in the Apostles' fellowship," (not the fellowship of their former companions,) and in the unremitted exercise of piety and love, verse 41-47.

We do not say that you are to neglect your worldly callings; (nothing can be further from our wishes, or from your duty than this:) but you must begin from this time to "live no longer to yourselves, but unto him who died for you, and rose again." "Instead of being any longer conformed to this world, you must be transformed in the renewing of your minds, proving what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."

To all of you then I say, Save yourselves in this manner—escape thus from the contagion and ruin of this untoward generation. Give yourselves up to God, as your reconciled God in Christ Jesus: do it without fear: do it without reserve: do it without delay. Then, when the impenitent and unbelieving part of this generation shall eat the bitter fruit of their doings, you shall be numbered with "the generation of the righteous," even of those who sought and served their God! Psalm 14:5; Psalm 24:6; Psalm 112:2.

 

#1741

THE STATE OF THE PRIMITIVE CHRISTIANS

Acts 2:44-47.

"All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

THE true nature of Christianity would be very imperfectly discovered by any one who would look for it in the conduct of the Christian world. The generality of those who name the name of Christ, differ but little from those who never heard of his name. And even among those who profess a regard for religion, there is but a small measure of that spirit which may be discerned among the early converts. In the Churches of this day will be found a form of godliness, but very little of its power. We must go to the Scriptures, and to the accounts given to us of the first Christians, to see what vital religion is. There we behold it in all its purity. Let us contemplate it as exhibited by those who were converted on the day of Pentecost. In our text we may behold,

I. Their charity towards others—

This was more extensive than any that can be found on record in the annals of the world. A few individuals perhaps may be found, who have evinced an unbounded love towards those who had long been connected with them in the ties of friendship: but here the whole body of believers were animated by the same spirit towards each other, even towards those whom they had never so much as seen until that hour. All were divested of every selfish feeling, and sacrificed their own personal interests for the good of the whole.

But here arises an important question; "Is their conduct in this particular a model for our imitation?" I answer,

We certainly are not called to perform the same specific act—

That act arose out of the circumstances of the Church at that time. Some indeed have suggested, that they acted thus from an assured expectation that either they would be speedily dispossessed of their property by the violence of persecution, or that they would before long suffer the loss of it in the general destruction of the Jewish polity. But such an idea as this divests their conduct of all its excellence; since it would have been no virtue at all to sell what they knew would soon be taken from them, and to give away what they could not retain.

They proceeded on far different grounds from these. Of the multitude who were converted, great numbers came from a distance to the feast, not expecting to continue at Jerusalem more than a few days: but now that they were led to just views of Christianity, they would on no account lose the opportunities they enjoyed of obtaining further instruction from their inspired teachers. Of course therefore, unless assisted by others, they must be left destitute of necessary food: and, if necessitated to depend on others who were enemies to this new religion, they could expect but little aid, and would therefore be under a strong temptation to renounce Christianity as soon as they had embraced it. Besides, of those who lived at Jerusalem, many would probably become objects of virulent persecution, so as to be deprived of all that they possessed; and therefore that none might be reduced to abject poverty, the whole body formed one common stock for the supply of all; the richer making their abundance a supply for the necessities of the more indigent. Compare Acts 4:32; Acts 4:34-35. This however was perfectly voluntary on their part; for Peter told Ananias that he was under no obligation to part with his property, Acts 5:4; and the whole tenor of Scripture supposes that there must be different ranks and orders of men, who are called to the performance of distinct and appropriate duties The command given to the Rich Youth was also peculiar to him, Luke 18:22.

But the principle from which they acted is of universal and unalterable obligation—

Love was the principle by which they were actuated: and it is characteristic of love, that "it seeks not its own, 1 Corinthians 13:5;" it puts off selfishness, and seeks its happiness in contributing to the happiness of others. A person under the influence of this principle considers all that he possesses as belonging to God, and as a talent with which he is entrusted for the benefit of mankind. Hence he is "glad to distribute, and willing to give," whenever a just occasion for liberality presents itself, and "especially towards the household of faith." If the particular circumstances of the Church call for such a sacrifice, he is ready, as far as the occasion requires it, to comply literally with that command of Christ, "Sell what you have, and give alms;" for whatever treasure he may possess on earth, his chief desire is to "have treasure in Heaven, Luke 12:33-34." True indeed it is, that there are not many who, like the Macedonians, "give according to their ability, yes and beyond their ability, 2 Corinthians 8:3-4;" and fewer still who, like the poor widow, give their last mite unto the Lord. But in too many instances there is rather reason to complain with Paul, that "all men seek their own, and not the things of Jesus Christ:" but still the injunction, "Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others, 1 Corinthians 10:24" is as much in force as ever; and we ought, if called to it, to "lay down," not our property only, but even "our own lives for the brethren."

Of an equally exalted kind was,

II. Their piety towards God—

They gave up themselves wholly, as it were, to the exercises of religion. But here the same question, as before, recurs: How far was their conduct in this respect a model for our imitation? And the same answer must be returned to it:

We are not called to follow them in the particular act—

The occasion was so peculiar, as to justify, and even require, a peculiar mode of acting. Our circumstances are extremely different from theirs. We have duties which cannot be neglected without great injury to society, and dishonor to God: and, if every one, from the moment that he was converted, were to lay aside all his worldly business, he would place in the way of the ungodly such a stumbling-block as would prove almost subversive of Christianity itself. "To do our own business," and "not to be slothful in business," are as much commanded, as to "be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." We therefore cannot be called to such a line of conduct as is incompatible with the discharge of all our social duties.

But in principle we must resemble them—

They gave themselves up wholly unto God: and so "must it also be our food and drink to do the will of our heavenly Father." We must "love him with all our heart, and mind, and soul, and strength;" and "yield up to him our bodies and our souls as a living sacrifice," and "glorify him with our bodies and our spirits, which are his." Whatever be our calling in life, there can be no reason why we should not "delight ourselves in God," and "live, not to ourselves, but unto him who died for us and rose again." Why would not every one of us have the same frame of mind as David, whose duties must certainly have been as numerous and important as any that we are called to perform, Psalm 63:1-5; Psalm 84:1-4; Psalm 84:10. We cannot, as has before been observed, be constantly engaged in religious duties; but we may have our hearts always disposed for the enjoyment of them, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; and it is certainly incumbent on us to embrace all seasonable opportunities of waiting upon God in the Church, and at his table, and in our families and the closet.

Our daily fellowship with our friends should also be improved for the advancement of true religion, and every returning meal would afford us an occasion of enjoying and glorifying our heavenly Benefactor, 1 John 1:3. It is our privilege, as much as that of the primitive Christians, to "eat our food with gladness and singleness of heart, blessing and praising God."

With such knowledge of their conduct we may expect to hear of,

III. Their increase—

Their conduct conciliated the regard of all the people—

Doubtless the natural man hates the light, because the evil of his own ways is exposed by it. Yet there is something in true religion which approves its excellence, even to the very people who hate it. Herod, from a full conviction that "John was a just and holy man, feared him," and complied with his advice in many particulars; though afterwards he imprisoned him and put him to death.

Thus the wonderful change that was wrought upon the first converts, from selfishness to charity, and from irreligion to the most exalted piety, excited the admiration and the love of all!

How blessed is it, where the conduct of professors is so exemplary, as "to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men," and to engage the esteem of those who are condemned by it! We must not indeed expect always to secure the favor of men; but we should endeavor so to act as to deserve it.

Their numbers also were increased from day to day—

Doubtless, conversion is the fruit of divine grace alone: "Whether Paul plants, or Apollos waters—it is God alone who can give the increase." Yet God uses various means to accomplish this work; and one of peculiar efficacy is, the conduct of his people: by that he "puts to silence the ignorance of foolish men," and constrains them to "glorify him in the day of visitation." It is highly probable that the exalted piety and unbounded charity of the first converts were greatly instrumental to the conversion of those around them. Every one of them was a preacher in his own house, by his actions at least, if not by words.

O! what might not be hoped for, if all who profess religion, breathed the spirit that displayed itself at that period of the Church? Truly, many might be awakened to a concern for their souls, and be constrained to say, "We will go with you; for we perceive that God is truly with you." Let this be borne in mind, as an incentive to a continual progress in holiness; and let us strive "to make our light shine before men, that others, beholding our good works, may glorify our Father who is in Heaven."

We may learn from hence,

1. At what a low ebb religion is among us!

If we compare our attainments with those recorded in our text, what reason shall we see to blush and be ashamed! How has selfishness triumphed over charity, and lukewarmness assumed the place of piety! But let us not imagine that religion is different now from what it was in that day. Some difference in our mode of exercising religion may justly be admitted: but in our spirit there would be no difference at all:

God is the same gracious God as ever;

his Gospel is as worthy of all acceptance as ever;

and the blessings we receive by means of it are as great as ever.

Therefore we ought to feel its power and evince its efficacy, as much as others have done at any period of the Church. Let us then set this example before our eyes, and endeavor to walk even as they walked.

2. How we may be instrumental to the increase of the Church—

Much may be done, very much, by every member of the Church of Christ. The influence of a bright example is still as great as ever. As any instance of misconduct in professors, hardens others against the truth, so the beauty of holiness exhibited by them has a powerful tendency to win the souls of adversaries. If, on the one hand, by an uncharitable or impious deportment, we may "destroy many souls for whom Christ died," so, by a life befitting the Gospel, we may "win many who never would have obeyed the preached word." Let us then attend to our conduct in every state and circumstance of life: let us look well to the whole of our spirit and temper, that we may not even in the smallest matter "cause the enemy to speak reproachfully," but rather may "adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things."

 

#1742

THE CRIPPLE HEALED

Acts 3:6-8.

Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

IT is justly said, that "we know not what a day or an hour may bring forth." Nothing under Heaven was further from the expectations of this poor cripple, or of the friends who brought him to "the beautiful gate of the temple," than that he would obtain such a mercy as that which was now given unto him. Possibly he might hope to receive some larger donation than any he had ever yet been favored with; but, to obtain a perfect cure of his malady, with all the attendant benefits of it to his body and his soul—he had not the slightest hope. Nor indeed had Peter and John any thoughts of conferring such a benefit, until God, by his Spirit, put it into their hearts to impart it. But the miracle here wrought is of standing use to the Church in all ages. We see in it,

I. A divine attestation to the Messiahship of Jesus—

For this end it was wrought by the Apostles—

When they were first sent forth by our Lord, soon after the commencement of their call to his service, he gave them this command: "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely you have received, freely give, Matthew 10:8." The same command was in force during the whole of their ministry; because it was by working miracles that they were to convince men that they were messengers from the Most High God, John 14:12. Mark 16:17-18, who alone could so confirm their word, or give such testimony to the truths they proclaimed.

In the miracle now wrought, they did not merely think of conferring a blessing, as if they had given to the man a piece of silver or of gold. Of such gifts they had none to bestow: but an infinitely higher gift, which not all the silver and gold in the universe could purchase, they were empowered to bestow, for the purpose of leading his mind, and the minds of the nation at large, to the Lord Jesus. The very words by which they conveyed the blessing, showed this: "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."

When the spectators of the miracle were struck with admiration of them, as the authors of it, they utterly disclaimed all honor arising from it, as though they had either wrought it by their own power, or merited it at the hands of God by their own holiness: they declare that God himself had wrought it, for the purpose of "glorifying his Son Jesus," whom the Jews had so lately crucified, but whom he had raised from the dead, and whom all the prophets had referred to as the Prophet like unto Moses, that was to be received by them at the peril of their souls, verse 12-15.

Thus the Apostles themselves appeal to the miracle, as demonstrative of Christ's Messiahship: "His name, through faith in his name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know; yes, the faith that is in him has given him this perfect soundness, in the presence of you all, verse 16."

In the miracle there were two things which must carry conviction to every dispassionate mind; namely, the suddenness, and the perfection of it. No natural means could have effected the cure so instantaneously; nor, considering that he had been a cripple from his birth, and was now forty years of age, could the cure have been so effected as to leave no measure of weakness and languor in the person healed.

But here he, in the first instance, showed himself as strong and vigorous as it he had never been diseased at all: from whence it was evident that God had wrought it in the name of Jesus Christ, and had by this act set his seal to the truth of Christ's Messiahship.

2. In this light it was regarded by the enemies of our Lord—

They had long known the man; and seeing him now, a totally altered man, present in the midst of them—they knew what conviction the miracle must carry to the minds of all. Reduced to great difficulties, they thus argued among themselves: "What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle has been done by them, is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But, that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name, Acts 4:14-18."

Here it is clear that they thought the evidence arising from this miracle fully conclusive; and that, if those who had wrought it were allowed to testify of Jesus, they must carry all before them. At the raising of Lazarus by our blessed Lord, the chief priests and elders argued, "If we let the man (Jesus) alone, all men will believe on him:" so did the elders at this time, in reference to the Apostles; "If we do not silence them, they will soon fill the whole land with their doctrine, and establish the faith they profess on an immoveable basis."

Thus clear was it, as an attestation to Christ's Messiahship. But it was also,

II. A characteristic emblem of his salvation—

All the miracles shadowed forth some part of the Gospel salvation. But this gave a peculiarly instructive view of it. It showed,

1. Its operation on the soul—

In this view it was explained by the Apostles themselves: "Be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him does this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nothing of you builders, which is become the cornerstone. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name given under Heaven whereby we can be saved." The import of which is simply this: 'You have seen how this man's body has been healed, even by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; and it is in this way that your souls must be saved: for there is no other power that can effect such a change within you; a change from weakness to strength, from death to life, Acts 4:10; Acts 4:12 with Acts 3:26.

Hence it appears that the state of this poor cripple exhibits a just view of every man that is born into the world. He from the very womb was incapable of those exertions for which the limbs were originally designed. And so it is with fallen man, in reference to the powers of his soul. He cannot walk before God as Adam did in Paradise, nor as God's saints and servants do even in their fallen state.

But, by the name of Jesus Christ, who is there that may not be healed? Who is there, however deplorable his state, whom the power of Divine grace cannot renovate, so as to make him altogether a new creature? Can anything be conceived more effectually changed than the converts on the day of Pentecost? From blood-thirsty lions, they at once became meek and patient lambs.

So it was with the jailer, who, but a few hours before had thrust Paul and Silas into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks; yet, at the instant of his conversion, administers to them with all the tenderness of the most endeared brother.

Thus it is, wherever the grace of God is received in truth. There is "a new creation, 2 Corinthians 5:17, a resurrection from the dead, like unto that which was effected in the Lord Jesus Christ, when he was raised from the dead, and exalted to the right hand of God, far above all the principalities and powers, whether of Heaven or Hell, Ephesians 1:19-21." Great wonder was excited by the change wrought on this poor man; yet was that but a very faint shadow of what is wrought on all, by the converting grace of God, through faith in the name of Christ.

2. Its effects upon the heart and life—

See this man, when begging an alms of Peter and John, a poor miserable suppliant for the smallest dole of charity! Behold him, the very instant Peter stretched out the hand of faith and love to raise him up! See how upright he stands, how firmly he walks, how exultingly he leaps for joy! See him entering with his benefactors into the temple of the Lord, pouring forth his praises and thanksgivings to God for the astonishing mercy given unto him! Nor will he let go his hold on those who had been the instruments of conveying this mercy to him. No! he would never lose sight of them more, if he could help it; so ardent was his gratitude, so abundant his love.

Now, then, this shows what the healing grace of God effects in the heart of man. O the joy which a sense of God's pardoning love kindles in the soul! Once the man attended the house of God in a formal customary way, without any delight in the duties there performed: but now the ordinances of divine worship are sources of the sublimest enjoyment. His addresses to God now come from the heart: and he scarcely knows how to restrain his emotions; such a fire is kindled within him, and such exquisite joy stimulates his whole frame. And to the instruments of his conversion he feels a love altogether different from any which mere nature had ever excited in his bosom. Paul says of the Galatian converts, that "they would have even plucked out their own eyes, and have given them to him." The whole life and conduct is from that hour altogether changed. He begins to live, not to himself, as formerly, but unto God. He desires to show to the whole world what a Savior Christ is; so that in his deportment they may have an undeniable evidence of the excellency and blessedness of the Gospel salvation.

See then, brethren,

1. What it is we aim at in all our Ministrations—

We find you all in the sad predicament of this poor cripple. But, because the weakness is in your souls, and not in your bodies, you are not conscious of it: whereas you may see in one moment, if you would candidly examine your state, that you have been from your very birth, as destitute of all spiritual energy in your souls, as that poor man was of activity in the use of his limbs.

And hither we see you brought, some perhaps by a formal regard to the habits of your country, and others by mere curiosity, and none of you expecting to receive more than some customary gratification: but we come (to work a miracle, shall I say?—that would be deemed presumptuous; but we do come) to convey a benefit which not all the angels in Heaven could confer, even the renovation of your souls in the name of Jesus Christ.

We do say to you, and you, and you, "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, arise and walk;" and if only you can receive that word in faith, and look to the Lord Jesus Christ for his blessing, a healing operation shall go forth with the word, and salvation come to your souls this very day. It is thought by many, that we would make you melancholy. Yes, as melancholy as was that healed cripple in the first hour of his deliverance.

Dear brethren, search the Scriptures, and see what the effects of the Gospel were in the days of old. And such they are at this hour; and we account not ourselves to have ministered it to any good effect, any further than we see realized in you the blessed miracle which has been this day set before your eyes.

O that not only one or two of you might experience it this day, but all of you together; so that you might all be "filled with peace and joy in believing;" yes, and all be transported with a "joy that is unspeakable and and full of glory!"

2. What it is that we expect from you, if you "receive not the grace of God in vain"—

We expect you no longer continue be the poor, low, groveling creatures that you have been; but to show to all around you, that you are endued with power from on high, and enabled to "walk even as Christ himself walked." We expect you to shine as lights in the world: yes, the world itself expects this of you. If you profess to have experienced the converting grace of God, the world will ask you, and with reason too, "What do you more than others?"

And they would be made to see, that there is in divine grace an energy and a power, to which they are utter strangers; and an efficacy, for which they know not how to account.

Dear brethren, you must live above the world: you must delight yourselves in God. You must not be afraid of man: nor, if man ridicule and revile your devotion to God, must you regard it as of the smallest consequence. Gratitude to the Savior must fill your souls. To him you must consecrate all the powers he has renewed; and the whole of your life must henceforth be devoted to the praise of his grace, and to the glory of his name. And never must you return to your former state.

Think, I beg you, how the enemies of Christ would have triumphed, if this cripple had relapsed into his former state of impotence, and had again been necessitated to be carried, as before, to the temple-gate, to beg for alms. Will not the world triumph, if they ever behold you again returning to the state in which you were, previous to your reception of the Gospel?

O! remember that the honor of your Lord and Savior is bound up, as it were, in you and your conduct: if you walk uprightly, he will be glorified; but if you turn back, he will be dishonored, and his very name be blasphemed.

O! beg of God that you may never give occasion to the enemies of your Lord to speak reproachfully, but that, both in time and in eternity, you may be distinguished monuments of his power and grace.

 

#1743

CHRIST REJECTED

Acts 3:14-15.

"You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this."

IN the Apostles of our Lord we behold an admirable mixture of wisdom and firmness. On no occasion did they withhold the truth from their most powerful opponents: and on no occasion did they excite needless prejudice, in their manner of declaring it. It was necessary that they would assert the honor of their Lord, by whose Almighty power they had been enabled to work a most stupendous miracle. But, in doing this, they would appear to many, to be setting up the Lord Jesus against Moses, and to be detracting from the honor of Jehovah.

To obviate this misconception, they profess at once the greatest reverence for the religion of their forefathers; and proclaim, that "the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob," had wrought this miracle for the express purpose of "glorifying his Son Jesus," whom they had treated with all imaginable ignominy, "denying him in the presence of Pilate, and preferring a murderer before him."

Here, you will perceive, while they are careful to give no needless offense, they boldly charge upon their hearers the guilt they had contracted in crucifying their Messiah. And somewhat of a similar charge must this day be brought against you, my brethren. But, that I may not overload you with too aggravated an accusation,

I propose to show,

I. How far the charge exhibited against the Jews attaches to us—

Against the Lord Jesus Christ personally it is impossible that we would ever have committed any offense; because he has never corporeally been within our reach. The charge therefore, so far as relates to personal injury, must be confined to those among whom he sojourned in the days of his flesh. But against him, as revealed in his Gospel, we have shown the same hostility as they. For,

1. We have refused to acknowledge him in his proper character—

He professed himself to be the King, of whom the prophets had spoken, Psalm 2:6. Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:13-14 with John 18:33-37, and whose kingdom the Jews themselves expected to be established in the midst of them, Matthew 2:2; Matthew 2:6; Matthew 2:11; Matthew 21:4-9. But when Pilate announced him under that character, and offered to release him, they refused to acknowledge him, and demanded his crucifixion, Mark 15:9; Mark 15:12-14. They had abundant evidence that he was not only a just and holy person, but "the Just and Holy One, Acts 2:27; Acts 7:52; Acts 22:14," the Son of the living God: yet they would not believe in him, or receive him as their King.

And have not we the same evidence of his character? Were not all his miracles sufficient proofs of his Messiahship? Yet, who among us has submitted himself to him? Who has not, in fact, said concerning him, "We will not have this man to reign over us! Luke 19:14." God has "sworn that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, Romans 14:11;" but who has obeyed his mandate? Many will superstitiously bow their heads at the mention of the name of Jesus, in the Creed—but who will bow down their hearts before him? In that respect, the most of us, alas! are as stubborn and inflexible as stones or iron. Let us look back upon our past lives; and we shall see, that in no one respect have we truly taken his yoke upon us, and never for a single hour been truly obedient to his will.

2. We have rejected him, with a scornful preference of our most deadly lusts—

The Jews had the alternative given to them, to save Barabbas, or the Lord Jesus. But they, with one voice, cried out, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" thus deliberately preferring one who had destroyed life, to him who was "the Prince and Author of life" to a ruined world.

And have not we resembled them in this? The Lord Jesus Christ is still "the Prince of life;" possessing "life in, and of, himself, John 1:4; John 5:26;" and ready to confer life on all who seek it at his hands, John 11:25-26; John 17:2. Yet whom have we chosen for our friends? Have not those who would destroy our souls, as well as their own, been sought by us as our counselors and companions, rather than He who came down from Heaven to seek and save us? Yes, we have preferred also our most deadly lusts before Him; and, rather than "crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts, Galatians 5:24," we have, times without number, "crucified the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame, Hebrews 6:6."

And let it not be thought that I speak here of open transgressors only: for the more sober and moral of mankind differ not a whit in this respect from those who are more openly licentious: for the hearts of all are alike alienated from the Lord Jesus; and all, without exception, agree in saying, "Let us break his bands asunder, and cast away his cords from us! Psalm 2:2-3."

Let us then consider,

II. What the guilt we have contracted calls for at our hands—

The Apostle's address to his hearers is precisely that which befits our state also:

1. "Repent!"—

Well might the Jews, who had "crucified the Lord of glory," be called on to repent. But I think that this duty is yet more justly required at our hands: for the evidence which Jesus had given of his Messiahship, previous to his crucifixion, is not to be compared with that which his Resurrection and ascension, and his sending of the Holy Spirit, have afforded unto us. Besides, his lowly appearance was to the nation at large a matter of offense, which they knew not how to reconcile with their expectations: whereas to us, who are able to compare it with the prophecies respecting him, it is a confirmation rather than a stumbling-block—a proof of his Messiahship rather than a ground of doubt and suspicion.

The people at large were led by their superiors, and had but little opportunity of judging for themselves; but we can dispassionately view every part of Sacred Writ, and calmly judge between the prophecies and events. Moreover, they were apprehensive that, by receiving Jesus, they would be led to sacrifice their allegiance to Moses: but we profess not only to believe in Moses, but to have received the Lord Jesus also, and to be his disciples. We therefore, in denying the Lord Jesus, are more criminal than they; and, in preferring every base lust before him, are guilty of a conduct which calls for the deepest humiliation and contrition.

To every one of you, therefore, I say, with the Apostle, "Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into heaviness: humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, if ever you would that he would lift you up! James 4:9-10."

2. "Be converted!"—

Your sentiments and conduct respecting the Lord Jesus need to be changed, as much as ever those of the Jews did, whom the Apostle addressed. Professedly, indeed, you regard him as your Savior; but in practice you "deny him," even as they did, and postpone his interests to those of the most depraved competitor. Let an entire change, then, be wrought in you, in relation to him. Confess him now; yes, confess him openly before the whole world; and receive him in that entire character which he bears in the Sacred Writings. Receive him as your Prophet, Priest, and King; and look for everything from him, as your only Lord and Savior! As for every person, and everything, that would stand in competition with Him, let them all be sacrificed, without hesitation or exception; that He alone may live in your hearts, and be glorified in your lives.

Bring forth your lusts, "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life," and crucify them all! Let "the right hand be cut off, and the right eye be plucked out!" Plead not for any one of them; nor listen to a plea, by whoever it may be preferred. Let the Lord Jesus Christ be to you your one Friend, your only Savior, your "all in all."

3. Expect from Christ all that your necessities can require—

The forgiveness of all your sins shall surely be accorded to you, the instant you believe in him. "Repent, and be converted," says the Apostle, "that your sins may be blotted out verse 19." But this is only one part of the blessing which shall be given to you. If you would see at once the full change that would be wrought in you, look to the man whose restoration to health was the occasion of this address: he had been "lame from his mother's womb," and incapable of moving himself from place to place; but, through the mercy given to him in Jesus' name, he was so strengthened, that "he leaped up, and stood, and walked, and entered into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God! verse 6-8." And is not "the name of Jesus" now as operative as then? or has "faith in his name" lost any of its power "His name, through faith in his name, has made this man strong." verse 16.

I tell you, that though miracles shall not now be wrought upon your bodies, wonders shall still be accomplished on your souls; and not one atom of what was wrought in that man corporeally, shall be lacking in you spiritually, if only you will look to the Lord Jesus Christ as "the Prince of life." Yes, truly, "God has sent his Son to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities, verse 26;" and through the mighty working of his power shall you be raised to newness of life.

The astonishment of all was excited by a view of that restored cripple: nor shall it be less drawn forth in reference to you: for your whole life shall testify the power of his grace; and in his temple above shall you adore and magnify his name to all eternity!

 

#1744

REPENTANCE ENCOURAGED

Acts 3:19.

"Repent, then, and be converted, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord!"

REPENTANCE is thought, by many, to be a legal rather than an evangelical duty. But it belongs properly to the Gospel: and our chief encouragements to it are derived from the Gospel. The Forerunner of our Lord, and our Lord himself, exhorted men to repentance, from the consideration, that "the kingdom of Heaven was at hand, Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17." The Apostles, too, considered repentance as enjoined on all, Acts 16:20; and they preached it to all, without exception, Acts 20:21; Acts 26:20. In considering the words before us, I shall not enter into any methodical discussion of them; but take them as they lie, and endeavor to impress upon your minds the duty contained in them.

"Repent," then, my beloved Brethren—

That you all need repentance, you cannot doubt. If you had never transgressed the law of God but in one single instance, it would be necessary for you to repent of it; and much more when you have violated God's law every day and hour of your lives. Call your ways to remembrance, in order to search out your multiplied transgressions; and confess them humbly to the Lord, saying, 'Thus and thus have I done'. Let your sorrow for them be deep: It is "the broken and contrite heart alone which God will not despise." And flee to the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of them.

No repentance can be genuine, if it is not accompanied with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. If you have not such a sense of your guilt and helplessness as brings you to the foot of the cross, you cannot see them aright. The penitent under the law confessed his sins over his offering, and at the same time transferred them to the head of his victim. Just so, will you transfer your own sins to Christ, if you know his willingness and sufficiency to save.

"Be converted" also—

Repentance is of no avail, if it stop short of this. There must be a thorough conversion of your souls to God. His will must be your will, and his glory the one end for which you live. Do not mistake, as though it were sufficient for you to be sorry for your sins. Your sorrow may arise, not from any hatred of sin itself, or any sense of the dishonor it has done to God—but simply from a dread of the punishment denounced against it. With your grief for past sin, there must be blended a love of universal holiness, and an entire dedication of yourselves to God. See to it, then, that this be found in you; and that you live henceforth entirely to Him who died for you and rose again.

Then may you know that "your sins shall be blotted out"—

You shall certainly never turn to God in vain: for he has said, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him turn unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

Not that your repentance will wash away sin, or your conversion purchase Heaven. It is the blood of Christ alone that can cleanse even from the smallest sin: but if, with a penitent and contrite heart, you turn unto him, your sins, however numerous they may have been, shall all be blotted out; and however heinous they may have been, they shall be made white as snow.

And then shall "seasons of refreshing, also, come to you from the presence of your Lord"—

I understand this expression as implying that peace and joy which shall flow into the soul of every true convert. See the change wrought in the minds of the three thousand, on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2. See the promise made to all who shall "truly believe in Christ, Isaiah 61:1-3." This shall be your experience, if, with penitential sorrow, and in newness of heart and life, you turn unto the Lord. You shall be filled with a "peace that passes all understanding," and "a joy that is unspeakable and full of glory." No tongue can declare the blessedness of that soul which has "the light of God's countenance lifted up upon it," and "his love shed abroad within it".

Let me, then, once more say to every one of you: Repent deeply of all your sins, and seek, without delay, to be truly converted unto God—

Without this there can be no remission of your sins—not one can ever be blotted out of the book of God's remembrance; but all will be brought forth against you in judgment, to the utter confusion and condemnation of your souls. And what season of refreshment, do you suppose, will you ever experience? Have you any now? You know you have not. Will you have any in a dying hour? Alas! insensibility is the best that you can hope for then. And what will you have in the eternal world? Alas! not "a drop of water to cool your tongues!" What I say, then, to one, I say to all, "Repent, and be converted, before it be too late, and before the wrath of God falls upon you to the uttermost!"

 

#1745

MOSES AND CHRIST COMPARED IN THEIR PROPHETIC OFFICE

Acts 3:22-23.

"For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.'"

THERE are innumerable beauties in the Holy Scriptures which escape the notice of the superficial observer, but which, when discovered, abundantly compensate all the labor that can attend the minutest investigation. Critics have bestowed much pains in searching out the beauties of heathen authors, and have often given them credit for excellencies, that were neither designed, nor manifested, by the authors themselves. But we need never be afraid of ascribing too much to him who delivered to us the sacred oracles. If time would permit, we might point out a great variety of passages that would illustrate this remark. But that before us may stand as a specimen of the rest.

Peter had exhorted the Jews to believe in Christ, that their sins might be blotted out by his blood. The Jews imagined, that a compliance with this exhortation would be a defection from Moses. Peter therefore obviated this objection by an appeal to the writings of Moses; and showed them that Moses himself not only foretold the advent of this new prophet, but enjoined an unreserved obedience to him under the severest penalties. Thus he turned their regard for Moses into an argument in support of that very doctrine which for the sake of Moses they were inclined to reject. His words naturally lead us to set before you,

I. The character of Christ—

The words of the text are twice mentioned in Deuteronomy 18, and twice mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, Acts 7:37. They may well therefore be considered as deserving peculiar attention.

They set forth the character of Christ literally—

When God had spoken to the Jews in thunderings and lightnings, they entreated that he would, in future, communicate his mind and will to them through a mediator. He, approving their request, promised them a prophet raised up from among themselves, who would fully reveal to them his most secret counsels, Deuteronomy 18:16-18. Such a prophet was Jesus. He was raised up in a most extraordinary way, being the son of a pure virgin. He was taken from among their brethren, being of the tribe of Judah, and of the family of David. "Though he was in the form of God, and thought it no robbery to be equal with God, he took upon him the form of a servant;" yes, "became a worm and no man, the very scorn of men and the outcast of the people." He revealed all that it was needful for men to know, and "opened their understandings that they might understand it." To him did the Father himself, by an audible voice from Heaven, apply this prophecy, Matthew 17:5. And Jesus thus literally executed the commission given him of the Father.

But it is in a typical view that the text is principally to be considered—

Our Lord resembled Moses in the offices of a lawgiver, a Savior, an intercessor. But, waving all observations respecting these, let us trace the resemblance which subsisted between them, as "prophets" of the Most High God.

Both of them received their doctrines in the same way. Moses was not merely instructed, like other prophets, by visions, or dreams, or by the "still small voice" of inspiration, but was admitted to converse with God as a man talks with his friend, and received the law from the hands of God, engraved upon stones by God himself. In this he differed from all the other prophets that ever existed in the world, until this new Prophet, the Lord Jesus Christ, arose. But Christ had been from all eternity "in the bosom of the Father, John 1:18;" and he taught the very truths which he had heard, and learned, of the Father John 8:28.

Both of them also taught the very same doctrine. Moses gave the law to be a "ministration of death," and a rule of life; and our Lord explained, and enforced it, for the very same ends. Moses also pointed the people to the sacrifices as the only means of expiating their offenses: our Lord also declared that he "gave his life a ransom for many;" and that it was by the shedding of his blood alone, that any could obtain the remission of their sins, Matthew 26:28.

Moreover, both of them taught in the same manner. Moses spoke, not as one giving advice, but with authority, "Thus says the Lord!" yet he instructed the people with astonishing meekness and forbearance: and when they, in direct opposition to what he had taught them, revolted from God, and set up a golden calf, he was so filled with compassion towards them, as to pray that he himself might be blotted out of the book of God, rather than that they would suffer the punishment due to their transgressions.

Thus did Jesus preface his instructions with that authoritative declaration, "I say unto you:" yet so mild was he, that he made his meekness a plea with persons, to encourage them to learn of him: "Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart:" and to such a degree did he compassionate the obstinate refusers of his law, that he wept over them, and with his dying breath pleaded their ignorance in extenuation of their guilt, Luke 19:41; Luke 23:34.

While Moses thus explicitly foretold the prophetic character of our Lord, he declared to us also,

II. Our duty resulting from it—

As all the offices of Christ are replete with benefits to our souls, so each lays upon us some correspondent duties and obligations. While we rely on him as our Priest, and obey him as our King, we must regard him as our Prophet, by attending to his instructions—

This is plainly declared in the text—

"Him shall you hear," is the command of God. But it is not in a careless manner that we are to regard his voice; we must incline our ear to him, and hear him with fixed attention. We must so consider the dignity of his person, and the importance of his message, as to receive his word with the deepest reverence; not gainsaying it, and sitting in judgment upon it, but bringing every high thought and every proud reasoning into subjection to it, 2 Corinthians 10:5. It befits us also to listen to it with lively joy, as to the voice of our Beloved; knowing that there is not a word of his lips in which there are not treasures of knowledge, and inexhaustible fountains of salvation, Isaiah 12:3. Above all, we must attend to it with unreserved submission to his will; we must obey it "in all things, whatever he shall say unto us:" whatever he may enjoin or forbid, we must never reply, "This is a hard saying;" but we must instantly "pluck out the right eye, or cut off the right hand, that has caused us to offend."

Nor is this merely declared; it is enforced also by the most solemn sanctions—

God will put a difference between his friends and his enemies, in the last day. They shall all indeed appear before his tribunal; but "he will separate the goats from the sheep." Those who hear not this great Prophet, shall be taken from among those who have obeyed his voice; "they shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous." As Korah and his company were destroyed from among Israel, so shall the disobedient from among the just. It will be of little avail for them to say, 'I was sober, charitable, devout" if they did not hear that Prophet with attention, reverence, joy, and an unreserved submission to his will, their destruction is sure, their doom is sealed.

Nor will there be any exception to it in favor of the great and learned: every soul is alike included. Let none reply, God forbid: for God says, "It shall come to pass;" and "he is not a man that he would lie, or the son of man that he would repent." What madness then is it for any person whatever to persist in a neglect of the words of Christ! O, let us turn to him. Let us sit, with Mary, at his feet! Luke 10:39. Let us hear him, and him only. Let us believe on him as "the way, the truth, and the life." Let us "deny ourselves, and take up our cross, and follow him." "So shall we be his true disciples," and, in due season, experience the accomplishment of that promise, "Where I am, there shall also my servant be! John 12:26."

In this threatening, however, there is a blessed promise implied—

If the disobedient be destroyed from among the Lord's people, it follows, that the obedient shall not be destroyed; the humble, and sincere follower of Jesus shall never perish. This also extends to all; "every soul" that shall sincerely obey his voice, whatever his past life may have been, shall most assuredly be saved. Unbelief may be ready to make exceptions; but God says, "It shall come to pass." Nor is this merely an uncertain inference from the text, but an express promise from God himself, "Hear, and your soul shall live! Isaiah 55:3." Let this encourage us to listen more than ever to the voice of Jesus in his word. Let us read, and meditate, and pray. Let us get our souls cast, as it were, into the mold of the Gospel, that, being altogether formed and fashioned by it, we may be "fit for the inheritance" reserved for us. Thus will this Prophet be glorified in us; and we receive the full benefit of his instructions.

 

#1746

HOLINESS THE GREATEST BLESSING

Acts 3:26.

"When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."

THE ground on which the Jews rejected our blessed Lord was, that, in their estimation, he opposed Moses. The Apostle Peter therefore referred to Moses and the prophets, to show that Jesus was the very person whose advent they had all predicted: and that Moses, in particular, had required them to believe in Him, as the only possible means of ever obtaining acceptance with God: "A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me: Him shall you hear, in all that he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul which will not hear that prophet shall be destroyed from among the people."

Then, in my text, he tells them, that "God, having raised up his Son Jesus, had sent him to them first, in order to bless them, in turning away every one of them from their iniquities." In opening these words, I will show,

I. Why Christ was preached first to the Jews—

This was done by a special appointment of Almighty God,

1. Because with them primarily was the covenant made—

To Abraham and his seed were the promises given: and the covenant was renewed with Isaac and with Jacob, his lineal descendants. From these the whole Jewish nation sprang; and consequently they were regarded as heirs of the blessings which had been so limited. To them this privilege had been confined for two thousand years. The law of Moses, which forbade all unnecessary fellowship with the Gentiles, tended to confirm them in the idea that the blessings belonged exclusively to them. Our Lord's own declaration, that he was "sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel;" and his directions to his disciples, "not to go into the way of the Gentiles, or into any city of the Samaritans, but only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel," yet further established this sentiment in their minds; and that so strongly, that they could not divest themselves of the idea that they were to confine their ministrations to the Jews.

Hence we find, six years after the day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter needed repeated visions, and an express revelation from Heaven, to remove his prejudices, and to prevail on him to preach the Gospel to Cornelius. And so strong was the same prejudice on the minds of all the Apostles, that in full conclave, as it were, they called him to account for going to a Gentile; and were with difficulty persuaded that, in so doing, he had not sinned against God, Acts 10:15-16; Acts 11:17-18.

Even Paul, until the Jews were incurably obstinate in their rejection of his message, always addressed himself in the first instance to the Jews, Acts 13:46; and in this he conformed to that express command, to "preach the Gospel unto all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, Luke 24:47." The reason for this preference being shown to them, is assigned by the Apostle in the verse before my text: "You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers; and therefore unto you, first, has God sent his Son to bless you."

2. Because the offer of the Gospel to them, in the first instance, would show that Christianity could stand the test of the severest examination—

Had it been made to the Gentiles first, the hearers would naturally have said. "These preachers are vile impostors and deceivers. Their Head and Leader has been put to death by the laws of his own country; and they come and persuade us that he was a divine person, dying for the sins of men. If they could bring any proof of what they say, why do they not persuade their own people first, and establish their religion in the place where these transactions came to pass? The reason is obvious: they know that their assertions will not stand the test of inquiry: and therefore they come to palm their falsehoods upon us, who cannot so easily detect them."

This would be a reasonable ground for rejecting all that they said. But, when they first of all addressed themselves to the Jews, who knew all that had taken place, and therefore were good judges of the question before them, it seems at least that the preachers of this strange doctrine defied detection as impostors, and were persuaded of the truth of their own assertions. Had they not fully believed that Jesus was the Messiah, and that they could prove it beyond contradiction, they would never have thought of attempting to convince the very persons who had so lately put him to death, and the very persons to whom their statements must of necessity be so galling and offensive. As far as their judgment went, it is clear they must have thought their ground tenable against the whole world.

3. Because the reception of it among the Jews would stamp its truth beyond contradiction—

Within fifty days of our Savior's crucifixion, thousands were, by one single address, converted to his religion; and from that day forward were multitudes overpowered by a conviction that was irresistible. At last, even their most bitter enemy, who had sought and labored to extirpate Christianity, embraced it, and became the most zealous, active, and successful of all its advocates.

Could this religion, established as it was without human power, and in the face of the most bitter persecution, be false? Had the powers of this world been engaged in its favor, or had force been used for the propagation of it, or had its doctrines sanctioned the indulgence of our corrupt appetites—it might possibly have succeeded, as the Mohammedan delusion afterwards did. But it opposed all the sinful passions and prejudices of mankind, and yet prevailed over them by the mere force of truth and the weight of evidence; and that not only over the poor and ignorant, but over multitudes who were fully competent to the task of examining its claims. The reception of it therefore, by them, was a public seal to its truth, and a recommendation of it to the very ends of the earth,

4. Because the rejection of it justified the Apostles in offering it to the Gentiles—

The Apostles, as we have seen, felt a backwardness to go to the Gentiles: but the obstinacy of the Jews compelled them: and this was their apology for so doing, Acts 18:6; Acts 28:28. No doubt, if it had so pleased God, both Jews and Gentiles might have grown to any extent upon the same stock. But God, in his inscrutable wisdom, had determined otherwise: and therefore "the Jews were broken off, that we Gentiles might be engrafted in, Romans 11:19;" and in this was God's righteous dealing manifest. As many as would walk in the steps of Abraham, were received to mercy: but when the offered mercy was rejected and despised, the day of mercy closed upon them, and they were left to reap the fruit of their impenitence and unbelief.

Our next inquiry must be,

II. What was the blessing which he was sent to impart?

The Jews expected a temporal Messiah, who would deliver them out of the hands of all their enemies, and exalt them to a state of unrivaled power upon earth. And, no doubt, to those who could see nothing beyond the literal sense of prophecy, the prophetic writings appeared strongly to justify this expectation. But this was not God's purpose respecting them. It was a spiritual, and not a temporal kingdom, that Christ came to establish. Sin and Satan were the enemies that were to be subdued: and a kingdom of righteousness was to be established throughout the world. Holiness was the blessing which Christ was sent to impart:

Holiness, I say, was that which Christ was sent to bestow—

He was not only to "make reconciliation for iniquity, but to make an end of sin, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, Daniel 9:24." "He gave himself for us, that he might redeem us, not merely from perdition, but from all iniquity also, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works, Titus 2:14." In truth, his very name was intended to designate this special appointment: "He shall be called Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins, Matthew 1:21." And the whole Scriptures bear witness to this, as the great object which he came to accomplish, Ezekiel 36:25-27. Ephesians 5:25-27.

And, as it was the end of the Gospel, so has it also invariably been the effect of the Gospel—

There can scarcely be conceived a more just representation of the Gospel and its blessings than that which the miracle in the preceding context affords us. A man was lame from his birth. By the Apostle Peter he was healed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And immediately you find the use which be made of the mercy given unto him: "He, leaping up, stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple; walking, and leaping, and praising God! verse 8."

Here you see a man previous to his reception of the Gospel: never has he stirred one step in the ways of God. Here also you behold him as soon as the word came with power to his soul: in the sight of all, he rises to newness of life. The House of God is the first place that he affects, in order that he may honor his heavenly Benefactor; and there, with a joy unknown before, he puts forth all his energies in the service of his God. Thus it was in the day of Pentecost: and thus it will be, though in different degrees, in all who truly believe in Christ.

And what is blessedness, if this is not?

If the healing of the man's body was such a source of joy, what must the healing of the soul be? The truth is, that sin is the one source of all the misery that is upon earth: and the restoration of men to a measure of their pristine holiness in Paradise will restore them also, in the same proportion, to their pristine happiness. Holiness, in so far as it is wrought in the soul, is the commencement of Heaven upon earth.

See then here,

1. What Christianity really is—

It is thought, by the generality, to be plan devised and executed for the salvation of men from destruction. But this is a very low and contracted view of Christianity. It is a plan for the remedying of all the evil which sin has done: for restoring the Divine image to the soul, as well as for rescuing it from perdition. I beg you, brethren, to view it in this light; and to remember, that Heaven itself would be no blessing to you, if sin had possession of your soul.

2. What is the blessing now offered unto you—

If Jesus was sent, in the first place, to the Jews, he is now sent to you: and the blessing which he first offered to them, he now offers to you. It is in this sense that "men are to be blessed in him; and for this shall all nations call him blessed, Psalm 72:17."

Do not, I entreat you, allow your minds to be drawn aside by earthly vanities. What have they ever done for you? or what can they do? If you were elevated to the highest rank, and put into possession of all that the world could give you, what would it all effect in a way of permanent and solid happiness? You would soon be forced to give the same testimony respecting it as Solomon did, that it is all "vanity and vexation of spirit." But where did you ever find a person give such a testimony respecting holiness? Where did you ever find a man who was not happy in proportion as his indwelling sins were mortified, and all heavenly graces were exercised in his soul? O that you could be prevailed upon to try what this blessedness is! You would soon find that "the peace flowing from religion surpasses all understanding," and that "its joys are unspeakable and full of glory!"

 

#1747

THE CRIPPLE HEALED BY PETER

Acts 4:8-10.

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed!"

PERSECUTION for righteousness' sake was foretold by Christ as the portion of all his people: and accordingly we find that no sooner did his Apostles begin to publish the glad tidings of salvation, than they were arrested as criminals, and brought into a court of justice to answer for their conduct. Peter and John had healed a man who had been "lame from his mother's womb." In consequence of this, multitudes were gathered together, to inquire into this miracle, and to learn by what means it had been wrought. Peter declared to them all, that it had been wrought by that very Jesus, who had so recently been crucified by them, but who was risen from the dead, and possessed of all power in Heaven and in earth, Acts 3:1-16. This testimony was the means of converting an immense number of persons to faith in Christ, verse 4. But it grieved and incensed the rulers, who immediately adopted measures to crush the rising sect; apprehending and imprisoning the two Apostles, and on the very next day bringing them to trial as disturbers of the public peace. Peter renewed the testimony he had before given, and persisted in declaring, that the miracle had been wrought by Jesus of Nazareth, in proof that he was risen from the dead, and was the true Messiah, the Savior of the world.

In considering this miracle, we shall notice it,

I. As a ground of conviction to the Jews—

That a great miracle had been wrought, was manifest to all, insomuch that the rulers themselves were constrained to acknowledge it, verse 14, 16. Hence Peter took occasion to show them,

1. That Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah—

It was obviously beyond the power of man to effect so great a work, as that of restoring in a moment to the perfect use of his limbs "a man who was forty years of age," and had been a cripple from the womb. Whence then did Peter and John obtain the power to effect it? This was the point which the rulers desired to ascertain verse 7; and this could be learned only from the Apostles themselves. Peter boldly answered the interrogatories which were put to him; and declared that the lately-crucified, and now exalted, Jesus had empowered them to communicate this blessing to the man, Acts 3:16. But how could he convey to them this power, if he were not himself alive? or how could he enable them to do what nothing but Omnipotence could effect, if he himself were not omnipotent?

This argument was addressed to the very people who had bribed the soldiers a few weeks before to say that the disciples had come, while they were asleep, and had stolen the body of Jesus from the tomb. But though the rulers had satisfied their nation by accounting in that manner for the supposed resurrection of Jesus, they did not now dare to bring forward such an absurdity in answer to the Apostles: for of what use would the dead body of Jesus be? Could that enable the Apostles to work a miracle? or would God communicate miraculous powers to them for the express purpose of sanctioning the most wicked falsehood that could be fabricated?

Here then the argument was incontrovertible: a miracle had been wrought: the persons who had been the instruments of effecting it, ascribed the power to Jesus, who, agreeably to the prophecies concerning him, had been "set at nothing by the builders, and was become the Head of the corner, verse 11;" there was therefore no alternative left, but to acknowledge Jesus as the true Messiah. How deceived must they be, who could withhold their assent from so plain a truth!

2. That they in God's sight were the worst of murderers—

They had not been able to fix any charge of guilt upon him: seeing that he had in all things approved himself "The Holy One and the Just:" yet had they insisted on his crucifixion, when Pilate, convinced of his innocence, had "determined to let him go:" yes, though he was "the Prince and Author of life," they had preferred "a murderer" and destroyer of life before him, Acts 3:13-15. It was true, they had acted "ignorantly," blinded by their own prejudices and passions, Acts 3:17; but still they were highly criminal in the sight of God; and must perish to all eternity, if they did not look to Him as their Savior, whom they had crucified as a malefactor.

What a tremendous charge was this! To be accused of murder! of murdering the Prince of life, and "crucifying the Lord of glory!" But the charge was undeniable: and no hope of mercy remained to them, but by repenting of their guilt, and seeking to be cleansed from it in that very blood which they themselves had shed.

But, as the miracle in this view is profitable chiefly to the Jews, we shall proceed to consider it,

II. As a ground of consolation to us—

While we enter into all the feelings of the man that was restored, and are ready, as it were, to unite with him in all the expressions of his joy, we cannot but regard his miraculous restoration as calculated,

1. To confirm our faith—

What can the Lord Jesus Christ not effect? Whose soul can he not heal as easily, and as effectually, as he healed the body of that poor man? "Is there anything too hard for him?".

2. To encourage our hope—

Long had that man neglected the opportunities which the presence of Jesus at Jerusalem afforded him: for we cannot doubt, but that if he had applied to Jesus for relief, as myriads of others did, he would not have applied in vain. But now the mercy which he had never thought of seeking, was conferred upon him unsolicited, Acts 3:6-7. What then will not Jesus do for those who ask him? What though we have slighted him all our days, and have never so much as thought of him until this present hour; will he spurn us from his footstool? Has he not said that "Whoever comes to him, he will never cast out?"

3. To inflame our love—

We wonder not at the ecstasies of the restored man: we would rather wonder if he had not so expressed his joy and gratitude. But have not we also cause for joy? Does not every recovery from sickness, or every continuance of health, proceed from the same source? and is it not equally a ground of praise and thanksgiving? The circumstance of his cure being miraculous, attracted more attention, it is true; but it added nothing to the value of the blessing bestowed: and if we were duly sensible of the benefits we enjoy, we would glorify our God even as he did.

But what if the Lord Jesus Christ has healed our souls? What if, by his life-giving word, he has quickened us from the dead? Would not we praise and magnify his name? Would not "even the stones cry out against us, if we held our peace?" See what the prophet foretold as the effect of the preached Gospel, "Then shall the lame man leap as an deer, and the tongue of the mute shall sing, Isaiah 35:6." See what David experienced as the result of this mercy to his own soul, Psalm 103:1; Psalm 103:3; and know, that if the same external demonstrations of joy be not called for, the same internal frame of mind as the healed cripple possessed, would distinguish every one that professes to believe in Christ: "What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards me?" is surely as proper to be asked on account of spiritual blessings, as of any mercies that can be given to our poor perishing bodies.

Improvement—

1. Let us seek ourselves to be living witnesses for Christ—

Little did this healed cripple imagine what weight he added to the Apostles' testimony, or how the sight of him confounded all the enemies of the Lord Jesus. And little does the consistent Christian imagine to what a degree he strengthens the hands of those who preach the Gospel. Truly we take courage when we can appeal to the effects of our ministry on the hearts and lives of our hearers. O let those who profess to have received the truth, show that the grace of Christ has wrought as effectually on them for the renovation of their souls, as it wrought on the cripple for the restoration of his limbs. Let every temper and disposition of our minds constrain our enemies to acknowledge that "we have been with Jesus," and are blessed monuments of his transforming power! See Isaiah 43:11-12. Such an exhibition of his power and grace will glorify him more than all the bodily cures he ever wrought, 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 with Isaiah 62:3.

2. Let us never be afraid to vindicate his cause—

It was but lately that Peter was intimidated by the voice of a servant-maid; but now he boldly confronted the whole Sanhedrin, and charged them all with the murder of their Messiah. Thus, if the whole world were to rise against us for our attachment to Christ, we would not give way to any unworthy fears, or be deterred from confessing him openly before men. We must indeed look well to our own spirit, and guard against the intemperate sallies of an angry or vindictive mind: the apostolic rule would be rigidly adhered to, "Be ready always to give an answer to every one that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear, 1 Peter 3:15;" but still we must never be ashamed of Christ, but "be faithful unto death, if ever we would receive from him a crown of life".

 

#1748

SALVATION BY CHRIST ALONE

Acts 4:12.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

FROM the account given us of the miracles wrought by our blessed Lord, we would be led, not only to acknowledge him as the true Messiah, but to consider what we ourselves may expect at his hands. His Apostles, Peter and John, had healed a man who had been lame from his birth. The spectators, filled with astonishment, were ready to ascribe the honor of this miracle to them: but they told them by whom it had been effected, even by Jesus, whom they had rejected; but who, notwithstanding their contempt of him, was, and by this miracle had proved himself to be, "the head-stone of the corner, verse 11."

They then directed the attention of their auditors to their own eternal interests, and assured them, that as Jesus alone restored the cripple to the use of his limbs, so Jesus alone could save them from everlasting perdition. It is evident that the text refers, not to bodily healing, but to a salvation which the Apostles themselves, and all their hearers, stood in need of.

In discoursing upon the words before us, it will be proper to notice,

I. What is implied—

Nothing can be more clearly implied than that there is salvation for us only in Christ. It may be thought that it is unnecessary to insist upon so plain and obvious a truth, more especially among those who call themselves Christians: but this truth is far from being universally known; and the grounds on which it stands are very little considered: and, if it were as well understood as we are apt to imagine, still there would be a necessity for dwelling frequently upon it, on account of its vast importance, and of "determining with Paul to know nothing among our people but Jesus Christ, and him crucified."

In confirmation of it, we shall appeal,

1. To the typical representations of Christ—

There were a great variety of sacrifices under the law, which typified the Lord Jesus Christ. The lamb that was offered every morning and evening, fore-showed "the Lamb of God that would take away the sin of the world:" and the scape-goat, which bore the iniquities of all Israel into an uninhabited wilderness, exhibited in yet more striking colors the removal of our guilt by a transfer of it to the head of Jesus. To dwell on all the ceremonies that were appointed on different occasions for the expiation of sin, is needless: suffice it to observe, that "the blood of bulls and of goats could never take away sin;" and that if those offerings had not respect to Christ, they were altogether unworthy, either to be prescribed to man, or to be accepted for him. But the efficacy of those sacrifices for the ends for which they were instituted, proves, beyond a doubt, the infinitely greater efficacy of that sacrifice which Christ in due time offered on the cross, Hebrews 9:13-14.

2. To the positive declarations concerning him—

Nothing can be conceived more clear and strong than the Scripture declarations of Christ's sufficiency to save. How forcibly has the prophet marked:
the extent of his salvation, Isaiah 45:22,
the fullness of his salvation, Isaiah 1:18,
the freeness of his salvation, Isaiah 55:1-2!

He invites "all the ends of the earth," even persons defiled "with crimson sins," to accept all the benefits of the Gospel, "without money and without price." In the New Testament the same things are spoken with all the energy that language can afford. All, without exception, are exhorted to come to Christ, Matthew 11:28. John 6:37, with all assurance that he will cleanse them from all sin, 1 John 1:7 Acts 13:39, and bestow upon them freely all the blessings of grace and glory, John 4:10; John 7:37; John 7:28. Is all this a mere mockery and delusion? It surely is so, if Christ is not "able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him, Hebrews 7:25."

3. To matter of fact—

We can draw aside the veil of Heaven, and point to some before the throne of God, who are such monuments of grace as leave no doubt respecting the sufficiency of Christ to save any others whatever. Behold that man, a murderer; a murderer of no common stamp: he was not satisfied with shedding the blood of a few of his fellow-creatures, or of those who were deserving of death; but he "made the very streets of Jerusalem to run down with blood, and that with the blood of innocents." Moreover, this was but a small part of the guilt he had contracted; so various and so enormous were his crimes. Yet is he, even Manasseh, a chosen vessel, in whom God is, and for ever will be, glorified.

See that woman also? We know not the particulars of her conduct; but she was so vile and notorious a sinner, that it was a disgrace to notice her, yes, our Lord's condescending to notice her was made a ground of doubting his divine mission: nevertheless she also, though once possessed by seven devils, is now in glory. She received, while yet upon earth, an assured testimony, from our Lord himself, that her sins, as numerous as they were, were all forgiven, Luke 7:47-48; and now is she singing the triumphs of redeeming love, as loud as any in Heaven!

We could easily refer to a multitude of others, whose enormities were beyond all measure great, who nevertheless were "washed, justified, and sanctified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11." But enough has been said to put out of all question the blessed truth we are insisting on, namely, that Jesus is a Savior, and a great one, and able to deliver all who trust in him! Isaiah 19:20.

Let us now turn our attention to,

II. What is expressed—

What solemn asseverations are these in the text! One would have supposed that the former of them would have been quite sufficient: but the Apostle thought no superfluous repetitions, nor any accumulation of words too strong, on such a subject as this. Indeed, it is of infinite importance to every one of us to know, that, as there is salvation for us in Christ, so "there is no salvation in any other."

1. There is not—

In whom else can we find the requisites of a Savior? In whom can we find a sufficiency, either of merit to justify, or of power to renew, a sinner? If we would apply to the highest angel in Heaven to give us of his merit, he would tell us that "he himself is only an unprofitable servant; for that he does no more than is his duty to do, Luke 17:10." If we would entreat him to change our hearts, he would confess his utter inability to effect so great a work. Shall we then look to ourselves?

We are full of sin. Our recompense is found—where? not in Heaven truly, but in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, Romans 3:19. "Nor have we in ourselves a sufficiency even to think a good thought, 2 Corinthians 3:5;" much less to renew ourselves after the Divine image. None but Jesus could atone for sin: none but Jesus could yield such an obedience to the law as would be capable of being imputed to others: none but Jesus can send down the Holy Spirit into the souls of men, or say to them, "My grace is sufficient for you! 2 Corinthians 12:9;" and therefore "there is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby we can be saved."

If there were any other Savior, the most eminent of God's servants would have had some intimation of it. Abraham, the friend of God, and the father of the faithful, would probably have heard of him: but he knew of none other; for he sought acceptance through Christ alone, and was justified solely through faith in him, Romans 4:3-5. David too, the man after God's own heart, who was inspired to write so much respecting Christ, would probably have been acquainted with such an important fact in order to his own salvation; but he sought refuge in none but Christ, "Purge me with hyssop," says he, "and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow! Psalm 51:7."

We might hope at least that some information of this kind would have been given to the Apostle Paul, who was more fully instructed in the mind and will of God than any other person: yet he knew of no other name but that of Jesus. He renounced all hope "in his own righteousness, that he might be found in Christ, Philippians 3:9;" and "he determined to insist on nothing, in all his ministrations, but Jesus Christ, and him crucified, 1 Corinthians 2:2."

Whether therefore we consider the insufficiency of all the creatures to stand in the place of a Savior to us, or the utter ignorance of all the Prophets and Apostles respecting the appointment of any creature to sustain that office, we may be sure that there is none other than the Person mentioned in the text, who is a man indeed, but is, at the same time, "God over all blessed for evermore."

2. There cannot be—

We presume not to be wise above what is written; or to say what God might have done if he had pleased: but we are fully warranted by the Scriptures to say, that, consistently with God's honor as the Moral Governor of the universe, man could not have been saved without a Mediator: nor could any mediator besides Jesus have been found to execute all that was necessary for our salvation. It was necessary:
that the justice of God would be satisfied for the violations of his law;
that his holiness would be displayed in a marked abhorrence of sin;
that his truth would be kept inviolate by the execution of his threatenings; and
that his law would be honored, as well by an obedience to its precepts, as by an enduring of its penalties.

Now none but Jesus, who was God as well as man, could effect all these things, and therefore none but he could save us.

But there is yet another ground on which we may deny that any other could save us; namely, that if we were indebted to any other, either for righteousness or strength—we could not join in the songs of the redeemed in Heaven, but must separate from the heavenly choir, Revelation 7:9-10, and ascribe to ourselves, or to some other (inasmuch as we were indebted to ourselves or them,) the honor of our salvation. And how would this comport with the dignity of Jehovah, who has determined "that no flesh would glory in his presence?" It is in vain to say that the glory would ultimately accrue to him: for if we are saved by, or for, anything of our own, we may, and must, so far take the glory to ourselves, Romans 4:2; and that would create discord in Heaven, and be irreconcilable with the honor of the Divine Majesty.

ADDRESS—

1. The careless—

Why are men so indifferent about their spiritual concerns? Is it that they are in no danger of perishing? If that were the case, why is so much said respecting salvation? and why are we cautioned so strongly against relying on any but Jesus Christ? Surely the very circumstance of Christ being sent down from Heaven to die for us, is enough to alarm all our fears, and to convince us, that, if the salvation offered us could be procured by none but him, the danger of those who are not savingly interested in him must be inexpressibly great. Let the careless then consider this; and flee for refuge to the hope that is set before them.

2. The self-righteous—

It is difficult to convince those who are looking to Christ in part, that they are really renouncing Christ altogether. But the Scriptures are so plain on this point, that there cannot be the smallest doubt respecting it. Salvation is "of faith, on purpose that it may be by grace, Romans 4:16;" and if it be, whether in whole or in part, by our own works—then it ceases to be of grace: it must be wholly of grace, or wholly of works, Romans 11:6; it must exclude boasting altogether, or else admit it. But boasting must be wholly excluded, Romans 3:27; and therefore all dependence whatever on our own works must be wholly and for ever renounced, Romans 3:8. If we will not accept salvation on these terms, "Christ shall profit us nothing, Galatians 5:2; Galatians 5:4."

3. The desponding—

The person healed by Peter and John was a very fit emblem of our state by nature and practice. "We are transgressors from the womb." But, as desperate as in appearance our condition is, there is in Jesus a sufficiency of power and grace to make us whole: "his name, through faith in his name, shall give us a perfect soundness in the presence" of God and man, Acts 3:16; Acts 4:10. Let none complain as though they were beyond the reach of mercy: for there is nothing impossible with Jesus: "with him there is mercy; with him is plenteous redemption; and he shall redeem his people from all his sins! Matthew 1:21, Psalm 130:7-8."

 

#1749

CONTEST BETWEEN PREJUDICE AND RELIGION

Acts 4:18-20.

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:18-20

WHEN we see the enmity of the human heart against religion in these days, we are ready to impute some blame to the persons in whom that religion is displayed: it scarcely seems possible that a thing so excellent and beautiful as true religion would be an object of offense. But if we look back to the first establishment of Christianity, we find that the same aversion to it was then manifested by ungodly men, even though it was exhibited in the purest form, and was recommended by the most beneficent and stupendous miracles. In the history before us we see in a very striking view,

I. The force of prejudice—

Nothing can be conceived more unreasonable than the conduct of the Jewish Rulers towards the Apostles—

They saw that an astonishing miracle had been wrought in confirmation of the doctrine which the Apostles preached, verse 16. Now what line of conduct would candor have prescribed? Would not any person under its influence have inquired about the doctrine, and compared it with the Holy Scriptures? Would he not have examined carefully whether there was any real connection between the miracle and the doctrine, and whether it was indeed a testimony from Heaven to the truth of Christianity?

But behold how the Jewish rulers acted on that occasion: they imprisoned the Apostles, tried them as criminals, disregarded all evidence in their favor, and, when they could not subvert the doctrine by argument, determined to suppress it by authority. They would have proceeded even to punish the preachers of it, if they had not been afraid of exciting discontent among the people: it was fear alone, and not equity, that prevented them from proceeding to yet severer measures. Their language, in effect, was this: 'A great miracle has been wrought indeed; but we will not have it mentioned. The doctrine which it was intended to confirm, appears to be from God; but we will not have it mentioned. The tendency of the doctrine, as far as we can judge from the miracle, is most beneficial; but we will not have it mentioned. The preachers of that doctrine profess to have received a commission from God himself; but we will not allow them to execute it. They tell us that they open to men the only possible way of salvation; but we care not for the salvation of men, nor will we suffer any further attempts to promote it. They tell us, that it is at the peril of their own souls to decline the office assigned to them; but what care we about their souls? they shall not execute their office, though they, and the whole world, would perish through their neglect. They tell us that they must obey God; but we care not for God: they shall obey us, and not God; and if they do not regard us more than God, we will make them feel the weight of our heaviest displeasure.'

But unreasonable as this was, it shows, as in a looking-glass, the precise manner in which the enemies of religion act at this day—

The truth and excellence of Christianity are universally acknowledged, together with the obligation of all persons to obey it: yet no sooner does any one begin to obey it from the heart, than his friends and relatives endeavor to check his progress. In vain does he bring his sentiments to the test of Scripture; or urge the commands of God, and the solemn judgments that will await him if unfaithful to his God. Human authority, as in the case before us, usurps the place of reason, and the will of man is put in opposition to the will of God. Unreasonable and impious as this is, it is the practice of parents, of masters, of all that are in authority, as far as the laws of the land, or the liberal spirit of the times, will admit. And wherever religion most flourishes, there will this conduct most openly prevail. The terms "unreasonable and wicked" are still applicable to the generality of unbelievers. 2 Thessalonians 3:2.

This however, for the most part, serves only to call forth,

II. The power of religion—

Beautifully was it exemplified on the occasion before us. Behold the Apostles;

1. How firm their conduct!

Lately had they all fled from their Master through fear of participating his troubles; but now they face the whole Sanhedrin, undaunted, undismayed. They knew that God was on their side; and therefore they "feared not what man could do unto them." This was, and ever will be, the effect of true religion: "the righteous are as bold as a lion!" Those who truly fear God, will cast off every other fear.

2. How forcible their appeal!

Their words were few, but unanswerable: for who can doubt whether man would rule, or God? Who can hesitate to determine the question in general, or how to act upon it in his own case? If man can do more for us than God, or prove a more formidable enemy than God, then may we prefer his favor before God's, and have a greater dread of his displeasure. But if man is so weak as to be crushed before the moth, then may we set at nothing all his threatenings, and persist without fear in the service of our God. Indeed, if "we have seen, and heard" aright the blessed truths of the Gospel, we shall so feel their constraining influence, as to defy every effort of men or devils to counteract them.

From this history then we may learn,

1. What is that doctrine we are concerned to hear—

That is the true doctrine which proclaims salvation in "the name of Jesus." This it was which the Apostles preached; and which every minister must preach. There is indeed "salvation in no other name;" and therefore all who desire salvation should embrace it with their whole hearts.

2. What is the treatment we must expect to meet with—

If we either preach or profess the foregoing doctrine, we must expect the same scenes to be again realized as were exhibited in the Apostles' days. The enmity of the human heart against God is still the same as ever; and "those who are born after the flesh will still, as much as ever, persecute those who are born after the Spirit." "Let none then think it strange, if a fiery trial is sent to try them".

3. What is that conduct we are bound to observe—

Amidst all the injuries they sustained, the Apostles yielded not either to invective or complaint. But they were immoveable as rocks! Thus must we possess our souls in patience, and maintain our profession steadfast unto the end.

 

#1750

CHRIST'S SUFFERINGS DECREED AND FORE-ORDAINED

Acts 4:27-28.

"Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen."

A comparison of prophecies with their fulfillments is a source of the strongest conviction and consolation to the mind. So the Apostles found it in the hour of trial, when, for the Gospel's sake, they had been imprisoned, and menaced with the severest punishment that could be inflicted on them. They saw that the prophecies relating to their Divine Master had all been unwittingly fulfilled, even by his bitterest enemies: and they comforted themselves with the thought, that the same God who had so accomplished his own gracious purposes in relation to him, would in like manner bring glory to himself out of the sufferings which they also were called to endure. They cite before God the prediction brought to their minds; and they declare, that, in all which had been done to the holy child Jesus, they saw nothing less than a complete accomplishment of God's eternal counsels and decrees.

In discoursing on these words, I will,

I. Confirm their assertion—

The assertion is made in the form of an appeal to God: and it relates to the sufferings of Christ,

1. As fore-ordained by God—

All of the sufferings of Christ were fore-ordained, when God determined to give up his only dear Son to die for the sins of men. Man had merited condemnation: and Jesus must be condemned by a legal process, and be "numbered with transgressors." Man had incurred the penalty of God's law, and was to be accursed from God: and Christ must die a death which God's law pronounced accursed, even the death of the cross Galatians 3:13. In executing this judgment, there must be a concurrence of all orders of men, Jews and Gentiles, the highest rulers and the lowest populace: Jews, to accuse him according to their law; and Gentiles, to adjudge him to a death which was not recognized by the Jewish law, and which could be inflicted by Gentiles only.

Man had deserved the utmost shame and contempt: and to these must Jesus be exposed, even as one "worthy to be abhorred" by all mankind, Isaiah 49:7. He must be scourged also, Psalm 129:3, though that was no part of the punishment connected with crucifixion.

A vast number of very minute circumstances, also, were to attend his crucifixion. He was to be betrayed by one of his own disciples; sold for thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave; and, while yet upon the cross, to be taunted by the populace, and challenged, if he were not an impostor, to save himself. Vinegar was to be offered to him, instead of a draught that would assuage his anguish: lots were to be cast for his vesture; and though no bone of his was to be broken, he was to be pierced in his hands and feet, and in his side even to the heart, John 19:36-37. Together with these, and a multitude of other minute circumstances which were ordained by God to be attendant on his death, it was appointed that he would "make his grave with the rich."

And all these things the Apostles speak of,

2. As executed by man—

The Psalmist clearly predicts the union of all manner of persons, Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, in the execution of this bloody tragedy. And the Apostles call God to witness, that the prophecy adduced had been literally fulfilled in Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentile soldiers and the people of Israel, Psalm 2:2-3 with verse 25, 26.

Yes, so exactly had every prophecy been fulfilled, that it seemed as if all the different classes had been called together, to examine carefully into the predictions; and each person had had his part assigned him, so that not one jot or tittle of them might remain unfulfilled!

Judas shall betray him.

The chief priests, unable, by reason of their subjection to the Romans, to execute their own law, shall deliver him to Pilate, the Roman governor.

Pilate, willing to pacify them, shall have him scourged; but afterwards shall be constrained, by their clamor, to give orders for his crucifixion. The populace shall be ready enough, each in his place, to fulfill the rest.

And the Roman soldier, to ascertain, or complete, his death, shall pierce him with the spear.

All shall be as active as if they had conspired together to perform their respective parts, and to accomplish every prediction respecting him. Thus it had been ordained by God that it would be: and thus, in fact, it was; every one acting an independent part, as occasion called for it, and as his situation enabled him to act: and thus was there as complete an agreement between the predictions and the fulfillments, as between a seal with ten thousand lines and the impression taken from it.

Their assertion being thus confirmed, I will proceed to,

II. Show the proper and legitimate consequences to be deduced from it—

If we mark only the expressions in my text, we shall be ready to draw from them very erroneous inferences and deductions. We shall be ready to say, 'If what these people did was only "what God's hand and counsel had determined before to be done," we must not condemn them: they were only instruments in the hand of God: and if there be any evil in what they did, it must be traced to Jehovah himself, whose counsel had decreed it, and who, by his power, stimulated them to the commission of it.'

But all this is quite erroneous. Though God had ordained these things, he never instigated any man to the commission of them; he only elevated men to situations, where they might execute all the evil that was in their hearts, and left them at liberty to follow their own will.

It was thus that God elevated Pharaoh to the throne of Egypt, and gave him up to the hardness of his own heart: and Pharaoh, of his own mind and will, persisted in his opposition, until the Jews were irrecoverably delivered, and he with all his army were destroyed.

Thus Peter told the Jews, that though Jesus had been "delivered according to the determinate counsel of God, they with wicked hands had crucified and slain him! Acts 2:23." "As for God, he cannot be tempted by evil; neither does he tempt any man James 1:13."

In all that those murderers did, they were voluntary agents, and put forth only the evil that was in their own hearts. Therefore to them, and to them alone, must be imputed all the evil which they respectively committed.

But if we look to the facts, they will afford very rich and useful instruction. From them may be deduced the following most important consequences:

1. That Christ is assuredly the true Messiah—

If there had been but few predictions relative to the Messiah's death, and they such as admitted of being carried into effect by a well-concerted conspiracy, the fulfillment of them would have had comparatively but little weight in a subject of such importance. But they were so numerous, so minute, and, if I may so express myself, so contradictory, that it was not possible for his friends to form a conspiracy equal to the occasion. Besides, there were many of the predictions which could not be carried into effect, but by enemies. Who but enemies could deliver him up to the Gentiles? Who but enemies could nail him to the cross, and load him with such contempt, and pierce him to the heart with the spear? But when we see so many prophecies fulfilled by people wholly unconnected with each other, yes, and hostile to each other, as Herod and Pilate were, and Jews and Gentiles were, the conviction is irresistible: He is, and must be, the predicted Messiah, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

2. That no opposition, however sanctioned by the great and learned, would at all weaken our conviction of the truths we have received—

Against the Lord Jesus Christ were engaged all the great and learned of the land. But was his religion, therefore, the more questionable? No! if there had not been one added to his Apostles as a witness for him, he would still have been the same Almighty Savior, worthy of all possible honor and trust. So I may say with respect to us at this day. Many will urge, as they did, in reference to our Savior, "Have any of the rulers and of the Pharisees believed on him? But this poor people are cursed."

Yes, many will ask, with a kind of confidence, 'What do your governors in Church and State think of your opinions? Do you find them walking in the same strict and self-denying ways that you do?'

I grant, there are not many rich, or mighty, or noble, or wise, that are called: and that, for the most part, it is to the poor that the Lord Jesus Christ is preached; and that by them, almost alone, is he received. But, if this did not invalidate in any degree the testimony of the Apostles, neither does it weaken our testimony respecting the Gospel of Christ. "It is to the word and to the testimony" that we make our appeal; and by that must all sentiments be tried and judged. If we speak according to the Scriptures, we would not regard it, even though, like Elijah, we, in appearance, stood alone in the midst of the land. I grant that singularity will not prove us to be right: but neither will it prove us to be wrong. Christ's have ever been a "little flock," and his way "a narrow way:" and if ever we would be saved, we must come forth, like Lot, from Sodom; and be saved, like Noah, in the Ark prepared for us.

3. That no trial shall come upon us beyond what our all-wise God shall see fit to permit, and what our infinitely gracious God will overrule for our good—

Of all the heavy trials which our blessed Lord sustained, there was not so much as one which was not allotted to him by infinite Wisdom, and rendered subservient to the great ends of his mission. No one could seize him before his time: and though they drove nails through parts full of small bones, and pierced his side with a spear, no one was permitted to break so much as one of his bones.

Now, thus will God take care of us, both in our individual and collective capacity. The attempts to destroy his Church have been numerous and sanguinary: but the gates of Hell have never been able to prevail against it. Our trials, also, may be heavy; but God has engaged, that "they shall all work together for our spiritual and eternal good." We may well, therefore, adopt the language of the Psalmist; and say, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah! Psalm 46:1-3"

Behold the Lord Jesus Christ as enthroned in glory, and see in what his troubles have issued! Or behold Joseph, when at the highest post of honor in Egypt, and his parents and his brethren were bowing down to him. There you see in what his successive trials issued; and how every trial was but as a link in the chain of God's eternal purposes; a link without which, humanly speaking, all God's purposes respecting him had failed.

Be not then cast down, because your troubles are numerous and heavy, and because you cannot yet discern what the end of them will be; but commit yourselves to God, in the assured expectation, that "if you suffer with your adorable Lord, you shall also reign with him in due time, and be eternally glorified together."

 

#1751

THE BENEFIT OF UNITED PRAYER

Acts 4:31-32.

"After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had."

WHETHER, as has been said by many, the blood of the Martyrs has been the seed of the Church, we will not undertake to determine. But we have no doubt but that persecution has greatly tended to benefit the Church in all ages: it has produced a greater degree of separation between the Church and the world, and has thereby contributed very essentially to keep the saints from much contamination, which from a closer union with the world they would of necessity have contracted. It has also driven them to prayer, and brought them help from above: and further, it has united them more with each other, and stirred them up to a greater measure of zeal in strengthening and encouraging one another to fight the good fight of faith. The very unreasonableness of the persecutors has in many instances confirmed the saints in their determination to hold fast the profession of their faith without wavering, Philippians 1:14. Certainly if ever persecution was unreasonable, it was so in the instance before us.

A most benevolent miracle had been wrought by the Apostles, who took occasion to proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name they had wrought it, as the only Savior of the world. To prevent the extension of their influence, the rulers and elders laid hands upon them and imprisoned them, and with many threats commanded them to speak no more in the name of Jesus. But, behold the effect that was produced, both on the Apostles, and on the whole infant Church! The Apostles were no sooner liberated, than they "went to their own company and reported all that had been said unto them:" and the consequence was that they all betook themselves to prayer, and obtained help from God to prosecute their work with augmented energy and effect.

The points to which we would call your attention are,

I. The prayer they offered—

The particular point of view in which I wish this to be noticed is, as illustrating the holy superiority to all personal considerations, which the first Christians manifested in the midst of their deepest trials: they disdained to think of their own ease or interests, in comparison with God's honor, and the welfare of mankind. Yet so far were they from ostentation, that it is from what is omitted, rather than from anything expressed, that we collect this exalted sentiment. In their prayer:

1. They view the hand of God himself in their trials—

They address Jehovah as the Creator, and consequently the Governor, of all things both in Heaven and earth. They bring to mind a prophecy of David, wherein it was foretold, that all the powers of the world would combine against the Lord and his Christ. They acknowledge that this prediction had been verified in the opposition which had been made to their Divine Master, by all, whether Jews or Gentiles. But in all this they see and confess the hand of God, ordering and directing all things in such a way that his own decrees and purposes would be all fulfilled, verses 24-28.

Now all this may at first sight appear to have been irrelevant to their case: for, what reference had it at all to their sufferings? The connection between the two must, as I have said, be found in that which is implied, rather than in that which is expressed. It is as though they had said, 'You, Lord, have foretold that your Church and people shall be persecuted: you have shown us, in the person of your dear Son, what we are to expect at the hands of ungodly men: but, as in his case, so in ours, nothing can be done but what you yourself have ordained; nor can the bitterest foe upon earth exceed the commission which you, for wise and gracious ends, have given him. We therefore bow not our knees to deprecate any trials, which you may see fit to send, but only to ask of you such a measure of grace, as shall enable us to sustain them, and such manifestations of your power as shall carry conviction to the minds of our most obdurate enemies.' Thus,

2. They desire only that God may be glorified in them—

They desire to rise to the occasion, and to have their energy increased in proportion to the difficulties which they have to contend with. Their own concerns are swallowed up, as it were, in the honor of their God. Happy attainment! How surely must those supplications prosper, which are dictated by such a principle, and proceed from such hallowed lips!

The acceptableness of their prayer will be best seen in,

II. The answer they received—

"The house was shaken wherein they were assembled," in token that God had heard them, and that he was able to effect whatever would most conduce to their welfare. The Holy Spirit also was poured out upon them in a more abundant measure, not in his miraculous powers, but in his gracious and sanctifying influences: so that the effect was immediately visible in all. Observe the effect which was instantly produced:

1. On the Apostles—

In them we see an immediate increase of zeal and constancy: "They spoke the word of God with boldness; not only not intimidated by the threats of their enemies, but greatly strengthened to execute their office with energy and effect; insomuch that "with greater power than ever, they gave witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, verse 33." Mark the connection of this with their persecution; and see how influential their trials were to render their ministry more extensively beneficial. Their own souls were quickened by the opposition which they met with; they were strengthened from on high in answer to their prayers: every word they uttered was attended with unction and with power. Having within themselves the fruits and evidences of Christ's tender care, they could not but commend him to others, as an able and all-sufficient Savior, and urge all to seek the blessings which they themselves so richly enjoyed.

Now it is thus that ministers are formed at the present day. If they have experienced but few trials, they possess, for the most part, but little energy. It is only when, under difficult and trying circumstances, "their eyes have seen, their ears heard, and their hands handled the word of life," that they can speak of Christ with a feeling sense of his excellency.

Without trials, in speculative knowledge they may be complete; but in divine unction they will be very defective; and their words, from the lack of that unction, will never reach the heart.

Hence God generally permits his most faithful servants to be severely tried, in order that from their own experience they may be able to instruct and comfort the people committed to their charge, 2 Corinthians 1:3-6.

Next, see the effect produced,

2. On the Church at large—

As in the teachers there was an immediate increase of holy zeal, so was there in the hearers a visible augmentation of heavenly love. Instantly "the whole multitude of believers became of one heart and one soul: neither said any of them that anything of the things that he possessed was his own; but they had all things common." They all considered themselves as one body: and exactly as the different members of a body, the eye, the ear, the hand, the foot, employ their respective powers, not with a view to any separate interest of their own, but for the collective benefit of the whole, so did these Christians, as soon as ever they were "filled with the Holy Spirit;" every one selling his houses or lands to form one common stock for the support and comfort of the whole.

Mark then here also the effect of persecution: how it united the Lord's people in one common bond, and advanced their mutual love to a height, which under other circumstances it would never have attained. Doubtless the particular act of casting all their property into one common stock is to be imitated only under circumstances similar to theirs: but the Spirit who dictated that act would abound in us, as much as in them: and it will abound in us in proportion as we possess the grace of Christ.

The trials of the saints at this day being light, they know but little of sympathy, and make but little sacrifices for the good of others: but, if they were driven more to God by the sword of persecution, they would feel greater need of sympathy themselves, and would be ready to exercise it in a far larger measure towards others.

From whence we may learn,

1. Where to go with our troubles—

Where would we go, but to that God, who has ordained them all, and promised to overrule them for our eternal good! The Apostles indeed went first "to their own company, and reported all that had been said to them:" but this was for the purpose of comforting and encouraging them, and not with a view to obtain comfort or encouragement themselves; for that they betook themselves to prayer, having engaged all the Church to unite with them in their supplications.

The benefit of this measure to all who engaged in it, you have already heard: while they were in the very act of pouring out their souls before God, an answer was given from on high; and every soul was filled with grace and peace.

Say, brethren, has it never been so with you? Look back to seasons of affliction, when you could find no refuge but in God: have they not proved seasons of peculiar refreshment to your souls? Have you not received "strength according to your day," so as not only to endure your tribulations, but to glory in them? Bear in remembrance then that direction which God himself has given you, "Call upon me in the time of trouble, and I will hear you, and you shall glorify me." Yes, "Cast your burden on the Lord; and he will sustain you."

2. How to recommend our principles—

It is to the shame of Christianity that there are so many parties among us, and that there is so little love exercised by them towards each other. Compare the Church at this time with the Church of Christ in that age: alas! at what a low ebb is vital godliness among the professors of the present day! Instead of uniting against the common enemy, they do little but dispute with each other. Instead of every one denying himself for the good of the whole, they are all immersed in selfishness, and are intent only on their own personal ease or interest.

But the saints of old did not do so: they constrained their very enemies to say, "Behold, how these Christians love one another!" O that such seasons might speedily return, and that our eyes might witness them in this place!

But it is to be feared that we shall never learn this lesson, until we are taught it in the school of affliction. Yet how much better were it to learn it from the example of the primitive saints, and especially from the example of "the Lord Jesus Christ, who though he was rich, for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich!" Beloved brethren, set these examples before you, and implore grace from God, that you may be able to walk in these blessed paths. Then will you "put to silence the ignorance of foolish men," and constrain your very enemies to "acknowledge, that God is with you of a truth."

 

#1752

ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA

Acts 5:3-5.

Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God." When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened.

IN contemplating the dispensations of Providence, there are some which, on a superficial view, we would be ready to accuse of severity; but, on a closer inspection of them, we shall find them to be replete with mercy. At the first establishment of the Jewish religion, Nadab and Abihu were slain for offering incense with strange fire; as Korah also and his company were for their rebellion against Moses. But such judgments, though terrible to the individuals concerned, had a direct tendency to benefit the nation at large; inasmuch as they proclaimed to all, that "God was greatly to be feared," and "to be had in reverence by all them that are round about him." Thus, at the first establishment of the Christian Church, Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead for endeavoring to lie on the Apostles, and for professing to give the whole produce of their estate to the Church, while they held back a part of it for their own use.

In our text, Peter shows him the enormity of his offense, and inflicts upon him the judgment which he richly merited. To make a suitable improvement of this history, we shall notice,

I. The representation here given of the Holy Spirit—

The falsehood uttered by Ananias and his wife seems to have been designed only to impose on the Apostles and the Church: but Peter speaks of it as "a testing of the Spirit of the Lord, verse 9," and "a lying to the Holy Spirit," or, in other words, "a lying unto God."

Now from these expressions see who the Holy Spirit is:

1. He is a distinct person—

It would be absurd to imagine that the Holy Spirit is a mere quality; for on such a supposition the language of the Apostle would have no meaning at all. If he is tested and deceived, he must be a person, and accordingly we find him spoken of continually as one indeed with the Father and the Son, but yet as personally distinct from them.

He possesses the attributes of a person:
understanding, 1 Corinthians 2:11,
will, 1 Corinthians 12:11, and,
if not affections—yet a susceptibility of impression suited to the manner in which he is treated by us, Isaiah 63:10. Ephesians 4:30.

He sustains the offices of a person, being:
a Comforter, John 14:16-17,
an Intercessor, Romans 8:26-27,
a Teacher, John 14:26,
a Witness, Romans 8:16.

He also performs the acts of a person:
commanding, Acts 13:2-4,
forbidding, Acts 16:6-7,
judging, Acts 15:28.

And, that we may not confound him with either of the other persons of the Godhead, he is spoken of as distinct from both, and as sent from the Father by the Son for specific ends and purposes, which, according to the plan proposed between the Sacred Three, were to be accomplished by him alone John 15:26.

2. He is the true God—

This also is declared with no less clearness than the former: for, He is called by the incommunicable name of Jehovah, Isaiah 6:8-10 with Acts 28:25.

He has all the perfections of the Deity:
eternity, Hebrews 9:14,
omnipresence, Psalm 139:7,
omniscience, 1 Corinthians 2:10.

He does the works that are proper to God alone:
he formed the body of Jesus in the Virgin's womb, Luke 1:35;
he qualified him for the office he was to sustain, Isaiah 61:1;
he is the author of every good work in us, Galatians 5:22;
and he inspired from the very beginning all the Prophets and Apostles, that they might communicate to us with infallible certainty the mind and will of God, 1 Peter 1:11 and 2 Peter 1:21.

He receives also the worship that is due to God alone, 2 Thessalonians 3:5. Revelation 1:4.

He is joined with the Father and the Son as the glorious Being to whom we are consecrated in our baptism, Matthew 28:19.

He as equally with them, is the source of all spiritual blessings 2 Corinthians 13:14.

From this view of the Holy Spirit we see with what propriety the Apostle spoke of him as "God;" nor do we hesitate for a moment to proclaim him, "The Most High God! Compare Hebrews 3:7-9 with Psalm 78:56."

The more exalted our conceptions of the Holy Spirit are, the more shall we see,

II. The importance of approving ourselves to him in all things—

It is certain that we may commit the same sin as Ananias and Sapphira did—

Let us get a precise idea of what their sin was. Many in the Church sold their possessions, and laid the whole price of them at the Apostles' feet, to make a fund for the support of the Church at large, Acts 4:34-35. Barnabas in particular is mentioned as having done this, Acts 4:36-37. Doubtless this generosity gained them high credit in the infant Church: and Ananias and Sapphira determined to come in for a share of this honorable distinction. They sold their estate therefore; but not being able to trust God for their future support, or not choosing to relinquish all their temporal comforts, they agreed to keep back a part of the price, and to present only a certain portion of it to the Apostles. Wishing however to appear as eminent as others, they professed to give the whole price; thus endeavoring to obtain the full credit of others, without making their sacrifice.

This was their sin: a mixture of ostentation, of covetousness, of unbelief; a seeking of credit which they did not deserve, and a pretending to virtue which they did not possess.

This the Apostle calls "a lying unto," and "a testing of, the Holy Spirit:" for it was an attempt to deceive the Apostles, whom the Holy Spirit had invested with miraculous gifts and powers; and it tempted the Holy Spirit to show whether he were an omniscient, holy, and just Being, or not.

Hence then it appears that allowed hypocrisy is the very nature of their sin. The short-comings and defects of a sincere Christian, though contrary to his profession, cannot properly be classed with their sin; but every willful deviation from duty, especially if deliberate and persevered in, is in fact a lying unto God.

What then must be said of those who harbor any secret lust? Or make any reserve whatever in their obedience to God? Or do even what is right in itself from any corrupt motive? A desire of man's applause will carry some to great apparent heights of virtue; it will urge them to laborious exertions, and reconcile them to painful sacrifices: but God, who sees the heart, will abhor all such offerings, and account them no better than that which Ananias and Sapphira presented to him.

And it is certain also, that if we do, God will both detect and punish it—

God often exposes hypocrites to shame in this world; and allows their hidden corruption to be brought to light. How often does it happen, that a person, who on the whole has maintained externally a creditable profession, is instigated by his predominant passion, whether of lust or covetousness, to an act that blasts his character for ever! But, if no such exposure takes place in this world, the mask will be taken off as soon as we come into the presence of our God.

Alas! what will be our sensations, and the sensations of many around us, when we are interrogated by our Judge in relation to things from which perhaps we gained the greatest credit? What must have been the surprise of Ananias and Sapphira, and of all their friends too, when the act which appeared so excellent, was proved so faulty, and was visited with so awful a judgment! Let us endeavor to realize that scene, and we shall have some faint idea of the hypocrite's feelings at the day of judgment.

We may easily deceive men; but "God will not be mocked!" To him every secret thought is open, and in the last day "He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts! 1 Corinthians 4:5. Psalm 44:21."

Then, if not before, "our sin shall find us out;" and "the Holy Spirit himself," whom we have tested and deceived, shall "be a witness" against us to our everlasting confusion! Hebrews 10:15. Malachi 3:5.

The only improvement we would make of this subject, is that which the Church itself made of the event—

We read that "great fear came on all those who heard these things." O that such a fear may come on all who hear me this day!

Tell me, O you who live in the allowed indulgence of open and known sins—have you no cause for fear? If this liberal act of Ananias was so abhorred of God, because of the insincerity that attended it, and brought such a tremendous judgment upon him, do you think that your iniquities shall pass unpunished?

And, you who profess religion, have not you cause for fear also, lest your services at last would be found to have been only splendid sins? Remember that "God requires truth in the inward parts." If you had the whole armor of God upon you, and it were not fastened on with the belt of truth, it would leave you exposed to all the arrows of the Almighty! Ephesians 6:14. Those who are "hypocrites in heart heap up wrath! Job 36:13;" and "fearfulness will at last surprise them, Isaiah 33:14." Behold then, as our Lord said even to the Apostles, so say I to you, "Beware of hypocrisy! Luke 12:1;" beware lest you profess more than you design to practice, Jeremiah 42:20-21. Seek to have "your hearts right with God." Entreat him to give you "the wisdom that is from above, which is without partiality, and without hypocrisy." Then will the Spirit of God abide with you, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; then will the blood of Christ also cleanse you from the defilement which cleaves to your very best actions, 1 John 1:7; and God the Father will delight in you to all eternity! Proverbs 11:20.

 

#1753

THE DUTY OF MINISTERS

Acts 5:20.

"Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."
[A little sketch given extemporaneously to a young friend.]

Consider the commission,

I. As given to the Apostles.

1. Do not allow yourselves to be intimidated—

Execute the high commission you have received.

Assure yourselves of protection from on high.

Know that none can prevail against you any farther than God shall see fit: or than He can overrule for his glory, and for your good.

2. Do not allow them to be robbed—

The Gospel is the word of life and salvation (verses 29-32.)

It is the only means of life, and the effectual means to all who receive it.

Do not allow envious and wicked men to rob them of it.

Regard not your own bodily life, if you may but advance the life of their souls—

II. As given to us at this hour.

We have the same word of life to preach to you—

You hear it under far more favorable circumstances. None forbid us to preach it, or you to hear it.

You are come for the very purpose that you may hear it—

Lo, then I now preach it to you:

Christ has died that you may live.

Believe on him and you shall live.

This I declare to all, without hesitation and without exception.

Avail yourselves of the opportunity afforded to you.

Contemplate the sad alternative if you reject our word.

If our word is not a savor of life unto life, it will be a savor to your death and condemnation.

 

#1754

THE ENDS OF CHRIST'S EXALTATION

Acts 5:30-32.

"The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."

AMONG the various things which have weight and influence in forming decision of character, there is nothing so powerful as religion. The fear of God operates to the dissipating of all other fear. The love of God subjugates or refines all creature attachments. Persons actuated by any other principle, will bend to circumstances: but religion will give us a uniform direction, like that of the needle to the pole.

We see this very strongly illustrated by the conduct of Peter and the other Apostles. We acknowledge that they were not destitute of a religious principle during their Master's life: but it was not until the day of Pentecost that they fully understood the nature of Christianity, or were completely subjected to its dominion. From that time, the most timid of them were emboldened to confess Him whom they had just before forsaken and denied. They had just been imprisoned for bearing their testimony to his office and character: yet, when threatened with still heavier vengeance, they undauntedly persevered, charging the very rulers themselves with the guilt of murdering the Lord of glory, and affirming that the very person whom they had crucified as a malefactor, was exalted to be the Savior of the world.

In considering this address of theirs to the Jewish council, it will be proper to notice,

I. The testimony here borne to the Lord Jesus—

Observe,

1. The testimony itself—

The Jewish rulers conceived, that, in having crucified the Lord Jesus, they had wholly subverted his influence in the world. But the triumph was altogether on the side of Jesus, of whom the Apostle testified, that he was raised to the most exalted state in glory. Jesus had foretold that he would rise again on the third day; and that, as he had come from the Father, so in his ascension he would return to the Father. And now the Apostle declared that this was accomplished in him: and that, though "he had been crucified through weakness, he was now raised by the power of God," and seated at the right hand of his majesty on high.

He further declared that he was invested with the highest honors. He had been crucified as a malefactor who had arrogated to himself the title of "The King of the Jews;" nor had he interposed to save himself. But he was now "exalted to be a Prince and a Savior;" even the Supreme Governor of the universe, and the Savior of the world, of all at least who would believe in him. However strange such claims might appear to his murderers, they were no other than what the prophets had taught them to expect, seeing that "every knee was to bow to him, and all the ends of the earth were to be saved by him, Isaiah 45:22-23."

To this he added that he was empowered to bestow the richest blessings. He was to be the one fountain of good to all his believing people, "giving repentance" to the most obdurate, and "forgiveness" to the most abandoned, the very instant that they would seek these blessings at his hands.

2. The truth and certainty of this testimony—

The Apostles all professed themselves "witnesses of these things;" that is, witnesses of his resurrection and his ascension, and consequently of those things which were the special objects of his exaltation.

Now certainly they were competent witnesses, both of the resurrection and the ascension of our blessed Lord: for though they had not actually seen him rise, they had seen him frequently after he had risen, and had even eaten and drunk with him, and beheld him in the very act of ascending into Heaven. The very incredulity which they manifested in relation to these things is a strong confirmation that they did not hastily credit the report of others, or even their own senses, until they were overpowered with such evidence as was absolutely irresistible, Mark 16:14. Luke 24:39-43. John 20:25-29.

They were also as unexceptionable witnesses as could possibly exist: for being poor illiterate fishermen, they could not frame an imposture that would deceive the whole world; nor had they the smallest inducement to attempt it, since they could expect nothing but contempt and persecution in this world, and eternal misery in the world to come.

They gave their testimony too in the most unexceptionable manner. If they had been impostors, they would have gone to a distance, where their conspiracy would not so easily have been detected; or, at least, have delayed until the present ferment had subsided; and have practiced their imposition first on the weak and credulous.

But instead of this, they bore their testimony without any loss of time, and in Jerusalem too, where every falsehood could be so easily detected, and before all the Jewish rulers, who were most of all interested in disproving the facts attested.

As for the testimony by which the Jewish rulers endeavored to invalidate the assertions of the Apostles, it still further established the very point which it was intended to disprove, Matthew 28:11-15. For, if the guards slept, how could they tell what was done in their sleep? and why were they not punished? Why too did the rulers engage to screen them from punishment, when their disappointment and rage would rather have called forth their most vindictive efforts?

In addition to them, the Holy Spirit himself also bore witness to these things. The Lord Jesus had repeatedly declared, that, after his ascension to Heaven, he would send the Holy Spirit to testify of him. On the accomplishment of this promise depended the validity of his pretensions. At the appointed time he fulfilled his word, and sent down the Holy Spirit in a visible manner on his disciples. In this first instance then the Holy Spirit testified, that Jesus was indeed risen, and that he had ascended to the right hand of God. By the influence of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles were enabled to preach the Gospel in a great diversity of languages which they had never learned. They wrought also many and stupendous miracles in confirmation of their word. They were empowered also, by the imposition of their hands, to communicate the Holy Spirit to others. By all these things the Holy Spirit bore yet further testimony to the Messiahship of Jesus. By his communications also, of light, and peace, and holiness—he testified in the hearts of all who received the Apostles' word: and to this hour does he continue to testify unto thousands in the same way.

Can we conceive that God the Father would have interposed in this astonishing manner to aid an imposture? Assuredly the facts so attested must be true; and Jesus is exalted for the ends and purposes which are specified in the text.

To mark the immense importance of this subject, I proceed to show,

II. The interest we have in it—

Of what importance this testimony was considered by the Jewish rulers we see by the effect it produced upon them: "They were cut to the heart," from a conviction that the testimony was true; and they sought to slay the witnesses, that the truths asserted by them might be no further spread among the people. Now this whole record calls on us,

1. To believe in Christ ourselves—

We are as much interested in the resurrection and ascension of Christ, as ever the Jews were, because by the resurrection we know him to be the Messiah; and because by the ascension we know him to be able to fulfill all that he has promised to his believing people. We are perfectly sure that he is "a SAVIOR," yes, the Savior that was to come into the world; and that he has effected all which was necessary for our salvation, making a full atonement for all our sins, and working out for us a righteousness wherein we may stand perfect before God.

We know also that he is "a PRINCE," yes, the Prince who shall rule over the whole world, and bring all things into subjection to his will.

In this double capacity we are assured that he is able to "give repentance" to our souls, by "taking away the heart of stone, and giving us a heart of flesh;" and at the same time to so blot out our iniquities, that no sin we have committed shall ever rise up in judgment against us, or be imputed to us in the last day. What can be more delightful tidings to fallen man?

Let every one of us hear them, and rejoice in them, and bless God for them. Let us renounce every kind and every degree of self-dependence, and have all our righteousness and strength in Christ alone.

Let none despond: for, if these tidings were proclaimed to those who had so recently imbrued their hands in the Savior's blood, and were at this moment seeking to slay all his chosen Apostles, to whom shall they not be proclaimed? Or to whom shall they not be available, provided a penitential frame be really desired, and forgiveness of sins be fervently implored?

At the same time let us receive Christ in his entire character, and look to him unreservedly for all his blessings. Let us not dream of "forgiveness" without "repentance," or think of calling him "Savior" without submitting to him as our Ruler and Governor. All that God has united in him for our benefit, must be united in us for his honor: nor must we presume, or even wish, to "put asunder, what God has so inseparably joined together." As we must have nothing united with Christ for the salvation of our souls, so there must be nothing in Christ which we do not actually receive from him, and manifest to be enjoyed by us as a matter of our daily experience before God.

2. To make him known to others—

The Apostles no sooner received the communications of God's Holy Spirit, than they preached the Savior to all around them. Nothing could deter them from this blessed work. They had all been imprisoned; but they were not intimidated. They were menaced with severer punishment; but they made no account of any sufferings that could be inflicted on them; and when they were actually beaten, "they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the Lord's sake."

Now this shows us what we also are to do. We must "confess Christ" openly before all, and commend him to all, that they also may be made partakers of his salvation. True, we are not all called to minister after the manner of the Apostles: but in our life and conduct we must preach to all around us, and be "living epistles of Christ, known and read of all men."

At this period, through the tender mercy of God, there are greater facilities for the discharge of our duty than ever was afforded us before. There are societies without number for the diffusion of divine knowledge, both at home and abroad: and by aiding them we may all, in our respective spheres, contribute greatly to the spread of the Gospel, and the establishment of the Redeemer's kingdom throughout the world.

Imitate, then, the holy Apostles in their zeal and love; and, while you look to Christ for salvation yourselves, endeavor to make him known to the whole world, as their Prince, and as "the Author of eternal salvation to all those who obey him."

 

#1755

THE MAGNANIMITY OF THE APOSTLES

Acts 5:41-42.

"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."

IN the annals of the world we find many examples of magnanimity, which excite our admiration, and shame the lowness of our attainments. But it may well be doubted whether any single instance which we read of in secular history, will stand the test of close examination. Pride and ostentation were almost invariably the fountain from which the most magnanimous actions of heathens flowed: and in proportion as the principle was bad, the action itself also must have been depraved. But in the passage before us, we behold a greatness of mind which was truly admirable, and in every point of view worthy of our imitation. In discoursing upon the conduct of the Apostles as it is here set forth, we shall,

I. Illustrate their magnanimity—

The whole of their spirit and conduct on this occasion was in the highest degree worthy of their high calling—

1. They gloried in all their sufferings for Christ's sake—

Poor and illiterate men are apt to be disconcerted if called into the presence of their superiors, especially if those superiors have the power and inclination to oppress them under the forms of law. But these poor fishermen, when summoned before the supreme council, pleaded their own cause with undaunted firmness, testifying against their very judges, that they had crucified the Lord, and exhorting them to believe in him as their exalted Prince and Savior.

After having been unjustly imprisoned, and miraculously delivered from their confinement, they were again summoned before their oppressors; and again, though without either invective or complaint, they vindicated their conduct in an unanswerable manner: and, notwithstanding they were beaten, and menaced with severer treatment, and might therefore have felt indignation rise in their bosoms, they lost sight of all the injuries which they themselves had sustained, and gloried in their sufferings as an honor conferred upon them—an honor of which they deemed themselves utterly unworthy.

2. They persisted unalterably and indefatigably in the path of duty—

Though they gloried at present in their sufferings, it might have been expected that they would be very cautious of exposing themselves to the increased resentment of their persecutors. But they well knew that Jesus Christ was the only Savior of the world, and that all must eternally perish who did not believe in him. They therefore lost no time, but instantly resumed their labors both in public and in private. They declared the death of Christ to have been an atonement for sin; they testified of his resurrection and ascension to carry on his work in Heaven; and they proclaimed a full, a free, an everlasting salvation to all who would believe in his name.

This was the obnoxious doctrine which they were forbidden to preach: but they proceeded on this one principle: that they were bound to "obey God rather than men," and they were determined to suffer the greatest extremities, rather than swerve from the path of duty, or relax, their exertions for the instruction and salvation of immortal souls.

But it was not their perseverance that we admire, so much as the spirit and temper with which they conducted themselves throughout the whole of their trials. They showed a firmness that was invincible; but without petulance, without anger, without ostentation, without complaint. They acted, not from self-will, but from zeal for their Lord, and love to their fellow-creatures. Their glorying was not from a proud conceit of being martyrs to their cause, but from a persuasion that to suffer anything for Christ was the greatest honor that could possibly be conferred on mortal men; since it gave them an opportunity of manifesting their love to Christ, and rendered them conformable to his blessed image.

Such being the example which they have set us, we would,

II. Recommend it to your imitation—

We are required to "be followers of those who through faith and patience now inherit the promises." Therefore let me commend to your imitation:
The principle from which they acted,
the determination of heart with which they obeyed that principle,
their view of the sufferings they were called to endure,
and the manner in which they endured them.

That we may all resemble them,

1. Let us get that love to Christ, which was the governing principle in their hearts—

Without a supreme love to Christ, it is in vain to hope that we shall attain to any eminence in the divine life, or indeed to any real experience of it. We shall never be willing to endure much for him, much less be able to glory in sufferings and shame for his sake, if our hearts do not burn with love towards him from a sense of what he has done and suffered for us. This therefore is the first thing we are concerned to seek after: let us get the knowledge of Christ as our crucified, risen, and exalted Redeemer, and, under the constraining influence of his love, let us devote ourselves entirely to his service.

2. Let us, like them, be steadfast in our obedience to the will of Christ—

We shall find many things both from within and from without that will endanger our fidelity to Christ. But nothing must be allowed to divert us from the path of duty. We owe allegiance indeed to our governors in all things lawful; but if their commands be opposite to those of God, there can be no doubt whom we are to regard in preference, and to whose authority we must yield obedience. We must therefore arm ourselves equally against the allurements of inward temptation, and the terrors of outward persecution; and have it as an established principle in our hearts, that nothing is, on any account, to interfere with our duty to God.

3. Let us, instead of dreading the cross, account it an honor to suffer for our Lord—

Sooner or later we must have a cross to bear, if we will be followers of Christ. We may be screened for a time; but "all who will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution." Nor should any be ashamed of the cross; but rather, as Moses and all the saints of old, accounted the reproach of Christ to be their honor, and loss for Christ their gain Hebrews 11:26; Hebrews 10:34, so should we rejoice and leap for joy, if we are counted worthy to endure anything for our blessed Lord, Matthew 5:10-12. 1 Peter 4:12-16. To suffer for him is represented as a special favor conferred on us by God for Christ's sake; a favor equal, if not superior, to the gift of salvation itself. Philippians 1:29. In this light then let us view the cross; and we shall take it up with cheerfulness, and bear it with unshaken constancy.

4. Let us very especially take heed to our spirit when we are under persecution—

It is no easy matter to unite firmness and constancy, with meekness and love. We are in danger on the one hand of yielding to intimidation, or on the other hand, of indulging an angry, complaining, ostentatious, or vindictive spirit. It may be well therefore frequently to set before us the examples of our blessed Lord and his Apostles, 1 Peter 2:20-23. 1 Corinthians 4:12-13, that we may follow their steps, who returned nothing but blessing for curses, and fervent prayers for despiteful persecutions. The whole of our duty is contained in one short but comprehensive sentence—may God inscribe it on all our hearts! "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good! Romans 12:21."

 

#1756

THE ZEAL OF MOSES

Acts 7:22-23.

"Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action. When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his fellow Israelites." Acts 7:22-23

IT was urged against Stephen, that he was an enemy to Moses, and to the laws delivered by him. He, in vindicating himself against this charge, exalts Moses to the uttermost, as the greatest friend of Israel, who, at the peril of his life, and with the loss of all things, effected their deliverance from their bondage in Egypt.

I. The use to which Moses applied his distinguished talents—

Certainly his talents were of the most distinguished kind—

In point of rank, he was second only to Pharaoh himself in the whole Egyptian kingdom. Whether the government itself would ever have devolved on him, we cannot say: but, next to Pharaoh, he now possessed the greatest influence, and the most enlarged authority. His acquirements were of the very first order: "he was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians," who were at that time the most learned people upon earth. Solomon himself, who was wiser than all the children of the east country, was commended especially by this, that "he excelled all the wisdom of Egypt, 1 Kings 4:30;" and, consequently, the character here given us of Moses, as "learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians," is as elevated as any that could be given to mortal man.

But to this was added experience in all the most arduous affairs of state. When it is said, "he was mighty in words and in deeds," we are not to understand it of what he was subsequent to his mission to redeem Israel from their bondage; but of his previous state, while he was yet in Pharaoh's court, where he must of necessity find many occasions which called for peculiar wisdom in deliberation, and energy in action.

At the same time, he was now in the very prime of life; not so young, as to act with thoughtless indiscretion; nor yet so old, as to be suspected of acting from a weariness of life, or a superstitious hope of meriting something at the hands of God: he was forty years of age; at which time his judgment was fully matured: and, if he had desired worldly pleasures, he was fully capable of enjoying them with the richest zest, and for many years.

Yet, with all these advantages, how did he employ them?

Did he enjoy himself as one intent only on his own personal gratifications? No! he felt for the miseries of his oppressed brethren; and determined to interest himself in their behalf. He was aware that such a proceeding must be attended with great sacrifices on his part, and expose him to very imminent dangers. He must of necessity lose his place and situation in the court of Pharaoh; and, in uniting himself to the despised and persecuted Israelites, he could not fail to bring upon himself much reproach and suffering. Yet, having weighed, as in a balance, the evils which he must endure against the benefits which he hoped to convey, "he refused to be called any longer the son of Pharaoh's daughter; and chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, Hebrews 11:24-26."

The benevolent desire of delivering his people from their oppression having been conceived in his mind, he instantly addressed himself to that good work: and, "seeing one of them injured by an Egyptian, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand." But finding, the next day, that this action had been discovered, and knowing assuredly that, if he would be apprehended by Pharaoh, his life would be sacrificed, "he fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian, Exodus 2:11-15."

How far the precise mode of carrying his desires into effect was right, I presume not to judge. It is the desire of delivering his people, and not the mode of his attempting that deliverance, that is the object of my commendation: and that is held forth to us, by God himself, as worthy of our highest admiration.

And now let us consider,

II. The light which his conduct reflects on the general subject of evangelism and missions—

Methinks it reflects great light,

1. On the need there is of evangelism and missions—

The state of the Israelites in Egypt very strongly illustrates the state of mankind at large under the bondage of sin and Satan. Truly "the God of this world" rules over men with most tyrannic sway; "leading them captive at his will," and recompensing with nothing but evil their most laborious exertions. In one respect, the vassals of Satan are in a far worse predicament than they; for they are unconscious of their bondage, and even love their chains.

Not only where the darkness of heathenism prevails, but even where the light of Christianity shines, are men enslaved by their lusts and passions; and yet are ready to account their bondage as liberty, 2 Peter 2:19; unconscious, too, in what that bondage will issue.

To the miseries of oppressed Israel, so far at least as the cruel Egyptians could inflict them, death put a happy termination: but the slavery of Satan's vassals is leading them to chains of everlasting darkness. Say, then, whether there be not need for such to be instructed, and encouraged to cast off the yoke with which they are bound? Yes truly: and to exert ourselves for the diffusion of such light and liberty is an employment worthy of the most elevated of mankind. No talents can be improved to better purpose than in such acts of benevolence as these.

2. On the spirit with which they would be undertaken—

Moses regarded all the honors and riches of Egypt as nothing, when put into competition with the service of God, and the benefitting of mankind. Nay, not only did the sacrificing of all earthly comforts appear trivial in his eyes, but even life itself was judged by him as of small value, in comparison with the discharge of his duties to God and man.

Now, thus should it be with us. Whatever we possess of earthly distinctions, we should account it of no value, but as it may subserve the honor of God and the interests of our fellow-creatures. Instead of imagining that any elevation of rank exempts us from such labors, I hesitate not to say, that the possession of influence is itself a call for benevolent exertions; and the greater our talents are, the greater is the obligation upon us to improve them for our God. For every talent we possess we are responsible to God, and, if we are faithful in serving God to the utmost of our power, there is a glorious recompense awaiting us in the eternal world. "To this recompense we would have respect, even as Moses himself had:" and such a sense would we have of its transcendent excellency, that it would altogether swallow up all inferior considerations, and engage for God all the faculties which we possess.

These are the views with which a man would enter upon missionary labors, and the spirit with which he would pursue them: for then only can we embark in such a service with effect, when we engage in it with our whole hearts and our whole souls.

3. On the success which may be hoped for by all who undertake them aright—

Moses succeeded not at first. The very persons whom he sought to deliver were the first to "put him from them; saying, Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?" This was the sentiment, not of him only who addressed these words to him, but of the nation generally. Compare verse 27 with verse 35.

And afterwards, when he was sent by God to deliver them, they only complained of him as occasioning their more augmented sorrows.

And after he had succeeded in bringing them into the wilderness, he found them only a rebellious and stiff-necked people, who loaded him with reproaches, and wished to return back again into Egypt, Exodus 5:21. Of all the adults that he brought out of Egypt, two only ever inherited the promised land. Yet did Moses account his labors well repaid, because in their posterity they enjoyed all that he had fondly hoped to confer on them.

Now, in like manner shall all who engage in missions sooner or later see their labors crowned with success. They may have many trials at first, and may appear to labor a long time in vain. And after that they have gathered a Church, they may find much discouragement arising from the adverseness of their converts. Yet, let them only wait on God, and the seed which seems long unproductive shall spring up, and bring forth an abundant harvest. And in this shall the Christian missionary succeed, far beyond all that Moses could reasonably contemplate.

The prospects of Moses chiefly terminated on the possession of the promised land, and on the prosperity to be enjoyed there: whereas the Christian missionary knows assuredly, that every true convert shall possess, in due season, all the glory and felicity of Heaven. And if his own converts be but few, still he has a consciousness that distant harvests may arise, when "the handful of grain which he cast on the top of the mountains shall shake like the woods of Lebanon, and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth, Psalm 72:16." And thus he has the consolation to hope that "others more successful may enter into his labors; and that he who sowed, and those who reap, shall rejoice together in Heaven for evermore."

Let me now ask,

1. Why is it that missionaries are so greatly lacking?

The principles by which Moses was actuated were faith and love. "By faith," we are told, he embarked in this sacred cause, and executed his work with such fidelity, Hebrews 11:24. But we are sadly defective in this grace.

We see not with sufficient clearness the perishing condition of the heathen, and their need of that remedy which God has put into our hands.

Nor do we feel that love for souls, which would overcome our self-love, and make us willing to give up ourselves to this difficult and self-denying work.

We do not realize eternity as we ought! O! if we had just views of the eternal world, how empty would all earthly distinctions appear, and how important the work of missions!

Dear brethren, we all have reason to be ashamed, and especially when we reflect on the wonders of redeeming love. How rich was the Lord Jesus Christ in the bosom of his Father—and yet, how poor did he become, that we, through his poverty, might be rich! This is the proper pattern for us to follow: and if once we be imbued with a sense of his love, we shall account it our highest honor to live and die for him.

2. What is the best possible improvement of our talents—

I am far from saying that all talent is to be directed in one channel. There is not any department of science wherein the most exalted talents may not be profitably employed. But, of all offices, that of a minister or a missionary is the most exalted. A minister, whether stationary, in the care of a single parish, or moving in the more extended field of a missionary, is the servant, the ambassador, the very representative of the Most High God; and, as such, has scope for all the talents that any man can possess. It is but too common among us to assign to youth of great promise, those services whereby their temporal interests may be advanced, and to reserve for those of inferior capacity the service of God's sanctuary. But this is very dishonorable to God, and very injurious to the souls of men.

Let the conduct of Moses shame us: and let us all, whatever our talents or influence may be, devote them all to the service of our God, and to the promotion of our Redeemer's kingdom.

It is not indeed necessary that we relinquish the line of life in which divine Providence has called us: on the contrary, we are told to "abide in the calling wherein God has called us," yes, "therein to abide with God:" but, whatever our peculiar talents be, and in whatever department of the state they are exercised, let us consider the service of God, and of his people, as having the first claim upon us; and let no personal interest be considered as worthy of a thought, in comparison with God's honor, and the eternal welfare of mankind.

 

#1757

THE DEATH OF STEPHEN

Acts 7:59-60.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.

OF all histories, that of the Christian Church is the most interesting, and particularly that part of it which is recorded by the inspired writers. There we behold everything portrayed with perfect fidelity; nothing is concealed, nothing is exaggerated. The writers appear unconcerned about anything but the truth itself; from which they leave all persons to draw their own conclusions.

Large sums of money arising from the sale of different estates were lodged in the hands of the Apostles for the use of the Church; and in a very little time they began to be suspected of partiality to the natives of Judea, in preference to the Jews of foreign extraction. This they relate with perfect indifference, together with the method adopted by them to prevent the distraction arising from too great a multiplicity of concerns.

Then having told us who were chosen by the Church to superintend their temporal concerns, they proceed to detail the history of one whose piety was most distinguished, and whose end was most glorious; and who, as being the first martyr in the Christian Church, was to be an example for the imitation of Christians in all future ages.

In relation to this history of Stephen, there are two things which we propose to notice:

I. The occasion of his death—

Being endowed with very eminent gifts, he maintained a controversy with the most learned Jews of different countries; and so confounded them with his arguments, that they had no alternative, but to acknowledge their errors, or to silence him by force. To this latter method they had recourse: they seized him, and brought him before the council, and accused him of blasphemy, that he might be put to death.

In the chapter before us is contained his defense, which so irritated and inflamed them, that it stirred them up in a violent and tumultuous manner to take away his life. Let us consider distinctly its most prominent parts:

1. Stephen's discourse—

A superficial reader would scarcely see the scope and bearing of Stephen's argument: but the argument will be found plain and clear, if only we bear in mind what the accusation was. He was accused of blasphemy against Moses, and against the temple, and the law, because he had declared that the Lord Jesus would execute his judgments on the whole nation. For these declarations he had abundant warrant, from the prophecies contained in the Jewish Scriptures.

For the destruction of Jerusalem, see Jeremiah 7:4; Jeremiah 7:7-14; Jeremiah 26:6-9; Jeremiah 26:12; Jeremiah 26:18.

And for the change of "the customs," that is, of the law itself, see Isaiah 65:16; Isaiah 66:19-21.

Nor can we doubt but that, if he had been permitted to proceed in his argument without interruption, he would have proved every part of his assertions in the most convincing manner. But, as soon as they discerned the precise scope of his argument, they showed such impatience as constrained him to break off abruptly in the midst of it. He had shown them that Abraham was chosen of God while he was yet an idolater in an idolatrous land; that he and his posterity served and enjoyed God, long before the law was given by Moses; that Moses himself was rejected by the people whom he was sent to deliver; that he also had directed the people to look for another Prophet who would arise after him, and whom they must obey at the peril of their souls. He then showed, that while the temple was yet in all its glory, and its services were performed with the strictest regularity, God had spoken of the temple in the most disparaging terms, as unsuitable to the majesty of Him who filled Heaven and earth, Isaiah 66:1-2.

Here the drift of his discourse began to appear: the people saw that their temple and its services were not necessary to the enjoyment of God's favor, and that they could afford no security to those who were disobedient to his word. Here therefore they manifested their wrathful indignation: which obliged him to drop the prosecution of his argument, and to proceed to,

2. Stephen's application of it to their hearts and consciences—

Nothing could be more temperate or cautious than the foregoing discourse. But when Stephen saw the inveteracy of their prejudices, he changed his voice, and addressed them with an energy and fidelity that befit a servant of the living God. They had indeed in their flesh the seal of God's covenant; but they were "uncircumcised in heart and ears," and "resisted the Holy Spirit," who both by his word and influence strove to bring them to a better mind. They professed to venerate the prophets; but they were following the steps of their forefathers, who had uniformly persecuted those whom God had sent to instruct and warn them. Yes, they had been the betrayers and murderers of their Messiah himself: and though they pretended a great regard for the law, and professed to be actuated by a zeal for its honor, they had never been truly observant of its commands.

Such is the character of persecutors in general: they are full of pride and wrath, and are so blinded by prejudice as to be incapable of seeing the wickedness of their own hateful dispositions. Their zeal for God's honor is a mere pretense, a cover, and a plea for their own malignity. Look at them in every age, they all are actuated by the same spirit, and all tread in the same paths. Doubtless in addressing them we would first try what argument and persuasion will do; and we would exercise much patience towards them: but when we find that they shut their ears and harden their hearts against conviction, we should not be afraid to exhibit their conduct in its true light, or to set before them the judgments which they are bringing on their own souls.

3. The confirmation of Stephen's discourse by an actual vision of Christ himself—

They were sufficiently irritated by this reproof; "they were cut to the heart," even as if they had been sawn asunder; and "they gnashed upon him with their teeth." But the preacher, "being filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly to Heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God:" and, being favored with this vision, he declared to his persecutors what he saw. One might have hoped that this at least would have made them pause; but it inflamed even unto madness: "They cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him."

Here we see how inveterate is that prejudice which instigates men to oppose religion: nothing can satisfy them; nothing can convince them: and the stronger the evidence adduced for their conviction, the fiercer will be their rage against their monitors and reprovers.

We have here also a striking instance of that hypocrisy which usually characterizes the persecutors of religion. They would not stone him in the city, because God had ordered that blasphemers would be put out of the camp before they were stoned, Leviticus 24:14-16; Leviticus 24:23. See also 1 Kings 21:13; and they took care that the hands of the witnesses would be first upon him, Deuteronomy 17:6-7. But they had not hesitated to suborn false witnesses against him; nor did they scruple to put to death a man whom, they could not convict of any crime.

Thus the murderers of our Lord would not venture to put into the treasury the money which Judas had returned, though they had been forward enough to give it to him as the price for his Masters blood. Thus also it is in every age; the haters of God will stop at nothing to accomplish their wicked purposes; but they will "strain out a gnat at the very time that they are swallowing a camel."

Here also we see how God supports his faithful servants. If he leaves them in the hands of their enemies as it respects the body, he will supply them with consolations to support the soul. Stephen knew before that Jesus was at the right hand of God: but when he saw him there, and saw him "standing" there, ready to support his oppressed servant, and to avenge his cause, his mind was fortified, and death was divested of all its terrors.

Such was the occasion of Stephen's death. We now proceed to notice,

II. The manner of it—

Violent as were the proceedings of his enemies, he was all composure. Behold,

1. Stephen's faith—

He "knew in whom he had believed," and that "He was able to save him to the uttermost." He knew that the soul, when liberated from the body, would continue to exist; and that its felicity consisted in communion with Christ. To Christ therefore the blessed martyr now addressed himself in prayer, and committed his soul into the Savior's hands. This was as solemn an act of worship as he could offer; for it was precisely the same as that which Christ himself had offered to his Father with his dying breath, when he said, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." Yet this act of worship was paid by Stephen to Christ, at the very time when he beheld the Father's glory, and at the very time that he was full of the Holy Spirit. How evident is it from hence that Christ is God equal with the Father! And how evident that a prospect of dwelling for ever in his presence will disarm death of its sting, and support the soul under the most cruel sufferings!

This is the faith which we would cultivate: this view of Jesus as an almighty and all-sufficient Savior will quicken us to every duty, and strengthen us for every trial, and make us victorious over every enemy. Though appointed as "sheep for the slaughter, we shall be more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

2. Stephen's love—

In exact conformity to his Savior's example, he died praying for his murderers; "Lord lay not this sin to their charge!" This shows how far he was from feeling anything of resentment in the rebuke which he had before given them: and it shows that the utmost fidelity to the souls of men will consist with the most fervent love towards them. Well had this holy man learned the precepts of his Lord. O that we also might obtain the same grace to "bless those who curse us, and to pray for those who despitefully use us and persecute us!"

This is the test of real love. To love them that love us, is nothing: the vilest tax collectors will do that: but to love our enemies, to feel for them rather than for ourselves, to be tenderly concerned for them at the very moment that they are venting their utmost rage against us, and to be more anxious for the welfare of their souls than for the preservation of our own lives, this is Christian love; this is that love which is the fruit of the Spirit, the image of God, and the pledge of Heaven in the soul. Possessed of such a spirit, we need not fear what man can do unto us; for even the most violent death will be to us only as reclining on a bed to sleep. Stephen, with this grace in his heart, and this prayer upon his lips, "fell asleep."

Here then let the world judge:

1. Whether there is not an excellency in true religion?

We acknowledge that many heathens have shown a wonderful composure in death, yes, and a joyous exultation in it also: but then they have been borne up by pride and vanity, and the hope of man's applause. No instance ever occurred of such an end as Stephen's, except among the worshipers of Jehovah. Nothing but divine grace can give such meekness and fortitude, such faith and love, such tranquility and joy, as Stephen manifested in that trying hour.

On the other hand, divine grace will produce these things wherever it reigns in the soul: in proportion to the measure of any man's grace will be his proficiency in these virtues. Compare then the spiritual man with one who is yet under the influence of his corrupt nature; compare, for instance, the mind of Paul after his conversion to the faith of Christ, with its state while he was keeping the clothing of Stephen's murderers. Such a comparison would in one instant convince us, that there is a wonderful efficacy in the Gospel of Christ, and that a person under its full influence is as superior to others as the sunlight is to the twinkling of the obscurest star.

2. Whether the true Christian is not the happiest man?

On the one side are proud and persecuting zealots; on the other side are the meek followers of a crucified Savior. Look at the frame of their minds; the one all rage and violence; the other all sweetness and composure. Let any man, with the Bible in his hand, survey that scene which we have just contemplated; and say whether he would not infinitely prefer the state of Stephen with all his sufferings, to that of his persecutors satiated with his blood? A man through cowardice may draw back from sufferings; but no man can doubt which of these parties was in the more enviable state: and how much less could he doubt it if he were to survey them in their present state; the one exulting in his Savior's bosom, and the other receiving the just recompense of their sins? O let all, whether oppressors or oppressed, contemplate this, and then make their choice "Whose they will be, and whom they will serve."

 

#1758

PHILIP PREACHES CHRIST IN SAMARIA

Acts 8:4-8.

"Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city."

NO sooner was the Gospel preached with success, than Satan stirred up persecution against it; determined, if possible, to crush and annihilate the infant Church. But what he designed for the destruction of Christianity, God overruled for its speedier propagation, and its firmer establishment. The persecution which commenced with the death of Stephen was so bitter, that the new converts were constrained to flee from Jerusalem, in order to escape its violence; the Apostles alone daring to remain and brave the storm. But the Christians who fled to all the surrounding country, carried the Gospel along with them, and published it in every place: and the very circumstance of their being persecuted on account of it, rendered them more earnest in spreading the knowledge of it, and gave it a deeper interest among the people to whom they spoke.

Philip, who, like Stephen, was one of the seven deacons, fled with the rest, and went down to Samaria: and there was made a happy instrument of diffusing widely the knowledge of his Lord and Savior.

From the account given of him in our text, we are led to notice,

I. The subject of Philip's discourses—

The "preaching of Christ" is a term commonly used in Scripture for the publishing of the Gospel in all its parts: it is said of the Apostles, that "daily, in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach, and preach Jesus Christ." Respecting Philip's discourses we are more fully informed; for "he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, verse 12." He showed them,

1. Concerning the kingdom of God—

This kingdom had been distinctly spoken of by the prophets, as to be established in due time: and the Gentiles, as well as Jews, expected the erection of it about that time. The person to whom the throne of David belonged has now come; and, though rejected and crucified by his own subjects, he had set up a kingdom which would never be moved. His empire indeed was not like those of the world, but was altogether spiritual; it was established in the hearts of men, and was founded in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Into this kingdom all are called; and all who would be saved must become the subjects of it, giving up themselves to Christ, as their only Governor and Redeemer.

This is the instruction which ministers in every age must give to those whom they address in the name of Christ. None can properly be called the natural subjects of this kingdom: for all people by nature are subjects of Satan's kingdom, and must be conquered by divine grace, before they will submit to the government of Christ—as the Apostle expresses it. They are "delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son." This then is the message, which, as God's ambassadors, we declare to you in his name: you must all throw down the weapons of your rebellion, and submit yourselves to Christ, to be saved wholly by his grace, and to be governed wholly by his laws.

2. Concerning the name of Jesus Christ—

To the Apostles this name was more precious than words can possibly express: it was the foundation of all their hopes, and the source of all their joys. They had seen the efficacy of this name produce the most astonishing effects; and they knew that "there was no other name given under Heaven whereby men could be saved." Hence they strove to commend the Lord Jesus to the whole world, proclaiming him in all his offices, and magnifying him as the Savior of a ruined world.

What other theme is there so delightful to his ministers in all ages? To honor him, and exalt him, and commend him to the world, is the great office of a minister: and then is his ministry most successful, when he can be instrumental to the making Him known and loved and honored by the world at large.

3. That Christ had now established his kingdom upon earth—

It was well known, from the prophetic writings, that the Messiah was to come, and to erect a universal empire in the world. This Messiah was come; and Jesus had proved, by the most unquestionable evidence, that he was the person so long foretold, and so earnestly desired, Haggai 2:7. These proofs Philip doubtless set before them: and declared to them the nature of that kingdom which was now established: it was not indeed such as the carnal Jews had expected, and such as existed among the heathen; it was a spiritual kingdom erected in the hearts of men, and consisting "in righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit".

4. That of this kingdom they might all become the happy subjects—

Satan had usurped dominion over mankind, and had held his vassals in the sorest bondage: but his power was broken: Christ had "triumphed over him upon the cross, and had spoiled all the principalities and powers" of Hell. By making atonement for sin, Christ had reconciled men to their offended God, and had obtained for them the privilege of becoming his sons. This privilege Philip held forth to them as of inestimable value, and as to be secured simply by faith in the Lord Jesus. In urging this point, no doubt he opened fully the riches of grace and love that are in Christ Jesus: and entreated all the people to embrace his offered salvation. He would expatiate largely on the privileges which all the subjects of this kingdom would enjoy; their security from all evil, their possession of all good. In a word, he magnified the Lord Jesus Christ among them, as the only, and all-sufficient Savior of a ruined world!

This testimony he confirmed by miracles, which operated strongly to the conviction of their minds; as we shall see, while we consider,

II. The effect of Philip's ministrations—

It is supposed by many, that the Gospel is productive only of melancholy: but far different was its fruit in Samaria; for "there was great joy," it is said, "in that city." But whence did their joy proceed? We answer,

1. From the temporal benefits by which the Gospel was confirmed—

These were certainly very great, and gave much occasion for joy, even among those who had no spiritual perception of its excellency. It could not fail to rejoice all who were related to the persons on whom the miraculous cures were effected, yes, and all too who had any measure of benevolence in their hearts.

And there is similar ground for joy wherever the light of the Gospel shines: for it banishes many dark and wicked superstitions, infanticide, parricide, the burning of women at the funeral of their husbands, together with innumerable other cruel and horrid practices. And still more, wherever the Gospel is preached with power, the people at large, as well as those who feel its influence, have reason to rejoice in it: for there all benevolent institutions are set on foot: the education of poor children, and their instruction in the faith of Christ, are attended to; societies are formed for the visiting of the sick, and the relief of the needy; and the general tone of morals is raised. All these are, to the ungodly, what miracles were in the days of old,) evidences of the truth and excellency of that Gospel, which produces such fruits.

We admit therefore that the miraculous cures were to them one source of joy: and we a affirm, that every city into which the Gospel now comes, has, on similar grounds, good reason for a joyful reception of it.

2. From the spiritual benefits which they experienced in their own souls—

Multitudes of them, who had long been "led captive by the devil at his will," now had their chains broken, and were "delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son." A sense of God's pardoning love was now shed abroad in their hearts: and they had "a Spirit of adoption given them, whereby they could cry, Abba, Father." Now they were brought as it were into a new world; "old things passed away, and all things were become new:" they had new views, new desires, new pursuits, new joys, even such as they never before had the least idea of.

Can we wonder then that their "joy was great?" The Gospel, when published by angels at the Savior's birth, was proclaimed as "glad tidings of great joy to all people:" and the prophets had all with one voice represented it in the same light. For the spiritual benefit see Isaiah 35:1-2; Isaiah 55:12-13. And for the joy excited by it see Isaiah 44:23 and the whole 98th Psalm. We can appeal to all who have ever tasted its sweetness, that it is indeed "a feast of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined."

3. From the eternal benefits which were opened to their view—

The kingdom into which believers are brought, is but the commencement of that which is perfected in Heaven. The peace and holiness which are enjoyed here, are the blossom which will be brought to maturity in the eternal world. Grace is glory begun; and glory is grace consummated. Besides, the subjects of the Redeemer's kingdom will each have a crown and kingdom of his own: "the glory which his Father has given him, he has bestowed on them:" they all without exception are "kings and priests unto God;" and "they shall reign for ever and ever."

Who must not rejoice in such a prospect as this? Truly if, with such a view of the happiness laid up for us in the eternal world, we did not rejoice, we would be more stupid than beasts, and more insensible than stones. But no one can be "begotten again to a living hope of this inheritance," without feeling in his soul a Heaven begun, and "rejoicing in Christ with a joy unspeakable and full of glory! 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 Peter 1:8-9."

APPLICATION—

1. Who then among us desires this joy?

Behold how the Samaritans obtained it: they "with one accord gave heed unto the things which Philip spoke:" and the same attention to the Gospel now will be productive of the same effects. The Gospel which we preach is the same as was preached by him: we "preach Christ unto you:" we preach him as "the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last," the "All in all" in the salvation of man. O "give earnest heed to what the Scripture declares" concerning him, Hebrews 2:1; treasure it up in your minds, and live upon it in your hearts, Hebrews 4:2; and it shall operate, as it did in them, to your present and eternal welfare.

2. Are there any among us who experience this joy?

Then endeavor to "walk worthy of Him who has called you unto his kingdom and glory, 1 Thessalonians 2:12." To this we would exhort you with paternal authority and love, 1 Thessalonians 2:11. Do you ask, How you are to walk worthy of him? We answer, By uniting closely with each other in faith and love, Philippians 1:27, and being increasingly fruitful in every good work, Colossians 1:10. Let it be remembered, that this is the very end for which "God has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light," that you would "show forth his praise," and glorify his name.

 

#1759

THE STATE OF UNGODLY MEN

Acts 8:23.

"I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bonds of iniquity!"

IT is no real disparagement to the Gospel of Christ, if some hypocrites be found among the professors of religion. This has been the case in every age of the Church, even when the temptations to hypocrisy were far less than they are at present. There was a Judas among the twelve Apostles, and a Simon Magus among the converts of Philip. Simon had appeared sincere in his professions of faith, and therefore Philip had baptized him. He had attached himself with admiration to Philip's ministry, verse 13, and therefore the true Christians regarded him as a brother: but he soon revealed the hypocrisy of his heart, and showed that notwithstanding his pretensions to conversion and grace, he was still, as much as ever, in a state of nature. Hence Peter addressed him in the words of the text. In discoursing on them we shall inquire,

I. What is the state here described?

The various terms here used are not infrequent in the Holy Scriptures, Deuteronomy 29:18; Deuteronomy 32:32. Hebrews 12:15. Isaiah 58:6. They import,

1. A state of bondage to sin—

Nothing can so justly be termed "gall" as sin. It is indeed the bitterest gall, and the sorest bondage. Men may "roll it as a sweet morsel under their tongue, but they invariably find it gall in the stomach:" it may please them for a time, but at last "it will bite like a serpent and sting like an adder." Let those whose conscience is at all awakened, testify respecting this. Whether we be penitent or not, if our sin has found us out, if will prove a bitter cup. Peter wept bitterly at the remembrance of his guilt; and Judas, who was not a real penitent, could not even endure his own existence, when his conscience upbraided him with the act he had committed. And a dreadful vassalage it is to be led captive by sin. No slave in the universe is so much an object of pity, as he who "for a morsel of food sells his birthright," and for a momentary gratification consigns his soul over to eternal perdition.

2. A state of condemnation on account of sin—

This necessarily accompanies the former. There is no freedom from condemnation where there is bondage to sin. Christ came not to save his people in their sins, but from them. The certainty of punishment is that which renders sin so bitter and so formidable. Were there no future account to be given of our actions, the bonds of iniquity would lose their terror: but it is the thought of Hell that gives a poignancy to the accusations of conscience, and makes the sinner tremble at the prospect of death and judgment, and often wish for utter annihilation.

We do not say that every sinner feels such anguish of soul (for many are "past feeling, having seared their consciences as with an hot iron"), but we are sure that they would do so if they knew their state, and will do so the very instant they enter into the invisible world. They are therefore in the gall of bitterness, because "the wrath of God abides on them!"

That this is the lamentable condition of many among us will appear, if we inquire,

II. Who may evidently be "perceived" to be in that state?

While some are manifestly in a very different state, and the condition of others is dubious, there are some who are indisputably in the state just described—

1. Those who are yet under the dominion of their former lusts—

Simon had lately been a sorcerer, but upon embracing Christianity had ceased from the practice of his magic arts. Nevertheless his desire of gain and his love of man's applause were altogether unmortified. Hence when a prospect of aggrandizing himself opened to his view, he was ready to return to his former course of life. Nor did he regard what means he used, provided he might but attain his end.

Are there not too many among ourselves who are yet addicted to their former lusts?

Are not many, who in the days of their ignorance were proud, passionate, unforgiving, still prone to relapse into their former sins the very instant that any temptation occurs?

Are not many as earthly, sensual, and devilish, in their tempers and dispositions as ever?

Let them then not deceive themselves; their state may be easily and clearly "perceived."

It was by such marks that Peter knew beyond a doubt the state of Simon; and by such may the state of every professor in the universe be determined. If they practice, or desire to practice, the same iniquities that they did in their unenlightened state, they are surely "in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity." "Whoever allowedly commits sin is most unquestionably the servant of sin," and the child "of the devil! John 8:34; John 8:44 and 1 John 3:8."

2. Those who pursue religion for carnal ends—

Simon earnestly desired the power of conferring the Holy Spirit, and would have given a sum of money to obtain it. But from what motive did this spring? Was he desirous of honoring Christ, or of benefitting his fellow-creatures? No! he only desired to advance his own reputation and interest.

Alas! how many are there who follow Christ from no better motive! They hope that by mixing with the society of God's people, that they shall promote their temporal interests. They wish to be caressed by religions persons, and to be held in reputation for their sanctity and zeal. They do not merely, as even sincere Christians too often do, feel a mixture of principle within them, which they mourn over and resist: but they act uniformly from selfish motives, and with a view to their own ease, interest, or honor. Need we ask the state of such people? It may be too easily "perceived." Like those who follow Christ for the loaves and fish, they are in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity.

3. Those who are not attentive to their thoughts as well as their actions—

Many, from the customs of the world, take care to regulate their outward actions, while their thoughts range at liberty and without control. Simon conceived the thought of purchasing the power of conferring the Holy Spirit: and, instead of mortifying, indulged it.

Peter, in his reproof, bade him particularly "pray, if perhaps the thought of his heart might be forgiven him;" and perceived by this thought, which he had so unadvisedly divulged, that his "heart was not right in the sight of God, and that he had no part or lot in the Gospel salvation."

May not many among ourselves draw the same conclusion from the vain thoughts that lodge within them? We are well aware that the best of men may have sinful thoughts rushing into their minds; but will they harbor them? No! every true Christian may say as in the presence of God, "I hate vain thoughts!" But they, who "regard iniquity in their hearts," are in a state of desperate delusion. God, who searches the heart, and tries the thoughts, "will bring every secret thing into judgment," and acquit or condemn, according as he sees the prevailing bent of the heart. If then our "thoughts be not so far captivated to the obedience of Christ" that we cherish those that thoughts are holy, and mortify all thoughts that are corrupt, we may perceive beyond a doubt that we are in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity!

INFERENCES—

1. What need is there for the professors of religion to examine their own hearts!

Simon had been approved by his fellow-creatures, and even by an inspired servant of God. From hence doubtless he would bode well respecting his own state. Yet in the midst of all he only deceived his own soul.

What need then have we to examine ourselves! The approbation of men is but a small matter. It is not he who commends himself, or is commended by others, but he whom the Lord commends, who shall stand before him with approbation in the last day, 2 Corinthians 10:18. Judge yourselves then, brethren, that you be not judged by the Lord. Examine not your actions only, but your desires, your motives, and your thoughts. By these, will God determine your state in the last day; nor shall any but the upright in heart be accepted by him.

2. What reason have true Christians to rejoice—

The declaration made to Simon intimated that no true Christian was in his state. Blessed thought! If we really believe in Jesus, and experience the purifying efficacy of that faith, we have nothing to fear. The bonds of sin are broken asunder. Nor shall one drop of the cup of bitterness be ever tasted by us to all eternity. Rejoice, believer, in your Deliverer: you once were in the state of Simon—a miserable, enslaved, condemned sinner; but now "the Son has made you free, and you are free indeed." "There is no condemnation to you since you are in Christ Jesus." Rejoice evermore; but endeavor still to maintain a guard over your words and thoughts. "Seek not great things for yourself," nor "the honor that comes of man." Be more solicitous about graces than about gifts. And whatever God has bestowed on you, labor to improve it, not for your own glory, but for the good of men and the glory of God. Thus shall it be evidently "perceived" that you are in the way of peace, and you shall receive the plaudit of your Lord himself in the day of judgment.

 

#1760

PHILIP AND THE EUNUCH

Acts 8:35.

"Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus!"

IF God has designs of saving love and mercy towards any person, he will be at no loss for means whereby to accomplish them. We can have no doubt but that the Ethiopian Eunuch was chosen, like the Apostle Paul, even from his mother's womb; yet had he left Jerusalem, where all the Apostles were assembled, without obtaining any knowledge of Christ Jesus. Moreover, he was now going to his own country, where the light of the Gospel had never shone, and where he seemed to be altogether beyond its reach. But God, by an angel, ordered Philip to go into the desert, through which the Eunuch was traveling; and then, by his Spirit, directed him to join himself to his carriage; so that he might communicate to him the knowledge he stood in need of, and lead him to the enjoyment of everlasting life.

The Eunuch was reading an interesting portion of Scripture, which he did not understand: and Philip, at his request, went up into the chariot with him, and expounded it to him.

The points to which we would draw your attention are,

I. The passage expounded—

This is one of the most important passages in all the prophetic writings. The prophets indeed all speak of Christ in some measure; but Isaiah more than any other; insomuch that he has been called, The Evangelical Prophet. Of all his writings, there is not any other part so full, so plain, so rich as this: it might be rather taken for a history of past events, than a prophecy of things to come; so minute and circumstantial is it, in all that relates to the person, character, and office of Jesus Christ.

The precise words which the Eunuch was reading, are a part of a discourse or prophecy beginning at the 13th verse of the 52nd chapter of Isaiah, and extending to the close of the 53rd chapter. Some difficulty in the explanation of them arises from a difference between the Hebrew copies, and the Septuagint translation, from which the words were quoted: though in fact the sense in both is nearly the same; namely, that the person there spoken of was treated with the utmost injustice; that no one would offer a single word in his defense; and that he was cut off as a malefactor.

The main difficulty in the Eunuch's mind was, to ascertain "of whom the prophet spoke; whether of himself, or of some other person:" and this is a difficulty which the modern Jews are unable to surmount. The ancient Jews admitted that the whole discourse related to the Messiah: but since the Messiah has come and fulfilled that prophecy, the Jews interpret it as referring to their nation, who were punished for their offenses. But the most superficial reader will see in a moment the absurdity of such an interpretation: for we are told again and again, that the person who suffered, suffered for the sins of others, and not for his own; and that "by his stripes the people of God were healed."

So plain is the prophet's whole discourse, that nothing but the most inveterate prejudice can prevent any man from seeing its accomplishment in Jesus Christ: and we trust, that, at a future period, it will be the principal source of conviction to the whole Jewish nation, and make them, as it did the Eunuch in his own country, instrumental to the salvation of the heathen world.

Such is the passage which Philip undertook to explain. Let us next consider,

II. The exposition given—

"Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus!" Of course he would explain the terms, and show the perfect accomplishment of them in Jesus, together with the impossibility of referring them to any other person. This was the method which Peter adopted on the day of Pentecost, when he showed that David's prophecy relative to the resurrection of Christ could not be interpreted of David himself, but was actually fulfilled in Christ, Acts 2:25-36. Now this passage would afford him a fair opportunity of declaring everything relating to Christ, as far as the time would admit, and the occasion required.

The person of Christ, as God's Son and Servant, Isaiah 52:13; Isaiah 53:11;" 
his unparalleled sufferings, Isaiah 52:14; Isaiah 53:3;
the vicarious nature of those sufferings, Isaiah 53:4-6; (seeing that he had no sin of his own, but suffered under the load of our sins, Isaiah 53:9-10;)
his resurrection to a new and heavenly life, Isaiah 53:12;
his prevailing intercession for us at the right hand of God, Isaiah 53:12;
all the victories of his grace in the conversion and salvation of a ruined world, Isaiah 53:10-12;
and lastly, the certainty of salvation to all who would know, and believe on him, Isaiah 53:1; Isaiah 53:11.

These, and many other glorious truths, he would have occasion to open to him, as lying on the very surface of the prophecy he was contemplating: and these truths well understood, and received into the heart as the ground of our hopes before God, are sufficient for every end and purpose of man's salvation. What can be added to them to relieve a doubting mind?

In the atonement and intercession of Christ there is all that is necessary to satisfy an offended God, and consequently to satisfy and heal a wounded conscience. What can be added to stimulate us to holy obedience? If the wonders of redeeming love will not operate effectually on our hearts, nothing will. We must be "past feeling," "given over to a reprobate mind."

"From this passage then we would preach Jesus unto you." O contemplate what he has done and suffered for you! think also of what he is yet doing for you in Heaven: and let him now "see of the travail of his soul, and be satisfied" in the conversion and salvation of your souls.

The excellence of his instructions may be judged of by,

III. The effect produced—

The Eunuch's eyes were opened, and he saw "that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God." Instantly therefore did he determine to surrender up himself to him as a faithful follower and servant: and, understanding that baptism was the rite whereby he must be admitted into covenant with him, he desired to have that rite administered to him without delay: which desire Philip hesitated not to comply with, as soon as he was convinced that his views of Christ were such as qualified him for admission into the Christian Church.

Who must not admire the decision of character here manifested. The situation of the Eunuch, as a leading person in a great empire, might seem to have justified his deterring such a step, until he had viewed it in all its bearings, and formed his judgment upon the maturest consideration. But his mind and conscience were convinced; and he would not give opportunity to Satan to get advantage over him: he therefore "conferred not with flesh and blood," but gave himself up instantly and unreservedly to God.

After he was baptized, and Philip was in a miraculous manner separated from him, "he went on his way rejoicing." And well might he rejoice in having found such a Savior, and in all the rich communications of grace and peace which were now imparted to his soul!

Such being the effect of this blessed interview, let us learn,

1. To improve our time in reading the Holy Scriptures—

The Eunuch, though so great a man, thought it not unworthy of him to study the word of God; nor, though occupied with the affairs of a kingdom, did he plead a pressure of business for the neglect of it: nor, though he found it beyond the reach of his understanding, did he cast it away as unintelligible: but regarding it as inspired of God, he searched into it with humility and diligence.

Let us then follow his example: let us not plead, that it is the proper study of ministers only, or that we have not time to study it, or ability to understand it; but let us account it our delight to meditate on the word at all times, whenever the necessary business of our respective callings will admit of it.

2. To avail ourselves of every opportunity of instruction—

Philip probably appeared but in a humble garb, such as befitted his employment, and the persecuted state of the Church at that time: but the Eunuch did not disdain to ask instruction from him, or to invite him up into his chariot for the purpose of obtaining it. He wisely judged, that they are the best instructors who are themselves taught of God: and, conceiving that Philip was better acquainted with the Scripture than himself, he gladly availed himself of the opportunity which his presence afforded him.

Let us in like manner seek, whether from men or books, all possible information concerning the will of God: and let us remember, that, as the Eunuch had gained no saving knowledge at Jerusalem, where all the Apostles were—yet found it in the desert—so may we be guided into all truth by the instrumentality of persons from whom we might least expect so rich a blessing. "God will divide to every man severally as he will," and by whom he will.

3. To follow the convictions of our own conscience—

As soon as the Eunuch saw the path of duty, he followed it. He had before, from heathenism become a Jew; and now, from being a Jew, he embraced Christianity. Now he might well have suspected that all the courtiers in his own country would accuse him of unpardonable weakness and fickleness: but he regarded not the judgment of man: he desired and determined to approve himself to the heart-searching God: and it was in consequence of this that he went on his way rejoicing. If he had halted in his mind, or indulged the fear of man, he would not have been favored with those sublime and heavenly joys: but "those who faithfully serve God, God will honor."

Let us then, like Caleb and Joshua, "follow the Lord fully:" if we stand alone, like Elijah, let us not be ashamed; but whatever God requires us to do, let us do it instantly and without reserve.

 

#1761

THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH'S CONFESSION

Acts 8:37.

"I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God!"

CIRCUMSTANCES, apparently casual, are often productive of the most important results. The Ethiopian Eunuch, a proselyte, "had been up to Jerusalem to worship;" and, on his return homewards, was reading a portion of the 53rd chapter of Isaiah. Philip, who was at that time at Samaria, was ordered by an angel to go southward, towards Gaza. In this journey he saw the Eunuch, sitting in his chariot, and reading: and, being directed by the Holy Spirit to go and join himself to the chariot, he did so; and, at the Eunuch's request, went up and sat with him in his chariot, and explained to him the portion of Scripture which he was reading. The Holy Spirit then accompanied the word with power to the Eunuch's soul: and Philip, on the Eunuch's expressing a wish to enter into the Christian Church by baptism, admitted him to that ordinance, having first heard from him this open confession, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, verse 26-28."

Now, at first sight, there appears little that is interesting in this acknowledgment. But we shall find it highly instructive, if we consider it, as we ought,

I. As a summary of Christian doctrines—

Such it has been regarded on all occasions. Nathanael addressed our Lord in terms precisely similar: "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel! John 1:49." And Peter also, in his own name and that of all the Apostles, said, "We believe and are sure that you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God! John 6:69." In these expressions, all of them intended to convey a general view of their creed; and not of their speculative opinions merely, but of the most influential convictions of their souls. The avowal in my text was given in answer to that question, "Do you believe with all your heart?" It must be understood, therefore, as comprehending,

1. A sincere trust in Christ—

This, of necessity, is comprehended in it: for to what end would it be, to acknowledge Christ as the Messiah, if we do not rely upon him in that capacity? The devils could say of him, "We know you who you are, the Holy One of God;" but they had no hope in him, nor could they derive any benefit from him. True faith brings us to Christ for salvation; causes us to renounce every other hope; and engages us to rely on him as our "All in all".

2. An unreserved devotion to him—

If we believe in Christ as having redeemed us by his blood, we must also of necessity surrender up ourselves to him as his peculiar people. Has he offered himself a sacrifice for us; we must "offer up ourselves as living sacrifices to him! Romans 12:1." To call him Lord, Lord, without doing his holy will, would only delude us to our ruin. If we believe that "he has bought us with a price, we must glorify him with our body and our spirit, which are his 1 Corinthians 6:20."

But this confession must also be considered by us,

II. As a qualification for Christian privileges—

[Editor's note: Simeon's remarks in this section concerning the "infant baptism," "sponsors," "bishops," "confirmation" etc. have not a shred of foundation in Scripture.]

In this precise view it was uttered by the Eunuch. He applied for Christian baptism: and this question was put to him as a test, "Do you believe with all your heart? If so, you may." Now this is, to all, a necessary qualification,

1. For baptism—

Children cannot, in their own persons return an answer to this question; and therefore the question is put to their sponsors; who have no right to appear as sponsors, unless they can answer it from their hearts, as the Eunuch did. And they bind themselves to contribute, as much as in them lies, to the instilling of these principles into the minds of the children whom they thus present to the Lord. And the children themselves, when they come to an age capable of comprehending the engagements thus made for them, are bound to take them upon themselves; and, when confirmed by the bishop, they do actually take them upon themselves; professing, each for himself, his belief in Christ; and devoting himself entirely to the service of his Lord. And in this view, the ordinance of confirmation, as administered in the Established Church, is of the utmost importance to be well improved by ministers, for the benefit of their flocks; and by young people, for the everlasting benefit of their own souls.

2. For the Lord's Supper—

To come to the Lord's table, as many do, at the three great festivals of the Church, and to neglect it all the year besides, is to show at once, that they enter not into the true spirit of that ordinance. And to attend it as a test for the holding of a public office, is a horrible abuse of it: which, we thank God, is now abolished.

But, for judging of ourselves, whether we be in a state fit to attend upon that divine ordinance, we cannot conceive a better test than this, which Philip here administered. In corning to the table of the Lord, we profess to feed upon the body of Christ which was broken for us and the blood of Christ which was shed for the remission of our sins; and to dedicate ourselves to him afresh, as his devoted servants. If we do not this in reality, we only deceive our own souls.

Here, however, it may be useful to mark what the proper medium is, in the application of this test to persons as a qualification for attending upon the table of the Lord. The Church of England, in her practice at least, is too lax; while those who dissent from her are too rigid. That minute inquiry, into what is called the experience of individuals, and persons sitting in judgment upon it, goes far beyond what is authorized by Scripture. The Apostle says, "Let a man examine himself, (not stand up to be examined by others, and so let him come, 1 Corinthians 11:28."

The true medium is that which Philip observed: and if the Eunuch had answered falsely, as Simon Magus unhappily did, verse 20, 21, the blame must have rested on himself alone. But I cannot too earnestly exhort every one of you to put the question to himself with deep sincerity; and never to approach the table of the Lord but under a sense of your entire dependence upon Christ, both for "mercy to pardon, and for grace to help you in the time of need."

In fact, this view of Christ is never duly appreciated, unless it be regarded,

III. As a title to all Christian blessings—

Nothing but sincere faith in Christ is necessary for salvation. (Of course, I speak not of it as a speculative assent, but as an operative and influential principle, such as we have represented it under our first head.) So it was declared to be by Paul, and by our Lord Jesus Christ himself, Galatians 5:6. John 3:14-16; John 3:18; John 3:36. Such it was declared to be in the commission given by him to his Apostles, Mark 16:16. Such it was proclaimed to be in the answer given to the inquiring Jailer, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved! Acts 16:31."

By faith are we made children of the Living God, John 1:12. Galatians 3:26.

By faith we obtain peace to our own souls, Romans 5:1.

By faith are we sanctified from the power of sin, Acts 15:9.

By faith are we made partakers of the kingdom of Heaven, Revelation 1:5.

Without this operative faith, nothing under Heaven will prevail for any man's salvation. Not Paul himself, in his unconverted state, could have been saved without it, 1 Corinthians 3:11. On the other hand, no man, whatever he may have been or done, can perish, not even Manasseh himself, if he comes to God with a sincere faith in the Lord Jesus: for we are assured, that "the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse from all sin! 1 John 1:7," and that "all who believe in him shall be justified from all things! Acts 13:39."

Now, then, permit me to inquire, brethren,

1. What is the state of your souls in relation to this all-important matter?

Can you, in the very way that the Eunuch did, declare, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God!" I ask not, Whether you approve of that as an article of your creed? but whether it forms the one ground of all your hopes, the one source of all your happiness? Dear brethren, be not satisfied with repeating it in your creed; but get it fixed as a rooted and influential principle in your hearts. You must acquire it, even as the Eunuch did, by a diligent study of the Holy Scriptures, and by the teaching of the Spirit of God.

2. What effect does it produce on your hearts and lives?

You see what effects this faith produced on the Eunuch, how he desired baptism, and devoted himself to the Lord, without ever once considering what effect this conduct might have on his earthly prospects. Like Moses, he esteemed the "reproach of Christ greater riches than all the treasures of Ethiopia," and greater honor than all Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, could confer upon him. And to him it became a source of the sublimest joy, such as he had never experienced in all his life before: "He went on his way rejoicing, verse 39."

Let me then ask, whether your faith operates in this way on you? It would so operate: it will so operate, if it your faith genuine. O that all of you might go to your respective homes this day, in the very spirit in which the Eunuch prosecuted his journey! God brought Philip to him for this end. And who can tell, but that God has brought us also together for the same blessed end at this time. Dear brethren, rest not until your faith fill you with the same heavenly joy; nor ever cease to wrestle with God in prayer, until he makes you monuments of his grace on earth, and heirs of his glory in a better word.

 

#1762

THE CONVERSION OF SAUL

Acts 9:3-6.

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked.

"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

IT has pleased God to give us every evidence of the truth of our religion that the most scrupulous mind could desire. The proofs arising from prophecies and miracles, are such as to carry irresistible conviction to every candid inquirer. But suppose a skeptical person to wish for further proof, and to say, 'Let me see a man, who, being fully competent to judge of the question, and decidedly hostile to Christianity in his heart, is yet convinced at last of its truth: let me see him, while yet all the opportunities of detecting imposture are open to him, embracing Christianity himself, and propagating it with all his might, and braving death in its most tremendous forms in support of it: then I shall be indeed convinced that it is of Divine original.'

I say, suppose a person unreasonable enough to desire such a proof, and determining, like Thomas, not to believe, until this evidence has been afforded him; we would meet him on his own ground, and produce precisely such an instance as he requires.

In the conversion of the Apostle Paul all these things unite: and, from the frequency with which that event is related in the Scriptures, it seems to have been intended by God as a strong confirmation of the truth of our religion. In the passage before us, it is stated by the historian Luke: but, in two other places, it is related by Paul himself; who adduces the circumstances that attended it as an unquestionable proof of his own Divine mission, and of the truth of that Gospel which he preached.

In considering Paul's conversion, we shall notice it in different points of view;

I. As a record for our instruction—

To enumerate the particular truths illustrated and confirmed by this event would be endless: we shall therefore wave all mention of them, and confine our attention to the two leading features contained in the history, and observe,

1. How blindly man acts in the discharge of his duty—

If ever there was a man that possessed advantages for the knowledge of his duty, it was Saul of Tarsus. He was educated under Gamaliel, the most eminent teacher of his day, and made a proficiency in learning beyond most of his contemporaries; and he was eminently distinguished for those moral habits which peculiarly qualify the mind for the reception of truth. Yet behold, this man conceived himself to be rendering acceptable service to his God, while persecuting His Church with the most unrelenting barbarity. Methinks, even reason itself would have taught him, that men ought not to be so treated, merely for entertaining novel sentiments, and for following the convictions of their minds.

If indeed they were violating the public peace, and destroying the welfare of the state, the ringleaders of them might well be apprehended and tried: but to seize all whom he could lay his hands upon, and to drag women as well as men to prison and to death, for no other crime than that of peaceably professing a new religion, was as contrary to humanity as to common sense.

Happy would it be if this erroneous mode of serving God had been confined to that age! But there are still many, who "have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge;" many, who can see the wicked going on in their wickedness, and never once stretch forth their hand to turn them back; but the moment they see persons embracing and obeying the Gospel of Christ, are filled with alarm, and think any methods proper to be used for stopping their progress! Our Lord himself told us beforehand that it would be so, and that men would even "think they did God service in killing his devoted followers."

Were these malignant dispositions found only among the ungodly and profane, we would not so much wonder at them: but they are found equally among the wise, the moral, and the conscientious.

This teaches us, that when we see such persons opposing the Gospel, we ought to pity them, and to pray for them, and to give them credit for meaning well, even while they are fighting against God with all their might.

This may teach us at the same time, that we also are fallible, and that we may be deceiving our own souls, even while we are most confident that we are acting right. "There is a way, says Solomon, that seems right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death!"

2. How sovereignly God acts in the exercise of his grace—

As madly as Saul was persecuting the Church, our blessed Savior stopped him in his career, revealed to him his error, and made him a chosen vessel to propagate the faith which he had so labored to destroy. Of those that were in company with him, not one, as far as we know, was made a partaker of the same mercy. They saw the light indeed, and heard the voice; but they understood not the things that were spoken. Compare verse 7 with 22:9, nor did they experience the same effects from the vision.

Why was Saul so distinguished from the rest? What was there in that ferocious persecutor to merit such a favor? In vain shall we look for any other cause, but that which Paul himself assigns; "God separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, Galatians 1:15." "By the grace of God I am what I am."

Now this doctrine is offensive to many: they claim a right to dispose of their own things as they will, and yet deny the same right to God. But his grace is his own, and he will dispense it to whoever he will; "nor will he give account to us of any of his matters." "He will have mercy on whom he will have mercy, and will have compassion on whom he will have compassion."

How strongly does Paul state this, in the Epistle to the Romans! "A potter has power over the clay, to make, of the same lump, vessels of honor, and vessels unto dishonor;" and such is the right which God claims. If in the pride of our hearts we reply, 'Why then does God find fault? For who has resisted his will?' the Apostle thus indignantly reproves our presumption, "Nay but, O man, who are you that replies against God? Shall the thing formed say unto him that formed it, Why have you made me thus?"

Let us acknowledge what in the case before us is perfectly undeniable, that God "saves us, and calls us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began." If we will look for a reason, let this suffice us, "Even so, Father, for so it seems good in your sight."

Another view in which we would contemplate the conversion of Paul, is peculiarly important, namely,

II. As a model for our imitation—

Conversion is as necessary for us as ever it was for him; for though we are Christians already in name, we are not living members of Christ's mystical body, until we have been born again of the Spirit of God! Compare John 3:3 with Romans 2:28-29. But here let it be distinctly noticed, that we must separate from Paul's conversion everything that was miraculous, or that was peculiar to him: we are not to expect visions, or voices, or miraculous interpositions of any kind: but that which constituted the essential part of his conversion we must expect, and must experience too, if ever we would be numbered with the saints of God. We must have, like Paul,

1. An enlightened mind—

For three days and nights he continued blind; and at the expiration of that time, "there fell, as it were, scales from his eyes, verse 9 and 18." This was doubtless intended as an emblematic representation to him of the blindness of his state by nature, and of the light into which he was now to be brought. Notwithstanding his great learning in the Scriptures—yet was he blind to the mysterious truths contained in them.

Just so, we in like manner are blind to the spiritual import of the Scriptures, until God the Holy Spirit is pleased to "open the eyes of our understanding." "The natural man, whatever advantages he may enjoy, receives not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

Not that a converted person must of necessity become acquainted with new truths; but he will know them in a perfectly different manner. He may have had the whole system of religion treasured up in his mind before; but now he contemplates the Gospel, as a shipwrecked mariner regards a vessel by which he has been rescued from a watery grave. He sees, that there is in it the exact provision which his necessities required, and a merciful pledge of his safe conveyance to the "desired haven."

2. A convicted conscience—

Paul before his conversion thought he was certainly in a state of acceptance with God: but when he began to view his past life in the looking-glass of God's law, he saw himself a dead and condemned sinner: "I was alive without the law once," says he; "but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died." As to that zeal which he had exercised in persecuting the Church, he saw that it was impious in the highest degree; and, in reference to it, he called himself "a blasphemer, and injurious, and a persecutor," yes, even "the very chief of sinners."

Thus must we also be humbled under a sense of our lost condition. What though we have not committed precisely the same sins as he, "we all have offended in many things," and are therefore deserving of God's everlasting wrath and indignation. The very first effect of Divine illumination will be, to make us "smite on our bosom, and cry, God be merciful to me a sinner!"

3. A renewed will—

Hitherto this furious bigot had been following his own will, and the will of the chief priests who sent him: but now he cries, "Lord, what will You have me to do?" Behold, how entirely he commits himself to the guidance of that Jesus, whom now he saw to be the only Savior! He professes himself ready to comply with any direction that shall be given him; and determines henceforth to have no other rule of conduct than his Savior's will.

Here is the crown and summit of true conversion: we may have enlightened minds, and yet retain an unsanctified heart. We may have somewhat of a wounded spirit, and yet hold fast our iniquities: but if our will be changed, then it is certain that we have received the grace of God in truth. This therefore we must seek after: we must say to our blessed Lord, "Other lords beside you have had dominion over me, but henceforth I will regard none but you!" 'I will search out your will, as it is revealed unto men; I will take it in all things as a light unto my feet; and I will labor, through grace, to have even the thoughts of my heart brought into an unreserved obedience to it.'

While we regard this work of divine grace as a model for our imitation, let us behold it,

III. As an example for our encouragement—

In this view it was particularly designed by God; as Paul himself informs us: "For this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them who shall hereafter believe on him to life everlasting, 1 Timothy 1:16." Truly in the conversion of this bitter persecutor we see,

1. How far the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ can reach—

We can scarcely conceive a state more desperate than that of Saul, when "breathing out threatenings and slaughter" against the saints of God. Yet to him was mercy given, and that too unsought, and unsolicited. Who then has any reason to despair? Who can say, My iniquities are too great to be forgiven?

Let the weary and heavy-laden sinner, who is ready to say, "There is no hope," take courage, and lift up his soul to God in fervent prayer: for the blood of Christ is as effectual to cleanse from sin as it ever was; and its virtue shall extend as far as ever, even to the very chief of sinners. "Where sin has abounded, grace shall much more abound!" "Sins of a scarlet or a crimson dye" shall yet be washed away, so that the offender shall be made "white as snow."

2. What great things the grace of Christ can effect—

This man, who, previous to his conversion, was the bitterest enemy both of God and man—was transformed into a most distinguished friend of both. Of all the Apostles, not one excelled him in piety, or equaled him in laborious exertions for the cause of Christ. His besetting sins were all subdued, and his virtues were brought to the highest perfection. This change in him was, as it were, instantaneous; so that in him was fully and at once, verified that description of sound conversion, "Old things have passed away, and all things became new!"

Who then shall hereafter think himself enslaved beyond a possibility of redemption? Is not that grace which wrought effectually in Paul, sufficient for us? Can anything be too hard for the Lord? Let not any then despond under an idea that his corruptions are too deep and inveterate ever to be eradicated: for that same Jesus is yet possessed of all power in Heaven and in earth, and is still "able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him."

APPLICATION—

Let me, in conclusion, remind you all, that by nature you are "alienated from God," and "enemies to him in your minds by wicked works." And more especially, you are adverse to the humiliating doctrines of the Gospel. But Jesus now speaks to each of you by name, as he did to the Apostle Paul, "Why do you despise me? Why do you turn away from me?" On you he looks with the same compassion as he did on him, and warns you, that "it is in vain to kick against the goads."

The greater part of sinners, it is true, are unconscious that they are fighting against the Lord Jesus Christ: in many things they do, they really think themselves acting inoffensively, or perhaps agreeably to the will of God: but a neglect of the Gospel, no less than direct opposition to it, is an act of hostility to the Lord Jesus Christ, and must finally result in our eternal destruction. Listen then to his still small voice in his word, and accept his gracious invitations. If those around you are regardless of his call, let your minds at least be humbled, if perhaps you may be distinguished by him as chosen vessels of his mercy, and monuments of his saving grace.

 

#1763

SAUL'S PRAYER

Acts 9:11.

"Behold, he is praying."

WHEN we speak of the grace of God as the free and only source of good to man, we are often misunderstood as though we affirmed that man is wholly passive in the work of salvation: whereas, the truth is, that though, in the first instance, God puts into his heart the good desire, that desire immediately exerts itself in voluntary and earnest efforts for the attainment of the thing desired.

This is seen in the conversion of Saul: in the first instance, God stopped him in his career of sin, and revealed to him his guilt and danger; but from that moment Saul gave himself to fasting and prayer, that by those means he might obtain yet further blessings from God: and God, as though he would show us in the most striking manner the necessity of our own personal exertions, expressly pointed out to Ananias the reason of his communicating further blessings to Saul through his instrumentality, "Go, and inquire for one called Saul of Tarsus; for, behold, he is praying."

We will endeavor to point out,

I. What there was in that prayer which attracted the Divine notice—

We cannot doubt but that Saul, who was "touching the righteousness of the law blameless," had often bowed his knees before God in prayer: but he had never prayed aright until now. In this prayer of his was:

1. Humility—

He never could have prayed with true humility before, because he was unconscious of his lost estate. He was ignorant of the spirituality of the law, and, consequently, of his multiplied transgressions against it. He even thought himself "alive," as having never given to God any just cause to condemn him. What then must his prayers have been, but, like those of the Pharisee, "I thank you, O God, that I am not as other men are!" But contrition is the very essence of prayer—it is "the broken and contrite heart, which God will not despise." To "smite upon our bosoms," as guilty self-condemning sinners, and to "cry for mercy," like the poor Publican, is more acceptable to God than all the sacrifices and burnt-offerings that ever were offered.

2. Earnestness—

It is a sense of need that must make us earnest: and, as Saul was insensible of his danger, he could not until now plead with that importunity that became him. But now he was like the manslayer fleeing from the avenger of blood! Now, like his Lord and Savior, he "made prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears, Hebrews 5:7;" and, like the patriarch Jacob, he wrestled with God, saying, "I will not let you go, except you bless me, Hosea 12:4." Instantly therefore did God fulfill to him that promise which Jesus has left us for the encouragement of all his people, Matthew 7:7-8.

3. Faith—

The prayers which Saul had offered in former times could not have had respect to a Savior, because he had not felt his need of a Savior. But now he saw that there was no hope of saving mercy, but through that very Jesus whom he had persecuted: now he thankfully embraced the salvation that Jesus offered him: he no longer "went about to establish a righteousness of his own, but gladly submitted to the righteousness of God" revealed in the Gospel. When he said, "Lord, what will you have me to do?" he cordially received Christ as "his wisdom, his righteousness, his sanctification, and redemption." No sooner did he thus desire to make Christ his all, than God expressed his acceptance of his prayers, "Behold he is praying!" God would not allow the prayer of faith to go forth in vain.

We propose, in the next place, to show,

II. What we may learn from the notice which God took of his prayer—

This fact is very instructive; it shows us:

1. That God is observant of our frame and conduct—

"The eye of God is in every place, beholding the evil and the good." But more especially does he look upon the humble suppliant; he himself declares, "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembles at my word, Isaiah 66:2." Behold, when a holy purpose was formed in the heart of Ephraim, how attentive God was to it, "Ephraim says, What have I to do any more with idols?" Surely, says God, "I have heard him, and observed him, Hosea 14:8." And when the same penitent laid his transgressions more deeply to heart, God quite exulted over him, if we may so speak: "Surely I have heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus." And then, with a delightful regard to him, God appealed, as it were, to the whole universe: "Is not Ephraim my dear son? is he not a pleasant child? Jeremiah 31:18-20."

2. That mere formal services are not accounted prayer in God's sight—

All the petitions which Saul had offered in former times were a mere lip-service which God did not accept. "God is Spirit; and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth:" the heart must accompany the lips, or else the worship is hypocritical and vain, Matthew 15:8-9. This is strongly marked by the Prophet Jeremiah, who tells us that then, and then only, shall God be found, when we seek for him with our whole heart, Jeremiah 29:13-14.

3. That humble and believing prayer shall never go forth in vain—

God may see fit to suspend his answer for a time: even in the case before us, he did not answer until Saul had continued in prayer three whole days and nights. But "though he tarries, he will come at last:" he has assured us, in the parable of the Importunate Widow, that the prayer of faith shall never be in vain, Luke 18:7; and in very many instances he fulfills to men that promise which he has given us by the Prophet Isaiah, "It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear, Isaiah 65:24."

ADDRESS—

1. To those who never pray at all—

Alas! how many are there of whom the All-seeing God must say: 'Behold he rises from his bed without prayer. He goes through the day, and retires to rest again, without prayer. This is his constant habit: the sins he commits, excite in him no compunction: and the mercies he receives, call forth no gratitude: he lives without God in the world: ungrateful wretch that he is, he never calls upon my name: never once in all his life could I truly say of him, "Behold, he is praying."'

Brethren, do you know that all this neglect is recorded in the book of God's remembrance, and that it must be accounted for at last? Do not deceive yourselves with an idea that your formal heartless services are accepted by him; for, if he who wavers in his mind through unbelieving fears shall receive nothing of the Lord, much less shall he receive anything who never asks with any real desire to obtain the blessings he asks for, James 1:6-7.

2. To those who do pray—

It is a great mercy if our minds have been so far awakened to a sense of our guilt and danger, that we have been constrained to cry to God for deliverance. But we are ever prone to relapse into coldness and formality: indeed there is nothing more difficult than to keep up a spirit of prayer, and to live near to God, in a state of habitual fellowship with him. Any little thing, however trifling and insignificant, is sufficient to divert our attention from prayer, or to distract our minds in the performance of it. Hence we are so often exhorted to pray without ceasing, to watch unto prayer, to continue instant in prayer with all perseverance. Let us then guard against fainting or weariness in this holy duty. It will be of no benefit to us to have sought after God in former times, if we decline from him now: our former prayers will be of no service, if they are discontinued. As our former sinfulness shall not be remembered, when once we turn unto God in penitence and faith; so neither shall our past righteousness be remembered, if we depart from it.

It is possible that we may be hindered in this duty, by an apprehension that we shall not be heard: but we must guard against this temptation, by recollecting that there is no guilt so great but the prayer of faith can remove it. See the peculiar stress laid on prayer in reference to Manasseh; 2 Chronicles 33:12-13; 2 Chronicles 33:18-19, nor any state so desperate from which it shall not prevail to deliver us, Jonah 2:1-4. "God never did, nor ever will say to any, 'Seek my face' in vain."

 

#1764

DORCAS RESTORED TO LIFE

Acts 9:39-40.

"Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up."

HOWEVER careful the ministers of Christ may be in stating the great doctrine of salvation by faith, their adversaries will represent them as enemies to good works. The denying to good works the office of justifying men before God, is thought to destroy every inducement to perform them. But if we look at the conduct of the first Christians, we shall see in that an ample refutation of this error. Dorcas, for instance, was "a Disciple," looking for salvation through the merits of the crucified Redeemer: but was she therefore regardless of good works? Did she not rather abound in them? and was not this the foundation of that high esteem in which she has been held by the Church of God in all ages? That we may be stirred up to follow her example, let us consider the account here given of her:

I. Her character—

We do not exactly know what her condition in life was; but we suppose that she was in a middle state, between poverty and riches: but of the use that she made of her time and property, we are fully informed: she employed herself much in administering to the necessities of the poor, and particularly in making garments for them. In a word, her character was,

1. Most lovely in itself—

The doing of good in any way is amiable; but her mode of doing it was peculiarly so; inasmuch as it argued a habit of consideration, compassion, diligence, and self-denial. The bestowing of money is a small act of love in comparison with hers: for though money will procure necessities for the poor—yet her mode of disposing of it made it go farther, if we may so speak, than if it had been expended by the poor themselves; and at the same time, it kept alive in her heart a constant principle of love. By this practice of hers the poor were continually, as it were, before her eyes; she thought about them, acted for them, worked for them, and sought her own happiness in contributing to theirs. As her Lord and Master "went about doing good," so she made it her daily business and occupation to diffuse blessings all around her: she not only "did good works," but was full of them, and made the exercises of benevolence her habitual practice.

2. Most acceptable to God—

Doubtless, if her actions had proceeded from an ostentatious or self-righteous principle, they could not have been pleasing to God; for "without faith it is impossible to please him:" but if her actions were the fruits of faith in Christ, they were most truly acceptable unto God. See how strongly this is declared in different parts of Holy Writ, Hebrews 13:16. Philippians 4:18.

In speaking on this subject, many religious persons feel a very undue degree of jealousy: they are afraid of declaring all that God says respecting the value of such works in his sight, lest they would appear to countenance a self-righteous spirit: but, if only we carefully exclude the idea of their being meritorious, or availing anything for our justification before God, it is scarcely possible to state too strongly the delight which God takes in them, or the certainty of their being most richly recompensed in the eternal world, 1 Timothy 6:17-19; every one of them is a loan "lent to the Lord, Proverbs 19:17;" and he would consider himself unjust, if he would forget so much as one of them in the great day of final judgment, Hebrews 6:10; not even a cup of cold water given for his sake, shall pass unnoticed, or lose its reward, Matthew 10:42.

Her piety however did not exempt her from the common lot of mortality. We are next called to contemplate,

II. Her death—

Like others, "she fell sick and died." But though disease and death were permitted to cut her off even as the wicked, and thereby to show that "all things come alike to all," yet there was an immense difference between her and others in the regret experienced for her loss—

A tear or two is all the tribute that is paid to the greater part of mankind, except by those who are their near relatives, or immediate dependents. But at the loss of her, all the Church at Joppa mourned; and the greatest solicitude was expressed to have her restored to them from the dead. They had heard of Peter healing by a word a man who had been confined to his bed for eight years, verse 33, 34; they deputed therefore two persons to go to him, (for he was only about six miles off,) to request his interposition with God in their behalf: and, when he came, they expressed their grief in the most affecting manner; showed him at the same time the fruits of her industry and benevolence, so that they might interest his feelings, and engage his prayers for her restoration to life.

What a blessed testimony was this! How much better than the fawning eulogies of the rich, or the funeral pomp of kings! Yes, the tears of the godly, and the lamentations of the poor, are the noblest monuments that departed worth can have. O that we may all so live, as to be thus regretted by the Lord's people, and to have our memory engraved in the hearts of all who knew us! And let us take care that the survivors may have substantial proofs of our piety to exhibit. We are not all able to do good in the same way, or to the same extent: but we may all have some "works to praise us in the gates, Proverbs 31:31," and some fruits "to evince the sincerity of our faith" and love.

The success of their application to Peter leads us to notice,

III. Her restoration to life—

Peter having been introduced into the chamber where the corpse lay, desired all to depart, that he might not be interrupted in his supplications to the Father: and, when he had obtained his request, he presented her alive again to her friends.

What an unspeakable benefit was this to the world—

While her own immediate friends had the comfort of her society, and the poor enjoyed the benefit of her pious labors, the whole Church of God were edified with her bright example. It is astonishing what one person may do, by the mere influence of his own example; how many he may stimulate, how many he may encourage. We may well suppose, that, where her conduct was so highly admired, she was the means of promoting many acts of benevolence in others, who without such an example would either never have exerted themselves at all, or never to so great an extent. Even to the ungodly world her restoration to life was an unspeakable blessing; since many, by means of it, were stirred up to inquire into the truth of Christianity, and to believe in that Jesus whom they had before despised, verse 42.

Nor was it any other than a blessing to herself—

We cannot suppose that there was left in her mind any remembrance of her felicity in her disembodied state, at least any such remembrance as would cause regret: we take for granted that she was restored to all her former habits of mind, with the same disposition to enjoy the society of her friends, and to abound in every good work. What a comfort then must it be to her to behold those who had so bitterly bewailed her loss! With what redoubled energy would she betake herself to her former labors of love; knowing now, from experience, how short her time might be either for the benefitting of the poor or the glorifying of her God! And these renewed labors would of necessity be recorded, like all her former works, and would follow her when she would rest from them, and augment her weight of glory to all eternity.

Surely all this must be considered as a blessing to her soul. As Paul, though desirous to die and be with Christ, was yet content to live that he might serve and honor God in the work of the ministry; so might she be well content to live on earth again, seeing that her opportunities of benefitting the poor, and honoring God, and advancing her own eternal welfare, would be thus prolonged.

ADDRESS—

1. Those who are living for themselves—

This is the state of mankind at large; "all men seek their own, and not the things of Jesus Christ, Philippians 2:21." But this is highly criminal: our time, our talents, our very bodies and souls, are the Lord's, and must be altogether employed for his glory, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. All profession of religion unaccompanied with activity in good works, is vain, James 2:13-17, Matthew 7:21. The very intent of the Gospel is to make us diligent in the performance of them, Titus 3:8-9; Titus 3:14. Nor can we ever answer the design of our Lord's sufferings, if we live only for ourselves, and not for Him who died for us and rose again, 2 Corinthians 5:15 and Romans 14:7-9."

2. Those who profess to be living unto God—

Study, like Dorcas, how you can be most useful to the poor: consider their needs, and how you may most effectually relieve them. In "bearing the burdens of others, you fulfill the law of Christ;" and, in truth, you best consult your own happiness. Who that reads the character of Job; Job 29:11-13, must not envy his happiness, as well as admire his piety? Truly there is a delight in acts of benevolence, which cannot be procured by any other means. Let all then who profess religion, show forth their faith by their works. The poor may do their part, as well as the rich, Ephesians 4:28; and shall "be accepted" according to their respective abilities, 2 Corinthians 8:12.

 

#1765

HOW TO ATTEND ORDINANCES

Acts 10:33.

"Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us."

HERE we see the door of salvation opened to the Gentiles, and it is a sight in which we are deeply interested; for it is in virtue of the commission then given, and then executed, that you are assembled and addressed on this day. And O what a blessing it would be, if you all possessed the frame of mind then manifested by Cornelius and his company! Surely we might hope, in that case, that there would be somewhat of a similar blessing upon us, to the edification and salvation of all our souls.

Let us particularly notice,

I. What they expected Peter to declare unto them—

Cornelius had had a special intimation that Peter was ordained of God to be his instructor in the way of life, verse 5, 6, 32. Peter, therefore, he regarded as God's Ambassador to his soul, verse 25; and from him he hoped to hear, without any reserve, all that God had commissioned him to declare. Now,

This is the light in which every minister of Christ should be viewed—

Though we are not Apostles—yet we are ambassadors of God to the people of our charge, and have the same message to deliver now as the Apostles had in their day, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20. We are to "preach peace by Jesus Christ, verse 36." We are to declare the sufficiency of Christ to "save all who come unto God by him, verse 43 with Hebrews 7:25." And this salvation we are to proclaim indiscriminately to all, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free, verse 34, 35.

And you have a right to expect the utmost fidelity at our hands—

We are to "keep back nothing that is profitable unto you," but to "declare unto you the whole counsel of God." The express command of God to us is, "He who has my word, let him speak my word faithfully! Jeremiah 23:28." We are to do this, whether men will hear, or whether they will forbear. God says to us, as he did to the Prophet Ezekiel: "Son of man, behold with your eyes, and hear with your ears, and set your heart upon all that I shall show you: for to the intent that I might show them unto you are you brought hither: declare all that you see to the house of Israel, Ezekiel 40:4." And, as it is our duty, so it is also our privilege, confidently to affirm, that "what our eyes have seen, our ears have heard, and our hands have handled, of the word of life, the same declare we unto you, 1 John 1:1-3."

But it is of peculiar importance that we would observe,

II. In what frame of mind they were prepared to receive it—

We see in that assembly of heathens,

1. A reverential sense of the Divine presence—

"Now," said Cornelius, "we are all here in the presence of God." And should it not be so with us, whenever we come up to the house of God? As for that irreverent spirit which many demonstrate in the house of God, yes, and which many manifest also when crowding to hear some popular preacher—we cannot but greatly disapprove of it, and bear our decided testimony against it. We should rather resemble the Israelites, when convened to hear Jehovah himself addressing them from Mount Sinai. Surely "God is greatly to be feared, and to be had in reverence of all them that are round about him." And then only are we likely to profit from what we hear, when we conceive of God himself as speaking to us; and can adopt the words of Samuel, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening!"

2. A readiness to receive the word without disputing—

We cannot conceive of one single person in that assembly as disposed to sit in judgment upon Peter's word. They would all receive it with the utmost readiness of mind. And it is in that way that the Gospel should be heard by all. We should "receive it with meekness, as an engrafted word, James 1:21." We see how submissive, so to speak, the tree is to him that engrafts upon it a scion of any kind: so, with entire submission, should we suffer the word of truth to be engrafted on our hearts, in order to its most perfect union with us, and its future production of the desired fruit.

Paul's representation of this matter is peculiarly instructive. He represents the Gospel as a mold into which we are to be poured, in order that we may receive its entire character upon our souls, Romans 6:17. That shows the tenderness of spirit with which we would hear the word, and the completeness of our subjection to it when so received.

3. A determination of heart to obey the word without reserve—

That happy company embraced the word, just as the Bereans after them embraced it, Acts 17:11-12. They did not dispute about the way of salvation as incredible or insufficient, but believed in Jesus as the true Messiah, the Savior of the world. Nor should anything in the Gospel prove a stumbling-block to us. Nothing should be regarded as "a hard saying." However mysterious the declarations of the Gospel may he, we should implicitly embrace it as "the wisdom of God:" and, however self-denying his precepts may be, we should obey them cheerfully, as "holy and just and good." "As new-born babes, we should desire the word" as the proper nutriment of our souls; and we should desire it, "that we may live and grow thereby, 1 Peter 2:2."

Perhaps the most perfect pattern in the Scriptures is the blind man whom Jesus had restored to sight. After he had been excommunicated by the rulers of his Church, the Lord Jesus sought him out, and asked him, "Do you believe on the Son of God?" To which he replied, "Who is he, Lord, that I may believe on him? John 9:35-36." Now here was no information sought, but in order to its practical effect. And thus should we also be ready, not only to receive the word, but to take it as the entire rule both of our faith and practice.

APPLICATION—

Let me now suppose you, my brethren, assembled in the very spirit of Cornelius and his friends. I have the very same message to deliver to you, as Peter delivered to them; "I preach to you peace by Jesus Christ!" You need this instruction as much as ever Cornelius did; for there is no other by which you, or any man living, can be saved, Acts 11:14. And for you it shall be as effectual as it was for him, verse 44; O that you may all receive it as he did! Let there not be among you any of that character from whom Paul was constrained to turn in utter despondency, Acts 28:27. But hear and believe, to the saving of your souls.

 

#1766

SALVATION OFFERED EQUALLY TO ALL

Acts 10:34-35.

Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right."

GOD'S purpose of love towards the Gentile world had been made known even from the time that God separated Abraham and his posterity as a peculiar people unto himself. The call of Abraham in an uncircumcised state, and the justifying of him by faith while he yet continued uncircumcised, was in itself a sign that God would not ultimately limit his mercies to those of the circumcision: and his declaration that in Abraham and his seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed, was a pledge that in due time all the nations of the earth, Gentiles as well as Jews, would be blessed in Christ.

Our Lord had repeatedly informed his disciples, that "he had other sheep, which were not of the Jewish fold;" and, that "many would come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and sit down with the Patriarchs in the kingdom of Heaven;" while the Jews, the natural "children of that kingdom, would be cast out."

He had given the express command, that "his Gospel would be preached to every creature;" and he had actually "given to Peter the keys of the kingdom of Heaven," that he might open the gates thereof both to Jews and Gentiles. In obedience to this commission, Peter had opened the kingdom to the Jews on the day of Pentecost; but so entirely was he under the power of Jewish prejudice, that, for six years, both he, and all the other Apostles, had forborne to preach unto the Gentiles: nor, until he was overcome by the force of evidence which he could no longer doubt, would he believe that the Gentiles were to be admitted to the privileges of the Gospel. His doubts however being at last removed, he, with a mixture of surprise and joy, acknowledged his former error, and proclaimed the blessed truth which we have just read to you.

We propose to state,

I. The import of his words—

As plain as the words of our text appear, they have been very differently interpreted by different persons; some supposing them to be decisive upon points, with which, in the eyes of others, they have no immediate connection. We will endeavor therefore to show,

1. What they do not mean—

They do not, as many imagine, restrict the Supreme Being in the exercise of his grace. God's grace is his own, and he dispenses it according to his own sovereign will and pleasure. That he has done so in former times, it is impossible to deny. Was not Abraham an idolater in the land of Ur? yet "God called him alone, and blessed him, Isaiah 51:1-2." In blessing the seed of Abraham, did God take Ishmael, who was born according to nature? No; but gave Abraham a son in a supernatural way, even Isaac, and limited the blessing to his line. In the seed of Isaac, God exercised the same sovereign grace; choosing, even while they were yet in the womb together, the younger son, Jacob, in preference to Esau, the elder; saying, "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated! Romans 9:7-13."

Now, whether we suppose these persons chosen to everlasting salvation or not, it is evident that they were chosen to enjoy the means of salvation; and consequently either God is "a respecter of persons," or 'the respecting of persons' must mean something very different from the sovereign distribution of God's favors unto men.

We all know that God did grant peculiar mercies to the Jews above the Heathens; as he still does to the Christian world. If this was not wrong formerly, it is not so now: but Christ himself made this free exercise of God's grace and mercy, a ground of praise and thanksgiving; and therefore we also may adore God for it, and say, "I thank you, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because you have hid these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them unto babes; even so, Father, for so it seemed good in your sight! Matthew 11:25-26."

Neither do these words establish the doctrine of salvation by works. If there be anything plain in God's word, it is, that God has given us a Savior, through whose obedience unto death we are to be saved. As the whole Jewish ritual shadowed forth our acceptance through the Great Sacrifice, so the epistles to the Romans and the Galatians were written on purpose to establish this great truth, that we are to be saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and not by any works of our own.

Indeed, if salvation were by works, even in any degree, Christ would so far have died in vain. Moreover, salvation could no more be of grace; because works and grace are opposite to each other; the one implying that salvation is paid to us as a debt; and the other, that it is freely and gratuitously bestowed upon us. Now this being the uniform declaration of God throughout the whole Scripture, it is manifest, that this single expression must not be so understood, as to set aside the universal testimony of the written word.

We will now proceed to state,

2. What they do mean—

The Jews imagined themselves to be the only people whom God would ever admit to his favor. As for the Gentile world, the Jews regarded them as dogs, and as accursed of the Lord. Some of them went so far as to think, that no Jew, however wicked, would be condemned, nor any Gentile, however righteous, would be saved. Against this kind of error both the Baptist and our Lord bore testimony, Matthew 3:9-10. John 8:39; John 8:44. And even the Apostles themselves were far from having a correct judgment respecting it: they supposed that God would favor the Jews, because they were Jews; and that he would not look upon the Gentiles, because they were Gentiles.

But God had now shown to Peter, that this was an error: he had shown to him, that the partition-wall between Jews and Gentiles was broken down; that no man was henceforth to be accounted unclean; that his Gospel was to be freely preached to all without any distinction; and that all, of whatever nation they might be, would be accepted with him, provided they really feared him, and wrought righteousness; that is, that God would not regard anything in man, but his moral and religious character: if any man possessed ever so many privileges, they would avail nothing to his eternal welfare, unless they were accompanied with such dispositions and actions as characterized the elect of God. But, if any man sought him humbly, and served him faithfully, he would be brought to the knowledge of salvation, and his feet be guided into the way of peace.

That this is the real meaning of the passage, appears from the whole context. Peter no sooner came to Cornelius, than he reminded him of the barrier which had been placed between Jews and Gentiles, so as to cut off all friendly fellowship between them; and told him how that barrier had been removed: and, when he found the account which the messengers had given him, confirmed by Cornelius himself, and that God had interposed as much to direct Cornelius to send for Peter, as to direct Peter to go to him, "he opened his mouth" with a solemnity suited to the occasion, and proclaimed God as the common Father of all mankind, equally accessible to all, and equally gracious unto all, who would seek and serve him in his appointed way, Romans 10:11-12.

The words thus explained are very instructive. Let us consider,

II. The truths to be deduced from them—

They show us,

1. That we have nothing to hope from any worldly distinctions—

The Jewish notion of God's regarding men on account of outward distinctions is generally prevalent among ourselves. Many imagine, that because we have been baptized we must of necessity be in a state of favor with God; and many who will not altogether avow that principle—yet imagine that God will not proceed with the same severity against the great and learned, as he will against the poor and ignorant. Hence, though we may be permitted to warn the poor of their guilt and danger, we must not presume to take such a liberty with the rich—we are not to suppose that any of them can perish, or that God requires from them the same homage and service as he does from the lower classes of mankind.

But to this point the text is plain and express: "God is no respecter of persons:" his law is equally obligatory on all; and his decisions in the day of judgment will be impartial, every one being adjudged to happiness or misery according to his works. See Job 34:19. In the book of Revelation is a passage well deserving the notice of those who think that any regard will be shown to learning or wealth or honor in that day, Revelation 6:15-17. Observe how many words are used to characterize the rich! Does not that speak loudly to them?

At the same time, the poor will find it equally instructive to them: for they are ready to suppose that their present trials and difficulties will procure them the same kind of favor in that day, as the rich are looking for on account of their imagined greatness. But the poor, even the poorest bond-slaves, will there be found, associates in misery with their proud oppressors, and equally "calling upon the rocks and mountains to hide them from the wrath of the Lamb!"

The only difference between one and another will be this: those who were the foremost in religious privileges, will be most signally visited with the Divine judgments: in that only will the Jew be distinguished from the Gentile, or the rich from the poor, Romans 2:9-11. "To whom much has been given, of them will the more be required:" but there will be the same ground of judgment for all, 1 Peter 1:17; the image of Christ upon the soul will be the only thing that will be regarded, either as the evidence of our conversion, or as the measure of our recompense This is the true meaning of Colossians 3:11.

2. That we have nothing to fear from any secret decrees—

That "God chooses men to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth," is asserted by God himself: but that he reprobates any, and from all eternity decreed to consign them over to perdition without any offense or fault of theirs, we cannot admit: we think that oath of God's, that "he has no pleasure in the death of a sinner, but rather that he would turn from his wickedness and live," is decisive on the point; and all the reasonings of fallible men are lighter than vanity, in opposition to it.

But not to enter into dispute about these things, one thing is clear, that of whatever sect, or party, or nation we may be, if we "fear God and work righteousness, we shall be accepted." What then have we to do with the Divine decrees? What reason has any man to say, 'It is in vain for me to seek after God; because God has not elected me?' Who ever ascended to Heaven, to see whether his name was, or was not, written in the book of life? "Secret things must be left to God, to whom alone they properly belong: the things that are revealed belong to us:" and this declaration in our text is plain, and clear, and absolute. Let every one therefore put away all distressing apprehensions about the decrees of God, and seek to attain that character which shall infallibly lead to happiness and glory.

3. That if we improve diligently the light we have, God will give us more light—

God forbid that we would for a moment entertain the thought, that we, by any diligence of ours, can merit anything at the hands of God, or lay him under an obligation to confer upon us the blessings of salvation. We have no claim upon him, except that which his own free and gracious promises have given to us: but if, in dependence on those promises, we press forward in his appointed way, then may we expect assuredly that those promises shall be fulfilled to us. Now God has promised, that "then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord; etc. Hosea 6:3."

We may be confident therefore that we shall not use the means in vain. Whether Cornelius would have been saved if this fresh revelation had not been made to him, we will not take upon ourselves absolutely to determine; though Peter, and the rest of the Apostles appear to have considered his salvation as altogether effected by his conversion to Christianity, Acts 11:14; Acts 11:18. But throughout the whole history, frequent notice is taken of the prayers and alms of Cornelius, as approved of God, and as being the means of bringing down yet greater blessings upon him: they are represented as being accepted before God, precisely as the food-offerings were accepted from the Jews: as a memorial of the latter, when burnt upon the altar, was an offering of a sweet savor unto the Lord, Leviticus 2:1-2; Leviticus 2:9, so "the prayers and alms of Cornelius came up for a memorial before God, verse 4."

Such a memorial shall our prayers and alms-deeds be, if offered unto God with real humility of mind, and with a desire to obtain a fuller knowledge of his will. Though therefore I would not exhort any one to rest in a low state of knowledge and of grace, I would encourage the weakest person, if sincere, to expect from God still richer communications of his grace, together with the ultimate possession of his glory. God will "fulfill the desire of those who fear him, and of them that hope in his mercy." Only let us listen to the word of God with the same disposition as Cornelius and his family did, verse 33, and God will rather work miracles to save us, than allow us to "perish for lack of knowledge." I mean not that God will really work miracles for anyone; but that he will either, by his providence, bring us an instructor for the further illumination of our minds; or that, by his Spirit, he will guide us into all truth through the instrumentality of the written word: "He never said to any, 'Seek my face' in vain."

 

#1767

CHRIST'S DILIGENCE IN BENEFITTING MAN

Acts 10:37-38.

"You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him."

THERE are many principles in the human heart that are capable of calling forth all the energy of our minds, and all the exertion of our bodies: but it is to be lamented that these principles, being evil in their nature, are, for the most part, destructive in their tendency. Ambition and the love of filthy lucre have operated in every age to the production of efforts that have excited the wonder and admiration of the world. But rarely has such zeal been found on the side of virtue. One however has appeared on earth whose only object was to do good; and whose labors were never equaled by mortal man. He was steady and uniform in his course, like the sun in its orbit; and, like that bright luminary, diffused the richest blessings wherever he came. This man was Jesus of Nazareth; of whom the Apostle justly says in our text, "He went around doing good."

We shall,

I. Confirm this record from the history of Jesus—

That we may contract our subject within proper limits, we will confine our attention to three things that are peculiarly worthy of notice:

1. His condescension—

The great and mighty of the earth, however disposed to benefit mankind, are almost inaccessible to the poor; who must come often, and wait long, and get richer persons for their advocates, and, after all, be dismissed without having obtained the full object of their wishes. But Jesus gave liberty to all to come unto him: their poverty did not excite his contempt; nor the loathsomeness of their disorders his disgust. He allowed them to throng him on every side, and to touch him. Not even their moral depravity caused him to stand aloof from them. On the contrary, he sought out the poorest, the most miserable, and the most depraved; as though he had determined to honor those most, whom the rest of the world most disregarded and despised. Hence it was cast in his teeth, that he was "a friend of tax collectors and sinners!"

2. His diligence—

From the time that our Lord entered on his ministry to the very hour of his crucifixion, there was not a single day wherein he was not actively engaged in doing good both to the bodies and the souls of men. "It was his very food and drink to do the will of God" in this respect. He stayed not at home that persons might come to him; but he himself went about, he "went about" through all cities, towns, and villages, in order to administer instruction and comfort to "those who lay in darkness and the shadow of death."

Sometimes when he had spent the whole night in prayer, he would return to his labors, without regarding the calls of nature for rest and refreshment; insomuch that his friends were ready to blame him as transported with zeal beyond all the bounds of reason and propriety, Mark 3:21.

The scope of everything that he either said or did, was to benefit mankind. Whether his discourses savored of affection or severity, and whether his miracles were more or less benevolent in their immediate aspect—his design was invariably the same; namely, to prepare men for the reception of his truth, and the enjoyment of his salvation. His woes in Matthew 23 were to reclaim the Pharisees: and his allowing the devils to destroy the swine, was to show how great a mercy it was to be delivered from their power.

3. His self-denial—

It was no small self-denial that he exercised in undergoing so many labors, and submitting to so many privations, even of food to eat, and of "a place where to lay his head." But there was another species of self-denial, far more painful in its nature, and distressing in its operation, which yet he had to endure every day and hour. In the midst of all his exertions for the good of men, his words were made a ground of cavil and dispute; his condescension was interpreted as a participation in the vilest crimes; and his very miracles were construed into a confederacy with the devil. This was the way in which his benevolence was constantly requited.

His unwearied labors for the honor of God, and the benefit of mankind, procured him only the reputation of an impostor, a blasphemer, a demoniac. Yet under all these circumstances, and well knowing that, instead of being improved by time, they would terminate in his death, he persevered in seeking the salvation of his very enemies, and at last "gave his own life a ransom for them."

It being needless to confirm this record by any further testimonies, we shall,

II. Deduce from it some important observations—

Here also we must be content to notice only two or three things out of multitudes that obtrude themselves upon our minds:

1. The Divine mission of Jesus is clear and indisputable—

Our blessed Lord frequently appealed to his works as the clearest evidence of his Messiahship, John 10:38; and indeed they were so in a variety of views. They were precisely such as had been predicted by the prophets as characteristic of the Messiah's reign; and therefore they must be considered as establishing his claim to that office. Besides, they were such as no man could work unless God were with him.

Can we conceive it possible that God would conspire with an impostor to deceive mankind? That he might in some particular instances permit something supernatural to be wrought for the hardening of an obstinate and incorrigible opposer, is possible enough. This was the fact with regard to Pharaoh's magicians. They could bring some plagues, but not all: nor could they remove any: so careful was God to show that "wherein soever his enemies dealt proudly he was above them." But the nature and number of Christ's miracles, together with the scope and tendency of all his discourses, shows that this idea is wholly inadmissible in the case before us. Nor indeed can it be imagined that a person whose character and conduct resembled that of Christ, would, without any other prospect than that of infamy in life, and misery in death, carry on an imposture for the sole purpose of deceiving and ruining mankind.

Let us then behold the life of Jesus, and doubt his Messiahship if we can.

2. Jesus is at this instant both able and willing to "do good" to us—

When Jesus left this world, he did not cease to possess almighty power: on the contrary, he began to exercise it in the most unlimited extent. He still continued to work miracles through the instrumentality of his Apostles. Was Eneas healed? "Eneas," says the Apostle, "Jesus Christ makes you whole! Acts 9:34." Jesus Christ himself, many years after his ascension, told his beloved Disciple, that he had "the keys of Hell and of death," or, in other words, the power over both the visible and invisible world. Yes, he comes among us as truly by the preaching of his Gospel, as ever he did among the Jews by his bodily presence: he comes to seek out the most miserable and unworthy objects, that on them he may bestow all the blessings of grace and glory. All of us may have access to him, and pour our needs into his bosom, and obtain from him the mercies we stand in need of. If only we can by faith touch, as it were, the hem of his garment, our most inveterate corruptions shall be healed. Let us but be thoroughly persuaded of this truth, and "virtue shall come forth from him to heal us all."

3. Every true Christian will resemble Christ in doing good—

Though some things which our Lord both said and did are not proper for our imitation, because they were peculiar to his office—yet many things were done by him on purpose that they might be imitated, John 13:14-15; and, in respect of the general tenor of his conduct, it is our bounden duty to follow him, 1 John 2:6. A delight in doing good must above all things evidence itself in all his people. We might as well think ourselves his disciples while committing the grossest crimes, as while living in a habitual lack of benevolent affections. Our Lord himself has warned us, that the outcome of the final judgment will depend on this very point. If for his sake, we have abounded in every good word and work, we shall be received by him with plaudits; but if not, we shall be banished from him with tokens of his heaviest displeasure, Matthew 25:34-46.

Let all of us then approve ourselves to be his true disciples by our resemblance to him in condescension, diligence, and self-denial. By nothing will he be so much glorified, or our sincerity evinced, as by this. O that we might all be henceforth known by this character: They go about doing good!

 

#1768

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LEADING DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL

Acts 10:43.

"All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

FOR the space of two thousand years the knowledge of the true God was confined to one nation. But from the beginning it was God's intention in due time to reveal himself to the Gentiles also, and to incorporate them with the Jewish Church. This was frequently declared by the prophets, see Romans 9:25-27; Romans 10:18-20, and insisted on by our Lord, Matthew 8:11-12 and John 10:16. Yet such was the force of prejudice, that the Apostles themselves, notwithstanding the instructions they had received from their Divine Master, and the express commission given them to preach the Gospel to every creature, Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:16, could not conceive that the partition wall was to be broken down. For six years after the day of Pentecost they continued to preach to Jews only; and, when they heard that Peter had gone to speak to a Gentile, they were filled with indignation, and called him to an account for what they deemed to be a most unwarrantable proceeding, Matthew 16:19.

It had been foretold to Peter, that he would have the keys of the kingdom of Heaven, Acts 11:2-3, or of the Gospel dispensation. He had already opened the door to the Jews on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:14; Acts 2:38; Acts 2:41; and now he was sent of God to open it to the Gentiles. The manner in which his doubts were removed will be noticed in another place: at present we observe, that his high commission was executed in the ever-memorable words which we have just read: in elucidating which, we shall consider,

I. The doctrines contained in them—

The Apostle's address to his Gentile audience was concise; but it was clear and energetic. The two leading points in which all men need to be informed, were laid down with precision;

1. Salvation is through Christ as the author—

To see the force and propriety of the Apostle's words, we must consider the occasion of them, and the character of the person to whom they were addressed.

The person who had sent for him was "Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian regiment, Acts 10:1-2." He was a Gentile, but had renounced idolatry, and was a worshiper of the true God. He was singularly pious and "devout:" he was extremely liberal even to the very "people" who held him in abhorrence: and he was careful to bring up his family also in the fear of God. This man had a day that he had set apart for solemn fasting and prayer, Acts 10:30. It is not improbable that he was engaged in prayer with his family at the very time God sent the angel to him. He was visited by an angel, who directed him to send for Peter to show him the way of salvation, Acts 10:32.

Now it was to this man that Peter spoke, when he said, that remission of sins was to be obtained "through the name of Christ." We must therefore understand him as saying, that, however Cornelius might be a worshiper of Jehovah, and not of idols; however sincerely he might fear God, however eminent he might be in respect of abstinence and devotion, of liberality and attention to the spiritual welfare of his family, salvation was not to be obtained by any of these things under the Gospel dispensation, but was to be sought through the name and merits of Jesus Christ. Christ was sent to make atonement for our sins, and to reconcile us unto God; and through him alone, through him exclusively, we must find acceptance with God.

2. Salvation is by faith as the means—

Here again our best illustration of the subject will be from the context. Had Peter simply told Cornelius that he must seek remission of sins through the name of Christ, Cornelius might have thought, that he was to recommend himself to Christ by the very means which he had hitherto used to recommend himself to God, namely, by prayer, alms-deeds, etc. Peter prevents the possibility of such a mistake, by telling him, that "whoever believes in Christ shall receive the remission of sins;" not, whoever obeys him, but whoever believes in him. This showed Cornelius that he must come to Christ as a sinner, to obtain the remission of his sins freely through Jesus' blood and righteousness: that he must not bring his own good deeds with him to purchase this blessing, but must receive it "without money and without price, Isaiah 55:1."

We do not mean to say, that Cornelius could be saved if he lived in willful disobedience to God; but, that he was neither to be accepted of the Father for the merit of his obedience, nor to obtain a saving interest in Christ on account of his obedience. The meritorious cause of his salvation must be the death of Christ, and the instrumental cause, or means, of his salvation must be a reliance on Christ. His obedience must follow the remission of sins as a fruit and effect; but it must not precede the remission of sins in any wise as a cause.

In the text we may yet further notice,

II. The importance of those doctrines—

We can scarcely conceive anything more strongly marked than this:

1. All the prophets bear witness to them—

All the prophets are not equally full and explicit upon this subject; but we have the assurance of God himself that they were unanimous in their opinions upon it, and that they all bear testimony to these blessed truths. Consult Jeremiah, Daniel, Isaiah, Joel, and ask them how we are to obtain remission of sins? they will all say: Christ must be your righteousness, Jeremiah 23:6; it is he alone that can make an end of sin, Daniel 9:24; call therefore upon him, Joel 2:32 with Romans 10:11; Romans 10:13; look unto him; glory in him: there is no Savior besides him, Isaiah 45:22-25; Isaiah 43:11.

What greater proof can we have of the importance of these doctrines, than that which arises from this harmony and concurrence of so many prophets, who lived at periods so distant from Christ and from each other?

2. God wrought many miracles, in order to draw men's attention to them—

In the first place he sent an angel to Cornelius, to inform him where he might find a minister capable of instructing him in these points. Then he had given a vision to Peter, in order to remove his scruples about going to him; and, to render it the more effectual, he renewed that vision thrice, Acts 11:5-10. Then when the messengers were come from Cornelius, and Peter was yet doubting what his vision would mean, the Holy Spirit himself spoke to him, and bade him to go, doubting nothing, Acts 11:12.

Can we suppose that all this had respect to a matter of indifference, or of trifling import? or indeed that anything but that which was essentially necessary to the salvation of every man, was the ground of such singular and repeated interpositions?

3. The Holy Spirit himself set his seal to the truth of them—

While Peter was delivering the very words of the text, the Holy Spirit fell on the whole company, both Jews and Gentiles, as he had done on the Apostles six years before, verse 44 and 11:15. By this he set his seal to the truth of what was delivered. And it is an indisputable fact, that no other doctrine is ever made effectual to the conversion of men; and that wherever these doctrines are preached with fidelity, there sinners are converted from the error of their ways, Jeremiah 23:22; the Holy Spirit bears testimony to the word delivered; and, though he imparts not to any his miraculous powers, he does enlighten the minds of men, and sanctify their hearts.

What shall we say then? that the doctrines thus attested, were of small importance, and, that it is of little consequence whether we receive or reject them?

4. They are declared to be the exclusive means of salvation—

No man, under the Gospel dispensation, can be saved, unless he cordially receive them. What might have been the eternal state of Cornelius, if he had been out of the reach of the Gospel, it is needless for us to inquire. He lived in an age when the Gospel was preached, and might, notwithstanding the prejudices of the Apostles, have been admitted to a participation of all its blessings, by submitting to circumcision first, and afterwards to baptism, provided he had really believed in Christ. There is reason therefore to fear that, notwithstanding his eminent attainments in natural religion, he could not have been saved without faith in Christ; because the angel that bade him send for Peter, informed him, that Peter would "tell him words whereby he and all his house would be saved, Acts 11:14." And when the Apostles heard of his conversion to Christ, they exclaimed, "Then has God also granted repentance unto life to the Gentiles! Acts 11:18."

If one so devout, so unselfish, so charitable, so zealous a worshiper of the true God, needed to believe in Christ in order to obtain the remission of his sins—then how much more must we, who possess not half his virtues! Even the Apostle Paul, who was, "as concerning the righteousness of the law, blameless," "counted it all but loss for Christ Philippians 3:6-7;" moreover, he renounced his evangelical, no less than his legal, righteousness, that he might be accepted through Christ alone, Philippians 3:8-9. We therefore may be well assured, that we must do the same: for in his conduct with respect to this, he has given us an example which all must follow, if they would obtain salvation.

On the other hand, every person who truly receives them, shall certainly be saved. The word "whoever" is of unlimited import: there is no exception: whether a man is a Jew or a heathen; whether he have been more or less wicked; whether he has a longer or a shorter time to live; whether he has a deeper insight into the mysteries of the Gospel, or be but just initiated into its fundamental truths—he shall assuredly receive through Christ the remission of his sins, the very instant he is enabled to believe in Christ.

Whoever he is that desires to obtain salvation, there is but one direction to be given to him, and that is the direction given by Peter to Cornelius, and by Paul to the affrighted jailor; "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved! Acts 16:30-31."

To occupy any more of your time in showing the importance of the doctrines in the text, is superfluous. If it be not demonstrated by the foregoing considerations, we despair of ever establishing the simplest truth that can be proposed.

APPLICATION—

1. Embrace the doctrines which are thus fully established—

What is there to be placed in opposition to these testimonies? Nothing but the unfounded opinions of self-righteous Pharisees. O listen not to their delusions which will only deceive you to your ruin! Let them argue as they will, no other foundation can ever be laid for a sinner to build upon, but that which God has laid, even the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Improve them for the end for which they are delivered—

God has sent them to you by my mouth, even as he did to Cornelius by Peter; and for the same ends; namely, that "you and your households would be saved by them." Consider your state as guilty and undone creatures, and as needing saving mercy at the hands of God: and lay hold upon the hope that is set before you. So shall you obtain "the remission of all your sins," and "be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation!"

 

#1769

NECESSITY AND SUFFICIENCY OF THE GOSPEL SALVATION

Acts 11:13-14.

"He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.'"

WHILE we deny that the Apostle Peter possessed any such supremacy above the other Apostles as the Papists ascribe to him, we most willingly acknowledge that very singular honors were conferred upon him by our Lord himself; and especially that of bearing the keys of the kingdom of Heaven, or, in other words, of opening the kingdom of Heaven both to Jews and Gentiles.

We all know, that, on the day of Pentecost, it was Peter's sermon which was made so pre-eminently useful for the converting of three thousand souls at once: nor can we doubt but that his ministry continued to be crowned with very abundant success. But, for the space of six years, he did not discern the proper extent of the commission that had been given to the Apostles generally; namely, to "go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature;" and still less did he know what authority he had himself personally received, to open the door of salvation to the Gentiles, as he had already done to the Jews.

Hence, when the time was come for the fuller manifestation of the truth to the Gentiles, he needed to have his prejudices removed, by a special interposition of God for that purpose; and fresh instructions given to him, as much as if the purposes of Heaven, in relation to that matter, had never been revealed to him. Indeed, all the other Apostles were in this respect as ignorant as he: for, when he had executed the divine commission, they called him to an account for it, as having been guilty of a most heinous transgression. He, however, in his vindication of his conduct, showed them that he had acted under the immediate direction of God, who had instructed Cornelius where to send for him, and had enjoined him also to comply with the request.

The particular direction given by the Angel to Cornelius, in relation to this matter, was, "Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved." In which words we may see at once both the necessity of the Gospel for man's salvation, and its sufficiency: and these two points it is my intention to dwell on at this time.

Let us then consider,

I. The necessity of the Gospel—

Perhaps, in all the Scriptures, there will not be found a passage which more strongly declares this, than that before us.

The knowledge of the Gospel was necessary even for Cornelius—

Cornelius was a peculiarly excellent character, even before he was acquainted with the Gospel: "He was a devout man: he feared God with all his house: though a Gentile himself, he gave much alms to the Jewish people: and he prayed to God always:" and so upright was he in his endeavors to approve himself to God, that his "prayers and alms came up for a memorial before God, Acts 10:2; Acts 10:4," and "were had in remembrance in God's sight, Acts 10:31."

Now, if any person could be saved without the Gospel, we might well suppose that it would be Cornelius. But, now that the Gospel was fully revealed, and he was within the reach of it, a distinct knowledge of its provisions, and a cordial acceptance of its offers, were necessary for his salvation: and, rather than he would be left without a saving interest in it, God sent an angel to inform him where he might find a person who would "bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved." If the knowledge of the Gospel was necessary for Cornelius, then,

The knowledge of it must be necessary for us also—

We are ready to imagine that a moral and religious character will give us a title to acceptance with God. But it is not by that that any man can be saved. There is "a message through which you and all your household will be saved:" and what that message is, we know from the discourse of Peter on this occasion. We must be informed respecting the person, work, and office, of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must know, that "He, though Lord of all," became a man for us, and died upon the cross for the effecting of "our peace" with God, and was raised from the dead by God, and is appointed both to judge the world, and to save the world, Acts 10:36-42.

I say, to this the whole Scriptures bear witness; and this testimony we must receive as the ground of all our hopes: and by a humble trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, as so revealed, we are to obtain "the remission of our sins, Acts 10:43." There is no "other foundation than this on which any man can build, 1 Corinthians 3:11;" "no other way whereby any man can come unto the Father, John 14:6;" "no other name given under Heaven whereby any man can be saved, Acts 4:12." Without a distinct knowledge of the Gospel, our prayers will not avail; nor will our alms avail: nor will a devout spirit, joined to the fear of God, avail: there is away of salvation provided for us through the atoning blood and righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ; and in that way alone can we ever come to God, or find acceptance with him. If we attempt to seek his favor in any other way, we shall seek it in vain! Romans 9:31-33; Romans 10:3-4."

With the necessity of the Gospel for our salvation, let us contemplate also,

II. Its sufficiency—

This is fully and unequivocally declared in the history before us—

The proofs of it here are manifold. Observe the declaration of the angel no doubt was expressed by him respecting the efficacy of Peter's words for the desired end: all that was lacking was, that they would be received and relied upon by Cornelius and his family; and then the whole of them would be saved.

Observe next, the actual experience of Cornelius. He received the word with all readiness, and confided in it; and the Holy Spirit descended upon him, and upon all who were with him, Acts 10:44; Acts 10:47; and not only sealed the blessings of salvation on their souls, but endued them with miraculous powers in token of Christ's love to them, and for the extension of his kingdom by their means.

Observe yet further, the testimony of all the Apostles. They had hitherto been utterly averse to the idea of the Gentiles being saved by the Gospel: but when they heard the account of the whole transaction as given by Peter, "they glorified God for it; saying: Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life, verse 18."

The whole Scriptures also bear testimony to the same—

We never find the smallest doubt expressed respecting the sufficiency of the Gospel salvation. No person is excepted from its offers, nor any sin from its absolving power: while "the blood of Christ cleanses from all sin," "he is able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him." The provision made by the Gospel is sufficient, not for the small household of Cornelius only, but for the whole family of man. Could all be prevailed upon to receive Christ into their hearts by faith, not a human being would ever perish: "All who would believe in him would be justified from all things," and "be saved by him with an everlasting salvation."

Having thus proclaimed to you the same blessed tidings which were delivered by Peter to Cornelius, let me entreat you to remember,

1. The honor which God puts upon the ministry of his word—

God, in his mercy, determined to bring Cornelius and his family to the knowledge of the truth; and for this end he sent an angel to inform Cornelius where he might find one competent to instruct him. At the same time gave Peter repeated visions for the purpose of removing his religious scruples, and an audible voice from Heaven, also, to authorize his going to a man that was uncircumcised.

But what need was there of all these various operations? Why would not the angel declare the Gospel to Cornelius, instead of telling him where to send for a human instructor? God had revealed other things by angels—and why not this? The reason was, that, having ordained an established ministry, he would put honor on that ministry, and accomplish his purposes in that way which was best suited to the necessities of fallen man.

In the case of the Ethiopian Eunuch, God did not use even his own revealed word for his conversion, without the intervention and ministry of Philip, whom he sent on purpose to instruct the inquiring student. In like manner, he sent Peter now, because he would have all to seek instruction through the instrumentality of those whom he himself had ordained to that high office.

Let none, then, despise the ministry of the word, as though it might be dispensed with, or from a conceit that they can edify themselves to more advantage at home; for "the Gospel is God's treasure, though it be in earthen vessels, 2 Corinthians 4:7;" and they only can hope to be enriched by it, who will receive it in God's appointed way.

The waters of Jordan had no more intrinsic power than those of Abana and Pharpar: it was God's blessing alone that rendered them available for the curing of Naaman's leprosy: and it is that blessing also, which will alone prevail for the healing of our souls. If we will not seek salvation in the channel where alone God has ordained it to flow, we shall in vain hope to obtain it through any other medium.

To confirm this truth, Cornelius was ordered to send thirty or forty miles for Peter, to instruct him: and I hesitate not to say, that, as his labor was well repaid by the ministry of that holy man, so the labor of this blessed Apostle was richly recompensed by the success with which it was attended.

I may further say, that all the labor and expense attending either the stated ministry of the word, or the establishment of missions to heathen lands, are unworthy of a thought, in comparison with the benefits obtained by them!

2. The light in which ministers and hearers would regard each other—

The particular process by which Peter and Cornelius were brought together were mere circumstances, with which we, in this day, have little concern. But every minister is an ambassador from God, as truly, though not in the precise sense, as Peter was: and the people to whom he is sent ought to receive his word, as far as it accords with the voice of inspiration, "as the word, not of man, but of God, 1 Thessalonians 2:13."

The precise state in which we should all meet together in the public ordinances, cannot possibly be more justly marked than in the history before us. Peter evidently went as a special messenger from God to Cornelius and his family; and having nothing in view but "to tell them words whereby they might all be saved." (All thoughts of self were as far from his mind as can possibly be imagined.) As for Cornelius and his family, their views in assembling together are depicted by themselves in those memorable words: "Now are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded you by God, Acts 10:33." None were brought by mere curiosity: none came for amusement: none looked to a mere man. All looked, through the man, to God; and received his message as from God himself. We wonder not at the effects which flowed from such a delivery, and such a reception, of God's blessed word.

Would not we also experience a measure of the same effects, if we met together in the same spirit? Yes, we would; and to the lack of this must be traced the inefficacy of our ordinances: we do not come together as we ought: neither minister nor hearers feel, as we ought, the importance of the occasion on which we are assembled. We come together too much in a customary way, not aware how much our eternal interests are at stake. Let us, my brethren, each in his place, endeavor to rectify our respective errors; and look up to God in future, that "the word preached may be more profitable; being more mixed with faith," both in Him who delivers, and "in those who hear it."

 

#1770

LIFE GRANTED TO THE GENTILES

Acts 11:18.

When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."

HERE we have an account of an event in which we all are deeply interested: The opening of the door of salvation to the Gentiles. Peter was the honored instrument employed. "To him our blessed Lord had given the keys of the kingdom of Heaven," that he might open it both to Jews and Gentiles. To the Jews he had opened it, on the day of Pentecost: and now, after the lapse of six years, he opens it to the Gentiles also. In the words of my text we have,

I. The fact acknowledged—

A most remarkable fact it was. It was remarkable,

1. In its attendant circumstances—

To enter fully into this subject, the preceding chapter, together with this, should be read throughout. Cornelius, a Roman centurion, a heathen, was favored by Almighty God with a vision; and an angel was sent from Heaven, to instruct him where to send for one who was able to preach unto him the way of salvation. The next morning, Peter also had a vision given to him, in order to remove his scruples about going to a heathen. And, when he was musing upon the import of this vision, the servants of Cornelius arrived, having come a day's journey to request a visit from him; and the Spirit of God expressly enjoined him to comply with their solicitations. Accordingly, he went: and, having been informed by Cornelius by what authority his presence had been desired, he preached the Gospel to him and to his friends: and the Holy Spirit descended on the whole company, in confirmation of the word delivered, and marked them out as proper subjects to be received into the Church by baptism. Accordingly, "Peter commanded them to be baptized:" and, after a few days abode with his new converts, left them, and went up to Jerusalem. Nor was the fact less remarkable,

2. In its outcome—

A rumor of these events had already reached Jerusalem: and the Church there, with all the Apostles at their head, being filled with indignation against Peter "for going in to one that was uncircumcised, and eating with him," demanded of him the reasons for so extraordinary a conduct. Upon this, Peter reported to them all that had occurred, both respecting the vision given to Cornelius, and that given to himself; and particularly the descent of the Holy Spirit upon them all, precisely as on the Apostles themselves on the day of Pentecost. This convinced them, that what he had done was of Divine appointment; and that "God had to the Gentiles also, no less than to the Jews, granted repentance unto life." The fact was now unquestionable; and they could not but acknowledge it.

But, to enter into the true spirit of the words, we must notice in them,

II. The surprise manifested—

The Apostles, even after an interval of six years, had no idea of the extension of the Gospel to the Gentiles—

They had, by the law of Moses, been taught to regard the uncircumcised Gentiles as unclean, and to avoid all needless connection with them. The whole ceremonial law was intended as a kind of partition wall between them and the Gentiles. And even the Lord Jesus Christ himself had declared that "he was not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel;" and that "he could not take the children's bread, and cast it unto dogs," which was deemed the proper appellation of the heathen. And when he had sent out his seventy disciples, he gave them an especial commandment, "Do not enter into any city of the Samaritans."

How then could Peter, with any propriety, go to a heathen family, and take up his abode with them? True, the circumstances, which he had related, justified his procedure: but still it was unaccountable, that God would so vary his dispensations, after having confined his revelation to the descendants of Abraham for two thousand years, and left all the heathen world in darkness and in the shadow of death during the whole of that period.

But now, to their utter amazement, the wall of partition between them and the Gentiles was thrown down—

That it was so, admitted of no doubt. But still, the reasons of this dispensation they could not yet see. True, the Lord Jesus had said to them, "Go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." But they supposed this could only refer to the Jews, who were dispersed among the Gentiles, it never could refer to the Gentiles themselves. They could never be placed on a level with the descendants of Abraham; or be made to inherit the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant: those who were "strangers and foreigners could never be made fellow-citizens with the saints and of the household of God." Yet so it was; and they could not contradict it: and therefore, in utter amazement, they cried, "Then has God to the Gentiles also granted repentance unto life." How it is, we know not; but that so it is, we are sure: since the account now given us has confirmed it, beyond a possibility of doubt.

We see, however—yet further, in these words,

III. The approbation expressed—

In this light, beyond a doubt, they are to be viewed—

The prejudices, which had so long blinded their eyes, were now removed; and a new principle of love sprung up in their hearts; so that they could welcome the accession of the Gentiles to their community, and the participation of the whole heathen world in the privileges which they themselves had so long exclusively enjoyed. Hence we are told, that they not only "held their peace," but "glorified God, saying: Then has God has also granted repentance unto life to the Gentiles!"

And in what light should they be viewed by us?

Cornelius himself was not more interested in this event than we. To this event we look, as the period from whence to date all our privileges. From this time the Gospel was freely preached to the Gentiles; from among whom thousands of converts were made, yes, and millions also, insomuch that, in a few years, the whole Roman empire was filled with them. From that time has the Gospel been transmitted, until it has come even unto us: and we enjoy all its privileges and its blessings, as much as our hearts can wish. With what joy and gratitude, then, should we exclaim, "To us Gentiles has God granted repentance unto life!" Yes, in this event we would contemplate our own interests, as well as those of Cornelius; and would mark with our most distinguished approbation, the mercy thus freely given to the whole world.

But we must not confine our views of this passage to the event which then took place. We must get it repeated in our own persons, and experienced in our own souls:

We need salvation no less than Cornelius and his company—

Cornelius was of a most lovely character; and though not enlightened by the Gospel, was doubtless eminently distinguished by a preparatory work of God upon his soul, and admirably fitted for a reception of the Gospel by the grace of God, Acts 10:2; Acts 10:4. Yet it was by the Gospel alone that he was to be saved verse 14; since, whatever preparatory attainments a man may have, "there is no name given under Heaven whereby any man can be saved, but the name of Jesus Christ." Know then, brethren, all of you without exception, that you must know Christ, before you can be saved by his salvation.

And this salvation you must seek through God's appointed ordinances—

God has set apart an order of men on purpose to instruct the world. He could have communicated the knowledge of salvation to Cornelius, as easily as he could direct him where to find an instructor. But he would rather accumulate vision upon vision, and miracle upon miracle, to honor his own appointed ordinances, than convey the knowledge of eternal life in the neglect of them. Accordingly, Cornelius sent a whole day's journey to get instruction from Peter; and Peter went a whole day's journey to impart it to one single family: from whence we learn, that no pains are to be spared, either in seeking or imparting divine knowledge; and that the more strictly we adhere to God's appointed methods of obtaining it, the more confidently we may hope to succeed in our endeavors.

But you must seek it with befitting humility—

Behold the posture of Cornelius and his company: "Now are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded you by God, Acts 10:33." This is the state of mind in which you also, my brethren, are to come up to the house of God. You are not to come from mere form, or from curiosity; nor are you to come with a mind clouded by prejudices or biases. You are to come with teachable minds, ready to receive, as from God, all that God speaks to you by us, so far as it accords with his written word. You must come also with a determination, through grace, to embrace it all without disputing, and to obey it all without reserve.

And we have the same instruction for you as was communicated by Peter to that assembly—

We "preach peace to you by Jesus Christ, Acts 10:36;" and declare, that, as there is no reconciliation with God but through his atoning blood, so "all who believe in him shall be justified from all things." In confirmation of this, we appeal to every part of the inspired volume, showing, that "to Him give all the prophets witness, that, through the name of Christ, whoever believes in him shall receive the remission of sins, Acts 10:43 with 13:38, 39."

And to this will the Holy Spirit bear witness, as in the case before us—

He will not, indeed, impart miraculous powers, as in that day; but he will give testimony to the truth that Christ is a Savior, an all-sufficient Savior, to all who call upon him Acts, 10:44; he will seal it upon the heart, and will render it the means of comforting and sanctifying the souls of all who truly receive it.

But we must "repent," even as Cornelius and his associates did—

Though "life" is not by repentance, but by Jesus Christ—there is no life to the impenitent. Life and repentance are never separated in the dispensations of God; nor can they be separated in our experience. Even though we have been as exemplary as ever Cornelius was, we are yet sinners; and must abase ourselves before God, as deserving of his wrath and indignation: and must "flee to Christ for refuge, as to the one hope that is set before us!"

To God, however, we must look to grant us this gift—

You cannot but see how it was "granted" to them, in every stage of its progress. The first intimation to Cornelius that he needed a Savior, was given him in the vision; and the direction where to send for instruction was given by an angel of God; even the name of the person, and the town where he dwelt, and the very house where he lived. All the obstacles which were in the way were removed by the vision to Peter and "the words were put into the mouth of Peter, whereby Cornelius and his house were to be saved, verse 14;" and the whole was applied by the Holy Spirit to their soul?

Thus, then, must you also look unto God, to instruct your minds, and to impress the truth with effectual energy upon your souls. Do but this, my brethren; and, as it was said with rapture by the Church at Jerusalem, "Behold, God has unto the Gentiles granted repentance unto life!" so shall it now be said among the angels of God in Heaven: "Behold, God has to that assembly granted repentance unto life!" Yes, those benevolent beings, though in the very presence of God, "rejoice over one sinner who repents." O that they may have joy over you, my brethren, this day! And may "God be glorified" in every one of you, to all eternity, for Christ's sake! Amen, and Amen.

 

#1771

DUTY OF CLEAVING TO THE LORD

ACTS 11:22-23.

"News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to cleave to the Lord with all their hearts."

TO see men converted unto God is a source of very exalted joy: still, however, that joy is by no means unmixed. In viewing a tree full of blossoms, we almost irresistibly contemplate the dangers to which they are exposed, and the probability there is that many of them at least will never come to maturity.

Our blessed Lord, in the parable of the Sower, has taught us to expect a similar outcome in relation to the fruits produced by the Gospel: and experience confirms the truth of his representations. Hence, while we rejoice over young converts, we are constrained to "rejoice with trembling." Agreeably to this observation, we find the Apostles invariably laboring "to confirm the souls of the disciples, Acts 14:21-22," and "persuading them to continue in the grace of God, Acts 13:43."

Such was the conduct of Barnabas towards the disciples at Antioch: "He was glad when he saw the grace of God" manifested in their conversion; but, being "jealous over them with a godly jealousy," he "exhorted them all, without any distinction, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord." This exhortation of his leads us to contemplate the dangers and the duties of the Lord's people:

I. The dangers—

Had the new converts been in no danger of departing from the Lord, they had not needed such a pledge exhortation to cleave unto him. But the truth is, that all Christians are in danger.

1. From the ungodly world—

It is not easy to say which are more replete with danger to the Christian, the frowns or the smiles of the ungodly world. Their hatred is often difficult to be borne. When persecution arises from those who are nearly related to us, or invested with authority over us, or on whom our temporal interests materially depend; and more especially when it rages to such an extent that we must forsake all to follow Christ—it requires much grace to meet the trial aright, and much strength to maintain our steadfastness in the Lord's ways. We are apt to give way to that "fear of man which brings a snare." On one occasion, Paul was forsaken by all the Church at Rome, through a fear of participating in his trials, 2 Timothy 4:16; nor can any man tell how he shall conduct himself under such circumstances, until he is actually placed in them.

Sometimes it happens that our friends, instead of using violence, endeavor to divert us from our purpose by kindness. And then we feel it ten times more difficult to oppose their wishes: we begin to think that it is better to make compliances, and not adhere too strictly to the requisitions of the Gospel. We flatter ourselves, that by such means we shall soften their prejudices against religion, and perhaps win them to Christ: but in this way we are in danger of wounding our own consciences, and of relapsing altogether into the ways and spirit of the world.

A measure of tenderness and conciliation we highly approve; but it may easily be carried too far, and bring us to seek that "friendship of the world which is enmity with God, James 4:4."

2. From our own corrupt hearts—

The heart is naturally carnal; and it is but in part renewed even in the best of men: "the flesh still lusts against the Spirit, as well as the Spirit against the flesh, Galatians 5:17." Paul himself complained that he had "a law in his members warring against the law of his mind, and bringing him into captivity to the law of sin which was in his members, Romans 7:23." Hence the cares or pleasures of life soon regain an ascendant over us, if we in the least relax our watchfulness against them; or perhaps, like David, we fall into the grossest crimes. Demas has shown us how awfully the most distinguished professors of religion may depart from God, 2 Timothy 4:10. In the thorny-ground hearers, we see how all the life of religion may be lost, while the outward form of it remains unaltered, Matthew 13:22. After our Lord's exhortation to his own Apostles, we may see that there is no sin whatever into which we may not fall, if we be for one moment left to the workings of our own evil hearts Luke 21:34.

Indeed, independent of any gross sin to which we may be allured, the heart is of itself so indisposed to spiritual exercises, that it will soon faint and be weary in them, if its strength is not daily renewed by the Spirit of God. Hence that direction of the Apostle, "Be not weary in well-doing, Galatians 6:9."

3. From the temptations of Satan—

One of the first devices of Satan is to persuade men that so much exertion in the divine life is not necessary; and, as he did respecting our Lord, he will instigate some friend to whisper in our ear, "Spare yourself." If he does not succeed in this way, he will suggest to us that our efforts are in vain; that we never were truly converted unto God; that we are not in the number of God's elect; that we have committed the unpardonable sin; and we had better secure the happiness that is within our reach, than labor for that which we can never obtain.

Alas! how many has he deceived by these wiles, and ruined by these devices! Well then may we be on our guard against him, since we are told that "he is always walking about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." There had not been such armor provided for our use, if we had not a very arduous conflict to maintain, Ephesians 6:11-12.

4. From the very members of the Church itself—

Paul warned the elders of Ephesus that they were in great "peril from false brethren;" and that not only from other quarters, but "even from among their own selves, some would arise, speaking perverse things, and drawing away disciples after them, Acts 20:29-30." And who that is conversant with the sacred writings, or with the state of the Christian Church at this day, need be told what havoc false brethren have made, sometimes "subverting whole houses," and "bringing in damnable heresies, whereby they bring destruction both on themselves and multitudes of unsuspecting followers, 2 Peter 2:1; 2 Peter 3:17."

Even where persons do not go to these extremes, they may diffuse a vain, conceited and contentious spirit, and beguile the simple-minded to an awful extent. We all know how easy it is to receive bad impressions; and how difficult to get rid of them, when once received. There is, if I may so call it, a virgin simplicity, which is the chief beauty and excellence of a Christian, and which, if once lost, is very hardly recovered; and to preserve it among a people, requires all the vigilance of the most active minister, as well as all the caution of the people themselves, 2 Corinthians 11:2-3.

From contemplating the dangers of the Lord's people, we are naturally led to consider also,

II. The duties—

These are manifestly contained in the words of our text, partly by implication, and partly as directly expressed:

1. We should be aware of our danger—

There is not anything more harmful to the Christian than a presumptuous security—yet how extremely common is it in the Church of God! The professors of religion see, and condemn, this evil among their less-enlightened neighbors, and yet are unconscious of its existence in themselves! They even see it in each other; but almost every one conceives himself to be an exception from the rest. Others may be ensnared by the world, or deceived by their own corrupt hearts, or beguiled by Satan, or drawn aside into some wrong sentiments or habits by their brethren—but I am clear; I am right; I am in no danger.

Let all of us look back, and trace the workings of our own hearts, and we shall find reason to acknowledge either that we have already, on many occasions, been impeded in our Christian course, or that, if we have not, it has been owing to the exceeding and abundant grace of God towards us.

We should be deeply sensible of our own frailty; and should shun the means and occasions of sin, as much as sin itself. We should "not be high-minded, but fear:" and, "while we most think that we stand, we would take heed lest we fall." Not that it is desirable for any one to be brought into bondage, or to live under the influence of slavish fear—but, a humble filial fear is desirable at all times: such a fear, I mean, as drives us to the Lord for safety, and leads us to put our whole trust in him. In this sense, "blessed is the man who fears always."

2. We should have a fixed and determined purpose to cleave unto the Lord—

Let me not be misunderstood, as if I would recommend anyone to make resolutions in his own strength. The example of Peter may show us the folly of such confidence: he who one hour declared that he would sooner die with Christ than deny him, denied him the next hour with oaths and curses. But in the Lord's strength we may, and must resolve. "My heart is fixed, my heart is fixed, I will sing and give praise unto the Lord," was a resolution worthy to be formed: as was that also of Joshua, that though all Israel would depart from God, "he and his house would serve the Lord."

Indeed without such a fixed purpose of heart, we shall become the sport of every temptation. We must determine, through grace, that we will be faithful to our God; that neither the allurements of life, nor the terrors of death, shall induce us to turn aside from following him. We must keep our eye single in this respect: we must have one object, and one alone, in view: to honor God must be the one aim of our lives. In relation to this, we must maintain with equal firmness the principles and the practice of Christianity: we must "hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering," and "be steadfast, unmoveable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord."

"Allow then a word of exhortation." That the subject is deserving of your deepest attention, cannot be doubted. The character given of Barnabas, in the words following our text, is a pledge of it; "He was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith." He was "a son of consolation;" and therefore we may be sure he did not needlessly endeavor to distress the souls of any: yet he exhorted all without exception, because all are in danger of falling, and of "making shipwreck of the faith."

Consider then, beloved, what obligations you are under to cleave unto the Lord.

Has he so highly favored you with tokens of his love and mercy, that you would forsake him at last?

Has our blessed Savior shed his blood for you, that you would "tread him under your feet" by relapsing into sin?

Has the Holy Spirit enlightened, quickened, sanctified you, that you would "do despite to him," and "quench "his sacred motions?

Have you "found God a wilderness to you," that you would desert him, and go back again to the world for happiness?

Is it wise to "leave the fountain for broken cisterns?" Is it likely to make you happier even in this world; and, if not, how much less will it do so in the world to come?

Did you ever read that those who turn back, "turn back unto perdition;" and that "God's soul can have no pleasure in them?"

Be on your guard then, before it is too late. But if any will not take warning, I shall conclude my address to them with the solemn declaration of Moses, just before his death, "I call Heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life that you may live, and that you may love the Lord your God, and cleave unto him; for he is your life, and the length of your days, Deuteronomy 30:19-20.

 

#1772

BENEVOLENCE OF THE CHURCH OF ANTIOCH

Acts 11:29-30.

"The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul."

GOD is love; and all who have been truly taught of God, are transformed into his image: their selfish passions are in a good measure subdued; and their delight is in the exercise of the most benevolent affections. To such an extent was the principle of love carried by the first converts, that the rich parted with their estates and goods, to form one common stock for the subsistence of the whole Church, thereby reducing themselves to a level with the poorest of their brethren. The Church of Antioch also were very exemplary in their exercise of this grace. They were informed by prophecy, that there would, before long, be a famine throughout all the Roman empire: and therefore, concluding that the pressure would be particularly felt by their brethren at Jerusalem, where there were none able to support their distressed neighbors, on account of the voluntary poverty they had brought upon themselves, they raised a collection, and sent it to the elders of that Church, who, from their knowledge of the various individuals, might dispose of their alms to the greatest possible advantage.

This benevolence of theirs shall be the subject of our present discourse. We will,

I. Contemplate it for your instruction—

In the account of it which is here given us, there are two things to be noticed:

1. The occasion that called it forth—

A prophet, named Agabus, foretold a famine which would involve the whole Roman empire in extreme distress: and, as he had recently come from Jerusalem, it is probable that he stated some circumstances in relation to the Church in that place, which would occasion the affliction to be felt there with more than ordinary severity. Immediately the Church at Antioch, feeling their obligations to those at Jerusalem, to whom they were indebted for all the spiritual benefits they enjoyed, and justly conceiving that this was a peculiarly proper season for requiting them with temporal benefits, which on account of their comparative opulence they were able to do, immediately raised a collection among themselves, for the relief of their brethren at Jerusalem when the season of their trial would arrive.

Now from hence we learn some very important lessons:

The first of which is, That every word of God should be regarded by us as a ground of action. The event predicted did not come to pass for some time: yet was the provision made for it instantaneously, as much as if it had existed at that very moment. The prediction itself was to them a sufficient pledge that the season would arrive, whether at an earlier or more remote period: the times and seasons were in God's hands; but their duty was to provide for the occasion beforehand; and therefore they exerted themselves without delay.

How happy would it be for us, if we regarded every declaration of God with similar awe and reverence! O let us not think that remoteness of time will make any difference as to the certainty of future events; for everything that God has spoken in reference to the eternal world, will as certainly take place, as if the events were close at hand; and it is our duty now to act, as if we were assured that a few hours only would intervene between the prediction and the accomplishment.

Another lesson which their conduct teaches us is, That benevolence is essential to the Christian character. Their benevolence was altogether spontaneous, the effect of a principle universally operative among them. That principle is altogether inseparable from the Christian character; for, "if we love not our brother whom we have seen, how can we love God whom we have not seen?" We should consider "all, but especially the household of faith," as "brethren;" and should regard our property as a talent committed to us by our common Father, for the benefit of the whole family. "We should not seek our own things, but the things which are Jesus Christ's".

2. The manner in which it was exercised—

Behold their zeal! all were animated by the same spirit; and "every one" exerted himself "according to his ability." Had they been disposed to indulge a selfish spirit, they might have found excuses enough for withholding present supplies. "The occasion had not yet arrived: they themselves would be subject to the same calamity, and were more bound to provide for their immediate neighbors than for others at the distance of several hundred miles."

But they listened not to any such suggestions: it was sufficient for them that an opportunity had occurred for the exercise of love, and for the honoring of their Lord; and therefore they improved it instantly to the utmost of their power.

Thus also should we: "Whatever our hand finds to do, we should do it with our might:" and especially in administering relief to the Lord's people, we should not estimate our liberality by the mere amount of our donations, so much as by our ability to give; since in God's sight the widow, with her two mites, gave more than all the rich, who, out of their abundance, had cast large sums into the treasury.

We admire too their prudence. They could not themselves go to Jerusalem to inspect the state of the Church, and administer relief with their own hands; they therefore sent their money to the elders of that Church, who, by their local knowledge, were qualified, and by their exalted piety were disposed—to dispense the alms in the most equitable and effectual manner.

In this also they have left us a very instructive lesson, to attend with the utmost care to the manner in which we dispose of our alms: for, as the withholding of alms is sinful stinginess, so indiscreet charity is criminal profuseness.

Without stopping to multiply lessons of instruction from their benevolence, we will now,

II. Propose it for your imitation—

We have at this time,

1. A similar occasion for benevolence—

Namely, the pressure of the times, the want especially in time of sickness, and, above all, the need of spiritual instruction and consolation, which are of infinitely greater value than any temporal benefits whatever.

2. Similar means of exercising it—

They committed to the elders of the Church at Jerusalem the task of selecting the objects, and apportioning the alms; and thankfully availed themselves of the labors of others, to carry into effect their benevolent designs.

Now among us there are many united into a society, for the express purpose of finding out the needs of the poor, and of administering also to their spiritual necessities Here state how they conduct their affairs. Whatever, therefore, your liberality shall contribute, will be disposed of by them to much better effect than if you were to bestow your alms upon the poor with your own hands, unless you could at the same time inquire into all the circumstances of their different cases, and stop to unite spiritual instruction with your temporal relief.

These persons, like the elders at Jerusalem, cannot, out of their own funds, do good to any great extent; nor would their visits be well received by the poor, if they offered nothing but good advice: but, when they can impart also some relief for the body, they are more kindly welcomed as instructors for the soul. The hearts, as well as the houses, of the poor are easier of access, when the way is smoothed by "a gift in the bosom."

3. Similar obligations to exercise it—

They felt the force of redeeming love; and judged that they ministered to Christ himself, while they relieved him in his distressed members. Are these motives to benevolence lessened by the lapse of time? Are not we as much bound to devote ourselves, and all that we have, to Christ, as they could be? In some respects, our obligations to exert ourselves are greater than theirs: for the sole object of their benevolence was to bestow temporal relief; whereas that, though an important, is a subordinate, consideration with us, who aim principally at promoting the eternal welfare of our fellow-creatures. If then we profess to love the Lord Jesus Christ, let us now approve our love to him, by our zealous exertions, and liberal contributions

1. We have a similar occasion for benevolence.

2. Let us exercise it in the same manner with readiness, with generosity—with a special regard to Christ as our common Head and Savior.

 

#1773

PETER'S DELIVERANCE FROM PRISON

Acts 12:5.

"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him."

THE Scriptures inform us, that "God's counsel shall stand, and that he will do all his pleasure." Let the combinations against him be ever so formidable, the ultimate outcome of the contest is certain, Psalm 2:4-6. Whatever circumstances therefore we may be in, we may safely commit our cause to him with confidence and composure, Psalm 11:1-4. We cannot conceive a finer illustration of this subject, than that which is contained in the account of Peter's deliverance from prison.

Let us make some observations upon,

I. His danger—

This was imminent indeed, whether we consider,

1. The crime of which he was accused—

Had he been guilty of sedition or murder? No. What then had he done that had incensed Herod, and rendered his apprehension and death a subject of universal satisfaction? He had preached the Gospel with indefatigable zeal, and had labored to convert both Jews and Gentiles to the knowledge of Christ. This was an offense that could not be expiated, but by his blood. All that had preceded him in the same path from the beginning of the world, had incurred the resentment of their contemporaries; and, almost without exception, had suffered death for their fidelity; as Abel, and all the prophets, abundantly testify. And we cannot but wonder, that, when persons are hated, reviled, and persecuted, simply for righteousness' sake, (as thousands in this day are, as well as in former times,) it does not immediately occur to their persecutors, that these very sufferings are a testimony in their favor, Luke 21:13; inasmuch as they mark a close resemblance between them, and the persecuted saints of old. But as long as "men love darkness rather than light," they will hate, and extinguish too if they can, the light that shines around them.

2. The state to which he was reduced—

He was in prison, chained to two soldiers, (one on either hand,) and guarded by sixteen, four of them at a time. His friends, though numerous, had no power to rescue him; nor had he any in Herod's court to intercede for him. Nor was there now time for any favorable occurrences to arise; for this was his very last night; and on the morrow he was to be brought forth for public execution: and all his own country-men were anxiously waiting for the last tragic scene, and hoping within a few hours to feast their eyes with his blood. What hope then remained for him? Die he must: nor did there appear the smallest prospect, but that the fate which had already removed James, awaited him.

But "what is impossible with man, is possible with God;" as we see in,

II. His deliverance—

Mark the means used for his deliverance—

From human intervention there was no hope: but the poor trembling disciples did not yet despair: they knew that wherever the enemies of the Church might deal wickedly, God was above them. To God therefore they addressed themselves with redoubled importunity: and continued all night in unceasing prayer for him. What foolish means would these appear to those who knew how closely he was guarded, and how determinately both Herod and the Jews were bent upon his death!

But, if God is omnipotent, then prayer, which interests God for us, may be called omnipotent also. What has it not done? It has opened and shut the heavens; vanquished armies; saved kingdoms; raised the dead; and it has an express promise from God, that, whatever the subject of it is, (provided it is agreeable to his will,) the requests urged by two or three, with united faith and fervor, shall certainly be granted.

O that we, as individuals, as a Church, as a nation, did but justly appreciate the power of prayer! How safe would we be from enemies, and how happy under the protection of our God!

See also the manner in which he was delivered—

God heard the supplications of his people; and marked, by the very time and manner of his interposition, what it was that prevailed for his deliverance. Access to Peter, though barred with respect to men, was as open as ever to God, and to angels as his ministering servants. God therefore sent an angel to effect his deliverance: and behold, how speedily the work was done! The chains fell off his hands; the keepers and soldiers were constrained in some way or other, so that they could make no resistance; and the iron gate that entered into the city, opened to them of its own accord. So surprising was this deliverance, that Peter himself could not conceive it to be true, but thought it was all passing in a mere vision. And when he went to the house where the people were praying for him, and the damsel who kept the door, affirmed that it was Peter who stood knocking at the door, and that she knew his voice, they told her she was mad: and when they could not silence her positive assertions, they said, "It must be his angel." Had they duly considered, they would have seen that he was expressly given in answer to their prayers; and that God had fulfilled to them his own gracious promise, that "before they called he would answer, and, while they were yet speaking, he would hear! Isaiah 65:24. See a similar instance in Daniel 9:20-21; Daniel 9:23."

We may learn from hence,

1. The blessedness of serving God—

It may appear at first, that there is no inference less deducible from the subject than this: for, is there any blessedness in imprisonment, and bonds, and death? But look at Peter on the very night previous to his intended execution: he is sleeping as soundly as if no evil whatever awaited him; insomuch that the extraordinary light which shone into the prison did not interrupt his slumbers; nor did he awake, until "the angel smote him on the side."

Behold too, the interposition of God for him! Was an angel needed to liberate him from prison? An angel is sent from Heaven on purpose; and soldiers, chains, bars, gates, have no longer any power to confine him.

Surely then, if to enjoy such composure in the immediate prospect of death, and such protection from God when all human help has failed, be blessed, it is blessed to serve our God, who promises such mercies to his faithful people. Do not be afraid then of the frowns of men: but fear God, who is alike able to save or to destroy. Seek your happiness in doing the Divine will; and then you may safely commit your every concern to him, knowing, that if God is for you, none can, with any effect, exert themselves against you.

2. The efficacy of united prayer—

Prayer may appear for a time to be offered in vain: "God may bear long with his people," even when they are most importunate. But we must not mistake delays for denials. "God has never said to any, 'Seek my face' in vain." Circumstances may arise, wherein it will be more for the good even of the Church itself that prayer would not be answered precisely in the way that we might wish. This doubtless was the case with respect to James, whose fortitude in suffering martyrdom was more useful to the Church than his continued labors would have been. But where any matter will really issue in God's glory and the Church's good, we may ask for it with an absolute assurance that it shall be granted.

No nation since the establishment of Christianity ever enjoyed greater mercies from God than ours; and if we knew the history of it as it is recorded in Heaven, I doubt not but that the prayers of God's people would be found to have wrought more for us, than all our fleets and armies have ever done.

Let all of us then give ourselves unto prayer in our secret chambers. Let societies for prayer be established; and those which already exist carry on their united efforts with unceasing ardor. Let us not be contented with a brief mention of our necessities to God, but plead earnestly with him for the relief of them, and "give him no rest, until he arises and makes our Jerusalem a praise in the earth."

 

#1774

THE EVIL OF PRIDE

Acts 12:21-23.

On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man." Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died!

IN almost all the instances of judicial punishment recorded in Scripture, we see a remarkable correspondence between the punishment, and the sin on account of which it was inflicted: and it seems to be especially designed by God, in order that he might be the more manifestly "known in the judgments which he executes."

In the passage before us, we are informed that Herod was greatly offended with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but, at the intercession of his own servant, he forgave them. On this occasion he delivered to them an oration, probably in part at least on the subject of his own clemency: and they, struck with the splendor of his appearance, and perhaps with the force of his eloquence, or, more probably, desiring to conciliate him by flattery, exclaimed that the voice which they heard, was the voice of a God, rather than a man.

With these plaudits Herod was highly gratified: and instantly God, by the instrumentality of an angel smote him, and he was eaten by worms, so acute and terrible, that, as the Jewish historian informs us, he was constrained to acknowledge before that very assembly, that God had punished him for not rejecting with abhorrence their impious acclamations, and that they would soon see an end of their God. Accordingly, the worms that were thus formed in his body, preyed upon his vitals, and devoured him in the space of about five days: so that his degradation was as manifest as his pride had been presumptuous.

We propose to consider more fully,

I. His sin—

Whether the excellence of his oration was real or imaginary, his crime was the same: "He did not give God the glory for it." Now this is, in truth, as common a sin as any that can be named: for where is there a person possessed of either natural endowments, or acquired distinctions, who does not pride himself in them, instead of giving the glory to the Lord for them? The woman thinks but little of God, when her beauty is admired; or the man, when he is celebrated for his strength and valor. The man of learning, or of skill in arts, or who has advanced himself by successful industry to great opulence, readily accepts the adulation paid to his talents and success; little thinking that it is "God alone who has made him to differ" from others, or "given him the power to get wealth." Perhaps the generality will think this to be a mere infirmity incident to our nature; but few, if any, conceive of it as a heinous sin; whereas it is, in reality, a sin of awful magnitude. It is,

1. A denial of God's goodness—

God is "the Author of every good and perfect gift," in creation, in providence, and in grace. Whatever we possess, we must say with the Apostle, "Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, 2 Corinthians 5:5." If any person has a right to ascribe glory to himself, methinks it is the conqueror, whose valor overcomes his enemy: but God in a particular manner charged his people, when they would be brought into the quiet possession of the land of Canaan, not to imagine that "their power, or the might of their hand, had gotten them that wealth," but to acknowledge it all as given them by their God, Deuteronomy 8:7; Deuteronomy 8:11-14; Deuteronomy 8:18-19.

When therefore we withhold these acknowledgments, we do, in fact, deny that they are due to God, and impiously assume to ourselves the honor that is due to him alone. In a word, we tread in the very steps of Herod, and commit the sin which brought on him such tokens of God's displeasure!

2. An invasion of God's prerogative—

"God has made all things for himself;" and "he will not give his glory to another." But, if we take to ourselves the glory which is due to him, we put ourselves, as it were, into his place, and become a God unto ourselves. This may appear too strong a representation; but it is the very construction which Jehovah himself puts upon such conduct.

The city of Tyre was greatly enriched, and raised to a high rank among the surrounding nations: and the governors, instead of acknowledging the providence of God in their elevation, ascribed it wholly to themselves, and confided in it as a source of continued security. Hear now how God speaks to them respecting it: "Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: "'In the pride of your heart you say, "I am a god; I sit on the throne of a god in the heart of the seas." But you are a man and not a god, though you think you are as wise as a god, Ezekiel 28:2-10. Compare also Habakkuk 1:15-16."

Nor let it be imagined that this is done only by an actual assumption of these honors to ourselves. Herod did not claim the honors that were ascribed to him, but he was pleased with them; and acquiesced in the judgment of his admirers, instead of reproving it.

Paul and Barnabas, when divine honors were offered to them, rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, and expostulated with them in the strongest terms, Acts 14:9-15; and it was Herod's sin that he accepted the flattery, instead of rejecting it with indignation. In like manner the receiving with delight the flattering unction of human applause, as trifling as it may appear to us, is a very heinous sin in the sight of God.

The evil of his sin may be further seen in the greatness of,

II. His punishment—

Pride, above all things, provokes "a jealous God;" and the whole creation is ready to vindicate the honor of his injured Majesty. As, in the plagues of Egypt, frogs and lice were ready to inflict punishment on the hardened monarch, so, in Herod's case, "worms" sprang forth, as it were, into existence, to avenge the quarrel of Jehovah! Nor shall such an impious disposition ever pass unpunished.

1. God has punished pride in many instances—

See where man has made himself the author of the great things which have been wrought by him—how strongly has God resented it, Isaiah 10:12-15; Isaiah 37:23-29.

See where man has made himself the end of his own actions—how fearfully has God manifested his indignation against the offending person, Daniel 4:30-33.

See where only an undue delight has been felt, as arising from the possession of the things which God himself has given—even that has excited great displeasure in the bosom of the Almighty, and caused him to inflict the heaviest judgments, Isaiah 39:3-7 with 2 Chronicles 32:25-26.

2. He will punish pride wherever it is indulged—

If such a disposition be habitually indulged, God regards it as a proof of hypocrisy, Habakkuk 2:4; and, though he is ever ready to give grace to the humble, he will assuredly resist, and abase, the proud, James 4:6. Daniel 4:37. Though pride does not break forth into gross inconsistencies of conduct, yet if it is harbored in the heart, we shall be held in utter abomination in the sight of God! Proverbs 16:5.

Reflections—

1. What need have we to watch the motions of our hearts!

God looks at the heart, and "searches it," and sees every thought of it, Ezekiel 11:5, and puts the true construction upon every motion of it, and will call us into judgment for all its most secret imaginations! 1 Corinthians 4:5. Alas! how many proud, conceited, self-delighting thoughts has he there beheld! Do we not then need to humble ourselves before him, and to "pray, that the thoughts of our hearts may be forgiven! Acts 8:22."

2. How careful should we be of using any flattering words!

Men flatter others because they know that flattery is pleasant to the carnal mind—but it is that very pleasure which offends God, and brings down his judgments on the soul. How cruel then is it to expose a brother to such a danger! Would we put poison into his hands just to gratify his palate, when we knew that it would speedily put an end to his existence? How then can we seek to gratify his mind, at the expense of his soul?

This is a thought peculiarly important for those who hear the Gospel faithfully administered: they are apt to forget that ministers are men of like passions with themselves; and that God particularly forbad that a novice would be admitted into the ministry, "lest being lifted up with pride, he would fall into the condemnation of the devil." Bear in mind, brethren, that flattery is a temptation which few can withstand, and that he who makes use of it, "spreads a net for his brother's feet! Proverbs 29:5."

 

#1775

ELYMAS THE SORCERER STRUCK BLIND

Acts 13:9-11.

Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, "You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun." Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.

IN general, the duty of ministers is to "have compassion on those who are ignorant and out of the way," and to "instruct in meekness those who oppose themselves:" but there are occasions whereon it is necessary for them to "rebuke men sharply," and with all authority. We do not indeed think that it would be proper for an uninspired minister to use exactly the language of our text, because he could not tell what measure of impiety existed in the mind of the person reproved: but, whether inspired or not inspired, it befits every servant of God to make a firm stand against infidelity and impiety, and to declare without reserve the judgments of God against the enemies of his Gospel.

Paul was certainly under no bad impression when he addressed Elymas; for, it is said, he was "filled with the Holy Spirit:" and under the influence of that same blessed Spirit we may speak with all boldness, and yet not violate, in any degree, the decorum or the charity which our Christian profession requires.

In the address before us, we notice,

I. The true character of the Gospel—

None of the inspired writers ever spoke in a doubting manner respecting the truth or excellence of the Gospel: convinced in their own minds, they uniformly spoke with the decision that befit them. Paul here calls the Gospel "the right ways of the Lord:" and this is indeed its proper character; for it contains the only right way,

1. Of seeking his favor—

It offers salvation freely through the blood and righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. It requires nothing in those to whom it is offered, but a humble sense of their own guilt and misery, and an entire surrender of themselves to him, to be washed in his blood, and to be sanctified by his grace.

This is the "right way" of seeking favor with God. All the ways of man's devising are delusory. Not only is all hope of "establishing a righteousness of our own "vain, but even the smallest attempt to blend anything of our own with his meritorious death and sacrifice, will deceive us, Romans 10:3-4; Salvation must be of grace, from first to last! Ephesians 2:8-9.

2. Of glorifying his name—

The Gospel calls us to a life of universal holiness, Titus 2:11-12; and requires us to "live, not unto ourselves, but unto Him who died for us, and rose again! Romans 14:7-9."

And this also is exclusively the "right way" of serving God. If we imagine that a barren unproductive faith will suffice, we shall find ourselves fatally mistaken. Nor will a partial obedience to God's will be accepted: his law, his whole law, must be written in our hearts, and exemplified in our lives. A willful retaining of a single lust would prove as fatal to us, as a rejection of his Gospel altogether, Matthew 5:29-30.

The attempts of Elymas to "pervert" the Gospel lead us to consider,

II. The opposition it meets with—

We are not now called to speak of persecution, but only of those arts which were used by this malignant sorcerer. We doubt not then but that he withstood the Apostles,

1. By subtle disputations—

As a Jew, he would bring forward all the arguments he could, against Christianity itself. And such opposers are still found among those who "name the name of Christ." There are infidels who deride Christianity as much as the most inveterate Jew could do. But where the Gospel is admitted as true, the fundamental doctrines of it are commonly assailed with all the powers of reason.

The total depravity of our nature,

the truth and efficacy of Christ's atonement,

the influences of the Holy Spirit, and

the necessity of an entire surrender of ourselves to God

—are all denied; and a religion little better than heathen morality is substituted in the place of that which Christ has revealed. He must be a stranger indeed in our Jerusalem, who does not know how fiercely even the first principle of the Gospel, the doctrine of salvation by faith in Christ, is decried. The sons of Jannes and Jambres, and of Alexander the coppersmith, are as subtle and malignant as their fathers were, 2 Timothy 3:8; 2 Timothy 4:14-15.

2. By base calumnies—

We can have no doubt but that Elymas would endeavor to discredit the testimony of Paul and Barnabas by evil insinuations against their character and designs; nor would he fail to load their doctrine also with all the reproaches which Jewish malignity could suggest. And are not these weapons still used against the Gospel? Are not the preachers of it represented as "the troublers of Israel," as "deceivers," as "turning the world upside down?" Are they not often spoken of as crafty men, who in their hearts are adverse to the civil and ecclesiastical establishments of the land wherein they dwell? Is not their doctrine traduced precisely as in the days of old? Paul's complaint was, "We are slanderously reported, and some affirm that we say, Let us do evil that good may come:" and for the same complaint there is abundant occasion, wherever the Gospel is faithfully preached. Nor can any better answer be made to our accusers than Paul himself made, namely, that "their damnation is just! Romans 3:8."

Indeed it is not possible for any one to embrace the truth in sincerity, without becoming an object for the envenomed shafts of slander! And it is worthy of observation, that, as this treatment is experienced by those universally who preach or profess the Gospel, so it is experienced by them exclusively: a man may preach or profess what else he will, and yet be at peace with the world: but the moment he becomes a decided follower of Christ, a warfare is commenced against him, even by his nearest relatives; yes "his greatest foes are generally those of his own household."

In the Apostle's answer, however, we observe,

III. The evil and danger of opposing it—

The evil of it is marked in the terms which the Apostle used—

We will grant that there was in Elymas a peculiar malignity of character, which justified the severity of Paul's address; and that the same severity would not be just, if used against many who oppose the Gospel. But still, in proportion as our character or conduct resembles that of Elymas, the terms in which he was addressed may be applied to us.

It is a fact, that the greater part of those who raise up opposition to the Gospel, are men of a subtle and mischievous disposition: and it is equally true that they act under the immediate influence of Satan, Ephesians 2:2. Now the great employment of Satan is to blind men's eyes, so that they may not see the Gospel; precisely as the great office of the Holy Spirit is, to open men's eyes, that they may behold it, 2 Corinthians 4:4; 2 Corinthians 4:6. Consequently, in doing Satan's work, they prove themselves to be his children, John 8:44. And are they not in this, enemies of all righteousness?

Where is there any true righteousness to be found, but among those who embrace the Gospel. Look at the life of Christ and his Apostles, and see, if anything like it ever was produced under the influence of false religion? It is a curious fact, that those who are most adverse to the principles of the Gospel, are always complaining that its friends are too strict, and too precise, and "righteous over-much;" and thus they show themselves enemies no less to the holiness of the Gospel, than to its free and full salvation.

How great then must be the evil of a conduct which entails on men such epithets as these!

The danger of it is marked in the judgment he denounced—

God smote this malicious adversary with blindness, agreeably to the declaration of Paul: and this blindness was a solemn emblem of the blindness of his soul. We do not indeed expect that the enemies of the Gospel shall now receive such open demonstrations of God's displeasure; (though we are far from thinking that such judgments are never executed,) but we are sure that spiritual blindness is the common fruit of hostility to the Gospel; and that those who labor to blind others, can expect nothing but to be blinded themselves, Isaiah 6:9-10 with Mark 4:11-12.

The blindness of Elymas was inflicted only "for a season," that he might repent, and "recover himself out of the snare of the devil, by whom he was led captive at his will:" and in like manner there is yet space given for repentance, even to the most inveterate opposers of the Gospel: but if they do not speedily acknowledge their guilt, they have reason to fear that before long they will be given over to final impenitence, and their present blindness be succeeded by "the blackness of darkness for ever! Isaiah 28:22 and Jude, verse 11, 13."

ADDRESS—

1. Those who are inquiring after truth—

Of Sergius Paulus it is said, "He was a prudent man;" and "he called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God." Moreover, when he had heard it, he disregarded all the attempts of Elymas to pervert it, and himself became an avowed disciple of Christ. This was a conduct worthy of him, and worthy to be pursued by every wise and prudent man. We earnestly recommend it then, to all to follow his example. Be diligent in inquiring, and avail yourselves of every opportunity of gaining instruction in the religion of Christ. Be candid in judging, and do not allow yourselves to be prejudiced by the scoffs or calumnies of the unbelieving world. Be firm also in acting: do not be afraid of following the convictions of your own conscience; or think, that your being in a place of great power and authority will be any excuse for not obeying its voice—it is rather a reason why you would be the more bold for the Lord, because you may influence so many more by your example. Had this Roman governor put off his convictions, like Felix, he would probably have been left to perish in his sins: but now he enjoys, in all its richness, the truth he embraced.

Know then, that you likewise will soon receive the final recompense of your conduct; in eternal happiness, if faithful to your convictions; but in inexpressible misery, if you dissemble with God.

2. Those who are opposing it—

Greatly is it to be regretted that the Gospel has still its adversaries, and that persons in authority are peculiarly beset with them. Satan knows how extensive is the influence of the great: and therefore he sends forth his emissaries to encompass them around, and to prejudice their minds against the faith of Christ. But be it known to all, that Christ will triumph at last, and that "his enemies before long shall surely become his footstool."

By some it may be thought a light matter to dispute against the Gospel, and to obstruct its influence on the minds of men: but our Lord has told us, that "it were better for us that a millstone would be put around our necks, and that we would be cast into the midst of the sea, than cause one of these little ones to sin!" Let those then who will not embrace the Gospel, beware how they labor to pervert the faith of others: if they must perish, they had better perish alone, than under the guilt of destroying the souls of others.

But let us hope, that those who have acted thus as Satan's instruments, will do so no more; but that rather their own eyes shall be opened, and that they will embrace the faith which they have endeavored to destroy. If however any will persist in their impiety, let them tell us what are those ways which they call "right;" and let their principles be compared with those of the Apostle. We fear not the outcome, if only this comparison be made: we have no doubt but that the Gospel alone contains the "right ways of the Lord," and that those only who embrace and walk in them will ever enter into eternal life.

 

#1776

THE MESSAGE OF SALVATION DELIVERED

Acts 13:26.

"Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent."

IN tracing the steps of the Apostle Paul, I see exactly what every minister of Christ should be. He should live but for one end—to save the souls of men: and, for the attainment of that end, he would account no labor too great, no sufferings too intense. He would live for it altogether, and, if need be, die for it also.

Methinks I here see a minister addressing his stated congregation. He comes to them as an ambassador from God; bringing salvation, as it were, along with him, and declaring to every one of them, "To you, and to you—is the word of this salvation sent!"

Sustaining, through grace, this blessed office, I will now, in God's name,

I. Unfold to you the true character of the Gospel which we preach—

It is nothing more nor less than this, "The message of salvation!" This admirably describes the Gospel, of which it may be truly said,

1. It reveals salvation clearly—

No other book under Heaven can tell us how a sinner may be saved. But Scripture reveals to us the plan which God the Father devised, and God the Son executed, and God the Spirit applies to the souls of men. It opens to us all the wonders of redemption, through the incarnation and death of God's only dear Son. It sets him forth, as making an atonement for the sins of men, and as working out a righteousness wherein they may stand before God, and as imparting out of his own inexhaustible fullness whatever is necessary for every individual of mankind.

All this it states with a clearness and precision which no man can mistake, unless Satan, the God of this world, has blinded his eyes.

2. It offers salvation freely—

It calls on no man to purchase salvation by any merits of his own; but offers it "freely to all, without money and without price, Isaiah 55:1." The light of the sun is not more freely given than this, provided we be willing to accept it. We may see how free it was in its first offer to man in Paradise. Our first parents even fled from their Maker, instead of imploring mercy at his hands; and God followed them, and, without any solicitation on their part, promised them that "the seed of the woman would bruise the serpent's head, Genesis 3:15." Thus it is in every instance that occurs; "He is found of those who sought him not, and made known to those who inquired not after him, Isaiah 65:1."

3. It actually confers salvation on all who sincerely receive its inspired declarations—

The instant the word is received in faith, it becomes "effectual to turn you from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God." The sins of him who receives it are "blotted out as a morning cloud," and his soul is "made a partaker of a divine nature:" he is also admitted into the number of God's children, John 1:12, and "his name is written in Heaven." Say, brethren, whether this is not true? Say whether some of you, at least, cannot attest it by your own blessed experience? Then you see how justly that Gospel which we preach unto you is called "The message of salvation." There is no other message whereby any man can be saved: nor does any man truly receive this, without being saved by it. Hence, then, if you would understand it aright, and appreciate it aright, you must view it in this light, and receive it for the end for which alone it is revealed.

Having stated the true nature of the Gospel, I now proceed to,

II. Execute the commission which we bear in relation to it—

Paul had a mixed audience of Jews and Gentiles. The former he addressed as "the stock of Abraham;" the latter he included under those who "fear God, compare the text with verse 42 and with Acts 10:35." Now, though we have not exactly the same description of persons here, we have others who very nearly correspond with them; whom, therefore, we will distinctly address.

1. Those who, on account of their morality, suppose that they do not need Gospel salvation—

There doubtless are here many moral, and, in a qualified sense, religious persons, who think by their own repentance and good works to save themselves. But, beloved, the very best of you are sinners, and stand in need of mercy at the hands of God; as well as of a new nature, which God alone can create within you. "Your Father Abraham had this Gospel preached to him, Galatians 3:8." Moses also preached it, both in the ceremonial and moral law, Hebrews 10:1. Romans 10:4. Galatians 3:24. And if the Apostle Paul, who was, "concerning the righteousness of the law, blameless," was constrained to "renounce all hope in his own righteousness, that he might be clothed in the righteousness of Christ, Philippians 3:9," then so must you do: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. "To you, then, is the message of this salvation sent;" and if you accept it as God's word to you, it shall prove "the power of God to the salvation of your souls."

2. Those who, through their heinous lives, suppose that they are beyond the reach of salvation—

Dear brethren, there is no limit, either to the mercy of God, or to the efficacy of his Gospel. "The blood of Jesus Christ, sprinkled on the soul, cleanses from all sin!" "Nor shall any one who comes to God in his name ever be cast out." Remember, then, that to you, even to every one of you, however far you may have gone from God, is "the word of salvation now sent:" nor is there one of you that shall ever perish, if only you truly and sincerely embrace it.

Behold now the effect of proclaiming this word, in the case of the Apostle Paul:

1. Some desired to hear more of it—

They desired that "the same words might be preached to them again the next Sabbath," and on the intervening days before it. See verse 42. Let it have the same effect upon you, my brethren; and allow no means of instruction henceforth to pass away unimproved.

2. Others, on the other hand, "contradicted and blasphemed" the word, verse 45.

So you must expect to find it at this day. But be not stumbled at it. If, when delivered by the Apostle Paul, and by our blessed Savior himself, the Gospel was in many cases rejected, wonder not if it is so when delivered by us. But shall the unbelief of some make the faith of God of no effect? God forbid. "Let God be true, but every man a liar, Romans 3:3-4."

3. Others were effectually saved by it—

Yes, some "honored the word of life; and, having been ordained to eternal life, believed it, verse 48," and were saved by it. Thus let it be honored by you. It is worthy of all your submission, and all your trust, and all your confidence: and if you will "honored it" by faith and obedience, it shall surely "honor you" with everlasting life! 2 Thessalonians 3:1. From this moment, therefore, let nothing divert you from it, but "continue steadfastly in the grace of God, verse 43."

 

#1777

THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, GLAD TIDINGS

Acts 13:32-33.

"We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father'".

THE resurrection of Christ was the foundation whereon the whole edifice of our religion was built. To that, Jesus himself directed his disciples to look forward as the evidence of his Messiahship; and, after he had risen, he appeared to them repeatedly for the space of forty days, that they might be enabled to testify of it with the fullest assurance. A select number were chosen by him for the very purpose of bearing witness to this wonderful event: and because Paul had not enjoyed the same advantage as the other Apostles, he was favored with a vision of his Lord long after his removal from the sight of all other mortals, in order that he, as well as the others, might be able to testify of it from ocular demonstration.

In the words before us he speaks of Christ's resurrection,

I. As an accomplishment of prophecy—

The passage quoted by the Apostle is very properly applied to this subject—

The Psalms were in the Apostle's days arranged in the same order as they now stand. And the scope of the second Psalm is to declare the triumph of Jesus over all his enemies by means of his resurrection from the grave, and of his consequent exaltation to the right hand of God. And he might well be said to be "begotten" in the day of his resurrection, because he was then formed anew, as it were, from the earth.

It is confirmed also by many other passages that predict the same truth—

As it was fore-ordained by God, so it was foretold in a variety of ways. Sometimes it was exhibited in types:

Isaac, being put to death, as it were, by his own father, was received again from the dead in a figure, Hebrews 11:19.

Jonah was raised again on the third day from the belly of a fish, Matthew 12:39-40.

The living bird that was let loose after having been dipped in the blood of the bird that had been slain, represented Jesus as ascending to Heaven with his own blood, Leviticus 14:51; Leviticus 14:53 with Hebrews 9:12, and sometimes in prophecies verse 34, 35 with Isaiah 55:3, which certainly must include the resurrection of him that was to be "the leader and commander;" and Psalm 16:10, which is so largely commented upon by Peter, Acts 2:25-31.

In one Scripture, not quoted indeed in this place, but cited no less than six times in the New Testament, this marvelous event was predicted in terms so plain that none could misunderstand it, who did not obstinately shut their eyes against the truth, Psalm 118:22 with Luke 20:17.

We must not however suppose this to be an uninteresting fact: for the Apostle further speaks of it,

II. As glad tidings to the soul—

To the disconsolate disciples the tidings of Christ's resurrection were doubtless exceedingly joyful. But they ought to be no less so to us, since that event ascertains,

1. The virtue of his sacrifice—

Had he not risen, his death would have been in vain, 1 Corinthians 15:14; 1 Corinthians 15:17-18. We could have had no evidence that our debt was discharged, if our Surety had not been liberated from the prison of the grave. But his resurrection clearly proved that he had satisfied the demands of law and justice, and it thereby affords us a ground of assured hope, and triumphant exultation, Romans 4:25; Romans 8:34.

2. The sufficiency of his power—

If he were still dead, it would be in vain to look to him for help. But, when he has raised up himself, John 10:17-18, and spoiled all the principalities and powers of Hell, Colossians 2:15, and been exalted on purpose that he might be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel and remission of sins, Acts 5:31, what may we not expect at his hands? Surely he is declared thereby to be the Son of God with power, Romans 1:4, and to be able to save us to the uttermost, Hebrews 7:25. Let us only seek to know him in the power of his resurrection, Philippians 3:10, and nothing shall be impossible unto us, Mark 9:23.

3. The certainty of our own resurrection to dwell with him—

Our resurrection depended altogether upon his: if he had not risen, neither would we have risen: but because he rose, we shall rise also. Christ is the first-fruits, which, while it sanctified, also assured, the whole harvest, 1 Corinthians 15:20. He is our forerunner, who is gone to Heaven to prepare places for us, and will come again to raise us to the possession of them, Hebrews 6:20. John 14:2-3. We therefore may consider death and the grave as vanquished for us, and look forward to the complete triumph which we ourselves shall have over them in the last day, 1 Corinthians 15:53-55. Because he lives, we may be sure that we shall live also, John 14:19.

As a further improvement of this passage, permit me to observe,

1. How deeply we are interested in the writings of the Old Testament!

In them are promises of which we receive the accomplishment. The word of God is not of private interpretation, 2 Peter 1:20, as though it belonged only to this or that individual. Many parts doubtless had a peculiar reference to those to whom they were spoken; but none had an exclusive reference. Let us then embrace the promises as spoken to ourselves. Compare Joshua 1:5 with Hebrews 13:5-6, and expect the fulfillment of them to our own souls.

2. How thankful should we be for a preached Gospel!

Many, when the Gospel is preached to them, are ready to exclaim, "We beseech you, torment us not! Matthew 8:29 and Luke 8:28." Yes, they look on faithful ministers as "the troublers of Israel, 1 Kings 18:17." But the scope of our ministry is to "declare glad tidings," even to proclaim a crucified, and an exalted Savior.

Let any one contemplate the foregoing subject, and see whether it does not afford matter for rejoicing. Let men only forsake their sins, and we have not a word to utter which will not administer to them an occasion of joy. In this light the resurrection of our Lord was viewed by the first disciples. And are not they "our fathers, and we their children?" Yes; we are all of one family, all united to one Head, Ephesians 1:10. Hebrews 12:23, and all heirs of the same glory. If we only cleave to the Savior as they did, we may confidently expect the blessings which they enjoyed, and may look forward with joy to that time, when we shall sit down with all the patriarchs and prophets in the kingdom of our God for ever, Matthew 8:11. Luke 13:28.

 

#1778

THE SURE MERCIES OF DAVID

Acts 13:34.

"The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words: I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David."

IT is of the nature of prophecy to be somewhat mysterious. It was doubtless given in order to raise in men an expectation of future events; but it was not designed to declare them so fully, as to induce men to exert themselves either for the effectuating or counteracting of the things foretold. Its true use was to show that God had fore-ordained all that would come to pass; and to convince us, that nothing can occur, but according to his determinate counsel and will.

The passage cited in my text is strongly illustrative of this truth. One would not readily have imagined that so sublime a mystery as that of our Savior's resurrection had been contained in these words: but, now that we see them accomplished, we can have no doubt but that they were intended to predict that great event; since an inspired Apostle so explains them, and builds upon his explanation the most important of all truths, the resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus.

To place the text in its true light, I will consider,

I. The fact asserted—

This was, the resurrection of the Lord Jesus—the most important of all events; since, without it, neither the incarnation nor death of Christ would have been of any avail, 1 Corinthians 15:14-18. To this our blessed Lord continually referred, as the most convincing proof of his Messiahship, John 2:19. Matthew 12:38-40; Matthew 20:19. For the more full revealing of this, he abode on earth forty days after his resurrection; "showing, by many infallible proofs," that he was indeed "risen, according to the Scriptures, Acts 1:3." And to this event all his Apostles bore witness, as establishing, beyond all doubt or question, his divine mission. This was the point to be settled for the conviction of all, whether Jews or Gentiles: and this once clearly established, all the rest followed as a matter of course, that could not be questioned by any man, Romans 1:4.

But let me direct your attention to,

II. The prophecy appealed to in confirmation of it—

This, we have said, was dark: but, when duly explained, it carries full conviction along with it.

To this event, beyond all doubt, the prophecy referred—

With his people God entered into covenant, to "give them the sure mercies of David." What these were, the Psalmist fully informs us. They were, in the first place, to establish on his throne his Promised Seed, the Messiah; and then to give to all the subjects of the Messiah's kingdom the full blessings of salvation, Psalm 89:19-36. But Messiah was to suffer, Isaiah 53:1-12; How, then, could this prophecy be fulfilled?

By the resurrection, the prophecy was fulfilled.

Christ, being raised from the dead, was empowered to carry on his work; as the high-priest did, when, after offering his sacrifice, he entered into the holy of holies. Now, too, he was seated on his throne, Psalm 2:6; and all which had been engaged in covenant both to him and to his people, was put into a train of progressive and ultimate accomplishment. Thus were the mercies, which David had long since contemplated as "sure, 2 Samuel 23:5," rendered "sure" to Christ and to all his believing people.

Not only was God's word verified by this; but a pledge was given that it would be fulfilled in every the minutest particular, to all who would rely upon it in deed and in truth.

And now let me call your attention to,

III. The conclusion drawn—

The same train of argument had been followed both by Peter and Paul. And from it their inferences were,

1. That Christ was indeed the true Messiah—

See the argument as stated by Peter on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:22-35. Then mark his conclusion drawn: "Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made that same Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ! Acts 2:36." Know this, my beloved brethren: there is a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: and there is no other than He. He has died for you; and his sacrifice has been accepted of the Father in your behalf. And of this you have a certain pledge, in his resurrection from the dead. I call upon you, then, to renounce every other hope; and to look unto Him, as "all your salvation and all your desire".

2. That all who believe in him shall most assuredly be saved—

This is the conclusion, as drawn by the Apostle Paul. Having further prosecuted the line of argument which we have already noticed, verse 35-37, he adds, "Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins; and by him all who believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses, verse 38, 39."

Yes, to every one of you do I this day preach the forgiveness of sins. Who among you does not need it? Who among you can obtain remission in any other way? Who among you would not account the pardon of all his sins as the richest blessing that could be conferred upon him? Behold, then, I this day offer it to every one among you; yes, I offer it simply by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Under the Mosaic law there were many sins for which no sacrifice was appointed. But not so under the Christian dispensation. There is no sin, whatever, nor any accumulation of sins, which may not be washed away by the Redeemer's blood: for "the blood of Jesus Christ," we are told, "cleanses from all sin! 1 John 1:7." To every one of you, therefore, do I offer, in his name, a free and full remission, in perfect accordance with God's covenant, ratified as it has been by the Redeemer's blood, and confirmed as it is by his predicted resurrection and his glorious ascension.

Behold, then, how certain are God's promises to those who rely upon them!

If any promise could have failed, methinks it was that which related to the exaltation of the Messiah. See him dying on the cross, and sealed up in the grave—what is now become of all God's promised mercies? Wait but a little, and they shall be acknowledged to be sure and certain. Just so your case, brethren, may appear as desperate as his: yet, in the appointed hour, shall you surmount your every difficulty, and be glorified with your Messiah at the right hand of God!

 

#1779

DANGER OF DESPISING THE GOSPEL SALVATION

Acts 13:38-41.

"Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: "'Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.'"

NO one can read the New Testament with attention, without seeing that there is one point to which all the discourses of the Apostles tend, namely, the exhibition of Christ as the only Savior of sinners. In Him all the lines meet, as in their common center. The discourses of Paul embraced the whole circle of divine truth; yet he justly says, that "he determined to know nothing among his converts but Jesus Christ, and him crucified."

In the chapter before us is contained his address to the Jews in a synagogue at Antioch. He begins with a subject ever gratifying to a Jewish ear, a rehearsal of the distinguished mercies given to that nation from the time of their departure out of Egypt to the time of David, from whose seed they all acknowledged that their Messiah would spring. He then declares, that that Messiah was come, even Jesus, in whom the prophecies had been literally fulfilled, both in the peculiar manner of his death, and in his resurrection from the dead. He then comes to apply the subject to their hearts and consciences, combining all the tenderness of a brother with all the fidelity of an Apostle. In opening to you that part which we have just read, we shall notice,

I. The declaration made—

It had been said by our Lord after his resurrection, that "repentance and remission of sins would be preached in his name among all nations, Luke 24:47." And here Paul, executing his commission, declares that this way of salvation was,

1. Divinely appointed—

There is no doubt or hesitation to be seen in his mode of expressing this truth: on the contrary, he speaks with most assured confidence, "My brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you:" I want you to know, that his death was an atoning sacrifice for sin—that by that sacrifice, Divine justice has been satisfied—that through it God is reconciled to a guilty world—and that he has committed to us the ministry of reconciliation, and sent us on purpose to preach to you the forgiveness of sins in his name, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. These are truths of infinite importance to every child of man: and we declare them without even a shadow of doubt upon our own minds; and desire that they may be embraced by you with the fullest assurance of your minds, and the liveliest gratitude of your souls, 1 Timothy 1:15.

Beloved brethren, we announce the same glorious truths to you. Who among you is not a sinner before God? Who does not need such a Savior? Who has not reason to leap for joy at having such a method of forgiveness proposed to him? "I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, verse 26;" and "we, as God's ambassadors, beseech you in Christ's stead—be reconciled to God, 2 Corinthians 5:20."

2. Universally effectual—

There is no distinction now made between Jews and Gentiles: the word is no longer confined to one age or country; "it is gone forth unto the ends of the world." Nor is there now any distinction of sins, as far as relates to the forgiveness of them through the blood of Christ. Under the law, there were many sins for which no sacrifice whatever could be accepted. The adulterer and the murderer, for instance, were left without any means of pardon provided for them by the law: nor was any presumptuous sin to be reckoned among those for which sacrifices were appointed, Numbers 15:30 with verse 39 of the text. But under the Gospel there is no exception whatever: "All manner of sin shall be forgiven unto men," provided they repent of it, and believe in Jesus Christ for the remission of it. If the sin against the Holy Spirit be excepted, it is not because the blood of Christ would not cleanse from that, as well as from every other, but because the man who has committed it must have arrived at such a degree of blindness and obduracy, that he never will repent of his iniquity, nor ever look to Christ with sincerity of heart for the remission of it.

We confidently declare, that sins even of a scarlet or crimson dye shall be forgiven, Isaiah 1:18. Psalm 51:7; yes, we declare that every sin we have ever committed is actually forgiven, the very instant we truly believe in Christ. Even "the little children in Christ" may glory in this, as a truth on which they may most confidently rely, that on their believing in Christ, they not only shall be, but actually, as our text expresses it, "are justified from all things, Colossians 2:13. 1 John 2:12."

To impress this blessed truth the more deeply on your minds, let us consider,

II. The admonition with which it is enforced—

As glorious as this salvation is, it is too generally despised—

All the prophets prophesied respecting it with more or less clearness, Acts 10:43; but all had reason to complain, "Who has believed our report, Isaiah 53:1." In the days of the Apostles the same complaint was made, Romans 10:16; and it may but too justly be repeated by us at this day. If this be doubted, let any man tell us, where "has the offense of the cross ceased?" Where is not the faithful exhibition of a crucified Savior derided as enthusiasm? In what place are not the followers of Christ gazed upon "as signs and wonders?"

But it is not the infidel only or the scoffer that despises Christ: for every man is guilty of despising him, who complies not with the invitations of his Gospel, and withholds from him the affections of his heart. O let us examine ourselves carefully on this head, and see whether the warning in our text may not justly be applied to us.

If we are found among the number of his despisers, woe be to us—

The Jews of old despised both the mercies and the judgments of their God. The Prophet Habakkuk, expostulating with them, declared, that God would inflict on them such judgments by the hands of the Chaldeans, as they would not believe, however strongly his determination would be announced, Habakkuk 1:5.

Paul declares, that similar judgments awaited the Jews of his day; and warns them against bringing on themselves such heavy calamities. But what are the calamities inflicted by the Chaldeans or Romans—in comparison with those which await unbelievers in the eternal world? We declare to men, that God has wrought the most stupendous work of mercy in the redemption of the world by his dear Son, and that he will consign over to everlasting misery all who reject his Gospel: but men will not believe either the one or the other of these things. They will not so believe his promises as to seek a saving interest in them; nor will they so believe his threatenings as to endeavor to escape them. But as the judgments denounced against the Jews in former ages have come upon them, so will the judgments denounced against us.

Methinks it were sufficient to hear God so strongly assert this, as he does in many places, Mark 16:16. John 3:36; but God condescends to appeal to us, and to make us judges in our own cause: "What shall the end be of those who obey not the Gospel of Christ?" "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" "He who despised Moses' law died without mercy: of how much sorer punishment, suppose you, shall he be thought worthy, who has trodden under foot the Son of God?"

Can we hear such appeals, and not see the need of attending to the admonition in the test? O let us "beware," how we reject or slight the salvation now offered us. Let us "beware" lest we bring upon ourselves that "wrath and fiery indignation which await the adversaries" of the Lord Jesus: and what I say unto one, I say unto all, "Beware!"

 

#1780

THE GENTILES RECEIVE THE GOSPEL

Acts 13:46-48.

"Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"

When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed."

WHEREVER the word of God has been faithfully dispensed, it has created a diversity of sentiment among the hearers; some receiving it with gratitude, and others rejecting it with disdain. Even when our Lord himself preached, "some said he was a good man; while others said, No, but he deceives the people." Such also was the reception which the Gospel met with when ministered by the Apostles: "The multitude was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the Apostles, Acts 14:4." Our blessed Lord foretold this, and declared, that the effect of his Gospel would be, "not to bring peace on earth, but a sword;" and "to set even the nearest relatives against each other, Matthew 10:34-36."

The division occasioned by it at Antioch was exceeding great; the Jews, almost universally, "rejecting it," while the Gentiles, in vast multitudes, took the liveliest interest in it; insomuch that the Apostle now for the first time made the instruction and conversion of the Gentiles the great object of his ministrations.

In the words which we have now read, we see,

I. The necessity to which he was reduced—

The obstinacy of the Jews was attended with the most distressing consequences. They, in the first instance, disregarded the Gospel; but, "when they saw almost the whole city come together to hear it," they set themselves against it, with the utmost violence, "contradicting" it as false, and "blaspheming" it as wicked. With such inveteracy did they put it away from them, that they pronounced sentence, as it were, against themselves, as altogether unworthy of eternal life. On this account, the Apostles, without any further delay, put into execution the commission they had received, and made a free offer to the Gentiles of the blessings which were thus despised by the Jews.

Now it is a fact which cannot be dissembled, that circumstances not very dissimilar are found, wherever a Christian of a courageous spirit is called to labor: multitudes of those to whom he has been primarily and more particularly sent, not only despise his message; but, when others in the neighborhood flock to hear his word, "are filled with envy," and complain of the inconvenience they sustain by having their churches so crowded. They also "contradict and blaspheme" both the testimony that is borne, and the minister who bears it. Thus in effect they "put away the word of God from them," and declare, by their conduct, that they neither value nor desire that salvation, which Christ has purchased for them.

Thus, with the most earnest desire to promote the salvation of those whom he regards as his immediate charge, a minister is often constrained, by the obstinacy of those who will not hear, to be content with addressing himself to those who will; and to regard those as the most endeared objects of his attention, who are not, except by their own voluntary act, contained within the proper sphere of his commission. This is greatly to be regretted, because such despisers of the Gospel both harden themselves, and excite prejudice in others: nevertheless it is a comfort to the faithful minister to find, that, if rejected by some, there are others who hear him gladly, and know how to appreciate his labors.

In turning to the Gentiles, he declared,

II. The authority under which he acted—

He might have mentioned the express injunctions of his Lord, Luke 24:47. Acts 1:8; but he knew that his word would have no weight with the Jews; and therefore he cited a passage of the Old Testament, which the Jews themselves understood as referring to the Messiah, Isaiah 49:6. The passage he has quoted contains a promise of the Father to the Son, that he would not have the Jews only for a portion, but would be set for light and salvation to the ends of the earth.

Under this authority we now speak—and under this warrant we offer salvation to every man. Behold then, Christ is given for a light to the whole world; and all of you who "sit in darkness and the shadow of death" may "come to the brightness of his light." He is given also "for salvation" to the ends of the earth: and every one who is sensible of his lost estate, may "be saved from wrath through him!" He is God's salvation; provided by him, qualified by him, upheld by him, accepted by him: and every sinner in the universe is not only authorized to trust in him, but is commanded so to do; and is assured by God himself that he shall never be ashamed of his hope This we are commissioned to declare: and if ten thousand bigoted or self-righteous people would reject it with disdain, we trust that we shall never lack some contrite hearers, who shall receive it with gratitude and joy.

In the sequel, we are informed of,

III. The success he obtained—

The self-condemned Gentiles heard these tidings with joy; and vast multitudes of them "glorified the word of the Lord," receiving it as "a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance." On some indeed the effect was only transient; but as many as were appointed to, and disposed for, eternal life, believed. Believers are thus called and appointed of God; they "received the word into an honest and good heart," and "brought forth fruit unto perfection."

This is the effect which we hope to see produced in our ministrations. Despisers we expect to meet with, but we expect to find also many in whom our message shall be the power of God unto salvation. Who then among you has his heart, like Lydia's, "opened by the Lord?" Who among you feels the attractions of God's love, and the constraining influences of his grace? You, we trust, will be the better for the message we deliver: you will become the followers of Christ: you will embrace him, and honor him, and "cleave unto him with full purpose of heart".

In the passage we have been considering are two opposite characters, whom it will now be proper to address:

1. Those who reject the Gospel—

Such characters exist as much among those who call themselves Christians, as among the Jews themselves. Think then what you do: "You judge yourselves," that is, you pass sentence on yourselves as "unworthy of everlasting life." Your lack of humility betrays your total unfitness for Heaven, or even for the offer of the Gospel salvation. Your contempt of the most stupendous effort of God's love that ever men or angels beheld, betrays the same. If you look into the Scripture, you cannot find any resemblance between yourselves and the saints of old: and, if you could go up to Heaven, you would not find one of your spirit there. Are you then willing to continue in a state, wherein your whole spirit and conduct declares that you are daily ripening for destruction! O think of it while yet your errors may be rectified, and your iniquities forgiven.

2. Those who are made willing to embrace it—

Think who it is that has disposed your minds to the attainment of everlasting life: and give him the glory due unto his name. It is God alone who "has made you to differ" from the unbelieving world; and therefore to him alone must be all the praise.

Now then, if you really profess to have experienced the grace of God, we call upon you to "glorify his word:" show that you believe it to be true: let it be seen that you love it, and trust in it, and obey it; and that you "esteem it more than your necessary food."

Attend the ministration of it as the Gentiles did, not with vain curiosity, but with the deepest reverence and most lively gratitude. Hear it as the word of God to your souls. Hear it as glad tidings of great joy; and let every succeeding Sabbath bring you into a closer acquaintance with it, and a more entire conformity to its dictates. Above all things, attend to what it says of Christ; and receive him as your all-sufficient light, and your complete salvation.

 

#1781

TRIBULATION THE WAY TO HEAVEN

Acts 14:22.

"We must go through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."

REAL fortitude is shown, not more in overcoming difficulties which unexpectedly occur, than in encountering firmly those which are foreseen. In order to meet trials aright, we must be armed with a heavenly principle: and hence arises the need of a fixed principle in the heart of a Christian; since he is assured, that he shall have many enemies to conflict with, and that his way to Heaven lies through much tribulation. This is declared to us by an inspired Apostle; who himself experienced the truth of it, and has forewarned us to expect that it shall also be fulfilled in us.

Let us consider his testimony,

I. As confirmed in himself—

The whole life of the Apostle, after he embraced the faith of Christ, was an illustration and proof of this truth. View him—

1. On this occasion—

If ever he might have hoped to escape persecution, it was at this time. Consider what he had done in restoring a man who had been a cripple from the womb; and what a spirit the people had manifested towards him, in ascribing to him divine honor, and bringing sacrifices to him as unto a God. Could it be thought that he was in any danger at that place? Yet, behold, no sooner did Jews come from Antioch and Iconium to stir up the people against him, than their minds were changed, and they stoned him as an impostor, whom they had just before proposed to worship as a God—so rapid was the transition from one extreme to another.

Just as, in the case of our blessed Lord, there was but an interval of three days between the acclamations of the populace, and the universal cry of "Crucify him, crucify him!" so there was but a step between the deification and destruction of this blessed man.

2. Through the whole course of his ministry—

Like his adorable Master, the Lord Jesus, he was truly "a man of sorrows." Indeed he expected that he would be so, and forewarned his converts respecting it, lest, when they saw the treatment he received, they would be discouraged, 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4. When speaking of his sufferings some years afterwards, he especially referred to this particular occasion, 2 Timothy 3:10-11; but, in fact, it made only a single article out of a long catalogue of trials which attended him through life, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28.

We are apt to think that persecution was the lot of Christians only in the first ages of the Church: but the Apostle's testimony relates to all Christians of every age; and must therefore be considered,

II. As to be realized in us—

It is a fact that all zealous Christians are persecuted—

We do not say that persecution rages equally at all times; but we affirm, that lively and zealous Christians are hated by the world, Matthew 10:22. John 15:18-19; that "those who are born after the flesh do still persecute those who are born after the Spirit, Galatians 4:29." "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 2 Timothy 3:12"

There are seasons indeed when the world may seem to favor a servant of God; but, in the midst of all their seeming kindness, there is in their hearts a rooted enmity against him, which, like sediment in clear water, will show itself, the very instant it is stirred. It needs but little to inflame a whole community against him. They can hear unkind reports respecting others, and disregard them; but in everything that leads to the disadvantage of a child of God, they take an interest; and, like inflammable matter, easily communicate the malignant fire to each other, so as rapidly to produce a general conflagration, Psalm 57:4; Psalm 64:3-6. And hence every believer is fore-warned to expect persecution as his proper and certain lot, 2 Timothy 3:12.

And God has graciously ordained, that trials shall attend us for our good—

Our blessed Lord "learned obedience by the things that he suffered," and "was made perfect by sufferings:" and we are to be conformed to him in these respects: we must "suffer with him, in order that we may be glorified together, 1 Peter 2:21. Romans 8:17; Romans 8:29. There is in us a great deal of "dross" which, in the furnace of affliction, must be purged away, Isaiah 1:25. Our graces also must be exercised and confirmed by means of trials, which are altogether necessary to call them forth, Romans 5:3-4; and to the graces so exercised will our eternal weight of glory be proportioned, 2 Corinthians 4:17.

ADDRESS—

1. To those who are the friends of this world—

This is a state, which, though greatly desired by men in general, is not by any means to be coveted; for it proves infallibly that we are not faithful to our God, James 4:4. It is not possible for light and darkness to coalesce, or for Christ and Belial to agree together, 2 Corinthians 6:15-16. It were far better to be hated of all men for the Lord's sake, than to incur his displeasure for the sake of retaining their good opinion.

2. Those who suffer for the Lord's sake—

Be not surprised at anything that you suffer, 1 Peter 4:12-16, nor be grieved at it. The inspired writers speak of your trials as a just occasion of joy, James 1:2-3; James 1:12. Only endeavor to improve them aright, 1 Corinthians 4:9-13; and you will never complain of the difficulties of the way, when you have reached your journey's end, Romans 7:14.

 

#1782

SUCCESS OF THE GOSPEL A GROUND OF JOY

Acts 14:27.

"On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles."

A VERY distinguishing feature of primitive Christianity was that, while it filled all its votaries with a concern for their own souls, it inspired them also with a love to the souls of others, and with a zeal for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom through the world. True it is, indeed, that, on the occasion before us, the separating of Paul and Barnabas to the work of preaching to the Gentiles originated, not with the people of Antioch, but with God himself, who gave a special command respecting it, Acts 13:2-4. Yet it is evident, that the whole Church took a lively interest in it; and came together afterwards, with great delight, to hear all that had occurred during this benevolent, but arduous, excursion.

Through the tender mercy of our God, somewhat of a similar spirit has arisen in our day: so that I can scarcely enter on a more gratifying subject with you, than to show,

I. The interest which the primitive Church took in the work of God—

The people expressed no reluctance at parting with Paul and Barnabas—

We cannot doubt but that the ministry of these two men at Antioch was most beneficial to the people's souls: yet we read of no reluctance on the part of the Church in surrendering up their own personal benefit for the good of others. They resembled the Apostle Paul, who, in all such cases, "sought not his own profit, but the profit of many, that they might be saved, 1 Corinthians 10:33."

Nor did the Apostles manifest any backwardness to undertake this dangerous enterprise—

We can have no doubt, but that, however much they might delight in their stated labors among a people united to them in the bonds of Christian love, they gladly addressed themselves to the work assigned them, where they would find little but incessant labor, amidst the fiercest opposition. And from their perseverance in it under such circumstances, and from the pleasure which they expressed afterwards in recording all the dealings of God with them, and the happy effects of their ministrations, it is clear that one feeling pervaded the whole body; and that all, both ministers and people, found their chief happiness in the service of their God. Nor can we doubt but that they all rejoiced in the sacrifices they had made, when they saw what benefits had resulted from them to the Gentile world. They had fasted and prayed when these two Apostles were separated to their work: and, that they abounded in praises and thanksgivings after their return, we may be well assured.

Such being the habit of Christians in the first age, let us consider,

II. The instruction to be derived from it—

We are well aware, that the call of men to special labors, in this day, is not by any means so clear and determinate as in the case before us: nor do we intend to place any events of the present time on a footing with those which took place under the particular direction of God in the apostolic age. Yet, from the dispositions evinced by the primitive Church, we may clearly see,

1. That the work of God is confessedly the greatest of all concerns—

What is there that can be compared with it? The government of kingdoms is little in comparison. The rise and fall of the four great empires would scarcely have been deemed worthy of notice, but for the influence they had in introducing the Messiah's kingdom, which was to supersede and survive them all. It is the establishment of this kingdom which God has had in view, from before the foundation of the world. All his eternal counsels have had respect to it: all his dispensations towards the whole world have been ordered in subserviency to it: all his perfections are displayed in it, and all his purposes completed: and everyone that labors for the advancement of it is "a worker together with God." The first archangel in Heaven cannot find a more honorable employment than that of helping forward God's designs in reference to it: much more, therefore, may man account it the only object worthy of his pursuit.

2. That it is an object for which we all, according to our ability, should labor—

The advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom is not the work of ministers only, but of the people also. It can scarcely be imagined how much an efficient ministry is aided by the cooperation of private Christians, in all the different works and labors of love. Many will listen to them, who would regard the admonition of pastors as a mere official ceremony, or an impertinent intrusion.

Indeed, it is not possible for ministers to do everything: even a Moses required seventy elders to assist him: and, at this day, it is only by the united exertions of many, that the work of God in general, and that of missions in particular, can be carried forward. Nor let it be imagined that the poor are incapable of affording aid to the common cause: for they, if they cannot assist materially either by intellectual efforts or financial contributions, may, by their prayers for the Divine blessing, effect more than the whole world combined could by their own personal exertions.

3. That the success of it should be to us a source of the sublimest joy—

With what raised expectations did the Church of Antioch meet together; and with what joy did they hear that "God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles!" Methinks the whole assembly lost, for the time, all thought of their own personal welfare, being swallowed up with the delightful contemplation of the welfare of others. Surely, with one heart and one voice they glorified God for the mercy he had given to a sinful and idolatrous world. And would not a similar feeling pervade us Gentiles, in relation to the Jews, if there be any awakening among them? Truly, if there be, as in Ezekiel's vision, any stir among "the dry bones," whether they be those of Jews or Gentiles, or of persons bearing the Christian name, it would fill our souls with gratitude, and our lips with praise.

Let us now improve this subject,

1. In a way of inquiry—

What is the state of God's work among you? "The door of faith," as you well know, "has been long opened to you." Have you entered in? Or, are you yet but on the threshold, or perhaps yet standing afar off? Think with yourselves: have you truly come to Christ, and believed in Christ as the only Savior of your souls? And, supposing you to have entered the vestibule of God's temple, have you advanced into the sanctuary? We read of those "whose faith and love grew exceedingly;" and so should yours grow: nor should you ever cease to press forward, until you are come into the holy of holies, even into the immediate presence of your God.

2. In a way of information—

God's work, I trust, is really going forward in the world. And this at least I can say, that, whether we have labored and suffered for the Lord, or only followed with our prayers those who have labored, we have no cause to complain that we have either labored in vain, or prayed in vain.

3. In a way of excitement—

All of us have a work to do; a work to which God himself has called us, and to which at the baptismal font we were set apart. Let me ask, then, whether we have engaged heartily in it? and whether, if we were called to give an account of it at this moment, we could say, "Father, I have finished the work which you have given me to do!" Know assuredly, that the whole Church will speedily be convened before the Judge of the living and the dead: and "then must every one of us give account of himself to God." Say, brethren, whether, if called to that account, we would now "give it up with joy," or whether it would be "given up with grief." Let us think, also, what account we shall give of the efforts we have made in behalf of others. Have we "minded, not our own things only, but the things of others also?" Have we ourselves labored, or have we, with prayer and fasting, co-operated, to the utmost of our power, with those who have gone forth to labor, in the cause of God? Do not think that this was the duty of the primitive Christians only: it is no less ours than it was theirs. The cause of God ought to be dear to us; and the souls of our fellow-sinners should be precious in our eyes. Our charity, indeed, must begin at home: but it must not end there: it should be extended to the whole world: nor should we relax our efforts for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, until "all the kingdoms of the world shall have become the kingdom of our God and of his Christ!"

 

#1783

THE QUESTION ABOUT THE OBLIGATION OF THE CEREMONIAL LAW DECIDED

Acts 15:10-11.

"Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

IT is a favorite idea with many, that the Gospels contain all that is needful for us to know, and that it would have been better for the Church if they only had been given to us. But this is indeed to make ourselves wiser than God: for if God had not judged that the other parts of the New Testament would be useful to his Church, he would not have inspired men to write them, nor would he have preserved them for us with such peculiar care.

We acknowledge that in the Gospels there are intimations of everything which we need to know: but will anyone say, that in the other parts of the New Testament there are not clearer explanations of them, or that the Gospels are not rendered far more intelligible by the light reflected upon them in the Epistles? Will anyone say, that the purposes of God towards his Church, in the call of the Gentiles, the rejection of the Jews, and the future union of both Jews and Gentiles under one Head, are not more fully understood, than they would have been if the Acts of the Apostles had not been recorded? Or that the relationship between the law and the Gospel would have been so manifest, if it had not been pointed out to us in the Epistle to the Hebrews? We have now the advantage of knowing what objections were urged against the Gospel, and how those objections were obviated.

To go no further than the passage before us: There was a controversy which agitated the whole Christian Church, insomuch that not all the authority of Barnabas or Paul were able to settle it: and a reference was made to the whole college of Apostles at Jerusalem for their decision of the point. That we may have a just view of it, we shall consider,

I. The subject in dispute—

The question was, Whether the Jewish law was obligatory on the Gentiles?

This I say, was the original question; but it involved much more, even the whole plan of the Gospel salvation.

Many insisted that circumcision, verse 1, and the observance of the whole Mosaic law, verse 5, were necessary to salvation. They contended that these were of Divine institution; that the observance of them constituted the grand line of distinction between the Lord's people, and all the rest of mankind; and that the severest judgments were threatened for a willful neglect of them: and consequently, that they must be obligatory on the Lord's people to the end of time. (It must be remembered that the advocates of these opinions were not Jews, but Jewish Christians.)

On the other hand, it was maintained, that these laws were never imposed with a view to men's justification by them; (for that Abraham was justified before even circumcision itself was ordained, Romans 4:10-11)—that to require the observance of them from the Gentiles was contrary to God's avowed design; (since he had manifested his acceptance of them in their uncircumcised state, precisely in the same way as he had of the Jews who were circumcised, Acts 11:15-18)—that it was impossible for any man to be justified by the observance of them; (since one single deviation from them would utterly condemn him, James 2:10)—and that to blend the observance of them with the merits of Christ as a joint ground of our hope, was to invalidate the whole Gospel, and to make Christ himself of no effect to us Romans 9:30-32.

A question precisely similar is agitated among us at this day—

Circumcision and the Jewish law are indeed, by common consent, rejected by us. But many among us proceed on the very same principle as those Judaizing Christians did, and make works, either ceremonial or moral, the ground of their hope before God.

Some, and some of great name, have gone so far as to assert, that the very act of baptism saves us. Truly, if such sentiments were not expressed in terms which cannot be mistaken, we would think it a libel to impute them to any man who calls himself a Christian, and much more to any one who would make his sentiments in theology a standard for the Church of Christ. It seems incredible that such Jewish blindness would exist at this day in the Christian Church.

Others, even the great mass of nominal Christians, imagine that the attending of the house of God and the Lord's supper, together with common honesty, is sufficient to procure us acceptance with God; or that, if a little more be lacking, the merits of Christ will turn the scale.

Others, who come nearer to the Judaizing Christians of old, maintain, that though our hope is certainly in the Lord Jesus Christ—yet some works of ours are necessary to make his merits effectual for our salvation. This is a principle so generally avowed, that to controvert it would be called by many a heresy.

But (not to notice the two former opinions, which need only to be stated, and they will carry their own condemnation along with them,) this more specious principle is in reality founded on an ignorance of both Law and Gospel. For,

1. The moral law was not, any more than the ceremonial, given with a view to justify men: it was given rather to condemn them, and, as a ministration of death, to shut them up that they might receive life by the Gospel, 2 Corinthians 3:7; 2 Corinthians 3:9. Galatians 3:21-24.

2. It is impossible that any man can be saved by his obedience to the law, because the law requires perfect obedience; which never has been, nor ever can be, rendered to it by fallen man, Galatians 3:10.

3. To blend our obedience to the law with the merits of Christ, is to establish a ground for boasting; which it is the main scope and tendency of the Gospel to destroy, Romans 3:27. Ephesians 2:8-9.

4. Such a union of our works with the faith of Christ is declared to be an utter "subversion of men's souls, verse 24," and a superseding of all that Christ has done or suffered for us, Galatians 5:2-4.

Here then the question, whether as debated formerly, or as existing at this hour, is fairly stated.

We now come to,

II. The apostolic decision of it—

And here we will view,

1. The Apostle Peter's judgment respecting it—

After the point had been long debated, Peter rose to give his opinion. His argument was extremely plain and simple. He reminded the Church, that the Lord Jesus had given to him the keys of the Gospel kingdom, and had commissioned him to open that kingdom both to Jews and Gentiles. To the Jews he had opened it on the day of Pentecost; and to the Gentiles about six years afterwards, when he preached to Cornelius and his friends: and on both occasions God had given the same testimony of his acceptance to the people, pouring out upon the uncircumcised Gentiles, precisely as he had done on the circumcised Jews, his Holy Spirit, both in his miraculous and sanctifying operations. Compare Acts 11:15-18 with verse 7-9. From hence he inferred, that God had unequivocally declared his mind and will, and had shown, beyond all controversy, that in his eyes "neither circumcision was anything, nor uncircumcision was anything; but faith, that works by love," was all that he required. To require therefore from the Gentiles an observance of the Mosaic law was to "tempt God, and to put on their necks a yoke," which God had never intended to impose.

Having stated thus the grounds of his judgment, he proceeded to give, what we may call, his confession of faith. He viewed salvation as a free gift of God to man, for the sake, and through the merits, of the Lord Jesus Christ. This salvation he regarded as wholly gratuitous in all its parts, and as equally so both to Jews and Gentiles: to the Jews it was not given because they were circumcised: nor would it be withheld from the Gentiles because they were uncircumcised: both to the one and the other it would be freely given, the very instant they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. Compare the text with Romans 3:29-30. No good works were required to merit it; nor was anything required to make the merits of Christ more effectual: it was given freely, without money and without price; and from first to last must be wholly of grace.

2. The sentence of the whole College of Apostles at Jerusalem—

After Peter's sentiments were delivered, Paul and Barnabas confirmed his argument, by stating what God had done among the Gentiles by them; and, by thus uniting their testimony to his, they convinced at once the whole assembly. James, who appears to have presided in the council, drew up the sentence in which the whole Church concurred. He appealed to Peter's, testimony, as exactly according with the words of prophecy: and then declared that no such yoke was to be imposed on the converted Gentiles.

There were indeed some things which, under existing circumstances, it would be necessary for the Gentiles to forbear. They in their unconverted state had not merely regarded fornication as lawful, but had actually practiced it in their idolatrous worship: they must therefore be especially on their guard against this, not only because it was sinful in itself, and therefore to be shunned by all, but because any approaches towards it would appear like a return to their former idolatry.

On the other hand, there were some things forbidden to the Jews, such as "eating of things offered to idols, or things strangled, or the blood" of any animal; and it was necessary that the Gentiles would abstain from these things, lest they would put a stumbling-block in the way of the Jews, or cause disunion in the Church.

But, as to their submitting to any rites, or their performing of any works, in order to obtain justification by them, no such thing was required, nor ought any such thing to be required: for, in fact, the requiring of them would only "subvert their souls," and ruin them for ever.

Now this decision goes to the whole question as it now exists: for, if the performing of any act in order to obtain salvation by it, either in whole or in part, was unlawful then, it is unlawful now; and if it would subvert their souls, it will equally subvert and destroy ours, Romans 11:6. Galatians 2:16.

We shall conclude with,

1. Some cautions respecting yourselves—

In maintaining this doctrine, there are two cautions especially to be attended to: the one is, that you do not abuse it; and the other, that you do not ever lose sight of it.

Do not abuse it. If, by an indiscreet statement of it, you give reason to think that you despise morality, you will do incalculable injury to the souls of men. On the one hand, we must never be afraid to assert the doctrine of salvation by faith alone: but, on the other hand, we must show the necessity of good works as fruits and evidences of our faith, and must declare in the strongest terms, that an unproductive faith is no better than "the faith of devils, James 2:19-20."

We have only to distinguish between the foundation and the superstructure of a building. Everyone can see that they are both necessary, though not necessary for the same ends: so they may see that both faith and works are necessary, though for different ends: both are good in their proper place: but they are good only for the ends and purposes for which they are required, 1 Corinthians 3:11.

Do not ever lose sight of it. We see how even Peter himself was, not long after this, turned from the principles he had so firmly maintained, Galatians 2:11-14. So there is in us an astonishing tendency to lean to legal views, and self-righteous principles. Remember how jealous Paul was on this subject, Galatians 1:8-9; and "stand fast in the liberty with which Christ has made you free, Galatians 5:1."

2. Some directions respecting others—

As the opposers of our principles are apt to be intolerant towards us, so it sometimes is found that we speak too contemptuously of them. Now it is certain, that many who have an sincere zeal for God, have very imperfect views of this subject, Romans 10:2-3; and they ought to be regarded by us with love, and be treated by us with the greatest tenderness. See how the whole Church met together to deliberate on this point for the satisfaction of their weaker brethren: and should not we exercise forbearance towards them, and labor with patience to lead them to clearer views of the subject? If God has given you a more just conception of this great mystery, be thankful for it; but make use of your knowledge, not for the indulgence of vain conceit, but for the edification of men, and the glory of God.

And while you seek the benefit of your fellow-Christians, do not forget your elder brethren, the Jews. "They have been broken off from their own stock on account of their unbelief; and we have been engrafted in upon it:" remember them with pity, and strive by all possible means to promote their welfare. You see that the blending of their law with the Gospel was destructive to those among them who embraced Christianity. What then must be the state of those who reject Christianity altogether, and have no hope but in their law, which yet it is impossible for them, under their present circumstances, to obey? It is a shame to the Christian world, that we take so little pains to enlighten their minds, and to bring them to the knowledge of the truth.

Consider then with yourselves what can be done for them, and how you yourselves in your respective stations may contribute to their good. And pray to God, that he will bring them back to his fold, and unite them with us under one Head, that "through the whole world there may be but one Lord, and his name one, Zechariah 14:9."

 

#1784

INQUIRY INTO THE STATE OF THE CHURCH

Acts 15:36.

"Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing."

IT is of the nature of divine grace to be always operative, and never to remit its exertions, while there is any good to be done. Under its superabundant influence, Paul and Barnabas were carried through all the labors and difficulties to which they had been expressly called by the Holy Spirit, and for which they had been set apart by the Church at Antioch, Acts 13:2-3 with Acts 14:26. But Paul, not content with having executed the work assigned him, desired to renew his labors, in order to the further advancement of it in all the Churches which he had planted: and for this end he proposed to Barnabas to go and visit all the Churches again, and see in what state they were: "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing."

We will,

I. Consider this proposal, in reference to the Churches then formed—

It is impossible not to admire the spirit by which it was dictated, or to withhold our approbation from the proposal itself. It was,

1. A desirable proposal—

Churches, like plantations in the natural world, are liable to great variations: they may thrive and flourish, or they may be blighted and wither. If we examine all the Churches founded by the Apostles, we shall find that in some there were abuses, in others errors, in others divisions; and in all there were many things which needed to be checked by apostolic wisdom, and to be rectified by apostolic authority.

But in Churches planted by these two Apostles, it might well be expected, that they would possess peculiar influence; because, in addition to the respect with which they would be regarded as Apostles of Christ, they would be considered by every one as standing to him in the relation of a father: and hence there would be in all places a ready acquiescence in their wishes, and a willing obedience to their injunctions. This was the effect which the Apostle expected to be produced at Corinth, when he said, "I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills; and will know, not the speech of them that are puffed up, but the power, 1 Corinthians 4:19;" and again, "The rest will I set in order when I come, 1 Corinthians 11:34."

Such, we doubt not, was the original design of episcopal visitations: and, if this great end were kept more in view, we have reason to think that the greatest possible good would result from them: what inquiries would be made as to the spiritual state of the different churches, and the effects produced by the ministry of the word, in awakening the careless, in comforting the afflicted, in sanctifying the corrupt.

2. A benevolent proposal—

This was not a proposal for an excursion of pleasure, but for a service of great difficulty and danger. Conspiracies were often formed against their lives; and at one place Paul had been stoned, and left for dead, Acts 14:5-6; Acts 14:19. In this respect Paul trod in the steps of his Divine Master, who, to the utter amazement of his disciples, proposed to go up again to Judea, where his adversaries had just before sought to stone him, John 11:7-8. Like him he "counted not his life dear unto him, so that he might but fulfill the ministry which he had received of the Lord Jesus." "He willingly endured all things for the elect's sake, that they might obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." Even where his labors were less acceptable, he willingly devoted himself to the service of his fellow-creatures, and would "gladly spend, and be spent, for them; though the more abundantly he loved them, the less he were loved."

O that such benevolence were more common in the Church! O that every minister could appeal unto God, "how greatly he longed after his people with the affections of Christ," and even "travailed in birth with them, as it were, again and again, until Christ would be manifestly formed in them, Galatians 4:19."

3. A beneficial proposal—

Unhappily the proposal was an occasion of a very fierce contention between the two apostles. Not that Barnabas was less delighted to accept the proposal, than Paul was to make it: but Barnabas wished "to take John with them, whose surname was Mark;" which Paul could never consent to do. Mark had accompanied them for some time in their former journey; but had forsaken them when he found that their work was attended with so much difficulty and danger: and on this account Paul thought him unfit for the labor, and unworthy of the honor of attending them again, Acts 13:2; Acts 13:5; Acts 13:13 with Acts 15:38. In this matter neither of the Apostles would give way; so that they separated from each other, and, as far as we know, never saw each other again in this world, Acts 15:39.

To decide between the two, where God himself has not decided, is difficult: yet we apprehend that Barnabas was the more blameable of the two; first, because he seems to have been too much actuated by partiality for his nephew, Colossians 4:10; and next, because the Church at Antioch appear to have sided with the Apostle Paul; "commending him with renewed earnestness to the grace of God," while Barnabas was allowed to depart without any such expressions of their regard, Acts 15:40.

Still it seems as if Paul himself was not wholly blameless, in allowing the contention to rise to such a pitch; when, if he had proposed to refer the matter to God with solemn fasting and prayer, we can have no doubt but that God would have made known to them his will respecting it.

The separation however was overruled for good: for Paul went with Silas, and Barnabas with Mark, each to his native country, Acts 4:36; Acts 21:29, where they hoped to labor with most effect; and thus "confirmed and established more Churches, Acts 15:41 and Acts 16:5," than they could have done, if they had executed the plan that was at first proposed.

We will now endeavor to,

II. Fulfill the design in reference to the Church here present—

The design of their projected journey was, to inquire into the state of the different Churches which they had planted: "Let us go and see how they do." Now if such an inquiry was necessary among the apostolic Churches, doubtless it cannot be superfluous among us. We will direct our inquiry then,

1. Generally, to the Church at large—

We are called a Christian Church: but are there not many among us who have no more of Christianity than the name? In the Church of Philadelphia there were some who "said they were Jews, and were not, but lied, Revelation 3:9;" and so it is among us: there are many who "name the name of Christ," without ever once endeavoring "to depart from iniquity," or truly to give up themselves to him as his disciples.

But, to speak rather of those who profess a love for the Gospel, and who therefore more resemble the primitive Church; are there not many who "have a name that they live, and yet are dead;" or, at least, "the gracious dispositions that remain in them are so weak, that they are ready to die, Revelation 3:1-2." Are there not many who "have left their first love, Revelation 2:4," and are relapsed into such a lukewarm state, (neither cold nor hot,) that they are as hateful to God as if they made no profession at all, Revelation 3:15-16. And are there not many also of whom it must be said, that "their works are not perfect before God, Revelation 3:2;" and that, instead of having "their last works more than their first, Revelation 2:19," they have lost much of their spirituality and devotion to God?

Truly, if we were to address you all, as John did Gaius, and "wish your bodies to be in health, and prosper as your souls prosper," we fear that we would be wishing the greater part of you either sick or dead, 3 John 1:2.

2. Particularly, to different classes of Christians in the Church—

John divides the members of Christ's mystical body into three classes, "little children, young men, and fathers."

We ask then of the "little children," in what state are you? Are you "growing in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?" and, in order to the promotion of that growth, are you "desiring and delighting in the sincere milk of the word? 1 Peter 2:2." Are you sensible of your weakness and sinfulness; and looking to the Lord Jesus Christ to cleanse you daily in his blood, and to uphold you by his Spirit? And are you so diligent in every good work, as to "make your profiting appear unto all?"

To the young men, of whom it is said that "the word of God abides in them, and that they overcome the wicked one, 1 John 2:14," we next address ourselves: Do you indeed find that "the word of Christ dwells richly in you in all wisdom?" that the precepts are your guide, and the promises your support? Do you go forth with that "word as the sword of the Spirit," to fight with all your spiritual enemies? Do you show from day to day, that you are gaining fresh victories over the flesh and all its lusts, the world and all its vanities, and the devil and all his temptations?

If there are any among us who, on account of their long standing and their high attainments in the divine life, are worthy of the name of fathers, we would ask of them, are you increasingly growing in an acquaintance with God, so as to "walk with him," like Enoch? and are you "forgetting all that you have attained, and reaching forth to still higher attainments, and pressing forward for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus?"

Let all of every class search and try themselves, that they may know what answer to give to such inquiries as these. The great High-Priest walks among the seven golden candlesticks, and observes infallibly the state of every lamp, whether it is burning dimly, or its light is bright, Revelation 1:14; Revelation 1:20; and to every one will he give according to his state before God, Revelation 1:23. Let this inquiry then lead you all to diligent examination, and redoubled earnestness in the ways of God: for "we have no greater joy, than that our children walk in truth! 3 John 1:4;" and "then we live, if you stand fast in the Lord! 1 Thessalonians 3:8."

 

#1785

THE CONVERSION OF LYDIA

Acts 16:14-15.

One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.

IN preaching the Gospel to mankind, every minister will not be alike successful; though every one may expect such a measure of success, as shall be a testimony from God to the truth of his declarations, and a seal to the commission with which he has been charged, Jeremiah 23:22. More especially may we hope to convert sinners unto God, if we are attentive to the calls of his providence, respecting the proper sphere of our labors. We may, like the Apostles, spread our net wide, and "toil all the night, and catch nothing:" but, if our Lord instructs us where to cast the net, we may hope to enclose a multitude of fish.

The commission given to the Apostles was, to "go and preach the Gospel to every creature:" yet there were particular places to which, at particular times, their attention was more especially directed. Paul, after going through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, would have gone into Asia and Bithynia; but he was forbidden by the Holy Spirit to go there, verse 6, 7; and was instructed by a vision to go over rather into Macedonia verse 9, 10. There therefore he went; and there he met with the woman of whom our text speaks; and was the happy instrument of saving her soul alive.

Her name, her occupation, her character, and the place of her nativity, are all distinctly noticed: she was called "Lydia;" and was of the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple clothes; and a worshiper of the true God. We forbear, however, to dwell on these circumstances, in order that we may consider more fully the means and evidences of her conversion—

I. The means of her conversion—

Lydia was, by nature, like all the rest of mankind: her heart was shut against the truths of the Gospel: nor could she either receive or know them, because she possessed not a spiritual discernment. But the Lord "knocked, as it were, at the door" of her heart, and constrained her to open to him: he fixed her attention to the subject which Paul insisted on; gave her an insight into it; inclined her cordially to embrace the truth; and thus "subdued her to the obedience of faith."

Now this is the way in which the work of conversion is always effected—

We do not say that every person is wrought upon as suddenly as she was; or that there are not many subordinate points in which the conversion of others may differ from hers: but we are sure:
that every natural man is blind to the Gospel of Christ, 1 Corinthians 2:14;
that both the sublimity of its doctrines and the purity of its precepts is offensive to him;
that an effort of omnipotence also is exerted to overcome the reluctance of his soul;
and that, until that influence is felt, he will hold fast to his delusions, "confounding good and evil, sweet and bitter, light and darkness."

Nor can it be effected by any other means whatever—

If good dispositions would effect it, or if human eloquence could effect it, she might have been converted without any such exercise of the Divine power; seeing that she was already "a worshiper" of the true God, and had Paul for her instructor. But we are expressly told, that the work of conversion depends not on any such circumstances, but that it is altogether the effect of a divine operation on the soul, John 1:13.

The disciples, who had the peculiar advantage of our Lord's instructions for above three years together, and that in private as well as in public, could not understand the most important parts of Scripture, until "he opened their understandings, Luke 24:45."

In like manner, there is yet a veil on the hearts of men while they read and hear the Scriptures; nor can any but God remove it, 2 Corinthians 3:13-16. Hence it is plainly declared by our Lord himself, that "no man can come unto him, unless he is drawn of the Father, John 6:44-45." However humiliating therefore the truth may be, we are constrained to say, in relation to every man that is converted, that the work "is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy! Romans 9:16."

That a great and effectual work was wrought upon her will appear, while we consider,

II. The evidences of her conversion—

Here we are called to notice,

1. Her public profession of faith in Christ—

She was not ashamed to acknowledge the conviction that had been wrought on her mind; nor was she afraid to confess her faith in Jesus of Nazareth. Accordingly, she was, together with all her household, baptized immediately, in token that she had embraced the Christian covenant, and was become a disciple of the Lord Jesus. This, it is true, was not a decisive proof of sound conversion; because some submitted to the rite of baptism who had not received the grace of God in truth, Acts 8:13; but it was a strong presumptive evidence of her sincerity, inasmuch as it exposed her to all the obloquy and persecution, which were the common lot of Christians at that day. The insincere were deterred by these considerations from acting according to the dictates of their conscience, John 12:42-43; but the upright uniformly and universally complied with them.

In this, her example deserves particular attention: for we are to maintain the same fidelity as she did, and to show, by the whole of our conduct, whose we are, and whom we have engaged to serve, Romans 10:10.

2. Her zealous attachment to the cause of Christ—

She felt an ardent love towards him who had been the instrument of her conversion; and a most sincere desire to glorify her God, to whose grace alone she was indebted for all the blessings she had received. Hence she desired, and urged the Apostles, if they accounted her sincere, to come and take up their abode under her roof. This was attended, not only with expense, but with considerable danger too, Acts 16:22; Acts 17:6-9; but she had counted the cost in every way, and was well content to pay it.

This was an excellent evidence in her favor: for this kind of love is particularly specified by God himself as one of those "things which accompany salvation, Hebrews 6:9-10;" and in a very eminent degree it may be considered as "fulfilling the law of Christ, Galatians 6:2; Galatians 6:10." Respecting the exercise of such dispositions under the Christian dispensation, and the consecration of all our wealth to the service of our God, the Prophet Isaiah spoke repeatedly, Isaiah 23:18; Isaiah 60:9; and wherever the grace of God reigns in the heart, it will produce these effects in the life and conduct, 2 Corinthians 8:7-8.

We shall conclude this subject with some reflections naturally arising from it:

1. How necessary is the Lord's working in preaching!

Of all the women who heard the Apostle at that time, we hear only of one who gave due attention to the things that were spoken by him: and the source of the difference between her and the others was, that "the Lord opened her heart." To the Lord's working must we trace all the good that is done by the ministration of the Gospel, Isaiah 53:1. Acts 11:21. 1 Thessalonians 1:5. Whoever may be the preacher, God alone is the author of the blessing, 2 Corinthians 3:6-7.

2. How great are the obligations of those whose eyes are opened!

Consider the change wrought on her at the time, and the effect of it on her everlasting state—what cause had she to adore and magnify the grace of God! So it is with all who are made monuments of Divine grace—they are indeed "brands plucked out of the burning;" and to all eternity must they ascribe their happiness, not to themselves, but unto Him who "chose them from before the foundation of the world," and gave them to his dear Son, to be the trophies of his redeeming love! John 15:16. Romans 9:16. Ephesians 1:4-6.

3. How anxious should we be to adorn the doctrine we have received!

Lydia sought this honor of Christian hospitality and fellowship with great earnestness; yes, she accounted it an honor and a joy. Thus it was with the Christians in the Churches of Macedonia, 2 Corinthians 8:1-4; and thus should it be with us also. We should long and pant after opportunities of honoring our God: we should value nothing any further than it may be subservient to that end: we should account ourselves, and all that we possess, as the Lord's property, 1 Corinthians 6:20; and we would make it the one labor of our lives to "glorify him with our bodies and our spirits, which are his!"

 

#1786

A SPIRIT OF DIVINATION CAST OUT

Acts 16:16-18.

Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.

IT has been thought by many, that all which the Scriptures speak respecting the possession of men by Satan, is merely figurative; and that the effects ascribed to such possessions must be referred to other causes. Accordingly, the expulsion of evil spirits from men by Jesus Christ is considered by them as only a cure of some particular disorders. But, if there are some passages which may possibly admit of such an interpretation, there are others that cannot be so explained. The damsel of whom our text speaks, is represented as having "a spirit of divination;" which, according to the opinion of the fore-mentioned persons, was a mere fiction only, to impose upon the credulity of the weak. Her artifice is regarded as nothing more than a conspiracy between her and her masters to deceive the world by juggling and imposture. But, if this was the case, how could the command given by Paul to the spirit that was in her, prevent her from practicing the same deceits in the future! Yet it did dispossess her of talents with which she had before been endowed, and deprived her masters of all hope of further gain from the exercise of those talents, verse 19. This is a clear proof, that she had really been possessed by an evil spirit; and that that spirit had imparted to her powers, different from any that are common to the rest of mankind.

Without stopping to enter into the general question of Satanic possessions, which we consider as sufficiently determined by the fact recorded in our text, we shall confine our attention to the account here given of the damsel that was possessed; and shall notice,

I. The testimony she bore respecting them—

In considering her testimony, we notice,

1. The design of it—

We doubt not but that it was intended to bring the Apostles into disrepute, and to induce a suspicion that they were in confederacy with the devil. This was a scheme which Satan had long before practiced in relation to our Lord himself, who, knowing his subtle intentions, repeatedly interposed with authority to prevent his further exercise of this device, Luke 4:33-35; Luke 4:41.

2. The substance was perfectly correct—

The testimony itself; the Apostles were "the servants of the Most High God;" and their one employment was, "to show unto men the way of salvation." The same is true also respecting us: for though we are not called precisely in the same way as the Apostles were, nor have we precisely the same commission given to us—yet we are truly "servants of God," sent by him, as his ambassadors, to bring men into a state of reconciliation with him; and we trust that, as it is our office, so it is our delight, "to show unto men the way of salvation."

"We come, preaching peace by Jesus Christ." We declare that "Christ is the way, the truth, and the life; and that no man comes unto the Father but by him." On the other hand, we declare, that God "will cast out none who come to him" in that way; and that "Christ will save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him!"

However gratifying we might suppose such a testimony to be, it was far from being acceptable to the Apostles; as we see by,

II. The conduct they observed respecting her—

1. For many days they waited, to see what God might do by her means: but at last they commiserated her state—

Paul was "grieved" at her, as well he might be: for, while she was bearing this testimony from day to day, she sought not the way of salvation for her own soul, and obstructed, rather than promoted, the salvation of others.

And have not we similar cause for grief on account of multitudes around us? Yes truly. There are many who espouse the cause of faithful ministers, and profess to believe the truths they preach, while yet they are altogether slaves of sin and Satan! Now such are greatly to be pitied, both on account of the state of their own souls, and on account of the injury they do to the souls of others. As it respects themselves, their knowledge only aggravates their guilt, John 3:19; and their casting a stumbling-block before others involves them in a heavier condemnation, Matthew 18:7.

2. They exerted themselves for her relief—

Being endued with the power of working miracles, they commanded the evil spirit to come out of her: and that command, issued as it was in the name of Jesus Christ, instantly liberated her from her sore bondage.

To effect similar wonders is not in our power: but yet we are authorized to declare to men how they may obtain a similar deliverance. A believing application to Jesus will bring Omnipotence to their aid: and "the strong man armed" can no longer retain possession of their souls, when "the stronger than he," even the Lord Jesus Christ, comes forth to cast him out!

Are there any then among you who know the truths of the Gospel without experiencing their sanctifying and saving efficacy? Cry mightily to the Lord; and he will work effectually in your behalf: yes, he will make use of the words which you now hear, to "turn you from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God".

Now this subject opens the way to some important distinctions—

Let us learn from hence,

1. To distinguish between the advocates of the Gospel, and the Gospel itself—

If any were hardened in their infidelity by means of that damsel, they were exceeding blameable; for her testimony did not at all affect either the persons respecting whom it was borne, or the Gospel itself. The adversaries of the Gospel are very fond of referring to the characters of its advocates; and if they can find that any of its professors have dishonored it by their conduct, they will bring that as an argument against the Gospel itself.

But was Jesus an impostor, because demoniacs confessed him to be the Christ? Were the Apostles less to be regarded as servants of the Most High God, because this damsel, by Satanic agency, bore testimony to them under that character? Or was the path, which they pointed out to men as the way of salvation, less worthy to be trodden, because it received her sanction?

So then, neither is the Gospel less worthy of acceptance because some dishonor it by their conduct; nor are we the more to be considered as deceivers, because there may be among our hearers some who "hold the truth in unrighteousness." The Gospel is wholly independent both of those who preach it and those who profess it: we call upon you therefore to receive it with all humility of mind. Whatever be the character of its advocates or its opponents, it declares the only way in which a sinner can be saved: and to those who cordially embrace it, it shall be the power of God unto salvation.

2. To distinguish between an approbation of the Gospel, and the actual experience of it in our own souls—

Men, if they change their sentiments, and especially if they show an attachment to the truths of the Gospel, are apt to think that they are truly converted unto God. But conversion is a change of heart, and not of sentiment only: it is "a renewing in the spirit of our mind." Let us inquire then, not merely whether we are "turned from darkness unto light," but whether we are "turned from the power of Satan unto God." If we are still habitually under the power of Satan in anything, we have no part nor lot in Gospel salvation. Let us then search and try our hearts; and beg of God also to search and try us, lest we deceive our own souls, and perish in our sins.

True it is, that if we receive the Gospel aright, we shall, like Lydia, show a cordial attachment to those who are sent by God to dispense it to us: but we shall delight also in the commandments of our God; we shall live near to God in the constant exercise of prayer and praise; we shall grow up into his image, and be advancing from day to day in righteousness and true holiness.

See to it then, brethren, that you have these evidences of conversion; for "then shall you not be ashamed, when you have respect unto all God's commandments."

 

#1787

THE CONVERSION OF THE JAILOR

Acts 16:29-31.

The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.

VARIOUS are the ways in which God effects the conversion of sinners to himself. Some he draws by the attractive influences of his Spirit; causing his word to distill as dew upon their souls, and imperceptibly, as it were, opening their understandings (as he did Lydia's, verse 14), and inclining their hearts to embrace his truth. With others he deals rather in a way of fear and terror; filling them with compunction (as he did the converts on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:37), and awakening them from their security by some solemn dispensation of his providence.

It was thus that he impressed the savage mind of the jailor, whose conversion we are about to consider. By an earthquake at midnight, (an earthquake that shook the very foundations of the prison, and opened all its doors,) he first rendered him sensible of his guilt and danger, and stimulated him to make the inquiries, which terminated in the conversion and salvation of his soul.

The jailor's inquiry, and the answer given to it, will form the natural division of our text.

I. The jailor's inquiry—

In this there are two things worthy of particular attention:

1. The importance of it—

There is no other concern in this world of so great, or so universal, importance. The inquiring, "What we shall eat, or drink, or be clothed with," is certainly necessary in this present state of existence: but those things are not worth a thought, in comparison with the salvation of the soul, Matthew 6:31-33. The soul! Heaven! Hell! Eternity! What weighty considerations!

Nor is there any human being who needs not this inquiry. All are sinners; and, as sinners, condemned: all therefore have reason to dread the wrath of God, and to ask how they may obtain mercy at his hands. Youth, learning, riches, do not at all supersede the necessity of this inquiry: all are liable to be summoned, at any moment, into the presence of their God, who is no respecter of persons, but will judge every man according to his works. Those who have embraced the salvation offered by him in the Gospel, will be saved by him: those who have slighted and neglected it, whatever be their rank or condition in life, will eternally perish.

2. The manner in which it was made—

Here we see a sincerity suited to the object inquired offer, and a determination of heart to follow any directions which these servants of God would give him. He did not, like Pilate, ask with indifference, "What is truth? John 18:38," and then go away without waiting for an answer: nor did he, like the Jews at Rome, ask in a mere speculative or inquisitive manner, "We desire to hear of you what you think, Acts 28:22."

It was with him a personal concern; a matter of the greatest importance. He had no disposition to cavil or dispute: but an ardent desire to know how he might obtain mercy at the hands of his offended God. They needed only to point out to him the way of life, and he was ready without hesitation to use the means prescribed, however difficult the task might be, or whatever sacrifices he might be called to make in the pursuit of this great object.

And now let us see what was,

II. The answer given him—

Behold,

1. Its simplicity—

Men, by cavils and disputes, have thrown obscurity over the plainest of all truths. To the proud and self-sufficient, the faith of the Gospel is made a stumbling-block: but to the humble and contrite, the light of the meridian sun is not more clear. Here are no conditions imposed, no limitations fixed. It is not said, "If you will do so many good works, Jesus Christ will accept you:" but simply, "Believe in him!" believe that he has died to save sinners; believe, that by the blood of his cross he has made reconciliation for you with God, and that he will save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him." Do not think to purchase the Divine favor by anything of your own, but seek it as the free gift of God for Christ's sake.

"Look" to Christ, as the wounded Israelites did to the brazen serpent; and "wash" in the fountain of his blood, as Naaman did in the streams of Jordan: then shall you "be healed" from your leprosy, and "be saved" from the deadly wounds of sin! Yes, you, notwithstanding the treatment you have shown to us, his servants, and notwithstanding you have never thought of salvation until this moment of terror and alarm, even you shall surely, shall instantly, be saved by him—if only you trust in him with your whole heart. What beautiful simplicity is there in this way of salvation!

2. Its efficacy—

"Sharper than a two-edged sword was the word" spoken by Paul and Silas. As it suited the jailor's case, so it reached his heart, and proved "the power of God to the salvation of his soul." It instantly turned his sorrow into joy, verse 34. He was enabled to see the freeness, the suitableness, the sufficiency of the Gospel salvation, and to trust with confidence in the promises made to him in Christ Jesus. Thus were his fears dissipated, and his terrors changed into exultation and triumph!

It also with no less rapidity, changed and renewed his soul. But a few hours before, he had with unrelenting cruelty executed the commission which he had received from the persecuting magistrates; "thrusting these divine messengers into the inner prison, and making their feet fast in the stocks." But now "he took them into his own house, and washed their stripes, and set food before them." Yes, "the very same hour of the night" did he thus evince the truth of his conversion. Finally, it caused him, without hesitation, to become a determined follower of Christ. Though he saw what he was likely to suffer for the truth's sake, he did "not consult with flesh and blood," or temporize at all; but immediately, with all his household, devoted himself to God in baptism, and avowed himself a friend of this persecuted religion.

Surely the wonder-working rod of Moses did not more clearly display the power of God when it divided the Red Sea, or brought water from the rock—than this simple declaration did in the change it wrought on this ferocious jailor.

ADDRESS—

1. To the secure—

When do you intend to begin this inquiry? Is it a fit employment for a dying hour? Will the consciousness of having neglected it excite no fears when you are just entering on eternity, or leave no room for regret when you stand at the judgment-seat of Christ? O that you were wise, and would consider your latter end!

2. To the fearful—

Some there are who make this inquiry, we trust, in sincerity—yet do not derive comfort from the Apostle's direction: they are so discouraged by a sense of their own unworthiness, that they are not able to lay hold on the promises of the Gospel: they are ready to think it would be presumption in them to expect mercy in so free a way. But, whatever have been their past state, they may come, yes, they must come to Christ in this way. If our unworthiness were a bar to our acceptance with God, who would ever be saved? But the fact is, that such persons do not see enough of their unworthiness; for if they did, they would immediately perceive that they must come to Christ, as the most unworthy of his creatures, or lie down in everlasting despair.

Dear brethren, do not indulge pride under the garb of humility; but be willing to come to Christ as you are. Only feel as the jailor did, and you need not fear but that you shall be accepted as readily as the jailor was.

3. The believing—

Doubtless some of you have been enabled to believe in Christ, and to found all your hopes on his sin-atoning sacrifice. Let me then say to you, that you must not consider the work of faith as done, but merely as begun, and as necessary to be carried on every day and hour. You must "live still from day to day by faith in the Son of God." At the same time, O let me remind you to "show forth your faith by your works." You see how the jailor honored God, by a cordial acquiescence in the terms proposed, a bold confession of the crucified Jesus, a thorough change both of heart and life, and a joyful expectation that not a tittle of God's word would fail. Go on thus, trusting in God with all your hearts, and glorifying God with all your souls!

 

#1788

PROOFS THAT JESUS IS THE MESSIAH

Acts 17:2-5.

As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ," he said. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women. But the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.

THE dispersion of the Jews through every part of the Roman empire greatly facilitated the diffusion of the Gospel in the apostolic age: for in all the capital cities of the empire there were synagogues, to which the Apostles had access, and where on the Sabbath-days they were sure of meeting a large assembly of their countrymen. Of these advantages Paul invariably availed himself: for though he was "a minister of the uncircumcision," and was sent principally to the Gentiles—yet he in every place addressed himself in the first place to the Jews, and only turned to the Gentiles when the Jews had rejected the gracious tidings which he delivered to them. In discoursing with the Jews, he constantly appealed to the Holy Scriptures, which they themselves acknowledged to be of Divine authority; but, if in many instances he succeeded in convincing them, in many instances he failed.

In the passage which we have now read, we see,

I. The means he used for the conversion of the Jews—

Two things he labored to establish;

1. That the Scriptures represented the Messiah as one who would die and rise again—

To establish this, he adduced a multitude of passages which he knew to have been generally received, as descriptive of the Messiah. On other occasions we are informed what particular passages were cited: and from them we may guess what passages the Apostle insisted on at this time. He no doubt showed the Jews, that the death and resurrection of the Messiah were declared in the plainest prophecies, and shadowed forth in the most significant types.

In speaking of the prophecies, he might well appeal to that very first promise that was given to man, Genesis 3:15; what could that mean, but that Satan was first to "bruise his heel," by bringing him down to the grave; and that Christ would afterwards, by his resurrection, "bruise his head," and destroy his empire in the world!

In the Psalm these truths are yet more plain and express. It was said that the potentates of the earth would combine to destroy him; but that he would be seated on God's holy hill of Zion; and, being exalted to the right hand of power, he would dash in pieces his enemies as a potter's vessel! Psalm 2:1-9. Again, "His soul was not to be left in Hell, nor was this Holy One to see corruption, Psalm 16:9-10." Does not that clearly show that his soul was first to go into Hell, that is the place of departed spirits; that his body was to be consigned to the grave; and that he was afterwards to rise from the dead, and go into the presence of his Father, where there is a fullness of joy for evermore, Psalm 16:11.

Again, his sufferings are, in the 22nd Psalm, minutely described, as preparatory to that exaltation which he was to receive, when "the kingdom would be his, and he would be the Governor among the nations, Psalm 22:1-18; Psalm 22:22; Psalm 22:27-28."

The Prophet Isaiah speaks of these things in as plain language as the New Testament itself. The Messiah, according to him, was to have his visage marred more than any man, previous to his sprinkling of many nations, and converting to himself the kings of the earth, Isaiah 52:14-15. See also 53:9-12.

Daniel also speaks to the same effect, saying, that the very Messiah, who was to possess an everlasting kingdom, must nevertheless be first "cut off," though not for himself, but for his people's sins, to make reconciliation for their iniquities, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, Daniel 7:13-14 with 9:24, 26.

Now the Apostle would ask: Are not these passages contained in your Scriptures? And have not the most pious and learned men of our own nation considered them as predictions relative to their Messiah? And do they not in that view prove indisputably, that Christ must die and rise again?

We may conceive him, then, as proceeding to the types, by which these things were shadowed forth.

What, he would say, meant the restoration of Isaac from the dead, but the restoration of God's only dear Son from the dead, after he had been offered a sacrifice for sin, Hebrews 11:17-19.

What meant all the Mosaic sacrifices, and the carrying of their blood within the veil, but the shedding of Christ's blood, and his going afterwards, as our great High Priest, with his own blood, into the holy place not made with hands; himself being shadowed forth, both by the victim that was offered, and the priest that offered it, Hebrews 9:7; Hebrews 9:11-12.

What meant that peculiar offering, the two birds; of which one was killed, and the other, dipped in its blood, was let loose into the air, Leviticus 14:49-53; or that of the two goats, whereof one was slain, and the other, with all the sins of Israel put upon its head, led into the wilderness, that it might never more be seen of men?

Were these of doubtful signification? Do they not prove clearly what the Messiah was to do and suffer; even that, for the accomplishment of our redemption, he must die, and rise again from the dead?

Did not Jonah too, that noted type of Christ, descend to the depths of the sea, before he was brought forth again on dry land?

Methinks he would dwell with delight on these unanswerable topics, and strive with all his might to fix conviction on their minds.

2. That Jesus, whom he preached unto them, was the Messiah—

That Jesus answered to all these predictions in his sufferings, they could not doubt. It was a matter of public notoriety, that he had been put to death, even the accursed death of the cross. His resurrection indeed the Jews did attempt to deny: but the Apostles, who had seen and conversed with him after his death, and were endued by him with a power of working miracles in confirmation of their word, attested, with one voice, that he was risen, and had ascended up to Heaven in their sight. This testimony they were ready to seal with their blood: and therefore they called upon all to believe in Jesus, as the person in whom the Scriptures had received their full accomplishment.

One might have hoped that all would have been convinced by such testimonies; but, alas! there was a great diversity in,

II. The effects produced by them.

Some, we are told, believed—

The word came to some of them "not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance." These united themselves to the Apostles, and boldly professed their faith in Christ. Among these there was "a great multitude of Grecian proselytes, (who were more open to conviction than the native Jews;) and "of the chief women also not a few." Who does not congratulate these happy converts on the change that then took place within them? Even in this world, their happiness was greatly augmented; but what has been their state since they entered into the eternal world? Who can reflect on that, and not rejoice on their account? or who must not wish that all who now heard the Gospel, might experience the same blessed effects upon their souls?

Others opposed the truth with all their might—

Here we see how "Christ came, not to give peace on earth, but rather division." As among his own hearers there were divisions, "some saying that he was a just man, and others, that he deceived the people;" so it was wherever his Gospel was preached by the Apostles; and so it is wherever it is preached at this day.

But who were his opponents? Who? They were "certain lewd fellows of the baser sort." It is true that many of a different description were among the fiercest opposers of their doctrine; but the people here described were ever ready to lend themselves as instruments of persecution, and to carry into effect whatever the malice of their superiors would suggest. And such is the description of people who at this day are foremost in opposing the Gospel of Christ.

The most abandoned characters, people who neither fear God nor regard man, will unite together to disturb the worship of Christ, or to procure the intervention of the civil power to suppress it. Not that they will oppose the Gospel as good: no, they will decry it as evil: they will represent the preachers of it as "turning the world upside down," and as enemies to civil government. This has been the device of wicked men in all ages. Compare verse 7 with Esther 3:8; and it is still the ground of accusation which they bring against the godly, wherever the Gospel is attended with success.

They are envious at the influence obtained by those who preach the Gospel, and at the happiness of those who embrace it; and therefore they labor to silence the one, and to turn aside the other. To effect their purposes, they raise "an uproar," and then represent the godly as the causes of that uproar: and endeavor to incense against them every one who may be able to obstruct their progress.

Let not such conduct then surprise us; for it was foretold, as soon as the Savior came into the world, that he would be a butt of contradiction, "a sign that would be spoken against," and that he would be "set, no less for the fall, than for the rising again, of many in Israel." Therefore we must expect to find, wherever he is exhibited in his true character, that he is a stumbling-block to those who will not flee to him as their sanctuary, Isaiah 8:14 with Luke 2:34.

From this subject we may learn,

1. That the Scriptures are the only just standard of truth—

It is curious to observe, how continually, and how confidently, the Apostles refer to the Scriptures of the Old Testament. "What does the Scripture say?" is the question to which they recur for the settlement of every difficulty and every dispute, Romans 4:3; Romans 11:2. Galatians 4:30. See also Romans 9:17; Romans 10:11 and 1 Timothy 5:18. Happy it is for us that we have a standard so plain, so accessible, so universally received. Let us bring every sentiment to that test, and try it by that touchstone. "If men speak not according to the written word, there is no light in them, Romans 8:20."

2. That the knowledge of Christ, as dying and rising again for us, is the one appointed means of salvation—

It was with Jews that the Apostle argued: yet the Jews worshiped the only true God, and professed to reverence his holy law. But when the Gospel was fully preached, the Jew could no longer be saved by the observance of his own law: he must embrace the Gospel, and look to Christ as the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Thus also must all act who bear the Christian name: they must not be contented with an outward conformity to the Gospel, but must embrace it as "all their salvation and all their desire." As for the opposition that is made to the life and power of the Gospel, it is rather an argument in its favor than otherwise: for thus the Gospel ever has been treated; and thus it will be, as long as there shall be an ungodly man upon earth. But, if the whole world would rise up against it, let it be our endeavor to receive it in our hearts, to confess it with our lips, and to adorn it with our lives!

 

#1789

THE GOOD EFFECTS OF A SINCERE ATTENTION TO THE GOSPEL

Acts 17:11-12.

"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men."

THE clamor often raised against the Gospel is no argument against the Gospel itself. God's messengers have in all ages been opposed by the ungodly. Even our Lord himself, who spoke as never any man spoke, was believed by very few; but there will always be found some who will give the truth a favorable reception. Different hearers are differently affected with the word they hear in these days. This however only shows that human nature is the same now that it was in Paul's time.

I. Wherein the Bereans excelled the Thessalonians—

The Jews in Berea had been educated in the same prejudices as those in Thessalonica: yet their conduct was in perfect contrast with that of the Thessalonians

They excelled,

1. In open-mindedness—

The Thessalonians would not so much as consider what they heard from the Apostle: but the Bereans "inquired whether these things were so." They did not conclude everything to be false which did not accord with their preconceived opinions. This was a noble spirit, because it showed that they were not in subjection to their prejudices.

2. In fair-mindedness—

The Thessalonians, not satisfied with rejecting the word, were filled with wrath against those who delivered it unto them. They misrepresented the principles of the Apostle, stirred up a tumult against him, assaulted his friends under the pretense of justice, obliged him to flee for his life, followed him with unrelenting animosity to Berea, and, notwithstanding the acceptance he met with there, drove him from thence also.

Nothing could be more contrary to equity than thus to calumniate the innocent, and persecute the messengers of Heaven. The Bereans, on the contrary, made a diligent use of the means afforded them for solving their doubts: they "searched the Scriptures," which they considered as the only standard of truth, and to which the Apostle himself had appealed; they "searched them daily," that they might form their judgment upon the surest grounds: they would neither receive nor reject anything which they had not maturely weighed.

3. In a regard for truth—

Truth was neither sought for, nor desired by, the Thessalonian Jews. Loving darkness rather than light, they strove to extinguish the light which shone around them. But the Bereans "received the word with all readiness of mind:" they were glad to get instruction in matters of such consequence: their hearts were prepared for it, as melted wax for the seal. See Romans 6:17 which, in the Greek conveys the idea of being cast into a mold. Thus they acted as beings endowed with reason, while the Thessalonians resembled irrational and ferocious beasts.

II. The benefit which accrued to them by means of it—

Many at Berea became obedient to the faith—

While the Thessalonians rejected the overtures of mercy, the Bereans thankfully embraced them. By believing in Christ they became partakers of his salvation; and now are they rejoicing before the throne of God, while the despisers of the Gospel are gnashing their teeth in Hell. Who can duly appreciate the greatness of this benefit?

This benefit resulted from the noble disposition which they exercised—

Faith is certainly the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8. Philippians 1:29; nor can any disposition that is in us merit that gift. But there is a preparation of mind requisite for a due reception of the Gospel; and where that state of mind is, there truth will make its way. This arises from the very structure of the human mind, which, like the eye, beholds things imperfectly when diseased, but clearly when free from blemish, Matthew 6:22-23 with Proverbs 2:10-11; and it is both illustrated and confirmed by various examples in Holy Writ. Nicodemus; John 3:2. Cornelius; Acts 10:33. Lydia; Acts 16:14. Where the "honest and good heart" is, there the seed will spring up, and bring forth fruit, Luke 8:15.

ADDRESS—

1. Those who never have believed—

Guard against the illiberal conduct of the Thessalonians. Avoid a captious, envious, persecuting spirit: cultivate the more noble spirit of the Bereans:
take the Scriptures as the test of truth, Isaiah 8:20;
search them with care and diligence, John 5:39;
compare what you hear with them, 1 Thessalonians 5:21;
Pray for wisdom, that you may discern aright, James 1:5;
rest assured that you shall not use these means in vain, Proverbs 2:1-6.

2. Those who have believed—

Love instruction, and improve all opportunities of gaining it, Proverbs 4:5-9. Seek to be more established in the faith, Colossians 2:6-8, but weigh every sentiment in the balance of the sanctuary, 1 John 4:1, and let the Scripture be your study and delight! Psalm 1:2-3.

 

#1790

REPENTANCE ENJOINED

Acts 17:30.

"In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent."

THIS is one of the most celebrated discourses in all the inspired volume. Being delivered to heathen philosophers, he did not make any appeal to the Jewish Scriptures, as he did whenever he addressed the Jews; but argued with them on their own principles. The drift of his argument was to show:
that there was but one God, and not many, as they supposed;
that all things owed their existence to him, and not to chance;
that all things were ordered by him, and not by fate;
that all men were bound to live to him, and not unto themselves;
and that all would give account of themselves to him at the judgment-seat of Christ; of which event God had given them an assurance, by raising Christ from the dead.

As for all the speculations of human wisdom, in which these learned philosophers were so deeply engaged, they were all vain. "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent."

The points for our more immediate consideration are three:

I. The forbearance once exercised—

We are not to imagine that God has ever overlooked sin: for "he is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity" without the utmost abhorrence, Habakkuk 1:13. But he exercised all possible forbearance towards those who committed it, knowing how blind and ignorant they were; and that, consequently, their iniquity, though heinous, was comparatively light. He had not sent prophets to them, as he had to his own people; except indeed to Nineveh, in the ministration of Jonah: so that they had sinned against less light and knowledge than his own people; whom, on account of their more aggravated guilt, he had visited with most signal judgments. Had he not borne with the heathen in their wickedness, he must again and again have destroyed the earth; either by water, as at the deluge, or by fire, as he had done to Sodom and Gomorrah. But he had "endured them with much long-suffering," even to that very day.

In fact, this same forbearance is yet exercised towards the heathen world, and on the very same account. Probably not so much as one-sixth part of the world has ever heard of the name of Jesus Christ: so that the times of ignorance yet continue to a most fearful extent: and, if it were not that God's mercy is infinite, his judgments must, of necessity, have long since been poured forth, to overwhelm the whole world.

Perhaps it is somewhat of the same consideration which still operates on the mind of God to withhold his judgments, which at this moment hang, as it were, by a single thread, over the heads of millions among ourselves! He sees how ignorant they are; and he yet bears with them, in the hope that they may yet "turn from their idols, to serve Him, the only true God."

The Apostle, however, proceeds to state to his audience,

II. The injunction now given—

"God now commands all men everywhere to repent." He no longer leaves men to indulge their own vain reasonings and empty speculations. He has now revealed his will, which he makes known, not as a deduction from uncertain premises, or as a recommendation of doubtful expediency, but with an authority that supersedes all reasoning, and a plainness that dispels all doubt. Nor does he address this revelation to the followers of any one particular sect, as the philosophers did with their injunctions: no; "he commands all men, everywhere, to repent."

This was the very scope of his Gospel, as introduced by John the Baptist and our blessed Lord; "Repent; for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" It is also the substance of the Gospel, as committed afterwards to his Apostles, who were ordered to "preach repentance and remission of sins, in his name, unto all nations, Luke 24:47." Accordingly, on the day of Pentecost, the address of Peter to his audience was, "Repent, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out! Acts 3:19." In fact, "repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ," comprehend all that we have to deliver at this day; and, as ambassadors from God, we do inculcate them, as authoritatively enjoined by God himself, and as indispensably necessary for salvation.

Having stated God's command, the Apostle proceeds to show,

III. The urgent necessity which lies upon us all to comply with it—

"God has appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousness." It is not left to men's option, whether they will embrace the sentiments proposed to them in the Gospel, or obey its injunctions: they must obey them at the peril of their eternal souls. The philosophers could only advise. They knew nothing of a future state of retribution. If occasionally they hinted at such a state, it was with extreme uncertainty, and without the least idea of the rule by which they would be judged, or the person by whom their sentence would be awarded to them. But the Apostle declared to them God's determination respecting these things: and I also declare, that every soul among us shall, before long, "stand at the judgment-seat of Christ, to receive according to what we have done in the body, whether it be good or evil." Then will our compliance with this injunction be inquired into, and that declaration of our blessed Lord be fulfilled, "Unless you repent, you shall all perish! Luke 13:3."

ADDRESS—

1. The careless—

Whether you be among the number of learned philosophers, or of the illiterate poor, I must equally call upon you to repent. The injunction is universal. There is no exception, in behalf of any place, or any person, under Heaven. The old, the young, the rich, the poor, the learned, the unlearned—must all repent, or be condemned at the tribunal of their Lord, and "take their portion for ever in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone!"

Dream not, brethren, that, because God has borne with you hitherto, he will not visit your sins at last: for he has declared, that "his Spirit shall not always continue to strive with you;" but that, if you do not speedily return to him in penitence and faith, he will give you up to final impenitence, and leave you to "treasure up wrath against the day of wrath." O "let his long-suffering be accounted by you as salvation, 2 Peter 3:15," and "let his goodness lead you to repentance, Romans 2:4."

2. The repenting sinner—

Sweet beyond description are the expressions in my text, as bearing on your state. Does God so authoritatively command repentance? then will he assuredly have respect to it, wherever he finds it: nor is there a creature in the universe so vile, but he shall obtain acceptance with his God, through the instrumentality of penitence and faith. Humble yourselves, then, before God, in dust and ashes, and plunge into "the fountain opened for sin and for impurity! Zechariah 13:1;" so shall all "your sins be blotted out, as a morning cloud," and you shall stand before God "without spot or blemish." So shall your "repentance be unto life," even "a repentance to salvation not to be repented of." The very Savior in whom you trust, shall be your Judge; and he will award to you the glory he has purchased for you.

 

#1791

A DAY APPOINTED FOR CHRIST TO JUDGE THE WORLD

Acts 17:31.

"He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."

IN order to form a just estimate of the benefits which we have received from revelation, we must not look to the sentiments of philosophers in this day, but to those which were entertained by the wisest of the heathen world. Modern philosophers, even while they pretend to despise the sacred oracles, have derived from them, either immediately or remotely, all that light which has elevated them above the heathen. We must therefore go back to the Sages of Greece and Rome, who had no other guide than unassisted reason. Among them we shall find the most astonishing ignorance respecting truths which, among us, are universally received, and familiar to the basest capacities.

Athens had been the most distinguished seat of learning in the world; and even at the time when this history was written, was still in very high repute: yet there did the most stupid idolatry prevail, insomuch that the number of idols there was greater than in any other city in the world. Their wise men, not content with deifying almost everything that could come into their minds, raised an altar 'To the Unknown God' from which circumstance Paul took occasion to "make known to them Him whom they thus ignorantly worshiped."

His address to them on the occasion forms a lively contrast with the abstruse speculations and vain reasonings which universally prevailed among them. He told them that there was one God, who was the Creator and Governor of all things, who claimed from them a spiritual worship, and whom exclusively they were bound to serve; who also had appointed a day in which he would judge the world by that Man whom he had ordained, even Jesus, whom he had raised from the dead.

We do not see in this address any just ground for those extravagant eulogies that have been passed upon it, as though it was the summit of human eloquence: but we account it a sober, judicious, luminous exposition of the first principles of true religion; well adapted to inform the minds of his audience, and to dispel the vain imaginations with which they had hitherto been blinded.

The point to which we shall direct our attention at this time, is the assurance here given us of a future judgment. The assertions contained in our text are two:

I. That there is a day fixed in which the world shall be judged—

The day of judgment is certainly fixed—

"Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world:" much more therefore must so important a work as that of judging the world be fixed in the Divine counsels. It is true, the period is not known to any human being, nor to any angel in Heaven; no, nor even to the Son of Man himself; at least it was not made known to him as man, for the purpose of revealing it to the world, Mark 13:32. But it is every moment approaching; and will come as unexpectedly upon the world as the deluge did, or as it would do if it were to arrive at this moment, Matthew 24:37-42.

On its arrival, the whole race of mankind shall be called to judgment—

All the successive generations of men, from Adam to that very hour, shall be called forth from their graves, John 5:28-29. Revelation 20:12-13. Their respective bodies, however long ago, and in whatever various manner they may have been consumed, shall be restored to life, and be united to their souls; the personal identity of every individual being preserved, and every one answering for the things which he himself did in the body.

As to the difficulties which may be supposed to prevent the execution of this design, it is sufficient to say, that God has pledged himself to accomplish it: and he who formed the whole creation out of nothing at first, will find no difficulty in re-uniting the scattered atoms of his creatures at the last day.

The judgment shall then be passed on them in perfect justice—

The actions of all will then be weighed in a perfect balance. Everything that tended to enhance the value of them, or aggravate their malignity, shall be taken into consideration; and the quality of them will be ascertained with the utmost precision. Every word, every thought, yes, every imagination or counsel of the heart, shall then be brought to light, and have weight in augmenting our happiness or misery to all eternity! Romans 2:16. 1 Corinthians 4:5.

The REWARDS indeed will be rewards of grace; but still our good works shall be the measure according to which they shall be bestowed upon us.

Our PUNISHMENTS, on the other hand, will be proportioned exactly to our guilt and demerit: nor shall there be a creature in the universe who shall not acknowledge the equity of the Judge in these proceedings, Revelation 15:3.

The foregoing truths were revealed, though with comparative obscurity, to the Jews: but in the New Testament, in addition to the fuller revelation there given of it, we are informed,

II. That Christ is the person by whom that judgment will be dispensed—

The Father, we are told, "has committed all judgment to the Son," and "given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man, John 5:22; John 5:27;" and this appointment is in many respects desirable:

It is desirable for the vindication of his honor. Though he was the Son of God, "the brightness of his Father's glory, and the express image of his person," yet was he accounted "a worm and no man, a reproach of men, and despised by the people." But in that day will his reproach be rolled away; and he will appear in his true character, "King of kings, and Lord of lords!"

It is desirable also for the humiliation of his enemies. How will they, who so triumphed in his destruction, stand appalled, when they shall see "the stone which they rejected, has become the head-stone!" when they shall behold him seated on his throne, and hear him say, "Bring hither those that were my enemies, who would not that I would reign over them, and slay them before me!"

It is desirable also for the comfort of his people. Unspeakable is the comfort of reflecting, that He who was our Savior will be our Judge. If we believe in him, and confide in his promises, will he deceive us? If we plead the merit of his blood, will he not admit that plea? Yes, will he not rather be a witness for us in that day, that, while we were in this world, we "lived by faith in the Son of God, as having loved us, and given himself for us?".

Nor is it less certain, than it is desirable. "God has given us assurance of it, in that he has raised up Christ from the dead." Had Jesus not been raised, we might well have doubted all that he had spoken respecting his future advent: but this was such a confirmation of his word as did not admit a doubt: it was a proof that could not be counterfeited, and that must carry conviction to every mind. However strange, therefore, our Lord's predictions respecting his second coming must have appeared to those who saw him only as a poor despised man, Luke 13:3. Revelation 14:10-11; and however confident his judges were in pronouncing such assertions to be blasphemy, verse 32, we may be fully assured that all judgment is committed to him, and that we shall all stand at his judgment-seat, to receive from him our final doom.

Since then this solemn day is fixed in the Divine counsels, and is so rapidly approaching, let us indulge the following reflections:

1. How earnestly should we engage in the great work of repentance!

This is a work necessary for every child of man, "God has commanded all men everywhere to repent." He will no longer "overlook" our sinfulness: he has now given us the last and fullest revelation of his will; and, if we improve it not to the salvation of our souls, he will visit us with his heaviest displeasure, 2 Corinthians 5:10-11. Let us not, like the Apostle's auditors, "mock" at these tidings, or defer the attention they deserve, Galatians 6:7-8;" but let us "seek the Lord while he may be found, and call upon him while he is near." We "know the terrors of the Lord; and therefore we would persuade you," by every consideration that can influence the mind of man.

2. How carefully should we guard against self-deception!

We easily deceive ourselves, but we cannot deceive our God! Hence Paul gives us this solemn caution; "Be not deceived: God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap: he who sows to the flesh, shall from the flesh reap corruption; and he who sows to the Spirit, shall from the Spirit reap life everlasting. Surely, if we will investigate the point with any degree of candor, it will be no difficult matter to ascertain whether we are sowing to the flesh, or to the Spirit. Let us deal faithfully then with our own souls; and "judge ourselves, that we may not be judged of the Lord."

3. How diligently should we maintain communion with our risen Savior!

To walk with him now by faith, is the sure way to be prepared for his future advent.

He will now communicate to us of the abundance of his grace.

He will shed abroad his love in our hearts.

He will manifest himself to us as he does not unto the world.

If we belong to him, we may regard him as "our Forerunner, gone before to prepare a place for us," and coming again shortly to receive us to himself, that where he is, we may be also. The true light in which to view him is, that which is shadowed forth to us by the high-priest going into the holy place to offer incense; while the people waited for him without, until he would come forth to bless them, Luke 1:9-10; Luke 1:21. Let us then wait and look for him, and he will soon come the second time to our complete, our everlasting salvation! Hebrews 9:28.

 

#1792

THE CHARACTER OF GALLIO

Acts 18:17.

"But Gallio paid no attention to any of these things." Acts 18:17

WE are assured that not one jot or tittle of God's word has ever failed, or ever can fail. But for the trial of our faith, and for the more abundant manifestation of his own truth and faithfulness, God is often pleased to let events of so dark a nature arise, that it shall appear almost impossible for his word to receive its accomplishment.

Thus he did in relation to the Israelites in Egypt. He had promised to Abraham, that before the expiration of four hundred and thirty years, he would bring his posterity out of Egypt. The time appointed had just arrived, when he sent his servants, Moses and Aaron, to lead them forth; but, so far from succeeding in their efforts, they only augmented the labors and sufferings of their oppressed countrymen: and, when the very last day had arrived, they were plainly warned by Pharaoh that if they attempted to come into his presence again, they would die.

What now must become of the veracity of God? Did his word fall to the ground? No! that very night God sent a judgment, which caused the Egyptians to thrust them out.

In like manner did the Lord Jesus act towards the Apostle Paul. It would seem that Paul had felt discouraged at the little success of his labors during his long stay of a year and six months at Corinth; and that he had begun to yield to some desponding fears. Our blessed Lord, for his encouragement, appeared to him in a vision, and told him, he would be successful in planting a large Church there, and that "none would set on him to hurt him." But behold, "when Gallio was deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment-seat, saying, This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law." Here it is manifest that they did "set on him," and that too with the most brutal intents: but did they "hurt him?" No! the Governor would not listen to their complaints. This occasioned a great tumult in the court, insomuch that the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment-seat.

Why did they not, in their rage, beat Paul? Why did they wreak their vengeance on a friend of Paul's, and not on Paul himself? God's word had been pledged for Paul; and therefore not a hair of his head could be touched. Gallio, who should have been Paul's protector, "paid no attention to any of these things:" but God cared for Paul; and it was impossible for man to "hurt him." The indifference of Gallio left Paul entirely at the mercy of his enemies: but "the word of God could not be broken;" and therefore Paul was as safe from injury, as he would have been even in Heaven itself.

The account here given of Gallio is deserving of particular consideration; and the rather, as very different opinions have been formed respecting it. We propose therefore,

I. To form an estimate of his character—

It is not so much from a single expression that we are to form our judgment, as from a view of all the circumstances under which he acted, and all the persons with whom he had to do. It will be proper to notice his character:

1. As exhibited in his conduct on this occasion—

Gallio acted in a double capacity: as a man, and as a magistrate.

In his official character, while we applaud his moderation, we think him highly deserving of blame. As a Governor, even if no reference had been made to him, he should have endeavored to prevent an innocent man from being oppressed by an enraged multitude, and should have required the criminality of Paul to be established before any punishment would be inflicted on him: but when a direct reference was made to him for judgment, he should on no account have left him at the mercy of his enemies. What though he did not feel himself competent to decide the points at issue between them; he might easily see whether the points at issue were of such importance to the public welfare as to demand a judicial examination: and, if necessary, he might have appointed a commission of persons qualified to examine it under his sanction and authority. At all events, he should not have left the people to take the law into their own hands.

In relation to Sosthenes also he was highly criminal: for a magistrate ought on no account to allow such an open and flagrant violation of the law, as that which took place in the very seat of judgment. A magistrate should "not bear the sword in vain: he is God's representative and viceregent upon earth; and he ought to be both "a terror to evil-doers, and a praise to them that do well." In shrinking from the execution of his office, whether through indolence or fear, he violates his duty both to God and man.

Nor do we more approve of him in his personal conduct, as a man. He had long heard of Paul, and of the wonderful exertions he made in propagating what he professed to be a revelation from Heaven. We can make some allowance for a Governor, circumstanced as Gallio was, not sending to Paul to get information from him respecting the doctrines he preached: but now God had sent the man into his very presence; and Paul was actually about to declare those very truths, which Gallio should have earnestly desired to hear: yet when "God had given him this price to get wisdom, he knew not how to use it."

Here then we blame him exceedingly: his indifference here betrayed a total lack of all religion, and an utter disregard of all that should have been interesting to an immortal being. The historian evidently intends to fix a stigma upon him; and Gallio well deserved it; and, as long as the world shall stand, he will be the representative of all who are regardless of their eternal interests.

2. As compared with the other characters with whom he had to do—

We pass over Sosthenes and his persecutors, because we cannot absolutely determine who they were: but we think that Sosthenes had shown himself desirous of screening Paul; and that the Greeks were instigated by the Jews to vent their rage on him, because he, who, as ruler of their synagogue, might have been expected most warmly to espouse their cause, had now begun to take part against them.

The other two parties are the persecuting Jews, and the persecuted Apostle.

In comparison with the persecuting Jews, Gallio appears to advantage: for they were seeking to destroy a man merely for his opinions, and for endeavoring, in a peaceful way, to disseminate those opinions; whereas he was tolerant, and refused to sanction so unreasonable a proceeding. He justly distinguished between gross violations of the law, which no government would tolerate, and certain differences of opinion which might consist with the undiminished welfare of society. As a friend to toleration therefore, he merits our applause: and we regret that those who professed themselves as the people of God, were so inferior to a heathen in appreciating and upholding the rights of man.

But if we compare him with the persecuted Apostle, he sinks to the lowest state of degradation. Behold the Apostle! it was his "care for these things" that involved him in all his trouble: had he been content to go to Heaven alone, he might have avoided all these bitter persecutions. But he knew the value of an immortal soul; and was "willing to endure all things for the elect's sake, that they might obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." He went everywhere to find out men whom he might instruct in the way to Heaven. Whereas Gallio, with that very instructor in his presence, would not even trouble himself so much as to hear what he had to say. He accounted Christianity as no other than a strife about words, and therefore undeserving his notice. Foolish man, to have so little concern for your immortal soul, and such a brutish indifference about your eternal welfare! The ox and the donkey will condemn you for your stupidity and folly.

Such being our estimate of Gallio's character, we proceed,

II. To deduce from it some lessons of instruction—

His character not being wholly destitute of what, in a comparative view at least, may be approved, we shall deduce our lessons,

1. From the better part of his character—

Two things we may learn from this:
not to indulge a spirit of intolerance;
not to be carried away by popular resentment.

That a political necessity may exist for withholding certain privileges from some, is beyond a doubt: but nothing can justify the inflicting of pains and penalties upon any on account of their religious sentiments. Man is not only at liberty, but bound to worship God according to his conscience: nor is any man in the universe authorized to obstruct him, unless there is something in his conduct contrary to good morals, or to the public peace. In the nation at large, this is well understood and practiced: but among individuals there are many who would be as intolerant as the Jews of old, if the laws did not protect the persons who differ from them. This however is a hateful spirit, and on no account to be countenanced or indulged.

On the other hand, there are many who are too easily influenced by popular opinion; and who would rather consent to the oppressing of a religious character, than withstand the public voice in his support. But if we allow the cause of Christ and his people to be run down, because we have not courage to defend it, we are far more guilty than Gallio: we are more like Pilate, who, to pacify the Jews, and save his own credit with the Roman emperor, delivered up Jesus to the will of his blood-thirsty enemies.

True indeed, we ought not to proceed in the violent and haughty manner that Gallio did: there are different ways of doing the same thing: we may act with suavity, though we comply not with the requisitions made to us: and this is the way in which we should act, whenever any attempts are made to prejudice our minds against God and his people: we should resolutely withstand the efforts of ungodly men, and maintain against all opposition the immutable laws of equity and love.

2. From that part of his character which is unquestionably bad—

Here also we will mention two things:
not to be indifferent about the concerns of others,
not to be lukewarm in the concerns of our own souls.

Doubtless we are not to be "busy-bodies in other men's matters;" but, on the other hand, we are not to say, "Am I my brother's keeper?" We are told "not to look every man on his own things; but every man also on the things of others, Philippians 2:4."

If in temporal matters we can benefit our fellow-creatures, we are "debtors to them," to do them all the good in our power. And, if we may advance their spiritual interests, we should account no labors too great, nor any sufferings too heavy to be encountered in so good a cause.

This sentiment has of late gained a currency in this kingdom, beyond all that could ever have been expected. What exertions have not been made in sending missions to the heathen; in disseminating the Holy Scriptures throughout the world; and in educating the children of the poor, that they may be able to read the words of life!

For the children of Abraham also, that debased, but highly interesting people, are efforts now used; and, we trust, will be used to a yet greater extent among us.

The concern expressed also through the land for our fellow-subjects in India is highly creditable to the nation.

But still there is abundant room for the display of our benevolence in every place where our lot is cast: and we cannot but earnestly pray, that it may no longer be said of any among us, "Every man minds his own things, and not the things that are Jesus Christ's, Philippians 2:21."

But, in order to maintain a zeal for the good of others, we must begin at home, and cherish a concern for our own souls. To keep the garden of others will be of little avail, if we neglect to cultivate our own, Song of Solomon 1:6. The salvation of our own souls must be our first and great concern: in comparison with this, the whole world should be of no value in our eyes. Let us then regard the Lord Jesus Christ, and a saving interest in him, as "the pearl of great price," for which we are readily to part with all that we possess. "Whatever our hand finds to do in reference to our eternal state, let us do it with all our might." Let us "strive to enter in at the strait gate;" remembering, that "many seek to enter in, but are not able."

Let us bear in mind, that no rank or station of life can exempt us from the duty of "caring for these things." About the things of this world we may relax our care: there are few who do not run into a criminal excess in their attention to them: in reference to them, we think no concern too great, no labor too abundant: while the interests of the soul are deemed unworthy of any care. We mean not that worldly things are to be neglected; but that, while we are "not slothful in business, we should be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."

 

#1793

CHARACTER AND MINISTRY OF APOLLOS

Acts 18:24-28.

"Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ."

IT is a weighty saying of our Lord, "To him that has, shall be given more; and from him that has not, shall be taken away that which he seems to have." Universal experience attests the truth of this: the man who has talents of any kind will improve them by use, and lose them in a great measure by neglect. In religion especially this law of our nature rules: indeed it rules in religion more than in anything else; because, in addition to the gain or loss which the cultivation or neglect of anything will of necessity occasion, God himself will interpose in the things which relate to him, either to reward the observance of them by a further communication of his blessings, or to punish the neglect of them by a withdrawment of his grace.

Of the former of these, namely, the increase of well-employed talents, we have an instance in the history before us. Apollos, when he began to serve the Lord, had but a very contracted view of the things which he proposed to teach: but God so ordered it, that his exertions in the cause of religion would introduce him to the acquaintance with Aquila and Priscilla, and be the means of bringing him to the full knowledge, and complete enjoyment, of the Gospel of Christ.

In the account here given of him, we notice,

I. His qualifications for the ministry—

These were certainly of the highest order: he possessed many qualities admirably suited to the work in which he was engaged. They were of two kinds;

1. Intellectual qualities—

He had a natural gift of eloquence; I say, a natural gift; because it was a faculty distinct from that which may be acquired by study. Some men have in the very constitution of their minds a facility of conceiving clearly, and expressing readily, whatever they wish to impart. Some, however learned they may be, can never acquire that which we call eloquence; they have some embarrassments which they cannot surmount, or some deficiencies which they cannot supply. Others, with very little learning, can talk fluently and clearly upon any subject on which they have bestowed the smallest attention.

This is a valuable talent, especially to any one who is called to instruct or persuade others: and happy was Apollos in the pre-eminent measure of it which he possessed.

But, besides this, he was well versed in the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. "He was mighty in the Scriptures," being able to bring them to bear upon any point which he wished to discuss, and to show from them what was agreeable to the mind and will of God. "The word dwelt richly in him in all wisdom."

This also is of the utmost importance to one who undertakes to teach others, since the sacred volume is the armory from whence he must take all the weapons for his warfare, and the treasury from whence alone he can procure the riches which he undertakes to dispense.

2. Moral qualities—

He was "fervent in spirit;" glowing with zeal for the honor of his God, and ardently longing for the salvation of his fellow-creatures. This in a minister is indispensable: the difficulties which he will have to encounter are very great, and fervor of spirit is necessary to carry him through them; nor can he hope to be extensively useful to others, unless he lays himself out in the service of God to the utmost of his power.

To this was added that most amiable of all graces, humility of mind. Notwithstanding his natural talents and eminent acquirements, he was willing to be instructed by any one who could advance him in the knowledge of the Lord. Aquila was only a tentmaker, and not invested with the sacred office of a teacher: yet when he and his wife Priscilla invited Apollos to their house in order to "expound to him the way of God more perfectly," Apollos thankfully accepted their invitation, and diligently availed himself of their instructions.

This is an excellence rarely found in persons who are high in popular estimation: the admiration with which they are honored, too often puffs them up with vain conceit, and indisposes them to learn from those, whom they regard as their inferiors in station or attainments: but the more rarely such humility is found, the more highly would it be appreciated, and the more carefully would it be maintained.

Thus endowed, he greatly distinguished himself by,

II. His ministerial exertions—

He improved for God whatever talents he possessed—

When he was only partially "instructed in the way of the Lord," and knew nothing more than what he had learned from John the Baptist, he instructed others to the utmost of his power with great boldness and diligence. The doctrines which John the Baptist had preached were in direct opposition to the habits of the world, and were sure to call forth the enmity of those who would not part with their sins: but Apollos feared not the face of man; but both "spoke" in private, and "taught" in public, and that too with unremitting activity, the things which he considered as of such vital importance to the welfare of mankind.

When he himself was more fully instructed, he desired to extend the sphere of his labors, and to proceed to Corinth, to supply, as he was able, the place of Paul.

Then especially did he make Christ the one great theme of all his discourses. "The things of the Lord," as far as he understood them, he had before declared: he had warned men of the Messiah's advent, and had called them to repent, in order to get their hearts duly prepared for a suitable reception of him: but now he saw, not only that the Messiah was come, but that Jesus of Nazareth was he, and had done and suffered all those things which had been predicted of him.

Thus, in the scope of his ministrations, he determined, with the Apostle Paul, to "know nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified:" and, though we have not the same occasion to prove the Messiahship of Christ, since that is universally acknowledged among us—yet are we called to magnify the importance of that truth, and to commend it to men's attention, as the source of all their happiness.

In his labors he was useful to many souls—

He "mightily refuted the Jews," so as to stop the mouths of some of the more obdurate, and to bring the more candid of them to the acknowledgment of the truth. Nor were his labors of little service to the Church of God: on the contrary "he helped them much, who had believed through grace." It was through the operation of divine grace alone that any had believed: "whether Paul planted, or Apollos watered, it was God alone who gave the increase:" but still, it was no slight benefit to the garden of the Lord to be watered by such a hand as his: and no doubt he contributed greatly both to the growth and fruitfulness of those trees of righteousness which God's right hand had planted.

ADDRESS—

1. To those who labor in the ministry, or are preparing for it—

Let Apollos serve as a guide for you. If you possess good natural talents, account it your honor to consecrate them to the service of your God. And, in the employment of them, do not inquire where you may gain most credit to yourselves, or most consult your present ease and interests, but rather inquire where you may do most good; and be ready to exercise your ministry wherever the providence of God may call you.

Moreover, if called to labor where a more honored servant of the Lord has gone before you, do not draw back through a pretended sense of your own insufficiency; but be willing to have your talents and services undervalued, and to be nothing yourselves, that God may be all in all.

2. To those who have received good by the ministry—

To God you must ascribe the praise for all that you have received; since to whoever you are indebted as an instrument, the benefit proceeds from God alone, who "gives to every man" according to his own sovereign will and pleasure. It is possible that you who have long known the Lord, may be called to attend the ministry of one who may be comparatively a novice in the ways of God; and you may be tempted on that account to despise him in your hearts, and to lower him in the estimation of those around you. This, alas! is the conduct of many; but it is a most sinful conduct, and utterly unworthy of their Christian profession. Instead of indulging such a proud contemptuous spirit, you would rejoice in every appearance of good, and endeavor to impart to him a fuller knowledge of the truth. This would render good service both to God and man: and it is a service which all may render, if only with meekness and modesty they watch for an opportunity, and look up to God for his blessing on their endeavors. And who can tell how "much you yourselves may be helped" afterwards by him, to whom you have been helpful in the first instance?

It is worthy of observation, that Aquila did not commence preacher at Corinth, notwithstanding his clear knowledge of the Gospel, and notwithstanding Paul had just left the place: he did not think himself authorized to take on him an office to which he was not called: but he labored in private conversation, and was made eminently useful in that way: and we cannot but recommend to every one among you, whether male or female, to imitate this pious couple in a modest unassuming behavior, and in an affectionate concern for the best interests of mankind.

 

#1794

THE POWER OF CHRIST AND HIS GOSPEL

Acts 19:15.

"And the evil spirit answered and said: Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?"

GREAT effects are wrought by the Gospel wherever it is preached with faithfulness and zeal:
churches are filled,
sinners are awakened,
saints are edified, and
the name of the Lord Jesus is magnified.

But, in those who feel not its influence, there is an universal proneness to ascribe these effects to other causes than those from which they really proceed. Some consider them as arising from the manner in which the preacher addresses his audience; from the loudness of his voice, for instance, or from the earnestness of his gestures. Others ascribe them to the enthusiastic sentiments with which his discourses are filled, or perhaps to the terribleness of his denunciations. Any reason, however absurd, will be resorted to by them, rather than they will acknowledge the hand of God in these things.

Thus it was in the days of old: when our blessed Lord cast out devils from people who were possessed, the spectators ascribed his works to a confederacy with Satan, rather than to the agency of the Spirit of God.

In like manner, when his Apostles cast out devils in his name, many supposed that they wrought their miracles by means of magical incantations. Hence some, and, in particular, seven sons of a Jewish priest, thought by the use of the name of Jesus to produce the same effects. But Satan soon showed them their mistake; infusing a more than human strength and courage into the man whom he possessed, and falling upon the seven exorcists with such irresistible fury, as to convince all that he could be vanquished only by an almighty arm. His address of defiance, which we have just read, will lead me to set before you,

I. The power of Christ and his Gospel—

When Satan had prevailed over our first parents, a promise was given that the Son of God would become incarnate, and bruise the head of that serpent that had beguiled them, Genesis 3:15. Accordingly, Christ came in due season to effect for men the promised deliverance: and he accomplished it,

1. Personally—

The first encounter which he had with our great adversary was in the wilderness, just previous to his entering upon his public labors; and there, after withstanding his repeated assaults, he drove him, as it were, from the field of battle, saying, "Get behind me, Satan." During the course of his ministry, he exerted an irresistible power over this wicked fiend, expelling him from multitudes whom he had possessed, and constraining him to confess himself a vanquished enemy, Mark 1:27.

Towards the close of his life he experienced the yet fiercer assaults of Satan, attended by all the hosts of Hell: "This," says our Lord to the Jews, "is your hour, and the power of darkness:" but he triumphed over them, agreeably to that word, "Now shall the prince of this world be cast out;" now shall "the prince of this world be judged! John 12:31; John 16:11."

Upon the cross indeed he appeared to suffer a defeat: but there, and there chiefly, he gained the victory: "through death he overcame him that had the power of death, that is, the devil, Hebrews 2:14;" yes, upon the cross, "he spoiled principalities and powers, and made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it, Colossians 2:15." In his resurrection and ascension he completed his triumphs, "leading captivity captive, Ephesians 4:8," and "putting all his enemies under his feet, Psalm 110:1."

2. By the ministry of others—

When first our blessed Lord sent forth his twelve Apostles, he gave them a commission, not to preach only, but to "cast out devils, Mark 3:14-15;" and to such an extent did they execute this, that they were quite surprised, and said with wonder, "Lord, even the devils are subject to us through your name!" to which our Lord replied, "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from Heaven, Luke 10:17-18." We have recently seen that Paul cast out a spirit of divination, Acts 16:18; and in the chapter from whence our text is taken, we are told, that handkerchiefs or aprons were carried from the body of Paul, and were made effectual by the power of God to the casting out of many evil spirits, verse 12. In ejecting them from the souls of men he was more honored than any other of the Apostles.

When first he received a commission to preach the Gospel, it was said to him by our Lord, "I send you to turn men from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God, Acts 26:18;" and how successful he was in destroying Satan's empire, and in enlarging the kingdom of Christ upon earth, his history, as recorded in the New Testament, together with his different epistles, abundantly testify. For many hundreds of years, it must be confessed, this great adversary of God and man has re-established his dominion almost over the whole world, as well where Christ is named, as in those regions where the light of his Gospel has never shined. But still the Lord Jesus has not left himself without witness, that he has vanquished Satan, and can render the weakest of his people victorious over him: "his word is yet living and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword;" and it is still as "mighty as ever to pull down the strongholds of sin, and to cast down every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ! 2 Corinthians 10:4-5." Indeed at this very hour the Lord Jesus is "riding on in the chariot of the everlasting Gospel, conquering and to conquer;" so that Satan must still repeat his former acknowledgment, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know:" yes, he does know, that Christ is "Lord of lords and King of kings," and that "his Gospel is still the power of God unto the salvation" of men.

But though Christ and his Gospel are so powerful, experience proves,

II. The insufficiency of all created power to cast out Satan—

None but that stronger man, the Lord Jesus, has ever been able to prevail against "the strong man armed!" Until attacked by the Lord Jesus, "Satan keeps his goods in peace." He defies:

1. All false religions—

Go back to the days of old. What was effected by any of the philosophers of Greece or Rome? They did not even themselves experience a sanctifying efficacy from their own doctrines: and much less did they prevail to destroy the power of Satan in the hearts of their disciples. Look at the votaries of Pagan idolatry, or Mohammedan delusion: what evidence do they show that their principles have made them victorious over Satan? We may safely affirm, that the very means which they use for obtaining the Divine favor, serve only to rivet on them more forcibly those chains of Satan with which they are bound!

2. A nominal profession of the true religion—

The Lord Jesus did, for wise and gracious purposes, allow many to "cast out devils in his name," whom yet he will banish from his presence in the day of judgment, and exclude forever from his heavenly kingdom, Matthew 7:22-23. But never did any person cast out Satan from his heart by merely naming the name of Christ. We need only look on the Christian world, and we shall see how little a mere profession of Christianity can effect. The generality of Christians are in reality little better than baptized heathens. There are some few points of morality in which they may differ from the heathen; but in all the more common sins, of pride, lewdness, covetousness, together with the whole band of spiritual and fleshly lusts, they are as much enslaved by them as any heathen can be. In proof of this, we need not cast our eyes on others: we need only inspect the workings of our own hearts, and we shall have abundant evidence of this melancholy truth.

3. All self-righteousness or self-confident exertions—

To these men generally resort in the first instance, when they desire to overcome this wicked fiend. But he derides their efforts as weak and vain: he well knows that human power, however strenuously exerted, will prove only like Elisha's staff, which could not re-animate the breathless corpse on which it was laid, 2 Kings 4:31. To all such efforts he says in his heart, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?"

It would seem indeed, that men, feeling the authority of God's law, and the terrors of his wrath, would be able to effect anything: but our arm is paralyzed, and we cannot stretch it forth, unless the Lord Jesus Christ himself enables us. Hence we are told, that "what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sent his own Son to effect, namely, to condemn sin in the flesh, and to cause that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, Romans 8:3." We need only call to mind the case of Peter, to convince us that our strongest resolutions are only as wax before the fire, when we are under the influence of any violent temptation; and that, unless the Lord Jesus strengthens our faith, Satan will sift us as wheat, and manifest us to be light as chaff.

APPLICATION—

In this subject all are interested: for though the states of men are widely different from each other, we all have to do with this great enemy, as captivated by him, or conflicting with him, or victorious over him. We will address ourselves therefore to these different classes:

1. To the captivated—

But where shall we find any of this description? We read indeed in the Scriptures, of some who are "taken in the snare of the devil, and are led captive by him at his will, 2 Timothy 2:26;" but are there any such in our day? The idea of Satanic influence is almost expunged from modern creeds: but if we believe the Bible, we must believe that this influence still operates on the minds of men.

Would we know whether it is exerted over us? It will be no difficult matter to determine this.

Are we disobedient, willfully and habitually disobedient, to any one command of God? It is Satan that instigates us to that rebellion Ephesians 2:2.

Are we ignorant of the Gospel as our one source of life, and peace, and holiness? It is Satan that blinds our eyes, and keeps us from beholding the light of the knowledge of the glory of Christ 2 Corinthians 4:4.

Consult then the experience of your souls on these points: inquire into the liveliness of your faith, and the conformity of your practice to the word of God; and, unless you have been truly converted by the grace of Christ, you will be constrained to acknowledge that you are under the power of that cruel adversary.

View then your state, and see how deplorable it is: the condition of that poor demoniac mentioned by Mark, is a melancholy picture of your condition, who are breaking through all the restraints of God's holy law, and inflicting the most deadly wounds upon your own souls, Mark 5:2-5. O beg of God to show you what a miserable state you are in, and to interpose with his almighty power for your speedy deliverance.

2. To the conflicting—

To those among us who have commenced a warfare against sin and Satan, we would particularly say, Remember where your strength is—it is not in yourselves. You "have not in yourselves a sufficiency even to think a good thought:" "your sufficiency is altogether in God," and in the Lord Jesus Christ, "without whom you can do nothing, 2 Corinthians 3:5. John 15:5."

Hear the voice of God to you on this subject; "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty! Zechariah 4:6." Be on your guard then, "lest you lean to your own understanding," or "trust," even in the smallest degree, "in an arm of flesh." You are indeed to "be strong;" but it must be "in the Lord, and in the power of his might, Ephesians 6:10." You are to go forth armed; but not in armor framed by human skill; that would be to you as useless as Saul's armor was to David: there is a whole suit of armor provided for you by God; and in that you must be clothed, Ephesians 6:11-17. Arrayed in that, and especially taking with you the shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit, you need not fear. Satan well "knows" the power of soldiers thus arrayed; and "he will flee from those who thus resist him, James 4:7."

Inquire of those who are now triumphant in Heaven; and ask them, how they gained the victory. The answer from every one of them will be, "We overcame him by the blood of the Lamb! Revelation 12:11;" we trusted to that blood, to "obtain mercy for us, and grace to help us in every time of need:" and we were not disappointed of our hope: we fought; we gained the victory; and "Satan was in due time bruised under our feet!"

3. To the victorious—

It may seem presumptuous to speak of such in this present world; but such there are, and such, we trust, among us, 1 John 2:14; 1 John 5:18. We do not indeed imagine that there are any, against whom Satan does not sometimes gain advantage; but we are persuaded that there are some among us who maintain a good, and a successful warfare. To such then we say, If God has made you to differ from others, give glory to that adorable Savior who has strengthened you by his Spirit, and enabled you to withstand so potent an enemy! To this you are called by the history before us.

The failure of these presumptuous exorcists served to illustrate more fully the success of the Apostle, in and by whom the Lord Jesus worked: and you are told, "The name of the Lord Jesus was magnified verse 17." Magnify then your Savior for every victory you gain, and say, "Not unto us, not unto us, but unto your name be the praise!" And, if you see others victorious around you, be not envious of them, because they are not of your sect or party—as the Apostles once were Luke 9:49-50; but rejoice with them, and glorify God in their behalf.

But, however victorious you are, remember that you are still on the field of battle, and may, if off your guard, receive the most deadly wounds. We read of those, "whose hearts, once delivered from an evil spirit, were again occupied by seven other spirits more wicked than he; and whose last end was therefore worse than their beginning, Luke 11:24-26." O beware, lest at last it proves thus with you! Be ever on the watch, guarding against the wiles and devices of your subtle enemy, and crying mightily to God to protect you from him.

Learn from the people who beheld the miracles of Paul: they did not put their impious books upon a shelf, but "burned them," and that publicly too, without any regard to their great value; determining that they would never more prove a snare to themselves, or to any other persons, verse 18, 19. Deal thus with your besetting sins—spare not one of them, no, not for an hour; but cut off the offending hand, and pluck out the offending eye. Then shall you have daily fresh cause for praise and thanksgiving, Romans 7:24-25, and before long obtain that crown of righteousness, which God has promised to all his faithful and victorious servants! 2 Timothy 4:8. Revelation 3:21.

 

#1795

GENUINE REPENTANCE

Acts 19:18-20.

"Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power."

IT seems that, in former ages, Satan had a greater power over the persons and concerns of men than we at this time imagine him to possess. That, in the days of Moses, there were persons who professed to have connection with Satan, and to cause, through his influence, effects surpassing the power of man to produce, we cannot doubt: because he says to all the people of Israel, " Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead, Deuteronomy 18:10-11." And it can scarcely be doubted but that superhuman powers were occasionally exercised by them. The magicians of Pharaoh, I think, gave a satisfactory evidence of this. Persons so influenced, were confederates with Satan.

But there have been others, especially in the apostolic age, possessed by him against their will; and it would seem that he was permitted to infest men in a more than ordinary degree at that time, in order to give an opportunity for the Lord Jesus Christ to manifest, in a more abundant measure, how entirely the whole creation was under his control.

A remarkable occasion had just offered itself to the notice of the people at Ephesus. Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish priest, professing themselves to be exorcists, undertook to expel a demon from a person that was possessed; and, for that end, adjured the spirit, in the name of the Lord Jesus, to depart from him. But the spirit acknowledging his inability to withstand the command of Jesus, when uttered by one who was duly authorized to issue it in his name, stirred up the man to fall upon them with irresistible fury; and "they all fled out of the house naked and wounded," happy to escape even with their lives. This was so strong a testimony to the Lord Jesus, that it carried conviction to the minds of multitudes; and determined them instantly to renounce their confederacy with Satan, and to prove themselves in the face of the whole world, the faithful servants of Christ. Their conduct on this occasion will lead me to show,

I. What effects the Gospel produced on them—

Some among them had already "believed" in Christ; but not so as to come under the full influence of the Gospel. See John 2:23-25. Others were wrought upon at this time; the wonder, which they beheld, impressing them with a conviction which they had not felt before. A general sentiment now pervaded the whole assembly: and "a number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly;" thus showing, that, through the grace of God, they were enabled to obtain a victory over,

1. The love of this world—

They had been held in high repute for their skill in magic; and probably, like Simon the Sorcerer, had induced many to regard them with the utmost veneration, "as the great power of God, Acts 8:9-11." But now they "confessed," before all, that they had been impostors: "they showed their deeds," and took shame to themselves as deceivers of the people. The very books, whereby they had been enabled to keep up the deception, they devoted to destruction: and thus gave to all a most unquestionable evidence of their shame, their sorrow, and contrition.

Thus they showed their disregard of worldly honor. And the same contempt they manifested, also, for their worldly interests. These books were numerous, and of exceeding great value. At the lowest calculation, they would have sold for fifty thousand days wages of our money: and, if the owners had been anxious about their temporal interest, they might easily have found an excuse for converting their property into money. But they preferred the honoring of God, in the destruction of property that must be so hateful to him. And in this sentiment they were all of one accord and of one mind.

2. The principle of sin within them—

Perhaps this was the greatest sacrifice that they could make; since, from a variety of considerations, both of honor and of financial interest, these books were regarded by them as their dearest treasure. But they were afraid lest these books, if retained by them, would become a snare to them in the future; or, if sold by them, become an occasion of sin to others: and in either case the evil would be incalculable. They now felt the bitterness of sin; and would gladly, if possible, root it out of their own hearts, and prevent its continuance in the world. Hence, so far as they could by this act effectuate that holy purpose, they determined to do it. At all events, they saw that this sacrifice would glorify their Lord and Master; and evince, to all who beheld it, that nothing hostile to his interests and his honor would be allowed to exist.

From this slight sketch of the power of the Gospel, we may see,

II. What effects it may well be expected to produce on us also—

The effects of the gospel are uniform in every age and every place, Colossians 1:6; in every soul where it gains a due ascendant, it will produce, so far as circumstances will admit of it, the same feelings in reference to sin; the same feelings, I say,

1. Of shame and sorrow—

The true penitent will call to mind the evils he has committed, and will be ready to "confess them" before God and man. The things which once contributed to the advancement of his reputation and interests in the world, he will now be ready to paint in their true colors, and to take shame to himself on account of them.

There is scarcely any sin which is not extenuated by some sophisticated appellation, if not dignified also by some honorable name. But the true convert views everything in its reference to eternity. He tries his ways by the standard of God's word, and judges himself as he will be judged at the last day. Nor will he now be afraid to bear his testimony before all men, both by word and deed, that God alone is to be served, and that everything contrary to His will is to be abandoned. He will not plead for sin of any kind, however fashionable, however gainful, however pleasant: he will endeavor to destroy it, root and branch; "not retaining a right hand or a right eye," that may by any means displease his God, or prove a snare to his own soul, Matthew 5:29-30.

2. Of indignation and abhorrence—

This, in particular, was evidenced by the people at Ephesus, and is pre-eminently characteristic of real penitence. See it in the Corinthian Church, when they were made sorry after a godly manner: "Yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 2 Corinthians 7:9-11."

Thus will repentance manifest itself in every upright soul. It will not only mourn for sin, but will put it away, and most especially the besetting sin. Has a man been addicted to worldliness, or intemperance, or impurity? if he is a true penitent, he will cut off occasion for the indulgence of his evil propensities, and shun the company, the scenes, the very thoughts, that would be likely to kindle in him a desire after his unhallowed gratifications. He will put far from him the incentives to sin; and as carefully avoid the becoming a snare to others, as the indulgence of sin in his own soul. Nor will he be content with this—no, he will enter his protest against the lusts by which he has been led captive; and will endeavor, by his public deportment, to undo all the evil which, by his example, he has countenanced in the world.

O, brethren, tell me whether this is the habit of your minds; and whether it can be said of you, that "in all things you are proving yourselves to be clear in this matter."

From hence we may see,

1. What a blessing the Gospel is to the world—

This is its true and genuine effect, wherever it comes: this is its operation on individuals and kingdoms, so far as its influence extends. Truly, it will destroy the reign of Satan, and establish the authority of Christ throughout the world. Think what it did in the apostolic age: think what it has done even in this place. Say, has it not wrought on many of you, my brethren, as it did on those at Ephesus; so that you have not only "cast your idols to the moles and to the bats;" but you would, if it were possible, annihilate the very existence of sin within you? Well, the time is coming when these effects shall be seen over the face of the whole earth; and all those nations that are now under the dominion of Satan, shall "become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ."

2. How to judge respecting our reception of it—

The calling of ourselves "believers" will not prove us to belong to Christ. Of those in our text many are said to have "believed," while yet they were far from possessing saving faith. Until their faith wrought by works, it was no better than the faith of devils: for "faith without works is dead." Take, then, the conduct of these Ephesians as a test whereby to try yourselves.

Are you filled with the same holy zeal that animated them; the same determination to mortify sin in yourselves, to discountenance it in others, and to bear your testimony before the whole world, that Christ alone is to be served and honored and obeyed? Bring yourselves, I say, to this test; and see whether your conduct speaks for you, as theirs did for them.

Call not this enthusiasm: it is not enthusiasm, but duty, yes, and the duty of all that believe in Christ. Rise, then, to this, my brethren; and beg of God so to assist you by his Holy Spirit, that you may come short of it in nothing, but "be lights" to all around you, and "salt" that shall keep all, who come in contact with you, from corruption. If you profess to believe in Christ, and have a "hope in him," see that you follow him in all things, and "purify yourselves, even as He is pure."

 

#1796

HEATHENISH AND CHRISTIAN ZEAL COMPARED

Acts 19:34.

"All with one voice, for about the space of two hours, cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians!"

THE enmity of the human heart against God may sleep; but it is soon awakened, and called forth into action. Paul had continued two years at Ephesus, if not unmolested—yet protected by the power of God. But when his labors there were just finished, and he had sent away two of his attendants into Macedonia, with an intention speedily to follow them, it pleased God to withdraw from the people those restraints which he had hitherto imposed upon them, and to leave them to show what was in their hearts. Accordingly the workmen "who made silver shrines for Diana," finding their trade lessened by the prevalence of Christianity, raised a tumult throughout the whole city, and would probably have killed Paul, if they could have laid their hands on him. In opposition to him and his doctrine, they exalted the object of their own worship, crying with one voice for the space of two hours, Great is Diana of the Ephesians!

From this circumstance we shall take occasion to notice,

I. The zeal they manifested—

This doubtless was great; but it was,

1. Blind zeal—

Who was Diana? What had she done for them? What could a senseless image do for them? Or what difference would there be in the power of that image, whether it was made with hands, or fell down (as they foolishly supposed) from Jupiter, who himself was only a creature of their vain imaginations? Yet for the honor of this idol are they transported beyond all bounds of sense and reason: and when Alexander beckoned to them with his hand, in order to engage their attention to what he had to say to them on the subject, they would not listen to him for a moment, but for the space of two hours cried out all together, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" We wonder at the extreme blindness of these benighted heathens: but among professing Christians there are very many who can give no better reason for the hope that is in them, or for the religion they profess, than those could who were so zealous for the honor of Diana.

2. Self-interested zeal—

Demetrius, and the workmen of the like occupation with himself, pretended not to regard their gains, or at least not to account them as anything in comparison with their religion: but it is manifest, that a concern for their temporal interest was the real source of all their disquiet: and, had their gains been increased by the introduction of Christianity, instead of being diminished, they would have left to others the task of vindicating the honor of their goddess. See verse 25, 27.

Now this gives us an insight into all the different religions in the world, not excepting even Christianity itself, as it has been debased by the great majority of its adherents. They are all founded in priestcraft. Men, with a view of exalting themselves, and advancing their own interests, have invented gods and goddesses, and ceremonies by which they were to be worshiped; and have prevailed upon their fellow-countrymen to adopt their cunningly-devised fables: and, having once gained an ascendant over the minds of others, they have contrived to inspire them with reverence and zeal for the systems thus promulgated, and to secure to themselves thereby a permanent support. Hence the priests have uniformly opposed all who have attempted to rectify the errors of the people: and this is the true reason of Popery having taken so deep a root in the minds of men: the Pope and the subordinate priests find their goal in upholding all the superstitions with which they have obscured the Christian faith; and the people, deluded and kept in bondage by them, are as zealous for those superstitions, as for the most important doctrines of their religion.

Happy would it be if Protestant Churches also were not chargeable with the same evils: but truth compels us to acknowledge, that the fire which burns upon our Christian altars would soon languish, if it were not supplied with fuel by temporal honors and emoluments. It must be remembered, however, that the zeal which is founded in self-interest, is worthless, and even hateful in the sight of God!

3. Infuriated zeal—

The people were "full of wrath," and acted more like maniacs than rational beings. "The whole city was filled with confusion;" "some cried one thing, and some another;" and "the greater part of the assembly knew not why they were come together." In what a ferment must their minds be that they could continue for two hours that senseless cry, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" We read of the worshipers of Baal crying from the morning to the evening sacrifice, "O Baal, hear us!" and because he gave them no answer, "they cut themselves with knives until the blood gushed out." In such instances as these we see. in most striking colors, the nature and effects of superstition: it debases men almost to a level with the beasts, in the ferocity of their dispositions and the absurdity of their actions: so justly does the Apostle designate its votaries "as unreasonable and wicked men."

In perfect contrast with this is,

II. The zeal which Christianity requires—

True religion must be accompanied with zeal; with a zeal proportioned, in some measure, to its supreme excellence. But Christian zeal must be,

1. Zeal founded in knowledge—

We should know wherein the superiority of our religion consists: we should be acquainted with its mysterious truths, and, above all, with that which constitutes its peculiar excellence—the mystery of redemption. We should see the wisdom and goodness, the love and mercy, yes, and every perfection, of the Deity, as displayed in that stupendous mystery. We should see its suitableness to our wants, and its sufficiency for our necessities: It is from such views of it alone that true zeal will spring; or that we shall ever be led to "count all things but rubbish for the excellency of the knowledge of it."

2. Zeal regulated by love—

True zeal should have respect only to the good of men, and the glory of God. It should be divested of all selfish interests, and carnal passions. Self should have no concern whatever in it, any farther than the advancement of our own spiritual and eternal welfare may be comprehended under that term. In all its actings it must be regulated by a tender regard to the weaknesses and prejudices of men. It is by no means sufficient that we endeavor to approve ourselves zealous for God, unless we approve ourselves at the same time patient and forbearing towards men; proportioning our exertions for their welfare to their capacity for receiving our instructions; or, in other words, being content to administer milk alone to those who are not able to digest strong meat; and, like Moses, to put a veil upon our face, when the luster of our countenance would be too strong for those who look to us for the words of life.

Never should we needlessly cast a stumbling-block in the way of any, or use our own liberty in such a way as to offend our weaker brethren. Our aim should be, to "win souls" to Christ: and for that end we would, as far as we conscientiously can, "become all things to all men, that by all means we may save some."

3. Zeal tempered with discretion—

"It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always:" but there is "a zeal which is not according to knowledge." To exercise zeal aright, we should consider with care and circumspection the following things:

First, Our own office and character; not invading the provinces of others, or assuming to ourselves a character which belongs not to us. It is not every one that has a right to act as Phinehas did, in executing vengeance upon offenders with his own hand: (Phinehas was himself a ruler, and acted under the orders of the supreme magistrate: and he is commended, not so much for punishing the offenders, as for daring to punish them in the face of all Israel, while thousands of others were guilty of the same offense.)

Nor can I conceive it at all right for persons uneducated and uncalled, to invade the ministerial office, (as is so common in this day,) when we are expressly told, that "no man should take this honor unto himself, but he who is called of God," Hebrews 5:4, and James 3:1.

Next, we should consider the nature of the thing about which our zeal is exercised. We should distinguish between things essential and non-essential. It should be a sad perversion of zeal to show the same earnestness about "tithes of mint, anise, and cummin, as about the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and truth." We mean not to say, that any truth, or any duty, is of small importance; but we affirm, that there is a vast distance between some truths or duties, and others; and that consequently there should be a proportionate difference between the zeal we exercise in relation to them. Paul "became to the weak, as weak; and to those who were without law as without law:" he even circumcised Timothy, though he knew that the rite of circumcision was abrogated: but when the circumcision of Titus was required as necessary, he would not give place, no, not for an hour; but declared, that if even an angel from Heaven would insist upon the works of the law as necessary to salvation, he would, and must, be accursed.

The same sentiment applies to those doctrines of our religion which are less clearly revealed, and about which the best of men may differ; as also to those matters which relate to Church government, respecting which there is a great diversity of opinion among men of equal piety and learning. We should insist upon them, not in proportion to the interests or prejudices of any particular party, but according to the stress laid upon them in the Holy Scriptures; always distinguishing between what is clear or doubtful, essential or non-essential.

There is yet another thing proper for us to consider, namely, the best means of attaining our end. Nothing is further from Christian sincerity than artifice of any kind. We must never attempt to "catch any man with deceit." But there is an address, "a becoming all things to all men," which we shall do well to cultivate. As in warfare it often happens that an enemy is induced by the skillful motions of his adversary to relinquish a post from which he could not have been driven by a direct attack, so, in seeking to benefit mankind, much may depend on the manner in which our efforts are conducted.

We know full well, that success is of God alone; but we know also that he makes use of means suited to the end, and that he requires us to "walk in wisdom toward those who are without," and to "give no offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed."

We will conclude this subject with one or two directions proper for the occasion:

1. Let your zeal begin at home—

A man's own heart is the first sphere for the exercise of zeal. To get a deeply penitent and contrite heart is an object worthy of our utmost exertions. Zeal in relation to this is expressly enjoined by our Lord himself, who could not endure the lukewarmness of the Laodicean Church, Revelation 3:19; and the diversified actings of that zeal are accurately described in the account given us of the Corinthian Church, 2 Corinthians 7:11.

To devote ourselves also unreservedly to God is another exercise of zeal which deserves our earliest attention. The mortifying of every lust, the cultivating of every gracious affection, and the getting of "our whole man, body, soul, and spirit, sanctified unto the Lord, Romans 12:1; Romans 12:11. Ecclesiastes 9," this, this should be a prelude to our exertions in behalf of others: we should "first pluck the beam out of our own eye, before we attempt to pull out the mote that is in our brother's eye."

I do not mean that we are to forbear doing anything for God until we ourselves are perfect (for then we shall never exert ourselves for him at all,) but we should make our first and main efforts on our own corruptions, that we may teach others by our example, as well as by our precepts.

2. Let your zeal be extended to all around you—

Every man may find abundant scope for his labors in his own immediate neighborhood: in visiting the sick, instructing the ignorant, relieving the sick, and comforting the afflicted.

But some are called to more extensive spheres of usefulness: magistrates and ministers have a greater scope afforded them for benefitting the world. And O, how loudly do the heathen nations call upon us for the exercise of zeal! How many in every country under Heaven are saying to us, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!"

The office of zeal is to overlook our own ease and interests, and to find our happiness in serving God: but, alas! how little of this zeal is to be found among us! How few, when God is wanting ambassadors to distant climates, are ready to say, "Here am I; send me." This is much to the shame of the Christian world. Our Lord tells us of ungodly men that would "compass sea and land to make one proselyte" to false human opinions, and we are backward to use such exertions for the conversion of multitudes to the faith of Christ. Ah! let us wipe off this reproach; and labor, all of us in our respective spheres, and according to our abilities, to promote the salvation of our fellow-men, and to advance the kingdom of Christ to the utmost ends of the earth!

 

#1797

PAUL'S SERMON AT TROAS

Acts 20:7.

"On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight."

IF we look at Christianity as it exists at this day, it appears little else than a name and a form: but if we contemplate it as it existed in the apostolic age, it will be found an active and invigorating principle in the minds of men, engaging all their affections, and stimulating them to the greatest exertions.

As for Paul's labors for the propagation of the Gospel in the world, we forbear to speak of them at present, any farther than they are connected with the passage which is immediately before us: but his preaching from evening to midnight, and then continuing his discourse afterwards until break of day, will give us some idea of the exertions he made in the cause of Christ, and of the interest which his hearers also felt in all that related to their Christian course.

The account given of his discourse, will lead us to notice,

I. The proper employment of the Sabbath—

The Jewish Sabbath was appointed by God himself to be spent in holy exercises. On it the sacrifices were twice as numerous as on other days; and the law of Moses was read for the instruction of the people. But under the Christian dispensation, the time of its observance was changed from the seventh day of the week to the first; in commemoration of the resurrection of our blessed Lord, and of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. It is probable that, for a considerable time, the seventh day still continued to be observed by those who were proselyted from the Jewish religion, lest their neglect of that day would put a stumbling-block in the way of their brethren: but the first day was that which from the beginning was held sacred by the early Christians; and it was dignified with the peculiar title of the "Lord's-day, compare 1 Corinthians 16:2 with Revelation 1:10."

On this day the Church at Troas was assembled, to offer unto God their accustomed sacrifices of prayer and praise, and particularly "to break bread," that is, to commemorate the death of Christ agreeably to the directions given by our Lord himself on the night previous to his crucifixion. This ordinance constituted an essential part of the service on every Lord's-day: it called the attention of the Church to that great mystery which was the foundation of all their hopes, even to the body of Christ as broken for them, and the blood of Christ as shed for them. Moreover, it led them to apply to Christ by faith for a continued interest in his death, and a more abundant communication of his blessing to their souls.

Among us, the Lord's Supper is not administered so often; but our employment on the Sabbath ought to be, in fact, the same: it should consist in these two things:

1. A personal fellowship with Christ as dying for us—

In entering into the house of prayer, we come, it is true, to worship the Father; but we must never forget that it is only in and through Christ that we can have access to him; and that every prayer must be offered to the Father in the name of Christ.

We assemble, too, to hear the word of God; but it is the Gospel, the glad tidings of salvation through a crucified Redeemer, that we must desire to hear: and the faithful minister will "determine to know nothing among his people, but Jesus Christ, and him crucified." If he preaches the law, it will be as "a schoolmaster to bring men to Christ." Or if he insist upon any particular duty, it will be, not to lead his hearers to establish a righteousness of their own by their obedience to it, but to show them how they are to manifest the sincerity of their faith, and how they are to glorify their God and Savior.

Both minister and people must remember that they meet as Christians, who have their hopes fixed entirely on Christ, and expect everything as the purchase of his blood. Whether the Lord's Supper is administered or not, "Christ is to be evidently set forth crucified before us;" and "to know him," "to win him," "to be found in him;" and "to receive out of his fullness," must be the great object of our assembling together.

2. A personal surrender of ourselves to him, as his redeemed people—

When the first Christians met thus constantly "to break bread," they confessed openly, that they were disciples of that crucified Savior; and they engaged themselves, as it were by a solemn oath, to live and die in his service.

Thus do we profess, in all our solemn acts of worship, that we have been "bought with a price," even with the inestimable price of the Redeemer's blood; and that we are bound by every possible tie, "to glorify him with our bodies and our spirits which are his." We do not in general associate this idea with anything but the Lord's supper; but we ought to associate it with all the services of the Sabbath; and to consider ourselves as living thus upon Christ by the renewed exercises of faith, in order that we may live to Christ in the more enlarged exercise of holy obedience.

Let us now proceed to notice,

II. The particular circumstances of that meeting—

The place where they were assembled was an upper chamber—

It was a room three stories high, and so small and crowded, that the windows, even at night, were forced to be open for the admission of air, while some were constrained to sit in them for lack of more convenient accommodation. Little do we think what a blessing it is to us that we have houses built on purpose for the service of our God. True it is that even in them we do not always find such commodious seats as one could wish: but, if there were no other places for our reception than such as they possessed at Troas, we fear that multitudes who now receive instruction from Sabbath to Sabbath, would never trouble themselves to seek it, where they must submit to so much inconvenience for the attainment of it.

In that room, there were "many lights"—

The enemies of the Church were ready to raise all manner of evil reports against the disciples; and they would gladly have represented these nocturnal meetings as scenes of much iniquity. To cut off all occasion for such calumnies, the disciples took care to have the place of their assemblies well lighted in every part; and it is probable that it was for the express purpose of obviating all such remarks, that the historian recorded this otherwise unimportant fact. It teaches us, however, that we should be always on our "guard against even the appearance of evil," and "cut off occasion from them that seek occasion" against us, and "not let our good be evil spoken of."

There Paul preached his farewell discourse—

At what precise hour he began, we know not; but "he continued his discourse until midnight;" and after a short interruption, resumed it "until break of day." Do we wonder that he would so long detain his audience? No! the occasion was very peculiar; "he was about to depart on the morrow," never probably to see their face again. His heart was full; the subject was inexhaustible: the hearts of his audience were deeply impressed, and they drank in the word with insatiable eagerness. What a glorious meeting must that have been; the preacher so animated with his subject, and the people so penetrated with the truths they heard!

Doubtless, it would not be expedient, under common circumstances, so to lengthen out the service of our God; but, if we could always meet under similar impressions, and have our hearts so engaged, how glorious would be the ordinances, and how exalted the benefit arising from them!

A distressing occurrence, which for a time interrupted his discourse, tended ultimately to impress it more deeply on their minds—

A youth, named Eutychus, being overcome with sleep, "fell down out of the window from the third loft, and was taken up dead." O, what grief must have seized the whole assembly! But the Apostle went down to him, and fell upon him, as Elijah and Elisha had done upon the persons they had raised to life, and by prayer to God prevailed for the restoration of his life. At the sight of this "they were much comforted." As it respected the youth, it would have been most distressing to think that he would be taken into the eternal world in such a state; as though he had been made, like Lot's wife, a warning to all future generations.

But more especially were they concerned for the honor of God and his Gospel. What a stumbling-block would it have been to the ungodly, that such an accident would have been occasioned by the unreasonable length of the Apostle's discourse! How bitterly would they have inveighed against him, and against these meetings that were encouraged by him! Truly it was no little joy to have such great occasions of offense removed.

But further, the miracle thus wrought before their eyes, was a striking confirmation of what they had heard: it was, as it were, a seal put by God himself to attest the truth of all that had been delivered to them, and an emblem, yes, a pledge also, of the blessings which all who received his Gospel might expect at his hands. Thus was this occurrence, so afflictive in itself, overruled for the furtherance of their joy, and for the more abundant display of God's grace and mercy.

As an improvement of this subject, let us see,

1. How deep an interest we should take in the Gospel of Christ!

It is much to be regretted that we see but little of this fervor in our religious assemblies: neither we who minister, nor you who hear, are affected with the Gospel in any measure as we ought to be. In many congregations there may be found persons sleeping, like Eutychus, though the sermon be not an hour long. And where they are not actually asleep, how many hear in such a drowsy, listless, inattentive manner, that they evidently take no interest in the subject, nor could give any good account of what has been spoken to them.

O brethren, let it not be so with us. Let us rather come together as that assembly did; I to preach, and you to hear, as though we were never to meet again in this world. The subjects of the Apostle's discourse are as important to us, as they were to the primitive Christians: let us beg of God to impress them more deeply on our minds, that they may be to us "a savor of life unto life," and not, as they are to too many, "a savor of death unto death."

2. How earnestly we should improve our present fellowship with each other!

It is but a little while, at all events, that our present connection can be continued. I must soon go to give an account of my ministry, as you also must to answer for the way in which you have improved it: and even from Sabbath to Sabbath we know not whether the present opportunity shall not be our last. Surely this thought would make us exceeding anxious to obtain increasing edification in faith and love, so that "I may be your rejoicing, and you be mine, in the great day of the Lord Jesus!"

 

#1798

PAUL'S APPEAL TO THE ELDERS OF EPHESUS

Acts 20:17-21.

"From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. When they arrived, he said to them: "You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews. You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus."

IT is, if we may so speak, to accidental circumstances, that we are indebted for that full development of Paul's character which we have in the Holy Scriptures. He never willingly set about to commend himself; but he was sometimes compelled to vindicate himself against the accusations of his enemies, and to make known his own principles and conduct, in order to prevail on others to tread in his steps. It was with this latter view that he made his appeal to the elders of Ephesus, when he was about to take a last farewell of them at Miletus.

Let us consider,

I. The appeal he made to them—

His stay among them had been of three years continuance; so that during that time they had had abundant opportunities of knowing everything respecting him. To them therefore he appealed respecting,

1. The exercises of his mind—

He had "served the Lord with all humility of mind" conscious of his own utter insufficiency for so great a work as had been committed to him, 2 Corinthians 2:16, and willing to make himself the servant of all, if by any means he might promote their eternal welfare, 2 Corinthians 4:5 and 1 Corinthians 9:19.

With this humility of mind he had blended compassion for their souls; so that whether he thought of those who rejected the Gospel, or those who walked unworthy of it, he had wept much on their account, both in his addresses to them, and in his supplications in their behalf, Romans 9:2. Philippians 3:18. 2 Corinthians 2:4.

Moreover, he had persevered in his efforts for their good, notwithstanding such difficulties, as had often proved a severe trial to his faith and patience, Acts 20:3 and Acts 13:50-51; Acts 14:5-6; Acts 14:19-20; Acts 17:5.

2. The labors of his life—

He had exerted himself for them with fidelity and diligence: in all his communications, consulting, not what might please, but what would "profit them," and delivering to them his sentiments, not merely in public addresses, but privately and personally in their own houses, whenever an occasion offered.

3. The subject of his ministrations—

He had never entertained them with unprofitable speculations, but had uniformly endeavored to instruct them in the two great fundamental doctrines of Christianity, "repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." These he inculcated on all, whether they were self-righteous Jews, or philosophizing and contemptuous Gentiles: he inculcated these things, I say, on all, as being equally necessary, and equally sufficient, for all the human race.

As the making of such an appeal to them may, to a superficial observer, appear to savor of pride, let us consider,

II. The end for which he made it—

We may be well assured that he sought not to advance his own glory: no; he had higher ends in view—he endeavored to show them,

1. How much they were indebted to God for the privileges they had enjoyed—

To have such a ministry of the word so long continued to them, was a greater blessing than to be loaded with all the temporal benefits that could have been bestowed upon them. By means of his ministry, vast multitudes had been "turned from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God." Now therefore that they were about to be deprived of those blessings, it became them, not so much to grieve at the loss they were to sustain, as to adore God for the benefits they had enjoyed. In reviewing his labors among them for the space of three years, they would see how greatly they were indebted to God above other cities, which had enjoyed only a transient visit of a few days or weeks; and would feel themselves bound to render to the Lord, according to the benefits he had conferred upon them.

2. How carefully they should guard against departing from the faith—

Notwithstanding all the instructions they had received, they might, and would, if left to themselves, depart from God. Paul knew, that, "after his departure, grievous wolves would enter in among them;" and that "even from among themselves men would arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." This, alas! is what frequently takes place at the removal of a faithful minister, unless there be substituted in his place an Elisha, on whom the mantle of Elijah has fallen. When Moses was on the mount only forty days, the people, even with Aaron at their head, departed from the Lord, and made a golden calf idol. What then must not be expected, where the bereavement is of long continuance, and the people are left without any such distinguished saint to superintend and control them? O let all of you take care, "lest any root of bitterness spring up and trouble you, and thereby many be defiled!"

3. How earnestly they should strive to promote the interests of the Church—

These elders were the same as in a subsequent verse are called "overseers," or bishops; and, as their peculiar duty called them "to feed the Church of God," he charged them to "take heed both to themselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit had placed them," even that Church, which our incarnate "God had purchased with his own blood." What weighty considerations does he here urge, to stimulate them to a diligent discharge of their high office! O that every minister felt their full influence, and were actuated by them in the whole of his conduct!

But we must not suppose that ministers alone are interested in this charge: for every member of a Church may do much towards the establishment of his brethren in faith, and love, and holiness. All should watch over one another for good; and this duty is still more imperative, when a faithful pastor is removed, and scope is thereby afforded for the entrance of contentious persons to distract and divide the Church.

 

#1799

DUTY OF MINISTERS

Acts 20:24.

"But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."

OF all the employments under Heaven, there is not one so honorable or so useful as that in which the ministers of the Gospel have the happiness to be engaged. The government of kingdoms has respect only to the things of time; whereas the ministry of the Gospel, both in its ordination by God, and its exercise by men, refers altogether to the concerns of eternity. We mean not to depreciate other offices; or to place the common office of a pastor on a footing with that of a Prophet or an Apostle: but still we must be permitted to "magnify our office" beyond that of any earthly magistrate, as far as things visible and temporal are excelled by things invisible and eternal.

But the trials with which a faithful discharge of our duty is attended are proportionably great. Fallen man does not like to be under God's inspection and authority: he wishes to banish God from his thoughts. If warned of his guilt and danger, he is indignant; and says to us, "Prophesy unto us smooth things; prophesy deceits; and make the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us!" From the days of Cain, even to the present hour, has the exercise of vital godliness been an occasion of offense: and the more the Divine authority has been asserted, the more offense has been given to an ungodly world.

Hence Prophets and Apostles have all, in their respective ages, fallen a sacrifice to their fidelity. Paul, at his first appointment to the apostolic office, was told what great things he would suffer for the Lord's sake; and his trials far exceeded those of any other Apostle: but, in a review of all that he had endured, and in the prospect of all that he was yet taught to expect, he could say, "None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God!"

From these words I shall take occasion to show,

I. What is the office of a minister—

The office of every minister is, "to testify the Gospel of the grace of God."

This was the one employment of the Apostle—

He proclaimed, with all fidelity, "the Gospel" of Christ, or, in other words, the salvation which the Lord Jesus Christ has wrought out for us by his own obedience unto death. This he proclaimed to be altogether "of grace," in the first appointment of the Lord Jesus to be a Mediator between God and man; in the acceptance of his sacrifice as an expiation for sin; in the bestowment of faith on the individuals of mankind; and in the completion of the work in the souls of all that shall be saved. From the beginning to the end, in all its parts, this salvation was traced by him to the free and sovereign grace of God!

Of these things, also, he "testified with much contention." He was constantly opposed by Judaizing teachers on the one hand, and by conceited Gentile philosophers on the other; and he was constrained to exert himself with all earnestness, in order that the truth of the Gospel might be fully known, and be established on the firmest basis. The Epistles to the Romans and to the Galatians are the best commentary on these words; and must fully evince the energy with which the Apostle maintained his testimony, whether against dissembling friends or violent opponents.

This, also, is the employment of every Christian minister—

To make known the way of salvation is the very end for which ministers are ordained. They come as heralds of the Most High God, to proclaim mercy to a ruined world, through the vicarious sacrifice of the Son of God. But against the testimony of a faithful Christian minister all the prejudices and passions of mankind will rise; and he will be constrained to maintain his ground by a constant appeal to Holy Writ, as the only standard of truth, and the only arbiter that is competent to decide the controversy. In his disputations he must be firm, in order to support the honor of his God, whose grace alone must be exalted from first to last. If an angel from Heaven were to broach a doctrine which derogated from this, he must withstand him to the face, and pronounce him accursed! Galatians 1:8-9. Whatever truths he may have occasion to bring forward, he must always mark their bearing upon the doctrines of grace; showing how they lead to those doctrines, or arise out of them; so that the truth of the Gospel may be kept inviolate, and "Christ may be exalted as all in all! Colossians 3:11." In a word, he must determine, throughout the whole of his testimony, to "know nothing, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified! 1 Corinthians 2:1-2."

While in this passage we see what the ministerial office is, we behold also,

II. How the minister's office is to be discharged—

We have reason to he thankful for the trials he sustained; since they drew forth from him a full statement of his feelings in relation to them. From his example we learn, that this testimony must be borne,

1. With undaunted firmness—

Never was there a faithful servant of God who was not persecuted for righteousness' sake. If bonds and imprisonments do not await the pious minister at this day, it is not because he is less an object of hatred now than formerly, but because he is better protected by the laws of the land. The men who build the sepulchers of departed saints are as ready as ever to persecute the living ones, if only the civil restraints imposed upon them were withdrawn. The continuance of the inquisition among Catholics sufficiently shows what ungodly hypocrites would yet do, if they had it in their power.

But the servant of God must be ready to encounter every danger: he must die daily, in the habit of his mind; and be ready to lay down his life, at any time, and in any manner, for his Master's sake. "He must make no account" either of labors or of sufferings, if only he may approve himself to God, and be serviceable to the souls of his fellow-creatures.

2. With inflexible perseverance—

Never must he cease from his labors, as long as he has strength to follow them. He has begun a course which must never end but with life itself. He has received a commission from his Lord; and to the Lord he must give account of the manner in which it has been executed. Never must he be "weary in well-doing." Paul, when stoned and left for dead, was no sooner, as by miracle, restored to life, than he resumed his work, and prosecuted his labors with all his former intrepidity. He had respect to the account which he must speedily give at the judgment-seat of Christ; and he determined, through grace, that he would give it with joy, and not with grief. So must every minister have the blood of his people required at his hands: and he must so acquit himself in his labors for them, that, if he saves not them, he may at least deliver his own soul.

For an improvement of this subject, let us follow it up,

1. In a way of inquiry—

If we are to bear our testimony with fidelity, you are to receive it with the simplicity of little children. But have we not reason to complain with the prophet, "Lord, who has believed our report?" I know, indeed, that many receive it with outward approbation: but who among you accounts it more precious than life itself? If received aright, all things will be counted but as dung and dross in comparison with it. If received aright, it will be obeyed: your course of life will be directed by it: and you will be standing ready to give up your account to him, whose word it is, and whose salvation is proclaimed unto you. O! Do not deceive yourselves with a mere profession of faith in Christ; but give yourselves up altogether to him: and make him "all your salvation, and all your desire."

2. In a way of encouragement—

Once more we bear our testimony before you, and declare that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Savior, the only Savior, of the world. Once more we declare that his salvation is free for all; as free as the light we see, or the air we breathe. The grace of God, as revealed in it is exceeding abundant; insomuch that, "where sin has abounded, his grace shall much more abound," if only you are willing to accept it as the gift of sovereign love and mercy.

Do not, I beg you, place the smallest reliance on anything of your own: for I testify to every one among you, that if you attempt to blend anything of your own with the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ, you will make void the grace of God, and render Christ himself of no effect. "This is the record of God which we are commissioned to proclaim, that God has given to us eternal life; and this life is in his Son: he who has the Son, has life; and he who has not the Son of God, has not life." Receive this record sincerely, and all will be well: reject it, and you must inevitably perish: for "there is no other name given under Heaven whereby we must be saved, but the adorable name of Jesus Christ." If an adherence to Christ exposes you to difficulties, be it so: and be content to bear the cross for his sake. But if, through the fear of man, you deny Christ, know that he will deny you before the whole universe at his tribunal. "If, on the contrary, you suffer with him, fear not but that you shall be also glorified together."

 

#1800

MINISTERIAL FIDELITY

Acts 20:26-27.

"I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God."

NO one can be conceived more averse to egotism than was the Apostle Paul. Yet, on some occasions, he felt it necessary for the vindication of his own character, to assert what was true, even though the assertion did tend to place his actions in a more favorable point of view than he would have wished to place them, if such a necessity had not existed. Nor was it only when impelled by necessity that he so acted. There were occasions whereon a regard for the souls of men induced him to refer to his own feelings and proceedings towards them, so that he might the more deeply interest them in that line of conduct which he prescribed; and which would issue in their own eternal welfare.

Such were the circumstances under which he made the appeal before us. He was addressing the elders of the Ephesian Church, whom he had sent for to Miletus, and whom he knew that he would never behold again in this world. He therefore reminded them how he had conducted himself among them; so that he might engage them, after his departure, to tread in his steps.

The words which I have just read refer to the Ministerial fidelity which he had exercised towards them, and to the satisfaction with which, in the prospect of the future judgment, he looked back upon it; since he had a testimony in his own conscience, and in their consciences also, that, whatever might eventually be the effect of it with respect to them, "he was pure from their blood."

In opening the subject of Ministerial fidelity, I will show,

I. Wherein it consists—

The Apostle sums it up in this one expression: "I have not shunned to declare unto you the whole counsel of God."

"The counsel of God" is that which he has revealed in the Gospel of his Son—

It is elsewhere called "the word of reconciliation; namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, 2 Corinthians 5:19." This, of course, comprehends all that relates to our fall in Adam, and our recovery in Christ.

The whole of our guilt, both original and actual, must be stated; and so stated, as that every one may be made sensible of his lost condition, and of the utter impossibility of ever restoring himself to the Divine favor.

The law must be set forth in its spirituality, and with its penal sanctions, that is, as requiring perfect and perpetual obedience, and as denouncing its irrevocable sentence of condemnation for one single transgression, Galatians 3:10.

The saving plan which God, of his infinite mercy has devised for the satisfying of his justice and the honoring of his law, must then be opened. His gift of his only dear Son, to take our nature upon him, and in that nature to fulfill the law for us; enduring in his own person all its righteous penalties, and obeying to the uttermost all its holy demands. His gift of his Son, I say, thus to work out a righteousness for us, a righteousness fully commensurate with all the demands, whether of law or justice, and, by imputation made available for our restoration to his favor.

This, I say, must be declared as the only method devised by God for the salvation of the world.

But it is not for our restoration to his favor merely, that he has devised this plan; but for our restoration to his image as well. And here must be opened the indispensable necessity of mortifying all sin through the influences of the Holy Spirit, and of devoting ourselves wholly and entirely to God.

"The whole" of this counsel must be set forth regularly—

It must be declared:
plainly, without disguise;
fully, without concealment;
firmly, without doubt;
authoritatively, without fear.

It is not to be enrapt up in polished language, for the sake of pleasing a fastidious ear; but to be opened in the simplest terms, or, as the Apostle says, "Not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual, 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Corinthians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 2:13."

Nor must there be any personal bias in our minds towards any one part of the system above another; to doctrines above duties, or to duties above doctrines: every truth that is revealed in the Scripture must be brought forth in its place, and have that measure of prominence in our statements which it bears in the sacred volume. On points of dubious aspect we may express ourselves with doubt; but on all the great leading features of redemption we would express no more doubt than on the most self-evident truth that can be subjected to our view. In delivering these truths, also, we would "speak as the oracles of God, 1 Peter 4:11," even as "Ambassadors from God, in whose place we stand," and whose word we deliver, 2 Corinthians 5:20. 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:8.

When the Apostle says that he "had not shunned" to exercise this fidelity, he strongly intimates,

II. The difficulty of maintaining it—

Such statements as these are very offensive to the pride of man—

Man naturally conceive of himself as not very sinful, and not deserving of any great measure of punishment. He hopes, too, that he has within himself a sufficiency of wisdom to discern his duty, and of resolution and strength to perform it. He trusts also, that, by executing his own purposes at the time that he shall find convenient to do so, he shall reconcile himself to God, and obtain favor in his sight. But the Gospel brings down at once all these towering imaginations, and reduces every child of man to a level with tax collectors and harlots; so far, at least, as to make them "renounce all confidence in the flesh, Philippians 3:3," and seek for mercy simply through faith in Christ. It pronounces every man "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked! Revelation 3:18-19;" and counsels him to seek in "Christ alone, his wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption, 1 Corinthians 1:30."

Nor is the holiness which the Gospel requires a whit less offensive to the worldly man, than its humiliating doctrines are to the self-righteous. When we say to him, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world: for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world, 1 John 2:15-16;" and when we require him to "be crucified to the world by the cross of Christ, Galatians 6:14;" we seem to him as exacting far too much, and as shutting Heaven against all but a few gloomy enthusiasts.

Nor does anyone ever make this stand for God with impunity—

Look back to the days of old, and see which of the prophets was not persecuted by the people to whom he ministered, Acts 7:52. And who among the Apostles escaped the rage of their indignant enemies? Even our blessed Lord, who "spoke as never any man spoke," and wrought such numberless miracles in confirmation of his word, was hated and persecuted even unto death! He tells us, "The world hates me, because I testify of it that the works thereof are evil, John 7:7."

See in the present day, whether there be not the same enmity evinced against his faithful servants as in the days of old? See whether ministerial fidelity does not uniformly subject a man to hatred, and reproach, and persecution, in every place, and every age. It matters not how blameless a man is in the whole of his conduct, or how benevolent in the whole of his conduct; hated he will be, yes, and despised and persecuted too, if he is faithful to his God, and to the souls of men. Men will account him "their enemy, if he tells them the truth! Galatians 4:16;" and so universal is this effect, that "if a minister pleases men, he cannot be the servant of Jesus Christ, Galatians 1:10."

If we would "speak unto them smooth things, and prophesy deceits," and in our life and conduct countenance their worldly habits, we might easily conciliate their regards. "If we were of the world, the world would love its own:" but when we bear our testimony against the ways of men, we must expect them to say of us, "I hate Micaiah, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil! 1 Kings 22:8."

Now it must be supposed that we have our feelings as well as other men; and that it can be no pleasing thing for us to render ourselves objects of contempt and hatred to all around us: but we know what we have to expect: we know that "the servant cannot be above his lord; and that it is sufficient for him if he is treated as his lord, Matthew 10:24-25." But this plainly shows, that to maintain this fidelity is no easy matter; and that, if we consulted with flesh and blood, we would "shun" the office which is sure to entail upon us such painful consequences.

The solemn appeal which the Apostle makes respecting his fidelity, leads us to notice,

III. The importance of it to the souls of men—

It is indeed of the utmost importance,

1. To those who are ministered unto—

There is but one way by which any man can be saved; and that is the way which God has revealed to us in the Gospel. God, in his eternal counsels, "has laid a foundation for us in Zion, Isaiah 28:16;" and "other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 3:11." Whatever men may imagine, "there is salvation for us in no other: for there is no other name given under heaven whereby we can be saved, but the name of Jesus Christ, Acts 4:12."

Now, if we conceal this way of salvation, or pervert it in any respect, either by adding to it or taking from it, we must of necessity mislead the people, and, as far as they depend on us, eternally ruin their souls! To have such a pastor, is their misfortune: but it will pot be considered as any excuse for them. They have the sacred records in their hands; and if they studied them with diligence, and earnestly sought instruction from God, they would "be guided into all truth," and "be made wise unto salvation." If, being themselves blind, they commit themselves to the guidance of the blind, they must participate in their leaders' fate, and with them "fall into the ditch! Matthew 15:14."

2. To those who minister—

"God has committed to us the ministry of reconciliation;" and he has said, "He who has my word, let him speak my word faithfully! Jeremiah 23:28." To us, also, he has committed the souls to whom we minister; and he will require an account of them from us, at the day of judgment. He has placed us as watchmen, who are to care for their souls, and to give them warning from him. "O Son of man," says he, "I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself! Ezekiel 33:7-9."

On his own fidelity his everlasting salvation depends. It is with him as with a sentinel at the extremity of a camp. If the enemy comes, and he gives the alarm, whether the enemy prevails or not, he is blameless. But if he sleeps upon his post, or neglects to give the alarm, then he is amenable to his commander for every life that has been sacrificed, and his life must go as an atonement for his fault. If this is the case where a man is in the service of an earthly monarch, and where the bodily life only is concerned, then how much more must it be so in the service of the Most High God, and where the eternal welfare of souls is committed to us! It is just; it is right that it would be so: and it is in vain to hope that we shall ever "save ourselves," if we are not faithful in our endeavors to "save them that hear us! 1 Timothy 4:16."

ADDRESS—

1. Those who have disregarded all the counsel that has been given them—

To many our word has appeared only as "a cunningly devised fable," and "an idle tale." But we call you to witness, yes, and can make our appeal to God also, that we have, according to our ability, "declared unto you the whole counsel of God." And, though we have met with our measure of discouragement, like others, we have never shrunk from our duty, or shunned to execute it to the very utmost of our power. On your own souls, therefore, must lie the guilt of neglecting God; or, as the Apostle expresses it, " But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility! Acts 18:6."

Yet God forbid that I would rest without further efforts for your salvation. God is not weary in waiting for you; neither would I be weary in laying before you his whole counsel. It is probable, indeed, that this may be the last time in which I shall ever behold the face of some among you: for though I would not be removed from you before another Sabbath, the probability is that someone at least may be here present this day, with whom my next meeting will be at the bar of judgment! I beseech you, then, to think what an awful thing it will be to go to the judgment-seat of Christ with all your guilt upon you! Yet, if you remain impenitent and unbelieving, this must be your unhappy condition: you will "die in your sins," and endure the punishment of them to all eternity!

Think me not harsh for asserting this: for, as Paul says, "How shall you escape, if you neglect so great salvation?" Peter also appeals in like manner, "If judgment begins at the house of God, what shall the end be of those who obey not the Gospel of God? If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 1 Peter 4:17-18.

These appeals are very forcible, because they make you judges in your own cause. I ask, then, "What must your end be? and where will you appear at the last day?" If you will say, 'In Heaven,' be it so: I would to God you might! But conscience is not so blind, but that it will remonstrate against such a confidence as that. Conscience will tell you, that, if you will not obey the Gospel, but will continue to "reject the counsel of God against yourselves," you will do it at your peril; you will do it to your ruin!

2. Those who are disposed to follow the counsel of their God—

Remember to follow "the whole of it," "without partiality and without hypocrisy, 1 Timothy 5:21. James 3:17." The religious world are extremely apt to forget their duty in this respect. Some place all their piety in contending for doctrines, in opposition to morals. Others place all their piety in exalting morals, to the disparagement of doctrines. Some will take one set of doctrines; and others, a set which appear opposed to them: and both will think that they are doing God service, while they anathematize each other; as if religion consisted in the adoption of human creeds, rather than in the conversion of the soul to God.

But let it not be thus with you. Let the word of God, and not the word of man, be your guide. Let everything be received from him with the simplicity of little children. And if there are in his word things which you cannot understand, sit not in judgment upon them with unhallowed confidence; but spread them before the Lord, saying, "What I know not, teach me!" You will bear me witness, that "the whole counsel of God has been declared to you;" nor has anything ever been kept back from you, because it did not square with this or that system of man's device.

Let every part of the inspired volume be treated in the same way by you. Never be afraid to trace everything to the sovereign counsels of your God: and, on the other hand, never forget that your condemnation is, and will be, the work of your own hands, even as your salvation is of God alone. By yourselves, indeed, must salvation be wrought instrumentally: but, if you ever attain to it, you must say, "Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose;" for it is altogether the fruit of his counsel, and the operation of his grace!

 

#1801

WATCHFULNESS RECOMMENDED

Acts 20:31.

"Therefore watch, and remember, that, by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears!"

IT is, for the most part, a blessing to mankind that they cannot look into futurity: for, on the one hand, they would have their present enjoyments almost entirely destroyed by the prospect of future ills; while, on the other hand, a prospect of remote good would prove but a small alleviation of their present troubles. Nevertheless, from a wise foresight of probable and contingent events, the most incalculable benefits arise.

Paul knew, by immediate revelation from God, that, after his departure, some would be found among the leading members of the Ephesian Church, who would labor to introduce divisions and dissensions among them: and the probability was, that, unless extraordinary watchfulness were maintained by the elders of that Church, the restless sectaries would succeed in their efforts: he therefore, in the farewell discourse which he delivered to the elders at Miletus, put them on their guard; and thus, by forewarning them of their danger, contributed in a very high degree to the preservation of that Church in peace and purity.

From the caution contained in the words before us, we observe,

I. That to warn men of their danger is the kindest office of love—

Will anyone doubt whether it was an act of love in Paul to warn the Ephesians: to warn them individually as well as collectively; to warn them "by night and by day," as often as he could gain access to them; to warn them with such earnestness as scarcely ever to address them without floods of "tears;" to do this incessantly, for three years together, when there was perhaps no other Church with whom he made so long an abode? However his fidelity might have been represented there, we have no doubt of the source from whence it sprang.

Shall it be thought harsh then and unkind in us to warn our hearers? Who would impute it to harshness, if a parent warned his child, when walking on the brink of an unseen precipice, or playing on the hole of an asp, or cockatrice den? "We know the terrors of the Lord; and therefore we persuade men." We know, that the soul that dies in an unregenerate state can never be admitted into the kingdom of Heaven, John 3:3; we know, that no person can be saved, who does not truly believe in Christ, and rely upon him alone for salvation, John 3:18; John 3:36. Philippians 3:9; we know, that "without holiness no man shall see the Lord."

On these accounts we warn the unholy, the unbelieving, the unregenerate; and entreat them to flee from the wrath to come! If we appear earnest at any time, ought we to be blamed as too zealous, or needlessly severe? No! you have infinitely more reason to complain on account of our coldness and treachery, than on account of any excess in our fidelity and earnestness. What little zeal we do show, should be esteemed the fruit of love.

If we could follow you from the public ordinances to your respective houses, and there renew to you separately, and with tears, the warnings we have given you in public, we would perform to you the kindest office; and most approve ourselves the servants of Him who wept over the murderous Jerusalem, and died for the salvation of a ruined world.

To evince that such fidelity cannot under any circumstances be dispensed with, we observe,

II. That there are none so established, but they need to be put upon their guard—

The persons warned by Paul, were not the low, the ignorant, the obscure, but the most distinguished persons in the Ephesian Church: they were the elders, who superintended and governed the Church, and had doubtless been appointed to their high office because of their superior attainments in piety and virtue.

Who then are they that can claim an exemption from pastoral admonitions? Shall the rich? They perhaps, of all people in the world, most need to be put upon their guard, because their dangers are increased far beyond those of any other class! Mark 10:25. Are those whose proficiency in knowledge or grace has raised them to eminence in the Church, exempt from danger? Look on David, or Solomon, or Peter, or Hymeneus and Philetus, or Demas—and then say whether any qualifications or attainments can place us beyond the reach of temptation; or whether there be a man in the universe to whom the exhortation in the text may not with great propriety be addressed? Be it known to you, that even Paul himself found it necessary to "keep his body under control, and bring it into subjection, lest he would at last become a cast-away:" and therefore "what I say unto one I say unto all, Watch!"

It is of importance too to remember,

III. That the oftener we are warned, the more our responsibility is increased—

The guilt contracted by the inhabitants of Bethsaida and Chorazin, far exceeded that of the idolatrous Tyrians or Sidonians, because they had disregarded the warnings given them by our blessed Lord: and the people of Capernaum, who had been exalted to Heaven in their privileges, were cast down to Hell for their abuse of them, and were doomed to a more awful condemnation than even Sodom or Gomorrah! Matthew 11:21-24.

Our Lord told the Jews, that "if he had not come and spoken to them, they had not had sin (comparatively): but that, after the warnings he had given them, they had no cloak for their sin." Precisely to the same effect is Paul's admonition in the text: he reminds the Ephesians how long and earnestly he had warned them; and from thence insinuates that, if they are unwatchful, their guilt will be proportionably increased.

Is not this rule of judging universally admitted and approved? Is it not in this way that we estimate the criminality of our fellow-creatures? Do we not always consider, that, the more earnestly the necessity of obedience has been pressed upon them, the more aggravated is their disobedience or neglect? Surely then we should "remember how many years we have been warned;" and expect, that "to whom much has been committed, of them will God require the more."

APPLICATION—

Let believers watch, "lest being led astray by the error of the wicked, or by their own deceitful lusts, they fall from their own steadfastness, 2 Peter 3:17." Let backsliders also watch "lest being hardened through the deceitfulness of sin," they abandon themselves to wickedness or despair. Let all watch, lest being blinded by the god of this world, they become slaves to his dominion, and partakers of his eternal misery!

 

#1802

A FAREWELL DISCOURSE

Acts 20:32.

"And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified."

THIS is one of the most affecting portions of Scripture that can be found in all the Book of God. In it, the Apostle is taking leave of the Ephesian elders, over whom he had watched for the space of three years, and whose face he knew that he would behold no more. He was able to appeal to them, that, during that whole period, he had ministered unto them with the utmost fidelity, and watched over them with all the tenderness of a loving parent. And now that he was parting from them, he warned them of the evils which he foresaw, not only as probable, but certain: for that, from among themselves, some would arise, to introduce dissensions and divisions among them, and to fill with tares the field which he had so carefully cultivated with the purest wheat. He could not continue always with them—he therefore now commended them to God, who alone was able to complete the work which had been begun in their souls.

In these words we see,

I. The desire of a minister for his people, when present with them—

A faithful minister not only carries his people in his arms like a father, but "travails in birth with them," as a mother, Galatians 4:19. He pants for,

1. Their present edification—

It is here taken for granted that they are standing on the only true foundation, the Lord Jesus Christ. In truth, if any person has not come to the Lord Jesus Christ as the one foundation of a sinner's hope, he may be called a professing Christian, but he is no other than a baptized heathen! But, supposing that the work of conversion has really been wrought in the souls of his people, the faithful minister desires to see them built up, and edified in faith and love. He would not have that any of his spiritual children would continue in a state of infantile weakness: he wishes to see them grow, and "increase with the increase of God." From children he would have them advance to young men and fathers, until they have attained "the full measure of the stature of Christ." If they were as eminent as Paul himself, he would "not consider them as having already attained, or as being already perfect;" but he would exhort them to "forget what was behind, and to press forward to that which is before; and never to relax their ardor, until they have finished their course, and attained the prize of their high calling."

2. Their everlasting salvation—

They are "begotten to a glorious inheritance!" As God's children, "they are heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ:" and never does he consider his care for them as terminated, until he sees them translated from earth to Heaven. As long as they are in the body, they are exposed to the assaults of Satan: and "he is jealous over them with a godly jealousy, lest that serpent who beguiled our first parents in Paradise, would by any means prevail over them."

They are here intermixed with the ungodly, by whom they may be deceived and defiled. It is in Heaven alone that they are beyond the reach of temptation: there are none but saints thither—all who bear that sacred character are going. When the pastor beholds them safely landed on that happy shore, his soul is completely at rest respecting them; and he looks forward to the happy day when he shall be united to them there, as "his joy and crown of rejoicing" for evermore.

But, as occasional separations from them in this world are unavoidable, we may contemplate,

II. His consolation when absent from them—

Though useful to his people as an instrument, he knows that he is not necessary to them; and that God carries on his work within them without his puny efforts. He therefore, when absent from them, commends them,

1. To God, as the source of all good—

From God they have received all the good that is in them; and from the same divine source alone can any blessing flow down unto them. To him, therefore, the minister commits his people. And it is a source of joy to him that they have in God an all-sufficient Friend, who is ever present with them, and tenderly affected towards them, and conversant with all their necessities, and able to supply all their needs. What can they lack, if only they live near to him? He can "make all grace abound towards them, that they may have always all-sufficiency in all things." To his care, therefore, he commits them with confidence, assured that "He is able to keep them from falling, and to present them faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy."

2. To the Word, as the means of all good—

The Holy Scriptures are justly called "the word of God's grace," because they contain a wonderful revelation of grace, suited to, and sufficient for, our every need. In that is contained everything that we can desire, for our instruction, our consolation, and support. By that the whole work of grace may be carried on and perfected within us. It is by that that we are at first begotten to God: and by that shall we be nourished unto life eternal. "The word is able for all this, even to build us up, and to give us an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." "By that we are made pure" and "sanctified;" and through its effectual operation on the soul will Christ perfect his whole work within us: as it is said; "He loved the Church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word; that he might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it may be holy and without blemish! Ephesians 5:25-27." Now, to this fountain may every saint have access at all times; and out of it, as "from a well of salvation, may he draw water with unutterable joy." To the inspired Scriptures therefore, the pious minister commends his people; knowing, that, if they will but make a just use of it, it will, as God's instrument, accomplish every end for which it has been sent, and perfect the whole of God's work within them.

What, then, shall now be my parting advice to you?

1. Live near to God—

On this your whole stability will depend. "If you be with him, he will be with you: but, if you forsake him, he will forsake you." The direction which God gave to Abraham, he gives alike to all his people: "Walk before me, and be blameness." We must set God ever before us, and walk as in his immediate presence; (yet not so much impressed with fear, as with love: for Enoch walked with God; he walked not only before him as a Master, but with him as a Friend,) going with holy boldness into his presence, spreading before him our every need, and desiring his aid in every difficulty. "Acquaint yourselves with God" in this way, and your souls shall "be kept in perfect peace."

2. Make good use of his word—

It is by his word, chiefly, that God will direct and comfort your souls. I will not say that the Holy Spirit never operates in a way of direct and immediate agency upon the soul—but we are not to look for that, or expect it, in common cases. It is by shining upon the word, and applying it with power to our souls, that the Spirit usually works: and that we may expect; yes, and we shall experience it too, if we meditate upon the word, and pray over it, and implore the Spirit's influence to seal it on our hearts. Peter says, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere, the unadulterated milk of the word, that you may grow thereby."

You all know how a little child lives upon its mother's bosom—just so, let it be your care to live thus upon the blessed word of God; "esteeming it more than your necessary food," and looking for a constant communication of all needful strength through that appointed medium. Only live upon that word, and it shall surely nourish you unto life eternal!

3. Keep your eyes steadily fixed on your eternal inheritance—

The man who is in a race keeps his mind fixed, as it were, upon the prize; which he is determined, if possible, to obtain. In like manner you must keep in view the prize of your high calling; and "have respect, even as Moses had, to the recompense of the reward." In the prospect of Heaven, every trial will appear light, every Christian duty will be accounted easy. What we may meet with in life, or whether we shall ever behold each other's face again in this world, God alone knows. But let us live for God, and for eternity: let us live, as we shall wish we had lived, when we shall stand before the judgment-seat of Christ to receive our eternal doom! Let us go forward in the path of duty, assured, that the rest which awaits us will richly repay our labors, and the crown of righteousness our conflicts.

 

#1803

THE BLESSEDNESS OF LIBERALITY

Acts 20:35.

"Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said: It is more blessed to give than to receive."

SCARCELY anything can be conceived more calculated to improve our minds, than the committing to memory such portions of Scripture as are peculiarly important. The Jews were accustomed to have select passages of their law fastened upon their garments, in order that they might be continually reminded of their duty. David, with less ostentation, and more piety, "hid God's word within his heart," as the means of preserving him from sin, Psalm 119:11; and he has recommended a similar practice to all young people, in order that their corrupt inclinations may be checked by the recollection of God's commands, Psalm 119:8.

Among the various passages which claim peculiar attention, this which is before us has a very distinguished place. It would seem that our gracious Lord was in the habit of frequently inculcating the divine lesson in the text. And so generally was this saying known among his disciples, that the Evangelists did not judge it necessary to record it in any of their Gospels. Almost thirty years after his death, it was commonly mentioned in the Church and was enforced by his Apostles as a principle of action, which was to be adopted by all his followers.

Paul, having summoned the elders of the Ephesian Church to meet him at Miletus, took his final leave of them, and gave them all the cautions and directions which he judged necessary. He entreated them more particularly to cultivate to the uttermost a spirit of benevolence; remembering the example which he himself had set for them, and bearing in mind that saying of our Lord, of which he had so often reminded them, namely, that "it was more blessed to give than to receive."

Happily for us, Luke was inspired to record in the history of Paul, what he, and all the other Evangelists had omitted in their histories of Christ. And the very circumstance of its being so providentially preserved, may well render it an object of our most attentive regard.

Let us consider then,

I. The grounds of this declaration—

That the man who lessens his property by giving, would, by that very act, become more truly blessed than the most destitute person can be made by receiving, appears a paradox that cannot be explained. But to evince the truth of it, we shall point out some particulars, wherein the act of giving is manifestly more blessed than that of receiving—

1. It calls forth more noble feelings—

The feelings of him who receives in a befitting manner, are by no means despicable. Gratitude is a very refined and dignified sensation; and, when ennobled by a view of God's hand, and an acknowledgment of his overruling providence in raising up to us a benefactor, it becomes one of the noblest exercises of the human mind. Yet we must confess that the donor has the advantage of the receiver in these respects: for generosity and compassion are more elevated sentiments than gratitude, inasmuch as they have in them less of what is selfish, and originate, not in any personal gratification, but solely in the wants and miseries of a fellow-creature. Moreover, if the donor is in a right spirit, he will act altogether with a view to God's glory: he will consider himself simply as God's agent or steward; and, instead of admiring himself on account of what he does for God, he will bless and magnify his God for employing him in so honorable a service.

Would we form a just idea of the feelings of a good man discharging the duties of benevolence; let us paint to ourselves the sensations of the angel who was sent to strengthen our Savior after his conflicts with all the powers of darkness, Luke 23:43. Did he receive with joy the Father's mandate? Did he fly on the wings of love to execute his divine commission? Did he administer consolation to Jesus with unutterable tenderness; and return with ardent gratitude to express his sense of the high honor conferred upon him? In him then we behold the true image of a saint, performing towards the afflicted the kind offices of love.

2. It more assimilates us to the Deity—

We do not at first sight behold any likeness to the Deity in him who receives an alms: yet, methinks, we may, without dishonoring our God, trace some resemblance: for Jehovah himself is receiving daily from his creatures a tribute of prayer and praise, which comes up before him as incense, and is the offering by which he considers himself as glorified.

Moreover, our blessed Lord identifies himself with his distressed followers, and acknowledges himself as fed and clothed, when food and clothing are administered to his people, Matthew 25:35-36; yes, in the days of his flesh, he condescended to exist through the benevolence of others Luke 8:3.

But in the donor there is a very striking likeness to the Deity, who is daily "opening his hand, and filling all things living with plenteousness." More particularly, if the donor is overlooking the trifling distinctions of neighborhood or of party, and be extending his alms to all, whether friends or enemies, he approves himself in the highest degree conformable to the image of his God, who is "the comforter of all those who are cast down, 2 Corinthians 7:6," and who makes "his sun to rise upon the evil and upon the good, and sends his rain upon the just, and upon the unjust, Matthew 5:44-45; Matthew 5:48."

3. It is a source of more extensive benefits—

He who receives an alms, benefits himself and those who depend upon him. The world around him too derive some good from his example, in that he teaches them a quiet submission to the will of God in circumstances of affliction and necessity. The good which is done by the donor is almost incalculable. In the first place, he relieves the wants of others, who but for his timely aid, perhaps, must have languished, or even perished, for want. But the joys of poverty relieved, form but a small portion of the benefits which a benevolent Christian imparts. He exceedingly improves his awn soul, confirming in himself the most benevolent affections, and establishing habits which greatly conduce to his own happiness. Nor are the advantages which accrue to himself confined to this world: for even in Heaven will he have a recompense, Luke 14:14; Luke 16:9, and that too proportioned to the zeal with which he had cultivated the principle of love, 2 Corinthians 9:6.

Moreover, the benefits extend to all around him. Who can estimate the good which he does to the souls of others, while he adorns and recommends the Gospel of Christ? For he not only makes himself an example to other professors of religion, and provokes them to emulation, but he removes the prejudices of the ungodly, and constrains them to confess the excellence of those principles which in their hearts they abhor, Matthew 5:16. With humble reverence we may say, that the benefit reaches even to Christ himself: for, as "in all the afflictions of his people he is afflicted, Isaiah 63:9," so in all their consolations also he is comforted, Matthew 25:40.

Further, if further we can go, even God the Father also is made a partaker of the benefit. For that which above all things he regards his own glory: and our alms-deeds are often the occasion of most heartfelt praises and thanksgivings to him. This Paul specifies as one of the most blessed effects of liberality; an effect, in comparison with which, the relief of a fellow-creature is almost unworthy of notice, 2 Corinthians 9:12.

Having pointed out the grounds of this extraordinary declaration, we proceed to show,

II. The improvement that would he made of it—

Paul, in exhorting the Ephesian Elders to "remember this saying of the Lord Jesus," designed to stimulate them to a suitable improvement of it. Now it will be found of use to us,

1. To form our principles—

There is a benevolence which is extremely profitable to the world in a temporal view, while it is altogether unprofitable, and even ruinous, to their spiritual interests. When this principle is considered as the whole of religion, when it is made the foundation of a sinner's hope for salvation, and substituted in the place of Christ, it is then worthless, and odious, in the sight of God.

But when benevolence is cultivated from a regard to Christ, and exercised with a view to his glory, it is "a fragrance of a sweet smell, a sacrifice well-pleasing to God, Philippians 4:18." When viewed with all its attendant exercises of mind, it is the sum and substance of all practical religion, Galatians 6:2. Without this, all pretenses to religion are vain: for if we do not love our brother whom we have seen, it is impossible that we would love God whom we have not seen, 1 John 4:20.

As for wealth, we would consider it as of no value, any further than it enables us to exercise ourselves in offices of love. To amass wealth, or to spend it on ourselves, would afford us no pleasure, in comparison with devoting it to pious purposes: for, if it is more blessed to give it away, than to receive the most needful supplies, then much more must the giving it away render us more blessed than either the spending or the saving of it can do. This is manifestly the scope of the divine aphorism in the text; and on this estimate of wealth our principles should be formed. It would be an established maxim with us, that to do good is to receive good, and to exercise love is to be truly blessed.

2. To regulate our practice—

Let the fore-mentioned principle be duly considered: and, when we are fully persuaded that to do good is the surest way to receive good, we shall gladly embrace every opportunity of benefitting others, and of getting good to ourselves.

Behold then, an opportunity now offers itself to every one of you, and, in the name of our adorable Lord, we entreat you both to confer, and to receive, blessedness.

First, confer blessedness. Think that perhaps your present generosity may be overruled, not merely for the temporal relief of a distressed brother, but for the everlasting salvation of some immortal soul! O let this thought stimulate you to the most cheerful and beneficent exertions.

If any say, "I have nothing but what I earn by manual labor; and even that is little more than suffices for my own necessities." I answer, This is the very case stated by Paul, who determines that such persons ought to give according to their ability, Ephesians 4:28; and, in the very verse before the text, he tells us how he himself acted under those circumstances; and then he adds, "I have showed you, that, so laboring, you ought to support the weak, verse 34, 35."

Next, receive blessedness. We have hitherto spoken on behalf of our indigent and afflicted brethren. But we must change our voice: it is not for them, so much as for you, that we preach. Yes, you who are opulent, you who have the means of doing good, you are the persons to whom we preach, and for whom we preach. Receive blessedness, I say; far greater blessedness than it is in your power to confer on others. Strengthen in yourselves the habits of benevolence.

Imitate Him "who went about doing good;" "who, though he was rich—yet for your sakes became poor, that you through his poverty might be rich, 2 Corinthians 8:9."

Imitate the God and Father of the universe, whose tender mercy is over all his works. Go, and put your money into his hands. "He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done. Proverbs 19:17" It is "fruit that will abound to your own account, Philippians 4:14."

If you trust in your wealth, it will be a foundation of sand, a broken reed: but do good with it, and you will "lay up in store for yourselves a good foundation against the time to come, 1 Timothy 6:18-19." Whether then you covet present or future happiness, "remember the words of the Lord Jesus," and show the love to others which he has shown to you! John 13:34.

 

#1804

PAUL'S READINESS TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST'S SAKE

Acts 21:13.

"Then Paul answered: Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

INNUMERABLE are the devices of our great adversary, to blind our eyes, and to keep us in a course of sin; and, when we have been enabled to burst the chains in which he once led us captive, he labors still to tempt and beguile us in every possible way, if he may prevail at last to turn us aside from God. None, while they continue in the flesh, are out of the reach of his assaults. Even our blessed Lord, when he condescended to assume our nature, "was in all things tempted as we are, though without sin."

Such is the subtlety of Satan, that he will instigate even the best of men to become tempters to their brethren. He stirred up Peter to dissuade his Lord from submitting to those sufferings which he had covenanted to endure: and in like manner he moved the saints at Caesarea to dissuade Paul from going up to Jerusalem, where he was proceeding for the furtherance of his Master's cause.

There was at Caesarea a prophet named Agabus, who took Paul's belt, and bound with it his own hands and feet, and then declared that the owner of that belt would so be bound by the Jews at Jerusalem, and be delivered into the hands of the Romans. Immediately all the saints at that place besought Paul with tears to desist from his purpose, that by staying away from Jerusalem he might avoid the predicted evils. This advice, though well meant on their parts, proceeded in reality from Satan himself; who knew, that if he could intimidate the Apostle Paul, he would gain a material advantage over the whole Church of God. But Paul was aware of Satan's device, and saw his agency, though under the semblance of an angel of light: and his answer to his weeping friends shows how every Christian should act, when tempted to turn from the path of duty; "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

From these words we shall take occasion to show,

I. That the Lord Jesus Christ is worthy of all that we can do or suffer for him—

Were Christians as well acquainted with their Lord as they ought to be, there would be no occasion to insist upon so obvious a truth. But that none may continue ignorant of it, we entreat you to consider,

1. Who Jesus is—

He is no other than God's co-equal, co-eternal Son; "God of God, Light of light, very God of very God;" even "God over all, blessed for evermore." Every perfection of the Deity is his: He is "the brightness of his Father's glory, and the express image of his person."

Now we are told, that "for a good man some would even dare to die:" shall less regard then be shown for him who is God, as well as man? If our admiration of a creature's excellence is such as to make us voluntarily surrender up our life for him, shall anything be deemed too much to do or suffer for the Creator, in whom all excellence is combined, and from whom all excellence proceeds? Shall a star be so admired, and the sun itself not be glorious in our eyes?

2. What Jesus has done and suffered for us—

From all eternity, before we or even the worlds were made, did he set his love upon us, and enter into a covenant with the Father to redeem us from the miseries which he foresaw we would bring upon ourselves. In the fullness of time he took upon him our nature for this very end: yes "though he was in the form of God, and thought it not robbery to be equal with God, he emptied himself of all his glory, and took upon him the form of a servant." During his whole stay upon earth he was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and, when the appointed hour was come, he surrendered himself into the hands of his enemies, and "became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

What shall we say to these things? Did he act thus towards us when enemies; and shall we account anything too much to do or suffer for Him, who has shown himself so great a friend?

3. What Jesus is yet doing for us—

Day and night is he interceding for us, that the wrath of God, which we have merited, may be averted from us. Whence is it that such barren fig-trees as we are, are yet permitted to cumber the ground? If he had not so often pleaded, "Spare them, O my Father—yet another year!" would we not have long since been cut down, and cast into the fire?

Behold how, notwithstanding all our obstinacy in sin, he is yet sending his word to instruct us, his ministers to invite us, yes more, his Spirit also to strive with us, if by any means he may save our souls alive. Know that every good purpose or desire that has ever existed in your bosoms, has been inspired by him, with a view to bring you home to the fold of God.

Above all, see what he is doing for his believing people; how he watches over them for good, supplies their every need, carries on his good work in their souls, and makes them more than conquerors over all their enemies!

Think of these things; and then say: Whether such love would not constrain you to live to him, and, if need be, to surrender up your life for him?

Truly, if we feel no weight in such considerations as these, we can have no interest in Christ; for it is certain,

II. That the true Christian has learned duly to appreciate his worth—

We do not say that every Christian has the attainments of the Apostle Paul: but every one resembles him in this, that he entertains worthy thoughts of Christ,

1. In the convictions of his mind—

Merely nominal Christians are content to compliment Christ with the name of Savior: but the true believer has a practical sense of his excellency: he views Christ as the one foundation of all his hopes: he sees that nothing but his sin-atoning blood could ever have obtained reconciliation for him with his offended God: Except as redeemed by the blood of Christ, the believer has no more hope than the fallen angels: he is convinced that with them he must take his portion to all eternity, if he is not savingly interested in that great Sacrifice which was made for the sins of the world.

As bought with the precious blood of Christ, the believer sees that he is the Lord's property, and that to devote himself wholly to him is not only an acceptable, but a highly "reasonable, service." In the deliberate conviction of his mind "he thus judges, that if one died for all, then should all live, not unto themselves, but unto Him that died for them and rose again." And this we say is the universal sentiment of all true Christians: for the Apostle says, "None of us (of us Christians) lives to himself, and no man dies unto himself; but whether we live, we live unto the Lord, and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; so that, whether living or dying, we are the Lord's!"

2. In the purposes of his heart—

This is not a speculative sentiment in the believer's mind, but a rooted principle, that operates in the whole of his behavior. In his eyes, Christ "is exalted, and extolled, and is very high." No words can express how "precious He is to him." Hence he gladly gives himself up to Christ; and seeks to have, not his actions only, but his very "thoughts also, brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."

As for the opposition of an ungodly world, he cares nothing about it: whatever crosses lie in his way, he takes them up; and "rejoices that he is counted worthy to bear them" for his Redeemer's sake. It he is called to sacrifice friends, or interests, or liberty, or even life itself, he draws not back: he has counted the cost, and is ready to pay it; desirous only that "Christ may be magnified in his body, whether by life or death." Like Moses, he "esteems the reproach of Christ greater riches than all the treasures of Egypt;" and, like Paul, "counts all things but rubbish, that he may win Christ." In a word, he is "ready, not to he bound only, but also to die, at any time and in any manner, for his name's sake!"

ADDRESS—

1. Those whose views of Christ are imperfect—

Doubtless there is no man that knows him fully, or can "search him out unto perfection." The Apostles themselves "knew him but in part," and "saw him only as through a glass, darkly:" but the generality of professors behold "no form or loveliness in him" at all, or at least not such as to stir up in their hearts any ardent "desire after him."

Now in our text we have a criterion whereby to judge of our views of Christ: do we find our hearts so knit to him with love and gratitude, as to render his "yoke easy to us, and his burden light?" Is liberty or life itself of no account with us, if by the sacrifice of it we may glorify his name? Then indeed we may be said to truly know him; then have we that "knowledge of him which is life eternal." But, O, how rare is this! Beloved brethren, search and try your own hearts in relation to it; and if, as is to be feared of too many among us, you have never yet been transported with love to his name, beg of God to "reveal him in your hearts" by his Holy Spirit, and to "shine into your hearts, to give you the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

2. Those whose attachment to him is wavering—

Many desire to follow Christ, but are afraid to bear his cross. But, brethren, you must have a cross to bear. Though I am no prophet like Agabus—yet I can tell you, by the Spirit of God, that "all who will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution." You may not be called to suffer imprisonment and death; but you must be prepared to welcome them, if they would be allotted to you for the sake of Christ. You must expect that your friends will dissuade you from exposing yourselves to the contempt of some, and the hostility of others: and, if your dangers would be great and imminent, they will even try to prevail upon you by their entreaties and tears.

But beware how you listen to any advice which may divert you from the path of duty. Even good people will sometimes be crying, "Spare yourself!" when they see you "abounding" with more than ordinary zeal "in the work of the Lord." But, while you tenderly reprove their weakness (as Paul did,) be firm and steadfast to your purpose: for "if once you put your hand to the plough, and then look back, you are not fit for the kingdom of God." "Be faithful unto death, and God will give you a crown of life."

3. Those who are practically manifesting their zeal for his glory—

Blessed be God, there are some who have already begun the employment of Heaven, and are singing, "Unto Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, be glory and dominion for ever and ever!" And, as in Heaven there are multitudes who "loved not their lives unto the death," so among us, I trust, there are some who would willingly die for the name of the Lord Jesus. Happy, happy those who feel this readiness of mind to do and suffer whatever they may be called to; for great is their reward in Heaven.

Go on, beloved, steadfast in the faith, and never giving way to terror on account of any adversaries. Are you advised to shrink from trials? Reply with Nehemiah, "Shall such a man as I flee?" But remember, that your sufficiency for this proceeds from God alone: if not upheld by him, you will, "as soon as tribulation and persecution arise because of the word," be turned aside, and make shipwreck of your faith. Live near to the Savior then, and maintain sweet fellowship with him: then you will find his service a delight; and whatever sufferings you are called to endure for him, you will easily sustain. But, if once you decline from loving Christ in your heart, his commandments will become grievous to you, and every cross a burden. The true way to meet even the most formidable death with joy, is to "die daily," and to be continually "looking for, and hastening unto the coming of the day of Christ!"

 

#1805

PAUL BECOMING A NAZARITE

Acts 21:20-23.

When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come."

FEW subjects require so much caution in the preacher, or candor in the hearers, as that which we are now called to contemplate. To lay down general rules is easy: but to apply them to all states and circumstances is a matter of extreme difficulty: just as the drawing a rough outline of the human body may be done by a novice in the art of painting; but to fill up all the parts in the perfect order of nature, requires the hand of a master. Yet it is not uncommon for persons to sit in judgment on their fellow-creatures with as much confidence as if it was impossible for them to err.

The conduct of the Apostle Paul in the passage before us has been much condemned; and a minister almost endangers his own character by undertaking to defend it. But I am persuaded that it is defensible, and that he acted as became him in existing circumstances: and I cannot but think, that when the whole Church at Jerusalem united in recommending that conduct, and Paul adopted it on their recommendation, it is somewhat presumptuous in us, who are so incompetent to form a judgment in comparison with them, to stigmatize what by them was universally approved.

Indeed, to suppose that he who but a few days before had withstood so manfully the solicitations of his friends to keep away from Jerusalem, and had declared himself ready to be bound or to die there, for the Lord's sake, would be left of God to betray the cause which he had undertaken to support, is to dishonor, not the Apostle only, but that God whom he served.

That we may communicate our sentiments clearly, we shall endeavor,

I. To explain the Apostle's conduct—

There was a violent prejudice at Jerusalem against the Apostle Paul—

Paul, having been sent chiefly to the Gentiles, had neglected the Jewish rituals; while the Church at Jerusalem, consisting entirely of Jews, had still been observant of its forms. Nor is this difference to be wondered at; for even the Apostles themselves, for six years after the day of Pentecost, knew not that the Gentiles were to be incorporated with the Jews, and that the partition-wall between them was to be broken down. Hence they, and all their converts, adhered to the ceremonial law, and to many of "the customs," which they had "received by tradition from their fathers:" nor do they appear to have wholly laid them aside, until the destruction of Jerusalem and of the whole Jewish polity rendered the continuance of them impracticable. Considering therefore the veneration in which the Mosaic institutions were held, it is not to be wondered at that the Jewish Christians would regard Paul as an apostate from Moses.

It was to counteract this idea, that an expedient was devised by James and the Jewish elders. They knew that while this prejudice remained, the Christians at Jerusalem were not likely to reap any benefit from the ministry of Paul; or rather, that great dissensions and divisions were likely to be occasioned by him: and therefore they wished to reconcile the minds of the people by some public act on the part of Paul. It happened that at that time there were four Jewish Christians who were performing vows of Nazariteship in the temple; and it was proposed to Paul to join with them, and to submit to all the rites prescribed to Nazarites by the law: and thus to show publicly, that, though he had neglected all Jewish ceremonies among the Gentiles, and had maintained that they were no longer binding on the Jews themselves, he did not think that the observance of them was criminal.

James was particular in making known to Paul the precise ground on which he wished him to accede to the proposal. He reminded Paul, that he did not mean to interfere with the decree which had been made in reference to the Gentiles many years before, when Paul himself had come up to Jerusalem to inquire respecting the continuance of circumcision; but that he only wished to convince the Christians at Jerusalem that Paul was no enemy to Moses.

On these grounds Paul, who not very long before had himself made a vow of Nazariteship at Cenchrea, Acts 18:18, adopted the plan proposed, and immediately proceeded to carry it into execution.

The particular duties of Nazarites, and the sacrifices they offered at the time of their purification, are stated in the 6th chapter of the book of Numbers. The person who took upon him those vows, was only bound so far as he had voluntarily bound himself: and hence Paul was at liberty to join the other Nazarites, and to complete with them what they alone had begun.

Such was the precise state of the case, and such the conduct of the Apostle Paul, which now we proceed,

II. To vindicate—

Various are the charges which have been inconsiderately brought against Paul for his conduct on this occasion; but if we view it candidly, we shall find that he was not really obnoxious to any one of them. He has been accused of,

1. Insincerity—

Great stress is laid on those words of James, "Do this," "that all may know that those things whereof they were informed concerning you, are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly, and keep the law, verse 24." But can we suppose that James exhorted him to declare a downright falsehood, which thousands of Jews there present were able to contradict? Would not such a proposal have excited in Paul the greatest abhorrence? We must understand the proposal as it was understood at the time. The Jewish Christians had been informed, that Paul set himself against Moses, and would in no case submit, or allow any other Jew to submit, to any of his appointments.

Now, says James, show them that this is not true, by submitting to this particular appointment proposed to you. To this proposal Paul acceded. Was there any insincerity in that? No! it precisely accorded with his own views, and was the deliberate expression of his own mind.

2. Inconsistency—

When Peter had, through fear of some Jewish Christians, been guilty of dissimulation, and had made such a compliance as that recorded in our text, Paul had publicly reproved him before the whole Church, Galatians 2:11-14; and now that Paul himself was brought into similar circumstances, (it may be said) he acted in the very way that he had before condemned. But this is not a just statement of the case.

Peter had acted in a very different manner, and from very different principles. He had not only gone back to Jewish ceremonies himself, but had compelled the Gentiles also to conform to them: and this be had done solely through the fear of man. But Paul compelled no one to follow his example: he abridged no man's liberty: he merely conformed to a rite himself, from love to his fellow-creatures, and from a hope of furthering their eternal welfare.

The two cases were as different as can well be conceived. Paul did nothing but what he had frequently done on other occasions. He had himself circumcised Timothy, that Timothy might find the readier acceptance among the Jews: and Paul tells us, that he had always acted on the same Principle, whenever a just occasion had arisen; "To the Jews, I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law, 1 Corinthians 9:20." Thus, instead of being guilty of any inconsistency, he acted on the very principles which he had invariably pursued.

3. Unfaithfulness both to God and man—

Paul had received a commission to go to the Gentiles; and to show both to them, and to the Jews, that the law was abolished, and that both Jews and Gentiles were henceforth to form "one body in Christ:" and, it may be said, that in this act of his, he was "building again the things he had destroyed."

But again, I say, we must distinguish between an occasional conformity to a rite for the sake of removing prejudices—and an insisting on that rite as necessary. If he had told the Jews that the ceremonial law was necessary to be observed in order to their salvation, he would indeed have betrayed the cause of Christ. If he had even inculcated the observance of it as having an efficacy towards their acceptance with God, he would then also have betrayed the cause of Christ: because it is certain, that such an idea would have put the ceremonial law in the place of Christ, and would have made the cross of Christ of no effect, Galatians 5:2-4.

But he merely showed, that if, on the one hand, men were not to be saved by their observance of the law, they would not be condemned for it, provided they did not rely upon it for their justification before God.

The time for the total abolition of the ceremonial law was not yet fully come—it was gradually passing away; and, when Jerusalem would be destroyed, as it would soon be by the Romans, the whole Jewish law and polity would be swept away together. Until that period would arrive, the observance of the law was purely optional; and whether men observed it or not, they would equally be accepted by God, provided they acted really with a view to please and honor God, Romans 14:2-3; Romans 14:6. This was the whole that Paul's conduct was intended to prove; and his proving it in the way he did, was highly acceptable to God, and profitable to the Church.

Having shown the propriety of his conduct, we now proceed,

III. To improve it—

Many valuable lessons we may learn from it; a few of which we will now suggest to you:

1. Endeavor truly and simply to approve yourselves to God—

God forbid that anything which has been spoken would be considered as justifying dissimulation, or as countenancing a worldly temporizing spirit: no, we must act uprightly, as in the presence of the heart-searching God. We must so act, as to have "the testimony of our conscience, that with simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have our conduct in the world."

The Christian should, so to speak, be a transparent character; and should prevent, as far as possible, "his good from being evil spoken of." In acting according to circumstances, we must take care not to be influenced by unhallowed principles, or to carry our concessions to too great an extent. It will sometimes happen, that the path of duty is extremely difficult to find, and that even good men may differ in their judgment respecting it: but in such cases it will be well, after consulting the most aged and experienced of the Lord's people, to commit the matter to the Lord, and to do that which we judge will be most acceptable in his sight: and, if we have the testimony of our consciences, that we are willing to be bound or die for him, we need not fear but that God will guide us aright, or, at least, so guide us, that we shall not greatly err.

2. As far as you can consistently with a good conscience, consult in your conduct the welfare of those around you—

That inconsiderate conduct which has no regard to the feelings of others, is common indeed, but highly culpable. We may by imprudence, cast a stumbling-block before others, when, by a more wise and temperate conduct, we might remove it out of their way. In all such cases, however we may think to please God by our zeal, we grievously offend him by our lack of love. Happy would it be if this matter were better understood by young people of every description.

Many persons might be won by a conciliatory conduct, who are repelled and disgusted by the injudicious sallies of intemperate zeal. Children, servants, yes, all of you who are under authority, remember, that if you have souls, so have your parents, and masters, and governors, souls also: and though you are not to concede one Christian principle for any man, or to act in anything contrary to a known duty—yet you ought, to a certain degree, to "become all things to all men," and to "seek, not your own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved."

3. Guard against rash and uncharitable judging—

If the conduct of Paul, when acting by the advice of James and of all the elders at Jerusalem, has been misunderstood, the conduct of holy men at this time may be misunderstood also; and we may be condemning them for things which God most highly approves. It is impossible for us to judge aright, unless we put ourselves into the precise situation of those whose conduct we are contemplating: nay, more, we would also know the exact motives by which they were actuated.

These things are known perfectly to God alone; to whom alone the office of judging belongs. "Who are you that judge another? To his own Master he stands or falls." If you do not see the exact propriety of a brother's conduct, apply to him for an explanation of it, if you will; but judge him not. Are you weak? Judge not the strong. Are you strong? Despise not the weak. But all of you determine this rather, to "take up every stumbling-block out of your brother's way," and "seek those things whereby one may edify another, Romans 14:13; Romans 14:19."

 

#1806

CONVERSION OF PAUL

Acts 22:16.

"And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name."

THE conversion of Paul, taken in connection with all the circumstances attending it, is one of the most remarkable events recorded in the New Testament. Among the numberless observations to which it might give rise, there is one only which I would notice: and that is, that it displays, in a preeminent degree, the sovereignty of God in the dispensation of his mercies. Considering how he was engaged at the moment when God was pleased to arrest him in his career of sin; and what condescension was manifested to him, in the personal appearance of the Lord Jesus himself to him, and in the oral communications made to him by the Savior; it must be acknowledged that he was one of the most signal monuments of divine grace that ever existed from the foundation of the world, verse 15 with 1 Timothy 1:12-16.

But it is with the direction that was given him by Ananias that I propose at this time to occupy your minds: for, though it was addressed to him alone in the first instance, it is precisely what would be delivered to everyone who is convinced of sin, and that is inquiring with sincerity, "Lord, what will you have me to do?"

I propose, then, to consider this direction,

I. As given to the Apostle on this occasion—

Being a Jew, he had been circumcised in his infancy, according to the Divine appointment. But now, being converted to the faith of Christ, he must be baptized also, in order to participate in all the blessings of the Christian covenant. Mark,

1. The particular things enjoined—

He must be baptized. Baptism was the appointed rite of admission into the Christian Church. It was enjoined by the Lord Jesus Christ himself to all his followers without exception; nor could anyone be acknowledged as a disciple of his, until he had submitted to this ordinance.

Baptism however, of itself, could avail nothing to the salvation of his soul. It was the blood of Jesus Christ alone that would cleanse him from his sins—in that fountain, therefore, he must "wash," in order to be purged from his guilt: and this process was the work of faith alone.

And hence was that further direction given him to "call upon the name of the Lord." The Lord Jesus Christ it was who had appeared to him, and had sent him to Ananias for instruction: and it was that same Lord on whom he must henceforth call, as the one only source of all good, "the Author of eternal salvation to those who seek and obey him, Hebrews 5:9." It was the Lord Jesus Christ who had shed his blood for him: and to him must he apply, to sprinkle him with that blood, and thereby to cleanse him from his sin. Accordingly, we find that he did, in the time of his deepest extremity, direct his prayers unto that Savior, and obtain from him that "grace which proved sufficient for him, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10."

In the discharge of this duty he must make no delay. He might think, perhaps, that he was too vile to be admitted thus at once into covenant with God; or that the Church itself would not receive him; or that, at all events, it would be better for him to wait for a season, in order to evince the sincerity of his faith. But to no such objections must he listen: the path of duty was plain before him; and he must follow it without delay, "not tarrying" a single day under the idea of finding a more convenient season.

2. The connection existing between them—

The direction given him appeared to consist of different parts: but it was, in fact, one single act whereby he was to accomplish all. Baptism, though not necessarily accompanied with "the washing away of sin," (for Simon Magus was as much "in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity" after his baptism as before, Acts 8:16; Acts 8:23,) was ordinarily, and intimately, connected with it. Of itself, indeed, baptism could do nothing; but, as used in faith, it did much. As appointed by God, it was a sign of the person's believing in Christ, and a seal of the righteousness which he had received through faith, Romans 4:11. It was also an acknowledgment on the sinner's part that he was bound to serve the Lord in the way of holiness; and a pledge on God's part that he would have grace and strength to do so, if only he would seek it in the exercise of faith and prayer, Romans 6:3-4. Thus it was intimately connected both with the justification of the soul, and with its sanctification after the Divine image; and consequently, in the judgment of charity, it might be spoken of as "washing away both the guilt and the pollution of sin."

In both these senses it is said to "save" men, 1 Peter 3:21; but then we must ever remember, that in the act of baptism there was "a calling upon the name of the Lord" for these blessings, and an exercise of faith in him for the communication of them. In itself, it was only a figurative representation of the blessings sought for and imparted: the communication of the blessings themselves depended on the sincerity of him who sought them: if he sought them with real humility and faith, they were imparted to his soul; and if not, they were withheld from him: but, as in that day it could not be expected that persons would apply for baptism unless they were sincere, it might well be hoped that, in the ordinance, they really obtained the blessings which they professed to seek, and that "as many as were baptized into Christ did really put on Christ, Galatians 3:27."

To this we may add, that God did, on many occasions, accompany that ordinance with a more than ordinary effusion of his Holy Spirit, both in his gifts and graces; according to what is intimated by the Apostle: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy God has saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Savior, Titus 3:5-6."

On the day of Pentecost, a hope was held forth to the awakened penitents, that God would so bless this ordinance to them, Acts 2:38-39; and many years afterwards was this very connection spoken of, as realized in the experience of the Corinthian converts. They had been among the most abandoned of mankind: yet says the Apostle to them, "But you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God, 1 Corinthians 6:11." As enjoined of God, the rite is necessary for all; but, as performed by man, it is effectual to those only who receive it aright, and who possess the dispositions which the ordinance itself supposes and implies.

But to all to whom it proves effectual, we may safely say, "Being buried with Christ in baptism, you are also therein risen with him, and stand complete through him" in the presence of your God, Colossians 2:10-12.

But this direction may be considered,

II. As addressed to all who are convinced of their sinful and undone state—

To all such persons it says,

1. Seek the remission of your sins simply through Christ—

For you he shed his blood upon the cross, even to effect thereby your reconciliation with your offended God and Father, Colossians 1:20-22; and it was in reference to that event that the prophet spoke, when he said, "In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for impurity, Zechariah 13:1." In that fountain, therefore, you must wash: there is nothing else that can ever cleanse you from even the smallest sin. As for rivers of tears, they can be of no avail: they may prepare you for the reception of mercy, but can never purchase the pardon of one sin: the rivers of Abana and Pharpar would in vain have been applied to by Naaman the Syrian, when the office of healing his leprosy was assigned to Jordan only. In like manner, however excellent any substitute for the blood of Christ may appear, it will effect nothing.

On the other hand, "the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse from all sin! 1 John 1:7;" and therefore I say to everyone who feels his need of mercy, "Go to Christ, and to the blood of sprinkling, which speaks to you better things than ever the blood of Abel's sacrifice did to him, Hebrews 12:24;" yes, and better things than the most enlarged heart can conceive! 1 Corinthians 2:9. If you have been as moral as Paul in his unconverted state, you must seek remission in this way: and if you have been as bloody a persecutor as he, you must seek remission in this way. "Not one who comes to Him shall ever be cast you."

2. Look to Him alone for all the blessings that you stand in need of—

It is characteristic of the Christian in every age and place, that "he calls upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 1:2 with Romans 10:11-14." Now this does not merely imply an acknowledgment of him as God, but also a dependence on him for all spiritual and eternal blessings. He is appointed by God the Father to be "Head over all thing's to the Church Ephesians 1:22;" and "in him is treasured up a fullness of all spiritual blessings, Colossians 1:19," that "out of his fullness we may all receive, John 1:16." According to our faith, and according to our necessities. Comply, then, with this appointment, and go to him on every occasion; and "let the life which you now live in the flesh be wholly and exclusively by faith in him, even in the Lord Jesus Christ, who has loved you, and given himself for you! Galatians 2:20."

3. Confess Him openly before men—

This is one of the great ends of baptism; which implies an open acknowledgment of the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and a determined surrender of ourselves to his service, Hebrews 10:22-23. We must devote ourselves unreservedly to our God and Savior; and must confess him openly before an ungodly world. Nor can this by any means be dispensed with: for if "with the heart man believes unto righteousness, it is with the mouth that confession is made unto salvation, Romans 10:10;" and our blessed Lord has warned us, that "if we are ashamed of him, and deny him before men, he will be ashamed of us, and deny us before his Father which is in Heaven."

Perhaps you may imagine that circumstances are now so different, that there will be no difficulty in confessing Christ. But you will find it still no easy matter to approve yourselves faithful to him in this respect: for, though we are not now in fear of being dragged to prison and to death for our adherence to him, we are certain of exciting much contempt and hatred among our friends and relatives, as soon as ever we devote ourselves unreservedly to Christ.

It is still as true as ever, in fact, though not in the same degree, that "all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution:" and we need at this day, as they also did in the apostolic age, to be strengthened from above for this warfare which every faithful soldier of Christ will have to maintain. For it, therefore, you must prepare; and in it you must engage with all boldness: and you must "be faithful unto death, if ever you would obtain a crown of life."

4. Let there be no delay in this necessary work—

You may be ready to think that there is some reason for delay: you have some important engagements at this time, and you wish to wait until they are completed: or you apprehend that a future period will be more favorable than the present. But I must say, that no reason under Heaven can justify a neglect or postponement of this duty. Tell me, convinced soul, "Why do you tarry?" Give me a reason: give me a reason that shall satisfy even your own mind. But I defy you: I defy the whole world to assign so much as one reason that shall bear even a moment's investigation. But I could, if needful, assign a thousand reasons why it is madness to delay.

Arise, then; "arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." What! shall it be needful to urge you in such a cause as this? Is there a fountain opened for sin, and will you need to be importuned and urged to wash in it? If one sin lying upon the soul is sufficient to plunge you into everlasting perdition, need you be exhorted to wash away, in one single moment, all the sins you have ever committed, so that you shall be before God as spotless as if you had never sinned? Is the Lord Jesus Christ ready to answer every petition that your soul can offer, and will you need to be urged to spread before him your requests?

Is your honoring of him before men the recompense which he especially requires at your hands for all that he has done and suffered for you—and do you need to be urged to render him this reasonable service? I do hope that some of you, at least, will feel ashamed at your past delay; and that you will now, even before you depart from this place, seek grace from him, that you may be enabled to comply with the directions in my text, and to show that you have not received such transcendent blessings in vain.

Let me also entreat that you will go home in silent meditation, every one of you to his secret chamber, and there prostrate yourselves before him, imploring mercy at his hands, and consecrating to him your every faculty, both of body and soul. May every one of you be able to say, with David, "I made haste, and delayed not, to keep your commandments, Psalm 119:60."

 

#1807

PAUL'S VINDICATION OF HIMSELF BEFORE FELIX

Acts 24:14-15.

"However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked."

IN the chapter before us we have a striking instance of the confidence inspired by the consciousness of truth. Paul had been seized under the mistaken idea that he had introduced a heathen into the temple, and profaned the temple. Had there been no other ground of animosity against him, it is probable that he would soon have convinced his adversaries of their mistake; but he was the great Apostle of the Gentiles, and therefore very obnoxious to the whole Jewish nation. Hence a prejudice existed against him, as hostile to the temple and the law: and the moment a cry was raised against him, though on quite a mistaken ground, it excited a universal tumult.

From the enraged populace he was rescued by the Roman soldiers: and an opportunity was thus afforded him of vindicating himself before the Roman Governor at Caesarea. Ananias, the high-priest, with the elders of the Jewish people, went down, with a famous orator named Tertullus, to accuse him. Tertullus, anxious only to obtain judgment against him, omitted nothing whereby he might gain his cause—he complimented Felix on the equity and acceptableness of his government; when it was universally complained of as most iniquitous: and he charged Paul with the profanation of the temple, of which he had not been in the least guilty; and with exciting the tumult, which the Jews themselves had raised.

But in the midst of all, Paul stood like a rock, unmoved by the waves that dash upon it. When permitted to speak, he followed his accuser through the various articles of the charge. In his introduction, he showed the difference between the artful compliments of a courtier, and the respectful address of a Christian: and, in the remainder of his short apology, he refuted every accusation that was brought against him. There was one part indeed of the charge, which, in a less obnoxious form, he acknowledged. He was accused of being "a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes." "This," says he, "I confess unto you, that after the way which they call heresy, I worship the God of my fathers."

Now from this acknowledgment of his we shall take occasion to show,

I. In what way the Christian serves his God—

We have not here to consider the Christian's experience at large; but simply to advert to his faith and hope—

The Christian "believes all things that are written in the law and the prophets." Whatever God has told him, whether it accords with his pre-conceived notions or not; yes, whether he can comprehend it or not; he does not presume to gainsay it, but receives it upon the authority of God. But the things to which the Apostle more especially alluded in the text, were those which relate to Christ and his Gospel, Acts 26:22-23; such as the prophecies which predicted his advent, the representations which shadowed forth his work and offices; and the promises made to his obedient followers—all of which are embraced by the Christian with sincere faith.

This is the foundation on which the Christian builds his hope. He expects assuredly, that "there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust," when "every one shall receive according to what he has done, whether it be good or evil." To the ungodly this period is an object of fear and terror; but to the Christian, of joyful hope. He "knows in whom he has believed; and is persuaded, that what He has promised, he is able also to perform:" to that day therefore he looks forward, as the completion of all his wishes, and the consummation of all his joys.

In all this there appears to be nothing very remarkable. But before we affirm that, let us consider,

II. In what light this service of his is often viewed—

Where these sentiments are held in a merely speculative manner, they give no offense: they are even approved as orthodox: but where they are practically maintained and enforced, they are vilified as "heresy," and loaded with every opprobrious name. It is in vain that we appeal "to the law and the prophets;" it is in vain that we show to men that these are the things "which they themselves believe;" in vain we refer them to the articles and homilies, which contain the acknowledged sentiments of our Church; or to the prayers which every member of our Church offers up to God: nothing can convince men that we are not heretics or fanatics. Practical Christians are still "a sect everywhere spoken against, Acts 28:22."

Now what is the reason of this? Whence is it that the same truths which are approved in theory, would be disapproved when reduced to practice? The reason is, that while held in theory only, they leave us in full possession of all our evil habits and propensities; but when applied to practice, they produce a course of life directly opposite to the desires of the flesh, and the customs of the world.

Suppose, for instance, a man's faith be such as enables him to realize all that the Scriptures have spoken; to tremble at every threatening, and to expect the accomplishment of every promise; suppose it leads him to "live entirely by faith in the Son of God," as "all his salvation and all his desire"—what a difference will this of necessity put between him and others!

Suppose his hope also is such as disposes him to live in daily preparation for his last account, and in a blessed anticipation of the glory that awaits him—will not this make him appear strange and singular? And will not those who feel condemned by his heavenly life, reflect on him, rather than on themselves?

Doubtless they will: they did so in the days of Christ and his Apostles; who neither said, nor did, more than the Scriptures required: but the people hated the light, and would not come to the light, lest their deeds would be exposed; and agreed to brand that as heresy, which they could not prevail upon themselves to embrace and practice.

And thus it will be to the end of time: men will let you think as you please, if only you will conform to their habits: but if you will take the Scriptures as the only rule of your faith and practice, you shall be hated and reviled for it as long as there is an ungodly man upon earth! "He who is born after the flesh, will, and cannot but, hate and persecute him that is born after the Spirit." "The servant cannot be above his Lord."

What then is to be done? Are we to lay aside this service? if not, let us inquire,

III. In what manner it is to be maintained—

This whole apology affords us a very bright example. We are not to sacrifice truth and virtue to a senseless or malignant clamor; but to maintain our principles,

1. With firmness of mind—

We are to "prove all things; and then to hold fast that which is good, 1 Thessalonians 5:21." We cannot be too careful in examining every principle which is inculcated as of Divine authority. We would never give our assent to any doctrine whatever upon the testimony of man; but would search the Scriptures for ourselves, to see whether the things we hear are agreeable to them or not. But, when once we are satisfied that anything is really from God, then we must "hold it fast." We must "not be tossed to and fro, like children, with every wind of doctrine;" nor, on the other hand, must we be deterred from confessing Christ through the fear of man: but we must "hold fast that which we have received, that no man may take our crown, Revelation 3:11;" we must "hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, Hebrews 10:23."

Paul had enough to intimidate him, if there were any legitimate reason for yielding to the impressions of fear on such occasions: but "nothing could move him: not even life itself was of any value in his sight," when standing in competition with fidelity to his Lord. It was his attachment to Christ that was the real ground of the persecution he now met with; yet he would not deny his Lord; but confessed himself "a heretic," according to their acceptance of the term. Thus should we be steadfast in the faith; and be willing even to lay down our lives in its defense.

2. With tenderness of spirit—

There is a contemptuous way of speaking of the world, in which some professors of religion indulge themselves, which is extremely reprehensible. It is true indeed that the world is both blind and carnal; but we ought to look well to our own spirit when we take upon ourselves to call them so: for, "who is it that has made us to differ? Or what do we have, that we have not first received?" When we think of their blindness and carnality, it should not be in the proud spirit of a Pharisee, "Stand aside, I am holier than you," but with tears, even with floods of tears, on account of their unhappy condition Luke 19:41. Psalm 119:136. Jeremiah 13:17.

We should call to mind our own former blindness, (as Paul does Acts 26:9-11,) for the humiliation of our own souls, and as an encouragement to seek their welfare. And "we should be ready always to give a reason of the hope that is in us with meekness and fear 1 Peter 3:15;" "in meekness instructing them, if God perhaps may give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, 2 Timothy 2:22-24."

3. With purity of heart—

This the Apostle particularly specified as the associate of his faith and hope, verse 16. To profess a regard for Christian principles while we are regardless of Christian practice, is only to deceive our own souls. Faith and a good conscience are the two pillars on which the fabric of our religion stands: and if either of them give way, the other falls of course! 1 Timothy 3:9; 1 Timothy 1:19. The world will try our principles by this touchstone: they will say, "What do you do more than others?" And truly, when we profess so much higher principles than they, they have a right to expect in us a purer life. Not that they would be justified in rejecting the Gospel, even if every professor of it were to become a Judas: but such is their perverseness, that they will harden themselves more against religion on account of one Judas, than they will esteem it for the piety of a dozen other Apostles. This however is only an additional reason for watchfulness on our part.

Whatever may be the conduct of the world, "our duty is to show them our faith by our works." In this way we may hope at least to do some good: we shall "by well-doing put to silence the ignorance of foolish men," and "make them ashamed who falsely accuse our good conduct in Christ." We may hope too that in some instances we may accomplish more; and "win by our good conduct those who never would listen to the written word." At all events, it is in this way that we must approve ourselves to God, and stand with confidence before him in the day that he shall judge the world.

 

#1808

A CONSCIENCE VOID OF Offense

Acts 24:16.

"So I strive always to keep my conscience void of offense before God and man."

THE Gospel of Christ has in all ages been stigmatized as having an unfriendly aspect on morality; and its professors have been accused as maintaining the position "that we may continue in sin that grace may abound." But, however the disgraceful conduct of hypocrites may have appeared to countenance such a charge, it is certain that every true Christian is a living witness for God, and a public monument of the sanctifying influence of the Gospel. Paul was not inferior in holiness to any human being, our blessed Lord alone excepted; yet was he inveighed against as a man that was not fit to live upon the earth.

In the passage before us we have an account of the accusations brought against him by a certain orator, named Tertullus. He was represented as "a pestilent fellow, a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, and, to complete the whole, an impious profaner of the temple, verse 5, 6." In other words, he was accused of sedition, heresy, and profaneness.

In answer to these allegations he shows that, as to sedition, the reason of his coming to Jerusalem was to bring alms to his nation, and to present his offerings to God; and that his demeanor there had been peaceable and quiet, for they had not found him in the temple disputing with any man, nor raising up the people either in the synagogue, or in the city.

As to the charge of heresy, he acknowledges, that after the way that they called heresy, he did worship the God of his fathers, believing those very Scriptures, and hoping for the accomplishment of that very resurrection, which his accusers themselves professed to believe and hope for.

And lastly, as to the profaneness and impiety with which they charged him, he declares that his principles led him to a far different conduct: that that faith and hope, which he professed, stimulated him to the most scrupulous performance of every duty both to God and man: "herein," says he, (or it might be translated, on this account, that is, on account of this faith and hope,) "I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offense toward God and toward men." We propose to show:

I. What is the attainment which every true Christian labors for?

Without entering into any metaphysical inquiries concerning the nature of the conscience, we may observe that its office is to testify to every man the quality of his past actions, and to regulate his conduct agreeably to some standard of right and wrong. It does not so properly judge respecting the truth or falsehood of any position: (that is rather the office of the understanding) it regards rather actions than sentiments; and the good or evil that is in them, rather than any prudential considerations respecting them. The conscience is a monitor in every man's own bosom that may be called, in a qualified sense, the voice of God within him. The conscience is not wholly subject to his own control: for though much may be done to bribe, or silence it—yet sometimes it will speak out, and force the most obdurate sinner to listen to its voice.

The rules whereby it judges are various: where the light of revelation does not shine, the conscience has no better rule than the law of nature, or the law of a man's own mind. It is then regulated by every man's own apprehensions of good or evil; and therefore must of necessity give a verdict more or less erroneous, as the person's mind is more or less instructed in moral truth. On this account, it would not be easy with respect to heathens to determine precisely what a conscience void of offense is; for certainly, allowances must be made for the different degrees of light which men enjoy. But with respect to us, who live under the clear dispensation of the Gospel, these difficulties in a great measure vanish. The following considerations may help to throw some light upon the subject.

The conscience is not to be judged void of offense merely because it does not accuse us. There are many so thoughtless and dissipated that they give themselves no time to reflect. They are engaged in a continual round of business or amusement; they shun all those scenes which would be likely to bring their sins to remembrance; they avoid all serious conversation; and thus they pass months and years without feeling any remonstrances of conscience: that faculty is lulled asleep; and, if by any means it is in the least degree awakened, every method is adopted to check its clamors, and restore its usual tranquility. Of such persons God speaks by the Prophet Hosea, when he says, "They consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness."

There are others who imbibe principles which are well calculated to weaken the influence of conscience. They take it for granted that there is no great evil in sin; that God will never execute his threatenings against it; that they cannot be obnoxious to his wrath, because they have not committed any heinous sins, or, if they have, they were only such as the fashions of the world, and the frailties of their nature might well excuse. By such principles as these, they persuade themselves that they have no ground for fear: like some of the Jews of old, they "heal their wounds slightly, saying, Peace, peace, when there is no peace," or, like others of them, they affirm boldly, "I shall have peace, though I walk in the vain imaginations of my heart."

There is yet another description of persons who have at times been harassed with remorse of conscience; but they have so often resisted their convictions, sinned against the light, and done violence to all their own feelings, that they have, as the Apostle says, "seared their consciences as with a hot iron," and rendered themselves "past feeling."

Now it will be needless to prove that such persons have not a conscience void of offense; they may be rather said to have no conscience at all; or, if they have, it must be called what the Apostle calls it, an evil conscience.

As a conscience is not void of offense merely because it does not accuse, so neither is it necessarily so, even if it would approve.

Many propose to themselves a false standard of right and wrong. Even among those who bear the Christian name, how many are there who think that religion consists in penances and pilgrimages, and in the observance of superstitious rites and ceremonies; yes, who would think, that the extirpation of heretics was the most meritorious work they could effect! Yet, if they were to abound in such works as these, and thereby gain the approbation of their own consciences, must we therefore say that their consciences were void of offense? Surely not!

Paul has told us with respect to himself, that he truly "thought he ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus:" but does he assert his innocence upon that ground? No! he calls himself "a blasphemer and injurious, and a persecutor, yes, the very chief of sinners."

Our Lord tells his disciples that many would think, "whoever killed them would do God service:" but could this conceit excuse their murderous acts? No. If we act upon wrong principles, our actions must be bad: nor can our error change the quality of our actions: it may indeed extenuate our guilt; but it can never render that good, which is in its own nature evil.

To speak then immediately to the point: There are two things necessary to constitute a conscience void of offense; it must have a clear discovery of the rule of duty; and it must testify upon good grounds, that there is a correspondence between that rule and our actions.

It must have a clear discovery of the rule of duty. The rule of duty is concise and plain: we are to "love God with all our heart and soul and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves: on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Now this rule, in theory, is universally acknowledged; but, through the influence of our carnal interests and passions, we lose sight of it entirely, and imagine ourselves conforming to it, when we are violating it in every point of view. We suppose that the love of this present world will consist with a good conscience, though God himself has told us, that "if any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." We think we may indulge pride, envy, selfishness, and a thousand other malignant passions, and yet conform to the law of love.

While the eyes of our understanding are thus blinded, we cannot be said to have a conscience void of offense; because the conscience being unenlightened with respect to the rule of judging, it cannot possibly give a just verdict on our case. It must be acquainted with the several relations in which we stand to God and man: it must see what is required of us as creatures, as sinners, as redeemed. It must know that God claims our entire dependence, supreme regard, unreserved obedience. It must feel the necessity of abasing ourselves before God in dust and ashes, and of "fleeing for refuge to the hope set before us." In short, it must be convinced, that "a life of faith in the Son of God," and "a cleaving to him with full purpose of heart," are the distinguishing features of the true Christian. But besides this, it must be acquainted also with the several duties which we owe to our fellow-creatures, as superiors, equals, and inferiors; and that too not only in their civil capacity, but in their relation to us as members of Christ's mystical body. When it is thus enlightened, then, and then only, is it capable of being void of offense toward God and man.

But it is yet further necessary that conscience would be able to testify, upon good grounds, that there is a correspondence between this rule of duty and our actions.

Its testimony must proceed from a watchful observation of all our motives and principles of action. It must be in the habit of bringing our conduct to the touchstone, and of discerning between the pure metal and the most specious counterfeits. It must be on its guard against the bias it receives from prejudice and passion; and must be able to appeal to the heart-searching God for the truth of its testimony. Not that it need testify that there is no sin in us; for then who could ever receive a favorable verdict, seeing "that in many things we all offend?" But its testimony must be to this effect; that, after searching the sacred records, after praying for the teachings of God's Spirit, after carefully investigating not only our actions, but our motives and principles, and after comparing these with the rule of duty, it cannot discern that there is any one sin habitually indulged, or any one duty allowedly neglected.

This is the true import of what is called in our text, "a conscience void of offense:" and this every true Christian labors to maintain.

We now come to show,

II. The vast importance of a conscience void of offense to every man—

Men in general are well pleased if they can secure the approbation of their fellow-creatures, and maintain a character for morality in the world. They are therefore chiefly attentive to their external conduct, and not very solicitous about the thoughts or desires of their hearts. But this will not satisfy the true Christian. He knows that the eye of God is upon his heart, and that the most secret thought is "naked and open before him." Like the Apostle, he accounts it "a small matter to be judged by man's judgment;" he says, 'What good can the applause of men do me, if I am condemned of my Judge? Or, why need I regard the opinion of the world, if I am accepted and applauded by my God?' Seeing how contemptible every testimony is in comparison with that of his Maker, he "studies to approve himself to God, a servant that needs not to be ashamed."

In whatever relation of life he stands, he endeavors to fulfill the duties of it.

Is he in authority? He conscientiously improves his influence for the good of men and for the glory of God. More especially, if he sustains that weighty office of a minister of Christ, he will not be a faithless steward, or a slothful servant, but will "be instant in season and out of season," and will "watch for souls as one that must give account."

On the other hand, is he in an inferior station? he will perform his duties, "not with eye-service, as a man-pleaser, but as unto God." He will not esteem himself at liberty to yield a partial obedience: he will not think that his observance of relative duties supersedes the necessity of delight in God. Nor, on the other hand, will he imagine, that the devoutest exercise of prayer and praise can absolve him from his obligation to equity and mercy. Every duty both to God and man occupies his attention, and is performed in its season, "without partiality and without hypocrisy."

Nor is this strictness merely occasional—it does not exist only in a time of sickness, or during a season of preparation for the Lord's supper. No, he is "always" engaged in the same "exercise:" the law of God is written in his heart; obedience to it is his delight; nor can any consideration whatever divert him from his purpose. He is not insensible how hard it is to flesh and blood to "cut off a right hand, and to pluck out a right eye:" but no regard to carnal ease will induce him to spare his idol. He expects not that the world would love or honor him, when he recollects how it treated his divine Master. He is well assured that, "if he will live godly in Christ Jesus, he must suffer persecution."

But so far from being terrified at the cross, he takes it up and glories in it. He reverences his conscience more than he does the whole world. He studies by meditation and prayer to get his conscience well informed; and then he confers not with flesh and blood: he asks only, "What is my duty? How shall I maintain a good conscience? How shall I please my God?" These questions satisfactorily determined, he can say with the Apostle, "I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in the path of duty, for the name of the Lord Jesus."

That this is no exaggerated statement, but really the character of every true Christian, will appear from the clearest declarations of Holy Writ.

Paul repeatedly speaks of Christians in this light: he represents them as being "blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom they shine as lights in the world." He prays for them that they may be "sincere and without offense until the day of Christ;" yes, "that their whole spirit, soul, and body, may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." And David, giving the character of those who are accepted of God, expressly declares that they are "without deceit." "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, and whose sin is covered; blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputes not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit."

If it would afford us any additional satisfaction to find men of like passions with ourselves who have attained to this character, the Scriptures afford us many striking instances. Paul himself could testify before the Jewish Sanhedrin, that he had "lived in all good conscience before God until that day." And in another place he speaks of the testimony which his own conscience bore to his character in these respects, as a source of most exalted pleasure to his soul: "our rejoicing," says he, "is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conduct in the world." A similar testimony was given by our Lord himself to a man of far Jess attainments than Paul: of Nathanael he said, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit."

But it may be said, 'We acknowledge that Christians are so described, and that some eminent persons have attained to that character:' but still the question recurs: Cannot a man be a true Christian, without having such a conscience as has been described? Before we give a precise answer to this, we would observe, that it is possible a man may be a Christian, and yet not enjoy the comfort of such a conscience; the corruptions of his heart, the temptations of Satan, an occasional commission of sin, and even certain disorders of the body—may prevent his conscience from yielding such a testimony; yes, may cause it to accuse and condemn him, notwithstanding he is a real Christian. But if any asks whether any one can be a true Christian without having a just ground for such a testimony, or in other words, whether he can be in a state of salvation without possessing real integrity of heart? We answer, that, if there be any truth in the word of God, he cannot.

What says David with respect to this? "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." This cannot mean that if he has iniquity in his heart, God will not hear him: but that if he harbors it, or allow it in any instance, it will be in vain for him to hope for any mercy from God.

John speaks yet more strongly to the same effect: "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother. 1 John 3:7-10."

Now what can be the import of this passage? To interpret it rigorously according to the strict letter of the words, would certainly render it inconsistent with other passages of Scripture, which declare that "there is no man who lives and sins not:" but to reconcile it with any allowed sin, is absolutely impossible.

Here then we trust we may satisfactorily close the discussion of our text. Seeing that the conscience has been shown to be without offense only when it can testify of our unreserved conformity to God's law; and that no one can be a true Christian, unless it is his chief labor to maintain such a conscience.

It only remains that we improve the subject.

And now may God in infinite mercy send down upon us his Holy Spirit, to impress our minds with conviction, if we have not yet attained the Christian character, and to fill us with consolation if we have!

We all profess to be Christians in reality, as well as in name. We all feel averse to acknowledge that we have no part or lot in the Gospel salvation: and surely it is a painful task to rob anyone of a hope so comfortable, so delightful. It will be far more congenial with our feelings, if we take for granted, that, in this Christian assembly, we all deserve the Christian name. Let us then indulge the pleasing thought; let us now consider ourselves as genuine disciples of Christ; let us give him the glory of what he has wrought in us; and let us, for the confusion of all the adversaries of the Gospel, and for the confirmation of our own souls, unite in making our acknowledgments to God.

'O Searcher of all hearts, who at this instant observe the state of every soul here before you, we would not approach you with any pharisaical boasting, pretending to give the glory to you, while we are indeed taking it to ourselves. No, Lord, let that be far from us: we know, that, if we had done all that had been commanded us, we would only have been unprofitable servants: but instead of being merely unprofitable, we feel that we are vile and miserable sinners. Nevertheless, we trust that we are monuments of your grace; and we desire now to join in humble adorations and thanksgivings for what you have done for our souls. Through your grace and mercy we enjoy a conscience void of offense toward you and toward man. We feel at this time, that, notwithstanding all our short-comings and defects, we have a sincere and uniform desire to please you. Our consciences testify that there is no one instance wherein we knowingly do to others, what we would not think it right for them, in a change of circumstances, to do to us. Nor are we contented with doing to men as we would be done unto: no, Lord, You, who see in secret, know what longing desires we have after you. You behold us daily approaching your footstool with deepest humiliation and contrition; and hourly, as it were, washing in the fountain of Christ's blood, which alone can "purge our consciences from dead works." Nor does our hope of forgiveness embolden us to sin; but rather, you know that it animates us to obedience. As for sin, we can appeal to you, we hate and abhor it. If at any time we commit it, even in thought, you know how much our souls are pained, and how we renew our applications to you for pardon and strength. We say the truth in Christ, and lie not, our consciences also bearing us witness in the Holy Spirit, that we have great heaviness and continual sorrow in our hearts for the corruptions that yet remain within us; and that, if we could have the desire of our hearts, we would bid an eternal farewell to sin, and be "holy as you are holy, and perfect as you are perfect."

Dear brethren, have you such an evidence of your sincerity before God? Do you not now feel any misgivings in your consciences respecting these things? If you can thus appeal to the heart-searching God, then earnestly pray that he would perfect his good work in your hearts; and be "utterly purposed" that from this moment you will no more offend.

Glad would we be if all were acting thus agreeably to their profession, and walking thus in the paths of peace. But have the consciences of all approved these acknowledgments? Have none felt any misgivings? Has not conscience whispered to anyone: 'This is not your state?' If this be the case with any one, let him hearken to the friendly intimation, the faithful remonstrance: for "if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things: but if our heart condemns us not, then, and then only, have we confidence towards God."

 

#1809

A CONSCIENCE VOID OF Offense

Acts 24:16.

"So I strive always to keep my conscience void of offense before God and man."

THE Gospel is often represented as unfavorable to morality, but true believers are living monuments of its sanctifying influence. Paul was deemed a "fellow not worthy to live upon the earth;" he was accused of sedition, heresy, and profaneness, verse 5, 6, but he distinctly and satisfactorily disproved the allegations.

Respecting Sedition, verse 12.

Heresy, verse 14, 15.

Profaneness, in general, verse 16;
in the particular that had been specified, verse 17, 18,
and boldly affirmed that his principles had quite an opposite effect.

We shall endeavor to show,

I. What is that attainment which every true Christian labors for?

A metaphysical inquiry into the nature of conscience would be to little profit. Its office is to testify the quality of our actions, and to regulate our conduct agreeably to some standard of right and wrong. It regards actions rather than sentiments, and the good or evil that is in them rather than any prudential considerations respecting them. The rule whereby it would judge, is, the word of God, and it is considered as good or evil, according to the verdict it gives.

Not that the conscience is void of offense merely because it does not accuse—

There are many so immersed in cares or pleasures that they never reflect on the state of their souls, Hosea 7:2; and, if at any time their conscience is alarmed, they instantly endeavor to check its clamors, and restore its tranquility.

Others persuade themselves that they have no cause for fear, and that they shall have peace notwithstanding all their sins, Jeremiah 8:11. Deuteronomy 29:19.

Others have, by resisting, quenched the light within them, and thus have reduced themselves to a state of awful obduracy, 1 Timothy 4:2. Such persons have no other than "an evil conscience."

Nor is a conscience necessarily void of offense, even though it would approve—

Many propose to themselves a false standard of right and wrong. By conforming to their own principles they may gain the approbation of their own minds: but it does not therefore follow that they are innocent. Their mistakes cannot change the quality of their actions: error may extenuate, but cannot remove their guilt. Would those who think it meritorious to extirpate heretics, or those, of whom our Lord speaks, John 16:2 be justified in following the dictates of their deluded consciences? Paul determines this in his own case, compare Acts 26:9-11 with 1 Corinthians 15:9 and 1 Timothy 1:13; 1 Timothy 1:15.

To be truly void of offense, conscience must have a clear discovery of the Scriptural rule of duty—

The rule of duty is concise and plain, Matthew 22:37-40; this however, though allowed in theory, is practically denied. Most all men persuade themselves that their love of the world will consist with their duty to God, 1 John 2:15; and that pride, envy, selfishness, etc. may accord with love to man, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. How would conscience, thus blinded, give a just verdict? Or how would its blindness cause that to be good, which is in itself evil?

Conscience should be able also to testify upon good grounds that there is a correspondence between that rule and our actions—

Conscience should be in the habit of examining our principles and motives, and be on its guard against any bias from prejudice or passion: it should be able to appeal to God for the truth of its testimony; not that it need to testify of sinless perfection—that is not possessed by any, James 3:2. But it must testify, that, after the strictest search, it can find no sin habitually indulged, or duty allowedly neglected.

"A conscience void of offense" being that which every true Christian labors to maintain, I proceed to mark,

II. The vast importance of a conscience void of offense to every man—

To labor for a conscience void of offense is certainly the character of all who fear God—

The world is satisfied with gaining the applause of men; but the Christian makes but little account of man's judgment, 1 Corinthians 4:3. He knows that the eye of God is upon his heart, Hebrews 4:13; he therefore "studies to approve himself to God:" he has respect to every part of his duty "toward God and man." He does not think that his observance of relative duties supersedes the necessity of delight in God; nor, on the other hand, that the devoutest exercise of prayer and praise can absolve him from his obligations to equity and mercy towards man, James 3:17;" and this, not at certain seasons only, but always: nor will he be deterred by any regard to ease, or interest, or fear. Inquiring only, "What is my Scriptural duty?" Acts 21:13.

Nor can anyone be a true Christian who has not attained a conscience void of offense—

Every pardoned sinner is supposed to be without deceit Psalm 32:2. All in the primitive Church are spoken of in this light Philippians 1:10; Philippians 2:15. See also 1 Thessalonians 5:23. Paul did not hesitate to affirm that such was his character, Acts 23:1. 2 Corinthians 1:12. And the same is ascribed to one who, in point of experience, was far inferior to him, John 1:47; nor is anyone in a state of salvation who has not attained it.

Many things may conspire to rob a Christian of the comfort of such a conscience, (the corruptions of his heart, the temptations of Satan, and even bodily disorders, may cause him to despond for a season) but a just ground for such a conscience he cannot but possess. This is expressly asserted by David Psalm 66:18, and John, 1 John 3:8-10. (If this were rigorously interpreted, it would contradict other passages of scripture, 1 Kings 8:46. But to reconcile it with allowed sin is impossible.)

APPLICATION—

We all are willing to believe ourselves real Christians, and it is painful to rob anyone of so comfortable a hope. Let us then, as Christians, unite our acknowledgments to God, Romans 9:1-2. Let us adore him for that grace, whereby he enables us to maintain, always, and in all things, a clear conscience. But if, in this appeal to him, we feel misgivings, or conscience suggest an opposite testimony, let us remember that admonition, "This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God," 1 John 3:19-21

 

#1810

PAUL BEFORE FELIX

Acts 24:25.

"As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said: That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." Acts 24:25

MEN usually persist in sin without duly reflecting on its consequences. Hence the peace which they enjoy, notwithstanding they are exposed to the displeasure of the Almighty; yet the voice of warning and reproof will sometimes alarm them. Too often, however, the alarm is only of short duration. This was the case of Felix, when awakened by the preaching of Paul—

I. The subjects of the Apostle's discourse—

He was sent for to explain the principles he professed, but he was not satisfied with gratifying the curiosity of his hearers; he endeavored to reach their consciences, and convince them of their sins. On this occasion he spoke of "righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come."

Hence we observe that,

1. The subjects are essential parts of the Gospel—

Many confine their ideas of the Gospel to the one subject of justification by "the faith of Christ." But the Apostle when dilating on "the faith of Christ," introduced the subjects mentioned in my text. The knowledge of these is in fact necessary to a just comprehension of that. We must see our desert and danger as transgressors of the law, before we can ever duly appreciate the Gospel.

2. They are of deep and vital interest to every man—

Doubtless they were of peculiar importance to such abandoned characters as Felix and Drusilla. Felix had induced Drusilla to forsake her own husband, and to marry him: he was moreover remarkably avaricious and oppressive; but they are necessary to be impressed on us also.

Under the term "righteousness" we must comprehend all the duties which we owe to our neighbor.

Under the term of "temperance," all that relates to the government of our own appetites and passions.

Though we are not guilty of adultery, and avarice, and oppression in their grosser forms, we may find much under these heads for humiliation before God. At the day of judgment we must answer for every secret violation of God's holy law. The prospect of that solemn account may well endear to us the Gospel of Christ.

3. They commend themselves to our reason no less than to our faith—

Paul "reasoned" with his Royal auditors on these subjects. To bring home to the heart of a heathen the salvation of Christ, much previous knowledge was requisite; but to bring him to a sense of his guilt and danger, nothing was necessary but an immediate appeal to his reason and conscience; and, when addressing persons who are ignorant of revelation, we shall do well to adopt the Apostle's plan.

What degree of success attended his efforts will appear from,

II. The effects it produced—

On Drusilla's mind it seems to have produced no effect—

She, as a Jewess, must have often heard these subjects treated; but, having sinned against light and knowledge, she was unaffected by all she heard. Just so, many are hardened even by the Gospel itself.

But Felix "trembled"—

A curious and uncommon sight! The judge "trembling" at the reasonings of his prisoner! But well might he tremble at the review of his past life and at the prospect of a future retribution. And who has not reason to tremble, if he has not fled to Christ for refuge and found acceptance with God through him? Take the holy law of God, my brethren, and try yourselves by it. Surely there will not be one who will not cry out, as Felix should have done, "What shall I do to be saved?"

He forbore however to improve the occasion as he ought—

He promised himself a more convenient season for attending to the concerns of his soul. But what season could be more suitable, than when the Spirit of God was striving with him, and his conscience was awake, and an inspired instructor was at hand to lead him to a Savior? Could he have better hopes of success, when he had seared his conscience, quenched the Spirit, confirmed his evil habits, and delivered himself up to the chains of Satan? The hoped-for day, alas! never arrived! He still for two years longer continued his avaricious and oppressive habits, verse 26, 27. O that he had known the day of his visitation, and improved his day of grace!

Let his example serve as a caution to us—

All of us have known, in some measure, the motions of God's Spirit. All of us have felt, at times, some general apprehensions respecting the account which we must give at the day of judgment. But how many have silenced their convictions, in hopes of finding some more convenient season for attending to them! And how many have died before the hoped-for opportunity arrived! Let us beware of this device of Satan, whereby he upholds his kingdom in the world. He does not tempt any to resolve that they will never repent: but takes the more plausible method of insinuating that they will have a more convenient season for repenting.

Let us remember, that the same temptations will recur, and the same motives influence us at future periods. Let us attend to that beneficial advice of the Apostle, Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 3:15. And let us seek, without delay, that godly sorrow which works repentance unto salvation, 2 Corinthians 7:10.

 

#1811

PAUL'S COMMISSION

Acts 26:17-18. "I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me."

NEVER was there a more glorious triumph of Divine grace than in the conversion of Paul. How active and inveterate an enemy he was to Christ, previous to his conversion, is well known. Had he only been arrested in his career, and humbled, it would have been a signal victory: but to change the whole current of his affections, and to turn against Satan those weapons which through the instrumentality of this fiery bigot, he had been using to destroy the Church—this was indeed to "beat the sword into a plough-share, and the spear into a pruning-hook," and to display, in the brightest colors, the power and grace of Christ.

We do not wonder, that when the Christians, whom he had so cruelly persecuted, heard of "his preaching the faith which he had just before labored to destroy," "they glorified God for him."

The call of this man to the apostleship, and the particular commission given him, are the points contained in our text. But as Paul's ministry differs from ours only in the extent of his commission, and not in the subject of his ministrations, we shall wave any particular notice of him, and state to you the immediate and ultimate, objects of our labors—

I. The immediate objects of our labors—

That there is some considerable difference between the Gentiles and ourselves, we willingly concede. The darkness among them was more entire, their superstitions more absurd, their impieties more gross. But when we have made all due allowance on these heads, we must still say, that the points of resemblance between us are general, while the points of difference are only few and particular.

What, we would ask, is our state with respect to knowledge and practice?

From education we have obtained some general notions of Christianity. But what views have we of the extreme depravity of our nature, and the total alienation of our hearts from God? What insight have we into the way of salvation, as honoring all the perfections of the Deity, and as rendering Christ the hope, the joy, the glory of the universe? Is the beauty of holiness, or the nature and excellence of the spiritual life clearly discerned among us? Are the devices of Satan known? Are we so exercised in the use of the Christian armor, as to be able to "fight a good fight," and "war a good warfare?"

Is not our practice too, as defective as our knowledge? Satan is "the God of this world," "the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience." And by what do we discover his agency? Is it not by the wickedness to which he instigates the world? See then, whether he does not exercise his power over us. Do not envy, wrath, malice, revenge—too often dwell in our hearts? Are not pride, ambition, covetousness, and earthly-mindedness, the principles which actuate us in almost all our pursuits? Do we not harbor in our bosom sensuality, impurity, lasciviousness, and a whole host of evil passions! What greater proof can we have, that we are yet "in the snare of the devil, and led captive by him at his will?"

To rectify the state of our hearers with respect to these things, is the immediate object of our labors—

We wish "to open the eyes of men, and to turn them from darkness unto light." It is with this view that we set forth the "unparalleled deceitfulness, and desperate wickedness of the heart:" it is with this view that we exhibit Christ in all his fullness, suitableness, and sufficiency. In short, it is with this view that we study, and labor, and pray. It is the hope of being useful in enlightening your minds, that makes our crosses easy, and our burdens light.

We know, that if light once comes into your minds, we may hope to see you cast off the yoke of Satan, and become "the freemen of the Lord." While you continue in darkness, we are aware that you must of necessity remain under the power of the evil one: but when you have learned what provision is made for you in the Gospel, and how effectual the operations of the Holy Spirit shall be for your restoration to God, we anticipate the result, and rejoice in the prospect of your perfect emancipation. This is the end we desire to accomplish; even that you may be brought to surrender up yourselves unreservedly to God, and live as entirely under his influence, as you have hitherto lived under the influence of Satan.

But these objects, important as they are, are only means to a further end, which we call,

II. The ultimate object of our labors—

It would be a small matter to rectify your sentiments, or to change your conduct, if we did not succeed also in our ulterior objects; namely,

1. The bringing you into a state of acceptance with God—

What would any change avail you, if you were under the guilt of unpardoned sin? That you all need forgiveness, you yourselves will not deny. And that the attainment of it is the most desirable of all objects, is a truth, which, in seasons of reflection, you cannot but feel. In a dying hour especially, if your minds are at all suitably impressed, you would account it of more value than the whole world.

This then, beloved brethren, is what we desire to bring you to. It is painful, inexpressibly painful to us, to see you perishing in the midst of mercy! We long for your salvation: we would account the salvation of a soul as the richest recompense we can possibly receive: and on this account we endeavor to take you by the hand, and to lead you to Christ. We assure you in God's name, that "the blood of Christ will cleanse you from all sin;" and that "all who believe shall be justified from all things." And then do we feel most truly happy, when we see you enjoying peace with God, and walking with him as your reconciled God and Father.

2. The bringing you to the final and everlasting possession of his glory—

Our object is not fully attained, until you are placed beyond the reach of harm, in the complete possession of happiness and glory. Could we but prevail with you, we would leave not so much as one of you in a perishing or doubtful state: we would "take all of you from the dunghill, and set you among the princes," "the saints in light." Those who have been set apart in the Divine counsels, and renewed after the Divine image, are already "begotten to an incorruptible inheritance:" even now are they "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." But at present they are only minors, who have the title indeed, but not the full possession of their estates. We long to help you forward to the last hour of your lives, and, if you die before us, to see you, like a ship sailing into its destined port, enjoying "an abundant entrance into the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Then Christ himself "sees of the travail of his soul, and is satisfied;" and then we also bless our God, that "we have not labored in vain, or run in vain."

In improving this subject, we would commend to your attention the following reflections:

1. How injurious to the world is prejudice!

There is a sad prejudice prevailing in the world against the truth itself, and against all who faithfully dispense it. The Gospel is often represented as calculated only to make persons melancholy, if not to drive them mad: and the worst motives that may be conceived, are imputed to us for preaching it. The consequence of this is, that many are kept away from attending the ministration of the word; and many, when they do hear it, shut their ears, and fortify their hearts, against the admission of it.

But look into the text, and see what our objects are: is there anything so formidable in these, that the succeeding in them would be called "a turning of the world upside down?" See the effects of the Gospel elsewhere described: "The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad; and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;" "Instead of the brier shall grow up the fir-tree, and instead of the thorn shall grow up the myrtle-tree." "Then shall the lame man leap as an deer, and the tongue of the mute sing; for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert."

Are these such changes as are to be deprecated, or that those who are instrumental to them would be regarded as "the filth of the world and the off-scouring of all things?" Search the Scriptures, brethren, and judge for yourselves: or, if you will form your judgment from the calumnies of a blind ungodly world, then know that these very calumnies are so many testimonies to the truth of what we preach; and that in proportion as our ministry is reviled after the manner of Christ's and his Apostles, the presumption is in our favor, that it does indeed resemble theirs.

2. How highly should the ordinances be prized—

Conversion, from the first motions of good desire, to the entire formation of the Divine image on the soul—is of the Spirit of God. But the Holy Spirit works by means, and principally by the ministry of his servants in the public ordinances. When therefore we go up to the house of God, we should go thither with a full expectation of meeting our God there, and with an ardent desire to experience his powerful operations on our souls. There, if we really desire it, our eyes shall be opened, our clouds of darkness dispelled, our chains of sin broken, our iniquities pardoned, and the whole work of salvation perfected within us!

Would we then grudge the time that will be occupied in waiting upon God? Would we prefer business, or pleasure, or any worthless indulgences, on the Sabbath, to a devout attendance on the house of prayer? Or would we fear a little banter and ridicule, or the loss of any temporal interest, which may be incurred by showing an attachment to the Gospel of Christ?

If we could have access to any that are now before the throne of God, and could ask them, what they thought of the ordinances? Would they show towards them the indifference that we do? Would the three thousand who were converted on the day of Pentecost, express regret, that ever they heard that sermon of Peter's, and "continued steadfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers?" Learn then now to think of the ordinances as you will think of them hereafter; improve them, whether on the Sabbath-day, or week-day, as you will hereafter wish that you had improved them; and beg of God in private, before ever you go up to his public ordinances, that you may draw water with joy out of those wells of salvation."

3. How efficacious a principle is faith!

The concluding words of our text are generally considered as connected only with the word that immediately precedes them: and certainly, in this sense, they declare a most important truth, namely, that we are "sanctified by faith in Christ." But we apprehend, that a comma would follow the word "sanctified;" and that the last words of the text would be connected with both the clauses that precede it. Thus, "That you, by the faith that is in Christ, may receive, etc."

Faith is in reality that principle, by which, and by which alone, we obtain all spiritual blessings. Certainly it is that by which we receive the "forgiveness of our sins, Romans 5:1;" for nothing but faith will unite us to Christ, or interest us in his meritorious death and passion. It is by faith also that we must be "sanctified Acts 15:9;" for we cannot be renewed but by the Holy Spirit; nor can we receive the Spirit but from, and through, the Lord Jesus Christ, in the exercise of faith.

Finally, it is by faith that we must obtain "that inheritance, which God has prepared for those who love him." We must "live by faith," and "stand by faith," and "walk by faith," and be "saved by faith," from first to last. The very text informs us, that by faith we are justified, and sanctified, and glorified. Let us then beg of God to infuse this divine principle into our hearts. Let us study the character of Christ more and more; in order that we may know his excellency, and "receive continually out of his fullness;" and that "God may make him unto us Wisdom, and Righteousness, and Sanctification, and Redemption."

 

#1812

PAUL'S TESTIMONY

Acts 26:22-23.

"But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles."

EVEN to this moment, the Gospel, when faithfully preached, is called "A new doctrine, Acts 17:19." But it is the very same that it was from the beginning. We know no other "Gospel" than that which "was preached to Abraham," or than that which was delivered to man in Paradise. The only difference between the Apostles and the Prophets was, that the one foretold the Savior who would come, and the other proclaimed the Savior who had come. As for us, we have only to follow the steps of the Apostles, and to bear the same testimony as was uniformly borne by them.

In the words before us, we have the entire substance of the Apostle's ministrations. Let us notice,

I. The testimony which Paul bore—

This related both to the Lord Jesus Christ himself, and to the manifestation of him to the world—

He was not ashamed to declare, that the Lord Jesus Christ had suffered on the accursed tree, and been put to death as a malefactor. But he bore witness, that God had raised him from the dead, and that in and by his resurrection his claims to the Messiahship were established beyond all reasonable doubt, Romans 1:4. Others, indeed, had been raised by the prophets, and by the Lord Jesus Christ himself: but, though raised, they had died at last, like all others of the children of men: but "Christ was risen to die no more, Romans 6:9;" so that "in that, as in all other things, he had the pre-eminence," and was indeed "the first-born from the dead, Colossians 1:18."

Being now ascended into the highest heavens, he had sent the Holy Spirit to testify of him, and to make known that salvation which was henceforth to be proclaimed in his name; and to be proclaimed, not to the Jews only, but unto Gentiles also, even to the ends of the earth.

With these general statements he entered, of course, into all the ends and purposes of this great mystery; and showed, that by it the salvation of man was affected, since it was for our sins that Christ died, and for our justification that he rose again, Romans 4:25."

In the whole of it he insisted on nothing but what Moses and the prophets had declared before him, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.

Exceeding full is the testimony which they have borne to the work and offices of the Lord Jesus. Of his death, Moses in fact spoke, in all the sacrifices which were offered; as did the prophets also, in the most express terms, Isaiah 53:5. Daniel 9:26. Zechariah 12:10.

The resurrection of our Lord, too, was plainly shadowed forth by Moses in the ordinance of the scape-goat, and in the entrance of the high-priest within the veil with the blood of the sacrifices: and with equal plainness was it foretold by David, Psalm 16:10, and exemplified in Jonah, Jonah 1:17.

The manifestation of him, also, both to Jews and Gentiles, alike occupied their attention; the one exhibiting him as the "Shiloh, to whom the gathering of the people would be, Genesis 49:10;" and the other, as given for "a light to enlighten the whole world, Isaiah 42:6; Isaiah 49:6."

But in our text we are particularly called to notice,

II. The circumstances under which Paul bore it—

Truly his labors and his sufferings had been such as no human being could have sustained, if he had not been aided and upheld by Almighty power—

His "labors were more abundant than those of any other Apostle;" and his trials, beyond measure, were great. Compare Romans 15:19 and Acts 20:34 with 2 Corinthians 6:4-5; 2 Corinthians 11:23-29. But "he obtained help from God," and therefore was enabled to proceed without weariness or dismay: God had promised to support him, verse 17; and this promise was fulfilled in a variety of ways. Sometimes God averted trials from him, Acts 9:24-25; Acts 18:9-10; Acts 18:12; Acts 18:17; Acts 23:12-31; sometimes upheld him under them, 2 Corinthians 4:8-10. 2 Timothy 4:16-18; and sometimes delivered him out of them, when it seemed as if his career had already been brought to a close, Acts 14:19-20; Acts 21:31-32; Acts 23:27. Hence the Apostle thankfully acknowledged his obligations both to the providence and grace of God; to the one, as fortifying his mind; and to the other, as strengthening his body, for all that he was called to endure.

To the same Almighty power must every faithful minister ascribe his continuance in the free discharge of his duty—

The labors or sufferings of ministers, at this, day, are as nothing, in comparison with those which were sustained by the Apostle. But the continuance of life, and health, and liberty, should be regarded as the special gift of God: and more particularly should we acknowledge our preservation from sin and from apostasy, as the very work of God; without whose gracious aid we would never be able to withstand the assaults of our great adversary one single hour. Even the being kept steadfast in the faith is no small mercy: and if we are enabled simply to adhere to the doctrines of the Apostles and prophets without being led aside into any pernicious error or vain conceit, we may well acknowledge, with devoutest gratitude, our obligations to Almighty God.

We may see, in this passage,

1. What is the real ground of that hatred which faithful ministers have to encounter—

Many reasons were assigned by Paul's enemies for their inveteracy against him: but the true reason was, that he bore a faithful testimony to those very truths which they themselves professed to believe. They could not endure the fidelity with which he called them to receive the testimony of Moses and the prophets. And is not similar fidelity a ground of offense at this day? Yes! there is no man who boldly maintains the authority of Christ, and demands unlimited subjection to him, but the men of this world will cry out against him, as fanatical! But, if only we can say that we speak nothing but what the prophets and Apostles have declared before us, we need not regard either the calumnies or opposition of the whole world. The same God that helped Paul will help us also, and will richly recompense into our bosoms whatever we may suffer for his sake.

2. What reason we have for thankfulness, if a faithful ministry is continued to us!

Satan is ever on the watch, to rob us of it. Innumerable are the efforts which he makes to intimidate or ensnare the servants of the Lord Jesus. There are no persons in the world against whom he directs his efforts with more subtlety or venom. Surely they greatly need the prayers of their people in their behalf. If Paul said so frequently, "Brethren, pray for us!" much more may they, whose attainments are so inferior to his. Let us, then, be thankful to God for the ministry we still enjoy; and while it is continued to us, let us improve it with all our might.

 

#1813

PAUL'S VINDICATION OF HIS OWN MINISTRY

Acts 26:24-25.

At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable."

AMONG the duties of a Judge, there is not any one of greater importance than that of giving a patient and candid attention to a prisoner's vindication of himself. But this is not always to be found, when religion forms the ground of accusation against a man. Prejudice and passion are too easily called into action on those occasions, and too often usurp the place of reason and reflection. Paul had very abundant cause to complain of this. He made many arguments before judges and governors, but could scarcely ever obtain a patient hearing. In the passage before us, he was standing before Festus and Agrippa; but long before he had completed his statement, he was interrupted by Festus, who cried with a loud voice, "You are out of your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane."

It will be profitable to notice,

I. What was the subject of Paul's ministry—

This he himself had briefly, but comprehensively stated, verse 22, 23.—

He preached Christ as a dying and risen Savior: and declared to all, "Jews and Gentiles," "small and great," that if they would believe on Jesus, he would bring them into the full knowledge of the truth, and fill their souls with unutterable peace and joy. Nor did he introduce these doctrines as new; for they were none other than "Moses and the Prophets" had declared before; Moses, in the types and shadows of the ceremonial law, Leviticus 14:4-7; Leviticus 16:8-10; and the prophets, in plain and express predictions Isaiah 53.

And this is the one subject of our ministry also—

We set before you, from time to time, the great work of redemption, through the sacrifice of the Son of God: and declare to you, that there is no other atonement, no other means of reconciliation, with an offended God. We direct your eyes to Christ also as risen from the dead to a new and endless life; and as not only making intercession for you, but possessing in himself all fullness of spiritual blessings, that you may receive from him whatever you stand in need of. We declare also, that no tongue can express, no imagination conceive, what "light," and peace, and joy, shall flow into your souls, if only you will believe on him, and give yourselves up unreservedly to him.

In these things we are sometimes supposed to bring new things to your ears; but we speak "nothing but what Moses and the prophets most explicitly foretold."

Unexceptionable as this was, we shall be grieved to see,

II. In what light Paul's testimony was viewed by his enemies—

Festus considered Paul's testimony as an indication of mental derangement—

Festus, seeing that Paul was a man of erudition, concluded, that he had lost his senses by an over attention to study; and that, consequently, all further attention to him would only be an unprofitable waste of time. Hence he said aloud, "You are out of your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane."

And it is scarcely a more favorable judgment that is sometimes formed of us—

Persons are very ready to pronounce, that those who preach and profess the Gospel, are mad. But whence arises such a judgment as this? Is there anything in the Gospel itself that affords ground for it? Or do the foregoing sentiments deserve so severe a censure? True it is, that the prophets were uniformly reviled for the declarations they made: but one would have hoped, that the accomplishment of their prophecies would have secured for us a more equitable judgment: this however is not to be expected: as long as there remains a carnal mind in existence, so long must it be "enmity against God Romans 8:7;" and while there is a natural man unconverted to God, so long will there be one to whom the things of the Spirit are foolishness! 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 2:14. We have only the fate of the prophets of old, who in their day were accounted mad also, 2 Kings 9:11. Jeremiah 29:26; and, if judged as they were, we must say with Paul, "If we be beside ourselves, it is to God! 2 Corinthians 5:13."

But whence arises this harsh judgment?

It arises, first, from their lack of honesty: they will not give us an attentive hearing; but will run away with any detached expressions, put on them a construction that they were never intended to bear, and draw conclusions from them that we would utterly disavow; and then impute to us all the folly which they themselves have invented.

Another source of this harsh judgment is their ignorance of the Scriptures. They will not study the Scriptures for themselves, nor take the trouble to compare our sentiments with the sacred records. What wonder then if they conclude that we are mad, when they will not listen even to the voice of God himself?

The hope of vindicating themselves is a further source of the censures they cast on us: for, if they allow us to be right, they must of necessity condemn themselves; but, if they can persuade themselves that we are mad, then they may be considered as wise, and may rest satisfied with their own ungodly ways.

These, together with the rooted enmity of the carnal mind against God, are some of the chief sources of that uncharitable judgment which is passed at this day, no less than in the apostolic age, on the preachers and professors of the Gospel of Christ.

If the Gospel deserves not such unjust treatment, let us inquire,

III. In what light Paul's testimony ought to be considered—

We cannot but admire the calm and respectful—yet firm and manly, answer which Paul returns to the insulting language of his Judge.

He maintained that he spoke only "the words of truth and soberness"—

He was not afraid of his assertions being brought to any test: he knew that they were the very truth of God, and that unbiased reason must approve of all that he had taught.

And, as far as our doctrine agrees with his, we also are ready to make our appeal both to reason and Scripture—

Let our words be tried, and see whether they are not words of truth and soberness.

Refer to Moses and the prophets, and see whether they do not set forth Christ as the "All in all" in the salvation of man. See whether they do not characterize a life of faith in the Son of God, as the true, the sure, the only source of happiness, both in this world and the next. They uniformly declare, that, if we "awake from our sleep, and arise from the dead, Christ will give us light, Ephesians 5:14. These words, though quoted by Paul, are not contained in any particular passage of the Old Testament; but they are the substance of the whole."

Reason also is no less on our side than Revelation. If there is a God, should we not serve him? If he has provided a Savior for us, should we not seek a saving interest in him? If that Savior is empowered to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him, should we not cleave to him with full purpose of heart? Men may call this madness, if they will; but they are the dictates of sound reason: and to contradict them is as irrational as it is impious and profane.

Improvement—

1. Be not alarmed at the aspersions cast upon true religion—

Ungodly men will revile religion, and endeavor to deter others from embracing it, by calling it "madness." But the truth is, that they themselves are mad. Try them by the standard of reason and revelation, and see whether they can stand the test? No! they are beside themselves; "madness is in their hearts while they live!" "A deceitful heart has turned them aside, so that they cannot deliver their souls, or say, Have I not a lie in my right hand?"

If then they cry out against religion, know whence their clamor proceeds. The Jews said of Christ himself, "He has a devil, and is mad. Why listen to him?" Wonder not therefore if similar advice be given in reference to his faithful servants, and similar reasons be assigned for it: and if the service of God must be accounted madness, then take up your cross boldly, and say with David, "I will yet be more vile for the Lord!"

2. Be careful to give no just occasion for them—

There certainly is such a thing as foolish enthusiasm, and under the influence of it many are led to act so as to excite strong prejudices against religion. But these have much to answer for before God. Religion, in its most exalted state, is "a reasonable," and I may add also, a rational, "service." "The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding."

Endeavor then to show, that "God has given you, not a spirit of fear, but of love, and of power, and of a sound mind, 2 Timothy 1:7." Endeavor to "walk in wisdom toward those who are without," yes, and to "walk wisely also before God in a perfect way." Ever remember, that "truth and soberness" must go together, and the justness of your sentiments must always be marked in the blamelessness of your conduct.

The first thing certainly is to embrace the truth with the simplicity of a little child, not exalting some favorite doctrines, and overlooking others, but giving to every doctrine precisely that degree of importance which it appears to bear in the Holy Scriptures. Some are always dwelling on predestination and election, others on faith, and others on good works; some on the sufferings of Christ, others on the light within. To give every truth its due weight and proper place, would be the endeavor of a wise and sober-minded Christian.

The next thing is, to carry your principles into effect, by regulating the whole of your conduct according to them, and fulfilling the duties of your own particular situation, whatever it may be, with care and diligence. This will "cut off occasion from those who seek occasion against you;" nor is there any better way of "putting to silence the ignorance of foolish men, than by well-doing."

 

#1814

THE ALMOST CHRISTIAN AND THE REAL CHRISTIAN COMPARED

Acts 26:28-29.

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." And Paul said, "I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains."

IT is surprising to see what different effects the Gospel produces upon different minds; some view it as the very extreme of folly, while others regard it as the most glorious display of Divine wisdom. Even when our blessed Lord himself spoke, some of his audience believed his words; while others said, "He has a devil and is mad." Thus differently were some of Paul's auditors affected also, when he vindicated himself before Festus and Agrippa; Festus exclaimed, "Paul, you are beside yourself;" while Agrippa, falling under the force of truth, said, "You almost you persuade me to be a Christian."

The effects however which the Gospel produces on all who receive it aright, is uniform: and Paul's answer to Agrippa affords us a fit occasion to set them before you in the clearest manner. It leads us to notice,

I. In what state Agrippa was—

He was convinced in his judgment, but undecided in his will—

He was conversant with all the Jewish laws and customs verse 3, and a firm believer in the prophetic writings verse 27; hence he expected assuredly that the promised Messiah would come. Respecting the advent of that Messiah, he had had no opportunity of hearing, except from the reports of persons who were adverse to the truth (and such is yet the unhappy lot of kings and princes, who are constrained for the most part to form their judgment from very partial and erroneous statements): but now, from the discourse of Paul, he was convinced that Jesus was the Christ, and that his religion was indeed from God.

Still however he knew not how to embrace this religion himself. He saw that an open profession of Christianity might possibly shake his authority among all his subjects; and that at all events it must be attended with a life of mortification and self-denial, since he must renounce "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life," and give himself up to God in a life of universal holiness. But this was too great a sacrifice for him to make. If he could be a Christian, and yet retain the pleasures of sense and the honor that comes from man, he would willingly embrace the Gospel; but if he must encounter so many difficulties, he will rather forego the pearl, than pay the price.

This, alas! is the state of many among ourselves—

Many are convinced that the Gospel is true, and that there is "no other name under Heaven but that of Christ, whereby we can be saved." They even envy the state of those who follow Christ; and wish, if it might be so, to share their lot in the eternal world. But to expose themselves to shame or loss for professing the Gospel, they dare not: their reputation, and their interests, are too valuable to risk in such a way: to "deny themselves, and take up their cross daily and follow Christ," is a requisition which they have no desire to comply with. If they might "serve God and mammon" too, and have "communion with Christ and Belial" at the same time, they would stand forth as open friends of the Gospel; but if they must "follow Christ outside the camp," and "forsake all for him," they cannot prevail upon themselves to encounter such difficulties.

This is particularly found among those who are held in much estimation in the world. The more eminent and distinguished any are, the more timidity they manifest. If Agrippa had been only a poor man, he perhaps would have followed up his convictions, and been altogether persuaded to become a Christian: but his high rank and conspicuous station operated as an insurmountable barrier in his way.

And so it is at this day: the poor embrace the Gospel freely; but the rich and the great and the learned scarcely dare be seen among the followers of the despised Nazarene: and hence it is, that so few of them are called, 1 Corinthians 1:26.

But this state, though common, is indeed most dangerous—

In one it may appear hopeful; because where the judgment is convinced, there is reason to hope that the heart will soon obey the dictates of the understanding: but when once men begin to "rebel against the light," they grieve in a most peculiar manner the Spirit of God, and provoke him to give them up to judicial blindness.

True it is, that the struggle between light and darkness is often of long continuance: but during all that time the person, is in a most pitiable state. He enjoys none of the benefits of true religion: he is a stranger to peace with God because he does not "cleave to Christ with full purpose of heart:" he has no peace in his own conscience, because he is sensible that he is not upright before God: he has no sense of God's love shed abroad in his heart, no delight in communion with him, no glorious prospects beyond the grave.

No! a consciousness that he is not wholly given up to God, eats out all comfort, and fills him rather with painful forebodings of the future judgment. His state is even worse than if he had been altogether destitute of light, John 15:22. Every hour that he continues to fight against his convictions, greatly augments his guilt, James 4:17, and insures a heavier condemnation, John 3:19. The Judge of living and dead has told us, "that the man that knew his Lord's will and did it not, shall be beaten with many stripes."

If Agrippa's state then was so dangerous, let us inquire,

II. What is that state in which we should all desire to be—

We cannot but admire the address with which the Apostle answered this irresolute king. He had bonds and imprisonments; but of those he did not wish his bitterest enemies to partake: but of his hopes, his victories, his enjoyments, he wished all to have an equal fruition with himself; with the exception of his chains, he heartily prayed that they might be altogether in a state like his.

Consider what was the state of the Apostle Paul—

How clear, how full, how refreshing to his soul, were his views of Christ! Perhaps no human being was ever so highly favored in this respect as he. And what effects did these views produce? They filled his soul with a "peace that surpassed all understanding," and a "joy that was unspeakable and and full of glory:" they called forth all his powers, both of body and mind, into the service of his Lord. He accounted all that he possessed, as bought with the precious blood of Christ, and therefore as to be used for him alone. To make him known to others was the one end for which he lived: and whatever difficulties or dangers he had to encounter for the sake of Christ, none of them could move him; yes, rather he gloried in them, and rejoiced that he was counted worthy to contend with them. But who can adequately describe his state? Who can tell . . .
the fervor of his desires after Christ,
the zeal he had to promote his glory,
the delight he felt in his service, and
the assured prospects which he enjoyed of dwelling with Christ for ever?

Such was the state which Paul desired for all his auditors; and such we should all desire for ourselves—

We should not be content with anything short of the attainments that were made by Paul: nay, if we had attained the same as he, we would still "forget what was behind, and reach forward to that which is before, and press toward the mark for the prize of our high calling."

We are far from saying, that none are Christians indeed until they have attained his stature: but we must caution all against thinking themselves Christians, while there remains any one lust which they will not sacrifice for Christ, or any one duty they will not perform. The man that will not lay down life itself for Christ, cannot be his disciple. Behold then the pattern which we must all resemble: the love, the zeal, the patience, the entire devotedness of heart and life to Christ which were in Paul, must be in us: we must, in desire and endeavor at least, if not in actual attainment, be almost and altogether such as he was.

This must be the pattern for all who are in the ministry, or are preparing for the ministry, to aim at. We would not be like the idle shepherds who neglected their flocks; but like the Great Shepherd himself, who "laid down his life for his sheep:" and though we may be called to a sphere of small and limited extent—yet would we be in that sphere, as Paul was in the vast circle which he was called to fill: we should be servants to all for Christ's sake, and labor in season and out of season for every individual committed to our care.

If any, on account of their more exalted station, suppose that these observations are not applicable to them, let them remember who Festus and Agrippa were, and that the prayer in our text was offered up in the first place more immediately for them. The higher any are, the more needful is it for them to imitate all the graces and excellencies of the Apostle Paul.

But without confining it to any rank or order of men, I beg to express the Apostle's wish for "all that hear me this day." This is the state proper for all of every degree; and necessary for them also, if ever they would approve themselves to God.

ADDRESS—

1. The wavering and undecided—

Perhaps on account of your pious dispositions it may be said, you are "not far from the kingdom of Heaven:" but to what purpose will this be, if you do not advance? It will be no consolation to you that you were once not far from the kingdom, if at last you are not admitted into it. But consider what it is that prevents you from becoming Christians altogether? Be assured, that, whatever it is, it will ultimately ruin your souls.

The young man whom Jesus loved for the general amiableness of his character, was left to perish, when he refused to part with all for Christ. The Lord grant, that none of you may continue "almost persuaded," but that you may all with one heart and one mind devote yourselves to him instantly and without reserve.

2. Those who think themselves altogether persuaded to embrace Christ—

It is not uncommon to feel a very fervent desire to serve the Lord at one time, and afterwards to relapse into a state of coldness and indifference. Our spiritual enemies often appear dead, when they are only lulled asleep for a season. But O! brethren, beware how you leave your first love, or look back after having put your hand to the plough. See the bright example before you: see how, like the sun in its course, he shined brighter and brighter to the perfect day. So do you also proceed. Never think you have attained anything, while anything remains to be attained. Be never weary in well doing. Think what an ornament Paul was to his profession, and what a blessing to the world; and strive, that as God was glorified in him, so he may be more and more glorified in you also.

 

#1815

PAUL'S DELIVERANCE FROM SHIPWRECK

Acts 27:25.

"So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me."

WHATEVER difference there may sometimes appear between the dispensations of God's providence and the declarations of his word, we may be well assured that there never was, nor ever shall be, the slightest opposition between them. The declarations of God indeed may be conditional, when the conditions are not actually expressed; and then the event predicted, will be conformed, not to the words, but to the spirit of the declaration. This was remarkably the case with respect to Nineveh, which was spared, apparently in opposition to the threatenings denounced against them, but really in conformity with the conditions contained in them: but no word that was unconditionally uttered, ever failed of its accomplishment.

In the history of Paul there were strong and positive assurances given him, that he would preach the Gospel at Rome, Acts 19:21; Acts 23:11. But various circumstances arose from time to time, which threatened to defeat this purpose of the Most High. When Paul was seized in the temple, the people dragged him out with extreme violence, and "went about to kill him, Acts 21:31;" and when he made his defense before them, they were wrought up almost to madness, and cried out, "Away with such a fellow from the earth; for it is not fit that he should live! Acts 22:22." The next day, when he was standing before the Jewish council, there arose so great a dissension between his auditors, that he was in danger of being "pulled in pieces by them, Acts 23:10." Then there was a conspiracy of more than forty persons formed to take away his life, Acts 23:14-15; and, when this was, almost by miracle, defeated, another conspiracy was formed and defeated in like manner, notwithstanding the judge himself strove to favor it, Acts 25:2-3; Acts 25:9-11.

At last he was sent by sea to Rome: but behold, he was overtaken with a storm, which seemed to cut off all hope of his ever arriving at his final destination. Even Paul himself appears now to have given up all expectation that his life would be spared: but God sent an angel to dissipate his fears, and to assure him that what had been spoken to him respecting his standing before Caesar, would certainly be accomplished verse 24. This declaration the Apostle fully credited; and he took occasion from it to comfort and encourage all that were in the ship with him; "So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me."

From these words, as verified in the outcome, we shall take occasion to set before you,

I. The office of faith—

Faith is represented by Paul as "the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen:" and such it manifested itself to be in Paul at this time: he saw not how his deliverance was to be effected; but God had told him that the whole crew would be saved; and therefore he entertained no doubt whatever as to the outcome of their present dangers.

Now this is exactly the office of faith in relation to every word of God. Whether God threatens or promises, we must regard the outcome as certain. Much is told us in the inspired volume respecting the salvation of all who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. These promises we are to apprehend and rely upon, "not staggering at any of them," but having a confident assurance that they shall all be fulfilled to us in their season.

We must not however separate from this,

II. The obligations of faith—

When the peril of shipwreck became more imminent, the sailors, under pretense of casting anchors out of the fore-ship, would have endeavored to save themselves in the boat: but Paul, perceiving their intentions, told the centurion and the soldiers, that unless the seamen continued in the ship, none of the crew could be saved, verse 31. But had not God promised absolutely, that not one life among them would be lost? How then could the desertion of a part of the crew prove the destruction of the whole? The answer to this is plain: God had ordained the means as well as the end: and to seek the one without using the other, was to tempt God, rather than to trust him.

Now this observation is of great importance, as reflecting light on the manner in which God accomplishes all his promises to us. He "has given us exceeding great and precious promises;" and no one of them shall ever fail; but we are not therefore at liberty to sit down idly, and to expect salvation without any exertions on our part: we must exert ourselves as much as if our success depended wholly on our own arm; and at the same time we are to trust in God completely, as if no effort whatever were used by us. This is the mode prescribed by God himself. He tells us that "eternal life is the gift of God through Jesus Christ:" yet he says, "Labor for the food which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man will give you, John 6:27. Compare with this, other passages of like import: Ezekiel 36:36-37. Proverbs 2:2-6."

The consideration of God's promised aid is so far from superseding our own personal exertions, that it is our great encouragement to put them forth, Philippians 2:12-13; and to look for salvation in any other way than that which God has marked out, is to deceive ourselves to our eternal ruin. The means and the end are equally ordained by God, 2 Thessalonians 2:13; and what God has joined, it is in vain for man to put asunder.

In performing these duties, we may expect,

III. The benefits of faith—

Two benefits accrued to Paul and his associates, namely, present peace, and final safety. Notwithstanding the storm continued as violent as ever, and they had turned adrift the boat which they might have looked to as useful for their preservation, we behold the whole crew in a state of comparative peace and comfort, verse 36; and, in the outcome, every one of them obtained the desire of his soul; for though the ship grounded, and was broken in pieces, all were saved at last; some by swimming to shore, and others on boards and the broken pieces of the ship.

Here we behold an exact representation of the benefits which faith in Christ will always obtain. We shall be brought to a state of sweet composure, notwithstanding we are yet in the midst of a tumultuous world, and menaced with dangers on every side: we shall "be filled with joy and peace in believing, Romans 15:13," yes "with joy unspeakable and full of glory! 1 Peter 1:8." Our anticipation of a successful outcome to our conflicts will be almost, as it were, a foretaste of Heaven, Romans 8:33-39. Nor shall we be disappointed of our hope at last, Isaiah 45:17. Our way may be "through much tribulation:" yes, we may "be scarcely saved, 1 Peter 4:18," that is, with vast difficulty; we may "be saved so as by fire, 1 Corinthians 3:15;" but we shall never perish: "it is not the will of our Father that one of his little ones would perish, Matthew 18:14;" nor shall one grain, however sifted, or however small, be missing from his garner, Amos 9:9.

ADDRESS—

1. Those who are proceeding on their voyage without any apprehension of danger—

The mariners, though warned by Paul, thought little of danger until it was too late.

And have not we innumerable warnings from all the inspired writers? Yet we go forward thinking of little but temporal ease and prosperity. But how soon may the hour arrive, when, like the mariners, we shall be glad to part with all that we possess, for the preservation even of our bodily lives, and much more for the salvation of our souls! Let us in a time of ease and prosperity consider this, and stand prepared for troubles and for death itself. That servant alone is truly "blessed, whom his Lord, when he comes, shall find thus watching."

2. Those who are harassed with storms and tempests—

Many there are, who, in this ever-changing state of things, are "afflicted and tossed with tempest, and not comforted." But, blessed be God, they have "an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast." "The promises made to us in Christ, are sure to all the seed." However imminent our danger may appear, we should not despond: "there is help laid for us on One that is mighty," on One, who is "able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him." Fear not then, but only believe; and whatever difficulties you may have to encounter, you have the promise of your Lord and Savior, that "none shall pluck you out of his hand;" and his Father's veracity and power, no less than his own, are pledged for your everlasting salvation, John 10:28-29.

 

#1816

PAUL BITTEN BY A VIPER, AND UNINJURED

Acts 28:3-6.

"Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live." But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god."

IT is curious to observe how, in this chequered scene of life, judgments and mercies, trials and deliverances, crosses and comforts, are intermixed. In the space of a few hours Paul was shipwrecked, and saved; destitute, and relieved; bitten by a viper, and preserved from injury; judged as a murderer, and honored as a God.

These events, though not of primary importance, are yet deserving of consideration.

The inhabitants of Malta, here called "Barbarians," as not being learned and polished like the Greeks and Romans, showed great kindness and hospitality to the shipwrecked crew: and in this they put to shame many who bear the Christian name, who would have plundered, rather than relieved, the unhappy sufferers. A fire being made to warm the people and to dry their clothes, Paul gladly exerted himself for the general good, and, gathering a bundle of sticks, put them on the fire. But a viper that had lain concealed in the fagot, no sooner felt the heat, than it seized the hand of Paul, and held it fast with it's teeth. Paul however, betraying no fear, held up his hand for a time with great composure, and then shook off the venomous creature into the fire. This event gave rise to various conjectures, which now we proceed to notice.

Let us see,

I. In what light it was viewed by the people present—

At first they regarded it as a judgment on him for some heinous crime—

There is even in the minds of heathens some idea of a superintending Providence, who, though in general inattentive to the concerns of men, interposes sometimes on great occasions, especially to detect and punish the crime of murder. The first thought therefore of the spectators was that Paul was thus singled out as a monument of Divine vengeance, which, though it had spared him in the shipwreck, would not suffer his iniquity to pass unpunished.

Now this sentiment is to a certain degree just: but it is erroneous when carried to too great an extent. Certain it is that God does on some occasions mark, as it were, in a visible manner his indignation against sin: but in numberless instances even the most aggravated transgressions pass unpunished in this life, and are reserved for adequate retribution to the judgment of the great day.

It is certain also that temporal calamities are by no means to be regarded as certain marks of God's displeasure: for they are often sent as fruits of his paternal love, Hebrews 12:6. The great error of Job's friends was, that they judged him as a hypocrite, because of the heavy calamities that came upon him: and our blessed Lord has especially guarded us against forming such uncharitable conclusions, in relation to those whose blood Pilate mingled with the sacrifices, or those on whom the tower of Siloam fell, Luke 13:1-5.

The truth is, that in this world "all things come alike to all;" "nor can any man know either love or hatred by all that is before him, Ecclesiastes 9:1-3." Josiah, as well as Saul or Ahab, may be slain in battle; and Paul, as well as the rebellious Israelites, may be bitten by a serpent: and therefore to condemn any on account of the afflictions with which they are visited, is to act like those who accounted David, yes, and Christ himself, as judicially stricken and smitten by their God, Psalm 41:8. Isaiah 53:4.

Afterwards, they considered it as an evidence that he was a god—

As the heathen imagined that there was a superior Being who punished sin, so they believed that their gods sometimes "came down to them in the likeness of men, Acts 14:11." Hence, when the people saw that Paul had sustained no injury, they concluded that he must be a god. But here they ran to an opposite extreme. Having no knowledge of the only true God, and of his power to protect his servants, they missed entirely the true construction, which they should have put upon the event before them. But indeed, there is this propensity in every man to judge too favorably of those who prosper, as well as too unfavorably of those who suffer. The just medium can be attained by those only, who investigate matters with a dispassionate mind, and take everything into consideration that would regulate and decide the judgment.

From showing in what light they viewed the event, we proceed to consider,

II. In what light it should be viewed—

God had doubtless some gracious design in this dispensation. We apprehend it was intended by him,

1. As a means whereby to awaken their attention to his Gospel—

Paul was sent to Rome that he might testify of Christ in Caesar's palace. And as he was now on his way thither, God ordained that he would have an opportunity of making known the Savior to the barbarians at Malta. But Paul was now a prisoner, and therefore not likely to gain much attention from the people: besides that, he was not at liberty to go among them as he would willingly have done. But, by this miracle, the attention of all was instantly fixed on him, and a way was opened for a free communication of the Gospel of Christ. That he availed himself of the opportunity, we cannot doubt: and that he had considerable success, there is reason to conclude, from the gratitude expressed by all ranks of people among them at his departure.

The same object, we apprehend, God has in view, by numberless dispensations which occur from time to time. Both mercies and judgments are continually represented as designed of God for this end: "And they shall know that I am the Lord." The miraculous powers with which the Apostles were invested were not credentials only, for the authenticating of their divine mission, but means also of recommending the Gospel to the attention and acceptance of men. And we shall do well to regard the various events that are now passing in the world, as calls from God to embrace and hold fast the Gospel of Christ.

2. As a standing memorial of the care which God takes of all his faithful servants—

Many and glorious are the promises which God gives us of security in his service. That we are not to expect visible and miraculous interpositions in our favor, is true: but we are not to suppose that he will leave us to the influence of blind chance, or give us up into the hand of our inveterate enemies. Were his gracious care withdrawn, "Satan would soon sift every one of us as wheat." But Jehovah keeps us in his everlasting arms, so that "no weapon that is formed against us can prosper." As our Lord could not be apprehended until his time was come, so neither can any of his faithful people be destroyed, until God himself has signed the warrant. See how amply this is set forth by David, Psalm 91:9-13, and in the book of Job, Job 5:19-23; and shall these promises fail of their accomplishment? "Has God said, and will he not do it; has he spoken, and will he not make it good?" The promises made directly to the Apostles, must, as to their literal sense, be limited to them, Mark 16:17-18. Luke 10:19; but, in the spirit of them, they must be applied to all, who put themselves under the shadow of Jehovah's wing, Psalm 91:3-7. "The wrath of man shall praise him:" and every occurrence, however adverse to the eye of sense, shall work for the present and eternal good of all his faithful people, Romans 8:28. 2 Corinthians 4:17.

Let us learn then from hence,

1. Justice to man—

We all are prone to judge one another: but this is to usurp the prerogative of Jehovah. The command of Christ, and of his Apostles is, "Judge not!" "Judge nothing before the time, etc. Matthew 7:1-2. 1 Corinthians 4:5."

2. Confidence in God—

It may be, that in the service of our God our trials may be great and numerous; yes, and we may be judged by our fellow-creatures with the severest judgment: but we may safely commit every event to him, 1 Corinthians 4:3, assured, that he will "bring forth our righteousness as the noon-day," if not in this world—yet most certainly in the world to come.

 

#1817

THE FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST EVIL SPOKEN OF

Acts 28:22.

"We desire to hear of you what you think: for as concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against."

AS prejudice is easily excited in the mind, so is its operation extremely powerful, wherever it is entertained. An opprobrious term will often convey more in one moment, than could be conveyed otherwise in many sentences: and, as superseding the necessity of any specific accusations, it is generally resorted to as the means of bringing either persons or things into general contempt. The enemies of Christianity in every age have availed themselves of this advantage, to decry a religion which they did not choose to embrace. Thus, when Paul came to Rome, and had convened the principal Jews to his lodgings, he found that, though no accusations had been brought against him, his religion, and all who professed it, were regarded in an odious light, through the malignant misrepresentations of their adversaries. Let us then inquire,

I. Whence it was that the Gospel was so universally evil spoken of in the apostolic age—

That the Gospel was universally reviled, is obvious from the decided manner in which the notoriety of the fact is mentioned in the text; "We know it:" and it was so chiefly on two grounds:

1. As being impious in itself—

The Jews regarded it as subversive of the law of Moses. They could not see, that Jesus was the person to whom Moses and the prophets had borne witness: they could not see, that he had actually fulfilled the law, and was himself the substance, of which that was only the shadow: they therefore conceived his pretensions to be in direct opposition to God's revealed will; and his religion to be a system of impiety altogether.

The Gentiles also, finding that Christianity required an utter dereliction of all their false gods, and at the same time presented to them no visible object of worship, accounted all its professors atheists. They knew indeed that Christians worshiped Him who died for them on Mount Calvary: but that seemed only to add folly to impiety; since to regard him as a God and a Savior, who, to all appearance, was not even able to save himself, was an act of absurdity, in their eyes, bordering on madness.

2. As injurious to mankind—

To individuals it was supposed to be a source of distraction to the mind, and of immorality in the life. Even the Head of this religion, the despised Nazarene, was thought to be "beside himself;" nor were his followers in any better plight; since they professed to turn their backs upon all visible good, and to follow a good that was invisible. Moreover, in the midst of these high pretensions, they were supposed to be addicted to all manner of licentious habits, even such as the Gentiles themselves scarcely ventured to indulge, 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 3:16.

To families, this religion was considered as a source of incalculable mischief; since, wherever it came, it set the nearest relatives against each other, as even the Founder of it himself had declared it would, Matthew 10:34-36.

It was hostile also to the welfare of the state. It inculcated many things which the Roman laws forbad, and prohibited many things which they enjoined. It set up a king above Caesar himself, Acts 16:20-21; Acts 17:6-7; Acts 24:5-6. Was such a religion as this to be tolerated? No! every sensible governor would give the same direction, respecting it, as Haman gave in relation to the Jews; that it ought to be banished from the face of the earth, Esther 3:8-9.

But, now that Christianity is established, does the same prejudice against it remain? Let us inquire into this matter, and see,

II. How far it meets with similar treatment at this day—

The name of Christianity is still odious among millions of the human race; and, even among those who call themselves Christians, the true Gospel is disapproved and detested by multitudes, who are ready to number themselves among its warmest advocates. It is hated on many accounts:

1. As too humiliating in its representations—

It represents the whole human race as in a state of guilt and condemnation, and as utterly incapable of delivering themselves by anything that they can do. It presents to their view a Savior, in and through whom all their wants must be supplied, and to whom they must stand indebted for their whole salvation, from first to last, 1 Corinthians 1:30. But men cannot endure to think themselves so guilty, so polluted, so enslaved, so utterly helpless and hopeless, as the Scripture represents them to be; and this will be found to be at the root of all their objections against the Gospel: examine all the writings of those who oppose the truth, and this will appear to be the leading feature of them, that they suppose some degree of goodness and sufficiency to remain in fallen man; while the Gospel declares, that we are "altogether become abominable, Romans 3:10-19," and that even the will, as well as the power, to do good must be given us from the Lord, Philippians 2:13.

2. As too easy in its proposals—

It offers salvation freely to every human being, saying, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, Mark 16:16. Acts 16:30-31." It requires nothing on our parts to earn salvation, nothing to merit it; but only to receive it thankfully as the free gift of God to us in Christ Jesus, Romans 6:23. But the proud heart of man does not like to be so indebted to the free grace of God: that invitation, "Come, you that have no money, come buy wine and milk without money and without price," is offensive to him: he would rather hear of some duties to perform that shall render him worthy of God's favor, and of some good works to be done, in order to form a ground of glorying before God: and, if works be declared to be utterly ineffectual to these ends, he immediately supposes them to be unnecessary altogether, and that we leave men at liberty to indulge in all manner of licentiousness.

3. As too strict in its requirements—

We stop not now to notice the inconsistency between the former objection and this: suffice it to say, that they are made by the same persons, and oftentimes almost in the same breath. The Gospel requires that we mortify all sin whatever; that we "crucify the flesh, with its affections and lusts;" and that we "live altogether not to ourselves, but unto Him that died for us, and rose again." But this is supposed to be incompatible with all the common offices of life: and we are represented as making the way to Heaven so strait, that none but a few devotees can hope to enter into it.

Thus the truth of God is in reality traduced, as in the days of old, and, though the name of Christianity is honored, the life and power of it are despised.

Since then the Gospel is still evil spoken of to such a degree, permit me to state,

III. What is our duty in relation to it—

We should endeavor to get all possible information respecting it.

It would be strange indeed to form our judgment solely from the representations of its enemies: we ought assuredly to hear its friends also, and to learn what they have to say in its favor. If then we can have access to any who are qualified to instruct us, we would say to them, as the Jews did to Paul, "We desire to hear what you think." Were this step taken, and with any measure of candor, I have no doubt but that the prejudices against the Gospel would soon be done away. But there is one, to whom we may all have access, and whose judgment may be fully relied on; I mean, that very person to whom the Jews at Rome applied, even the Apostle Paul himself. No man had ever juster or deeper views of the Gospel than he; and no man has written so fully respecting it as he: consult him therefore: study those Epistles of his in which the subject is most fully stated, the Epistles to the Romans, the Galatians, and the Ephesians. From those may be fully learned the doctrines which the Gospel maintains: and in his life may be seen the practice it requires. Go then, and sit at his feet, and ask of him in relation to everything we have spoken, "What do you think?"

Our inquiries, however, should not be merely speculative, but practical—

We should not, like Pilate, ask, "What is truth?" and then go away without any desire to be informed: but we should imitate rather the man whose blindness had been healed, "Who is the Son of God, that I may believe on him? John 9:36." All our inquiries should be with a view to practice, and with a determination of heart to follow the light wherever it may lead us. Did we, like the Bereans, search the Scriptures daily with this view, it would soon be said of us, as it was of them, "Therefore many of them believed, Acts 17:11-12."

We will now, by way of improvement,

1. Give a specific answer to the question ourselves—

Is it asked by any, "What do you think" of the Gospel itself, and of the people who profess it? We reply, that, in our judgment, the plain simple doctrine of salvation by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, is, "the wisdom of God, and the power of God,' even "the power of God unto salvation to every one who believes;" and that its proper title is, "the glorious Gospel of the blessed God." As for those who profess it, we say, that, if they walk unworthy of it, they are hypocrites, and self-deceivers: but, if they adorn it by a suitable life and conduct, then are they "the excellent of the earth," "the Church of the living God," "the sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty." Of them will we say, with Moses, "Happy are you, O Israel: who is like unto you, O people saved of the Lord! Deuteronomy 33:29." Whoever may speak against them, they may be of good courage; for God approves them, and will confess them as his before the assembled universe. They shall assuredly "be his, in the day that he shall make up his jewels! Malachi 3:17."

2. I put the question to every one here present—

What do you think? Do you think the doctrines of the Gospel so objectionable as the world represents them to be? Compare those doctrines with your own wants and necessities; and then say, whether they do not contain the very remedy which you stand in need of? Would Paul have represented them as containing "the unsearchable riches of Christ;" and would the angels be represented as ever "desiring to look into them," if they were unworthy of our regard?

Again, Do you think that those who embrace the Gospel deserve the ignominious appellation of "a sect?" By this name they were called in the first ages; and by this name they are yet too often called. But, because "they worship God in a way which the world calls heresy," are they therefore heretics? No! they are "the general assembly and Church of the First-born, which are written in Heaven;" they are the living stones of which his temple is composed; and they are now, and shall to all eternity continue, the habitation of God through the Spirit, Hebrews 12:23. 1 Peter 2:5. Ephesians 2:19-22.

Once more, Do you think, that, because "they are everywhere evil spoken of," you would not join yourself to them? Sad indeed is your state, if you entertain such a thought as that: for, "if you are ashamed of Christ—of you will Christ be ashamed," when he shall come in his glory to judge the world. Remember the choice of Moses, and ask, Whether it be not that which you would make Hebrews 11:24-26. If the circumstance of the Lord's people being universally "evil spoken of" appears an argument against them, know, that it is greatly in their favor; and that, if you belong to a party that is not universally evil spoken of by the ungodly world, you are not of the party to which Paul belonged, nor shall have your portion with him in the eternal world.

What though they be "a little flock?" they are those to whom "it is the Father's good pleasure to give the kingdom, Luke 12:32." What if they be walking in "a strait and narrow, unfrequented path?" it is "the path that leads unto life," while all other paths, however frequented, "lead only to destruction, Matthew 7:13-14." The time is shortly coming, when those who now most loudly condemn them, will yet still more loudly condemn themselves: "We fools counted their life madness, and their end to be without honor: but now they are numbered with the saints."

To all then I say, Beware what sentiments you imbibe respecting the Gospel of Christ; and beg of God that you may so think of it in this world, as you will assuredly think of it in the world to come.

 

#1818

THE GOSPEL SENT TO THE GENTILES

Acts 28:28.

"Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will listen to it."

WHEN we consider how often we are called together to hear the word of God, we are surprised and humbled to find so little good done by it. But the Apostles themselves had the same cause for complaint as we. We can scarcely conceive a more solemn occasion than that on which the Jews at Rome were convened to hear the Gospel. Paul was brought thither as a prisoner, on account of his zeal and fidelity in the cause of Christ. The Jews were anxious to know from himself what were the peculiar doctrines which he maintained: and, having appointed a day for that purpose, they came to his lodging, and attended to his discourse from morning to evening.

But, alas! the greater part of them rejected his testimony, and drew from him that solemn admonition, which had, many hundred years before, been given to their fathers: he told them that they were given up to judicial blindness; and that the consolation which he in vain sought among them, he would find among the Gentiles; who were ordained by God to inherit those blessings which they despised.

There are two things which we propose to notice on the present occasion:

I. The salvation here spoken of—

It is of great importance to observe the terms by which the Gospel is here designated: it is called "the salvation of God."

It is "salvation"—

The true nature of the Gospel is by no means generally understood. The generality conceive it to be nothing more than a new system of duties. There are some, however, who appear to be acquainted with its nature to a certain extent, but materially fail when they come to explain themselves more fully. They will speak of our condemnation by the law, and our inability to save ourselves according to the terms of the first covenant: they will also represent Christ as introducing a new covenant, and as the Author of salvation to all who believe in him.

Thus far they are right: but when it is inquired what are the terms of the new covenant, and how it is that Christ saves his people, they show that "they have need to be taught afresh what are the first principles of the Oracles of God." They say that Christ has procured for us a milder law, which requires only sincere obedience: and that, if we endeavor to obey that law, his death shall atone for our imperfections, and his righteousness shall make up for our defects.

But this representation of Christ's work very ill accords with the terms by which the Gospel is characterized in the text. The Gospel in that view would be only a new law; and salvation by it would be, in fact, salvation by works, and not by grace. However the law itself is reduced, if our obedience to it, either in whole or in part, be the ground of our acceptance with God, it is salvation by works; and the performers of those works will have to glory before God. Let our justification depend ever so little on our works, the case will be precisely the same—we shall have some ground of boasting within ourselves: if not so much as we would have had by the first covenant, still we have some: which clearly proves, that this idea of the Gospel is erroneous: for the Gospel excludes boasting altogether! Romans 3:27.

The truth is, that the Gospel is a revelation of "salvation," of salvation wrought out for us by the Son of God; wrought out, I say, entirely by his obedience unto death. It views men as lost, entirely lost and undone in themselves. It represents Christ as assuming our nature to obey that law which we had broken, and endure those penalties which we had incurred: and it declares, that all who will come to Christ, relying wholly on his blood and righteousness, shall be accepted through him. It is true, the gospel requires works as evidences of our faith; but the only ground which it proposes for our justification before God, is the all-sufficient righteousness of Jesus Christ. In a word, it reveals and offers to us a salvation purchased by the blood of Christ, and freely given to all who believe in him.

It is emphatically called "the salvation of God"—

This salvation was altogether planned by God. No created being could have devised such a scheme for saving man in perfect consistency with all the divine perfections. It was executed by God, who miraculously formed the human nature of Christ in the womb of a virgin, and upheld him in every part of his most arduous undertaking, and raised him from the dead, and constituted him Head over all things to the Church, that he might finish the work he had begun, and secure to himself the souls which he has purchased with his blood.

Finally, it was in every respect worthy of God; such a display of wisdom, of goodness, and of all his glorious perfections, as will be the one object of wonder, love, and praise, to all eternity.

As for the system which men have substituted in its place, it is indeed "another Gospel," which the Apostles never knew, and which God never revealed. It deserves not to be called "the salvation of God;" for it is no salvation at all: nor would any creature be ever saved by it. Who will undertake to tell us what that quantum of imperfection is which it allows of; or to define the exact limits of that sincerity which it requires? It is the offspring of pride and ignorance; and will be the parent of everlasting misery, to all who embrace it! That alone is the true Gospel, which leaves to man no ground of glorying in himself, but gives all the glory of his salvation to God alone.

Let us next turn our attention to,

II. The things affirmed respecting it—

We cannot but observe the solemnity with which the Apostle's affirmations are introduced. But there was occasion for it, because the things which he asserted appeared altogether incredible. He asserted,

1. That the Gospel salvation was sent to the Gentiles—

Of this the Jews had no conception. Being habituated to consider themselves as exclusively the Lord's people, and to regard the Gentiles as dogs—they could not even listen to the idea that the wall of partition would ever be broken down, and the Gentiles be incorporated with the Church of God, Acts 22:21-22.

The Apostles themselves were exceedingly slow to admit the thought, notwithstanding they had been commanded to "go into all the world, and to preach the Gospel to every creature." Even six years after our Lord's ascension, Peter himself could not be prevailed upon to go and instruct a heathen family, without repeated visions to convince him that it was agreeable to the mind of God: and, when he had done it, he was called to an account for it by the whole college of Apostles, who were pacified only by the relation which he gave of the different visions, and the testimony which God himself bore to his conduct by pouring out upon them the gift of the Holy Spirit. When convinced by his arguments, they exclaimed with surprise, "Then has God unto the Gentiles also granted repentance unto life, Acts 11:18." But the Apostle here declares that God had sent salvation to the Gentiles, and that it would be sent to them throughout all the world. To this he adds,

2. That they would listen to it—

The Jews, notwithstanding they had enjoyed the ministry of Christ, and beheld his miracles, and had his resurrection so abundantly attested; notwithstanding an appeal also was constantly made to their own inspired writings, and the accomplishment of acknowledged prophecies was pointed out to them—notwithstanding every advantage, I say, they would not believe. The probability therefore was, that, if they, with all their means of information, rejected the Gospel, much more would the heathen reject it. But God fore-ordained that they would receive it. Accordingly, we find that millions in every quarter of the globe have been made obedient to the faith; and we are assured that all "the fullness of the Gentiles shall in due time come in. The prophet Ezekiel, in a vision of a river proceeding from the sanctuary, and becoming gradually so deep that it could not be forded, represents the progress of the Gospel. The river running into the Dead Sea, where, it is said, no fish can live, instantly healed the sea, so that living fish of every kind became innumerable. The Dead Sea fitly marked the state of the heathen world; and the effect produced upon it by the waters of the sanctuary, marked the change which the Gospel would infallibly produce, Ezekiel 47:9."

To God nothing is impossible; and he who has thus far accomplished his word, will certainly fulfill it to the end. The grain of mustard-seed shall become a great tree, and all the birds of Heaven shall come and dwell under its shadow.

In this subject will be found abundant matter,

1. For reproof—

It is in this view principally that the words were uttered. And if Paul had so much reason to complain when he saw the Jews were not persuaded to embrace Christianity by one sermon, what reason have we to complain, when persons professing Christianity cannot be prevailed upon by hundreds of sermons to walk in any measure worthy of their profession! Surely thousands of the poor heathen—Indians, Hottentots, Hindus—who have received the word with gladness, and experienced the blessedness of this salvation, will rise up in judgment against us, and condemn us. Yes, among them there are many who value this salvation more than life itself. Ah! how will they reprove our supineness and indifference! Well; be it known unto you, that if you, who call yourselves Christians, will not value the Gospel as you ought, it shall be taken away from you, and be given to others who will bring forth the fruits thereof with gladness.

2. For encouragement—

When exertions are recommended for the conversion of the heathen, it is common to say, they will not renounce their superstitions; and we cannot attain their language so as to hope for any success in our endeavors. But if God has sent the Gospel to the heathen, and declared that they will hear it, we may well look to him to overcome all the difficulties that lie in our way.

But it may be said, the time is not come. What right have we to say this? or what reason to imagine it? If we consider the exertions that are making in the Christian world for the translating of the Scriptures into different languages, and for sending the Gospel to the remotest corners of the earth, we have reason rather to hope that the time has come. But the time as it respects us has always come; and there is no period when we ought not to exert ourselves in the cause of God, and for the benefit of our fellow-creatures.

The question then is, if God has sent salvation to the heathen, who is willing to carry it? for "they cannot believe, unless they hear: nor can they hear without a preacher." O that there were among us more, whose hearts the Lord had "touched with a live coal from his altar," that when he says, "Who will go for us?" would immediately reply, "Here am I, send me!" This was the prophet's frame of mind even when God told him that his ministrations would have no other effect than that of hardening the minds of men, Isaiah 6:6-10. It was sufficient for him that he was doing the Lord's work. How much more then should we be ready to carry the Gospel to the heathen, when God pledges himself to us that they will hear it! Let us pray to God, that since the harvest is so great, he would send forth laborers; and, if we cannot do all we would, let us, each in his station, do all we can!