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PRACTICAL

DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

BY JEFFERSON RENFREW,

DEACON OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH IN GROTON, VERMONT.

AUTHOR OF "THE BRANCH AND THE VINE."

s Beliold, I come qxxicli:ly.:

PHILADELPHIA :

JAS. B. RODGERS, PRINTER, 52 AND 54 NORTH SIXTH STREET.

1867.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1867, by

JEFFERSON RENFREW,

In the Clerk's Office of the District Cornrt of the Eastern District

of Pennsylvania.

PREFATORY REMARKS.

The unpretending author would lay no claim to eru- ditical skill or classical lore, but would merely say that the following pages have been selected from discourses which, when originally prepared, were never intended to reach beyond the church with which he is connected, and the congregation with whom he resides.

They were delivered during either stated or occasional Pastoral absence, when "strictly clerical labor" could not be obtained. And they are now presented to the public with the humble trust that God will bless this effort to advance the Redeemer's kingdom. That the blessing of the Most High may rest upon those who may peruse these pages, and that this work may be the means, in the hand of God, of awakening never-dying souls, and com- forting the people of God, is the earnest prayer of the author.

JEFFERSON RENFREW.

CONTENTS.

PAGE.

Discourse I. The Matchless Condescension of Christ 5

Discourse II. The Importance of Christian Effort 28

Discourse III. Christ's Vicarious Death 50

Discourse IV. A Solemn Question 68

Discourse V. Christian Blessedness 90

Discourse VI. An Important Inquiry 107

DISCOURSE I.

THE MATCHLESS CONDESCENSION OF CHRIST, "It is I; be not afraid.''' — Mark vi. 50.

The occasion which drew forth this expression from the lips of our Saviour, was one of lasting inte- rest to his disciples. Worn out and exhausted, the apostles had returned to Christ, after having tested in some degree the wonderful power with which they were endowed. They gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. Our Saviour, seeing that they had no rest, and feeling that their temporal bodies needed repose, requests them to come apart into a desert place to rest awhile, doubtless that they might thereby receive physical strength to enable them to endure the hardships through which they were being called upon to pass. They therefore de- part privately with Jesus, into a desert place, by ship. But the people seeing them depart, and anticipating whither they were going, outwent them, and a vast multitude meet them upon the other side. The com- passion of the Saviour was at once drawn out upon

6 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

the multitude which met him, because they were as sheep having no shepherd; and when the. day was far spent, the five thousand are miraculously fed by the Saviour, which miracle answered the twofold pur- pose of supplying the temporal wants of the multitude, and substantiating the divinity of Christ. After the multitude had eaten, Jesus constrains his disciples to get into the ship, and depart for the other side, whilst he tarried to send away the people. Observe now, the Saviour of the world, our kinsman Redeemer, leaving the busy world for a season, and departing into a solitary mountain to pray. Oh, what wonder that the poet finds his thoughts guided to the shades of evening as an appropriate time for the believer to lift his heart to God in prayer, when we thus behold Jesus ascending the mountain to pray at the close of the day?

"I love to steal awhile away From every cumbering care, And spend the hours of setting day In humble, grateful prayer/'

As darkness covers the earth, behold the disciples toiling in rowing, for the wind was contrary, and Je- sus standing upon the distant shore. Presently he lifts his foot, and places it upon the surging wave, which firmly bears his sacred form, and, nearing his now anxious and troubled disciples, he calms their fears by these cheering words: "It is I; be not afraid/'

THE MATCHLESS CONDESCENSION OF CHRIST. 7

He goes up into the ship, and the troubled waters cease to roll and swell, the ship ceases to be tossed by the angry wave, and the weary disciples are re- leased from their hours of toil.

We may, in this brief narrative, behold a deep manifestation of the Saviour's power. Well may our hearts be struck with wonder and amazement while thus viewing his Omnipotent power, and while listen- ing to his sweet words of cheer.

With these few introductory remarks we shall now proceed to speak, in the first place, upon — The match- less condescension of Christ.

And secondly: His constant watch-care over his people.

And, in the third and last place, we shall dwell upon the sweet comfort and security which is thus given to the believers.

First, then : The matchless condescension of Christ.

When Jesus left the higher realms to visit a fallen world, his mission was none other than a mission of mercy. Rays of divine glory encircled his sacred brow as he descended to earth to redeem a fallen race through his own precious blood; being truly the In- finite Jehovah, the Eternal God, yea, even the God- man.

For Jesus thus to become man, and dwell with the children of men, ever doing the will of his Father, constantly going about doing good, is a theme which

8 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

is as exhaustless and unfathomable as the bottomless ocean.

We behold him in his early life dwelling in obscu- rity, surrounded — not with the great, the mighty, and the noble — but we behold him brought up amidst that class, who are even to this present day his most constant and faithful followers.

At length the great mission for which he came must be engaged in; and with tears, entreaties, and warnings, did our blessed Lord give his life and strength, that the ruined race might be reconciled to God. Sharing in the toils, sufferings, and depriva- tions of his followers, having nought where to lay his head, we see him seeking out the lost sheep of the house of Israel. The multitude at times follow him, and throng him, and his condescension may be most clearly seen when he even deigns to dwell with the' most humble and lowly. The proud Pharisee would not allow himself to stoop to the common people, his self-righteousness was such as to preclude all thoughts of such a character; but Jesus, the Divine Mediator, our Saviour, was meek and lowly, emphatically a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. " Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." Oh! who can thus behold our immaculate Lord, without so much as a place on the earth upon which to rest his weary head, without so much as a shelter even

THE MATCHLESS CONDESCENSION OF CHRIST. 9

in which to find protection from the beating storm, without so much as the common peasant daily enjoys; who, we ask. can thus behold the immaculate Son of God, and not be moved with deep feelings of emo- tion ? And, do we for a moment pause, and ponder the reason of all this? Do we, when viewing our blessed Lord, ask ourselves the question, Why did Jesus condescend to endure such a life of toil and de- privation amongst the children of men? The two- fold answer is ever glowing in the gospel, and at once falls upon the ear, because of man's sinfulness, and a Saviour's love. Yes, love reigns in the Saviour's bosom, when man seeks to live at the greatest dis- tance from God. Do you ask for proof? We refer you to — 1st, Christ's teachings; 2d, his example.

1st. TVe find, upon a perusal of the Saviour's word, that every precept which is given us is, as it were, burning with love, and infuses the same into the hearts of all those who will consent to become his followers. Glance only for a moment at his sermon on the mount, and what important and practical in- struction do we find ! Hear the gracious words which fall from his blessed lips, when he says: — "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger

and thirst after righteousness : for they shall be filled. 2*

10 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

Blessed are the merciful : for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers : for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake : for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven. Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." What a brilliant page of instruction ! How deeply inwrought within every precept is the principle of love; and how contrary is this to the natural incli- nations of the human heart. How strangely averse is the natural heart to exercising a spirit of love to our enemies. Ask the natural man to love his ene- mies, and how quickly does he resort to justice, and say: "he has done me an injury, and therefore I cannot but hate him." Poor fallen man! He reali- zes not that he himself has many times injured his God, and is already condemned at his holy bar. He realizes not that he and his enemy are perhaps both rebelling against God daily, and while man would thus seek to crush his enemy to the earth; he gives no heed to his own situation, and realizes not that an offended God now stands ready to receive and forgive

THE MATCHLESS CONDESCENSION OF CHRIST. 11

him, but, if rejected, will ere long place justice to the line and judgment to the plummet.

Our Saviour not only commands us to love and pray for our enemies, but he, in order to the more clearly rivet our duty into our minds, appeals di- rectly to our rational faculties, and comes home to our candid and enlightened judgment, and gives us the lasting precept, which, when lived up to, causes the believer's light to shine with a brilliancy which clearly proves the reality of the religion of Jesus. "As ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so unto them." By these words we are taught to weigh unprejudicedly both sides of the question, by placing ourselves in the opposite scale, and allow- ing our fellow man to stand in the same situation in which we actually stand, and by thus candidly view- ing the matter in the gospel light, we are enabled to arrive at a just decision. Do we startle and say that were we to follow this principle out in the minutiae of our affairs, we should be often injured in conse- quence? True, our enemies by this means might gain a seemingly temporary advantage over us; but listen! c;Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Jesus is with his people in the fulfilment of all of the commands and precepts which he has given us, and it is our duty to obey his will in all things; and, while doing so, his gracious voice may ever be heard whispering in our ear the sweet words

12 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

of comfort, "It is I; be not afraid." We shall now present our second point in connection with this subject, viz.: Christ's example.

The example of Christ affords the most striking and convincing proof of his love. Spurned at times from the presence of the people, he meekly submits to their fearful insults, and raises not his arm in de- fence. When they took up stones to cast at him in the temple, did he rail upon them? No; he hid himself, and went out of the temple and so passed by. When he came to his own country, Nazareth, and went into the synagogue and preached the ac- ceptable year of the Lord, which caused those who were in the synagogue to be filled with wrath, so that they even laid hold of him, thrust him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill to cast him down headlong, did he seek to destroy them ? No; "he passing through the midst of them went his way." And at last, when he was seized by an infuriated throng, and led by the Jewish rabble into the presence of the high priest, and when they that held him smote him and struck him on the face, did he exercise his power to destroy them? When he was taken to the Jewish Council, and from thence led away to Pilate the Roman Governor, and there falsely accused, did he call upon the legions of angels at his command to destroy his accusers? And, at last, when he was led to Mount Calvary, and there

TIIE MATCHLESS CONDESCENSION OF CHRIST. 13

suspended upon the cross, surrounded by inhuman wretches who exultingly exclaimed: "'Thou that de- stroyeth the temple and raiseth it again in three days, save thyself and come down from the cross," did he use the power which he had to disperse and destroy them at a single breath ? Ah, no ! he lifts his thoughts above, and offers his dying prayer, saying, " Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Oh ! who can t*hus view our Saviour and not be touched with tender emotions ? Who can close his ears to the Saviour's call when we thus view him, not merely condescending to dwell with men of low estate and humble birth, but even submitting to be suspended upon the cross between two thieves, as if they deemed him the worst of the three; and there expiring between the heavens and earth, as if deemed by his enemies unfit for either? Oh! believers in Jesus, behold our blessed Saviour! Behold, for a moment, the inexpressible love which burned in the Saviour's bosom for a sinful world, — for you and me, — as he meekly meets the tide of fury which wicked hands caused to flow in upon him. Yea, more than this, as he meets not only the fearful wrath of an uprising and rebellious people, but which is infinitely more, behold him as he meets our sins at the bar of justice, and pays in his own actual suffer- ing the entire demands of justice against us, by bearing our sins in his own body upon the tree.

14 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

With such views of the Saviour, who can fail to feel within the heart a deep sense of indescribable love and gratitude to him who thus displays for us such matchless condescension ?

" Come, guilty sinners, come and see Your great atoning sacrifice ; Behold, on yonder gory tree,

The King of kings for rebels dies.

Thy dying, living, boundless love, While here below shall tune our tongue ;

And when we join the choirs above, Thy love be our triumphant song."

Secondly: Christ's watch-care over his people. Jesus not merely condescends to reinstate man into favor with God, by giving himself as a voluntary sa- crifice; but, aware of the feebleness and the frailty of man's nature, he exercises a constant watch-care over his followers.

Promises innumerable are given us, assuring us that Jesus is ever near to his disciples, and that his thoughts toward his trusting ones are none other than thoughts of love. Although it be true that Jesus loves the sinner, and yearns to embrace him as he yearned over Jerusalem when he exclaimed, uO Jerusalem! Jerusalem! which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee ; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen gathereth her brood under her wings;" still there

THE MATCHLESS CONDESCENSION OF CHRIST. 15

is not that approving love which Jesus constantly exercises towards his humble and faithful followers. Would we then obtain the loving favor of Christ? we must seek first the kingdom of God and his righ- teousness, and in doing so we may rest assured that all needful things will be added unto us. Yes, dear hearers, wherever the true disciple wends his steps he can confidently look up to Jesus, feeling that, although the earth be shaken from its foundations, and the mountains be cast into the sea, still the be- liever can recline upon the arm of the Saviour, while he feels to exclaim, surely "his left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me." "Are two sparrows sold for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Fathe. . But even the very hairs of your head are all num- bered. Fear ye not, therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." By the foregoing language, we are given to see in the clearest light possible, that the hand of mercy is over us in love. Again, Christ assures us that he is the good Shepherd, and that he even giveth his life for his sheep. And, dear hearers, let us listen still farther to the voice of the Saviour. M My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me : and (blessed thought) I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me is greater than all ; and

16 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."

With such a watchful and gracious protector and preserver, can we not feel to rejoice and be glad, and may we not trust in him more confidently than ever before? The Scriptural figure brought to view, re- presents the Saviour as daily, yea, even hourly watch- ing over his people. But, with these promises and assurances before us, alas ! the believer is often liable to stray from the fold, and forget the compassionate yearnings of our blessed Lord. How often does the Saviour seek us out and draw us back to himself, when we have been wandering upon the dark moun- tains of unbelief, surrounded by yawning chasms and frightful precipices. How often have we, like the swallow which dips its wings in the running brook, in like manner sunk low in spiritual things, and even stirred the dark waters of sin. But, just then, when like the Psalmist our feet had well nigh slipped, the Saviour had spoken to us and we have heard his warning voice, and again been led to seek his face and hide ourselves beneath the shadow of his wing. Oftentimes, too, when we have been thrown into deep trial and sorrow, and when our hearts have been rent with deep anguish, we have heard the gentle steppings of the Saviour, and have caught the sweet sound of his voice as he has spoken to us, saying, "It is I; be not afraid."

THE MATCHLESS CONDESCENSION OF CHRIST. 17

How often lias the believing mother, when, per- haps, called upon to stand by the death-bed of a dying child , either in its infantile days, or more mature years, stood with a breaking heart, and sought to re- move the fell disease which was preying upon the mortal frame. Oh ! how her heart has beat with anguish, and how her frame has shook with grief as she has thus watched the sinking form, and at last seen the loved one close its eyes forever. The waves of sorrow have then rolled with terrific fury, and the frail bark of life has been almost rent asunder as the foaming waves have been sweeping over and dashing around it; and, when almost engulfed beneath the angry waves, Jesus has come into the heart and kindly spoken these glad words of comfort, "It is Ij be not afraid." How quickly at such times has the deep foundation of grief been dried, and the foaming ocean of sorrow been stilled. The frail bark now glides smoothly along, the turbid waves have ceased to roll and swell, for the voice of Jesus has reached the afflicted mariner, and he has spoken to the waves, saying, " Peace, be still 1"

"'Tis faith supports my feeble soul, In times of deep distress ; "When storms arise, and billows roll, Great God, I trust thy grace.

Bereft of friends, beset with foes, With dangers all around ;

3

18 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

To thee I all my fears disclose, In thee my help is found.

In every want, in every strait,

To thee alone I fly ; When other comforters depart,

Thou art forever nigh."

Again, Christ never brings any joys or sorrows upon his people but what are for their good. Often- times viewing things with our short sighted vision we are apt to feel unreconciled at first with the dealings of God with us. To the believer who has enjoyed for a season uninterrupted sunshine the op- posite seems almost at times to call forth murmur- ings. But, could he view the dealings of God with him from a more elevated standpoint, he would see that the great Shepherd is watching over him in love, and seeking to purify his soul so as to the more clearly reflect the divine image. How often is it the case that afflictions draw us to the throne of grace. While enjoying uninterrupted sunshine we have per- haps become heedless and cold, and we have left the paths of peace, and, like the condor, are now dwell- ing (in a spiritual sense) among the cliffs of per- petual snow. Afflictions come, but they come not by chance. Waves of sorrow and adversity swell around us; but those waves are under the control of the Saviour; and the paths through which we are walking are the paths of his own appointment. The

THE MATCHLESS CONDESCENSION OF CHRIST. 19

Red Sea may look frightful, but its waters will part as we enter and by faith we may pass through un- harmed. The waves of a Tiberian Sea may roll and swell around us, but listen for a moment, a voice di- vine is even now speaking, saying, "Peace, be still."

How often is it the case that the mariner becomes thoughtless and careless and dreams not of death while gliding over the calm ocean, but let a fearful gale arise and rend the ship in twain, plunging the inmates into the dark blue waters, then, as that care- less and reckless mariner in the death-struggle with the waves catches a lonely plank or broken spar how imploringly he seeks the presence and compas- sion of the Saviour. Thus is it with believers. They are out upon the great ocean of life, and when all is calm they are apt to become careless and rest at ease in Zion ; but when the Master sees fit to call us nearer to himself he stirs the calm ocean, and how quickly our thoughts turn to him, and like the Galilean disciples we receive him and all is calm and tranquil.

True, calm and Christian resignation can only be attained and enjoyed by dwelling at the feet of Je- sus. Like Mary we must listen to the Saviour's words and treasure them up in our hearts.

Again, the nearer we live to Christ the greater realization will we have of his constant watch-care. When the multitude thronged the Saviour did they

20 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

not become convinced that he was not unconcerned as to even their temporal welfare? Did he send them away famishing for want of food? No, he takes the scanty repast which is before them, blesses it with his own lips and miraculously enlarges it so as to even more than supply the wants of all. Think you that that same Jesus who thus addressed and fed the multitude, and who walked upon the sea of Galilee is not still with his disciples? Yea, verily, his delight is still to dwell with the children of men, and his intercessory voice is constantly pleading be- fore the Father's throne in our behalf. Time abates not the Saviour's love, nor diminishes in the least the efficacy of his blood. "Jesus Christ the same yester- day, to-day and forever," is still the believer's hope and theme. Man may change, but Jesus never. His love to his people is an everlasting love, and sooner will the sun refuse to shine and the stars of heaven fall than the Saviour forget his chosen people. The divine promise aLo I am with you alway " stands as firm and as sure as eternity itself. While trusting in this promise a Peter could stand up and proclaim the Saviour to dying men although aware of the fact that he must at last suffer death by follow- ing in the footsteps of the Saviour. Our Lord hav- ing assured him that "when he became old another should gird him and lead him whither he wouldst not." • A Paul could in like manner boldly proclaim

THE MATCHLESS CONDESCENSION OF CHRIST. 21

a crucified and risen Saviour, whether he be in Jeru- salem, or Damascus; Antioch, or Ephesus; Phillip- pi, or Thessalonica; Corinth, or at Rome. Here and elsewhere, his theme was naught but "Jesus Christ; and him Crucified." Nor are these instances exceptions, for not only in the Apostolic age, but in every age the same protective hand has been clearly seen, and the same strengthening grace freely given, and to-day we may even behold that same arm extended over us in love, and realize that same sup- porting grace within our hearts, in kind at least, if not in degree.

Thirdly : The sweet comfort and security which is thus given to the believer.

The believer, as we have before seen, is a privi- leged being. Demands are made upon him, but there is a sweet comfort and security interwoven with and resting upon the fulfilment of those demands, which enables him to feel a divine security which nature and time cannot remove. Being kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, there re- mains naught which <ean effectually mar his happi- ness or sever this relationship. This thought has ever been, and will be to the latest ages, a sweet so- lace to the believer. No security in ourselves; no righteousness of our own; no earthly arm to savingly support; but secure in the divine Saviour; clothed with the divine righteousness; and resting upon the 3*

22

PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

divine arm. A security is thus enjoyed which in- spires the believer's heart with comfort and confi- dence throughout every change and vicissitude of life. This comfort is not obtained from outward circum- stances, but through the hidden internal avenues ex- isting between Christ and the believer; the mind and will having been brought into complete subjec- tion to the will of Christ. Those of us who have thus yielded to Christ are enabled to feel that what- ever betide, he doeth all things well. Confidence in Grod at all times is one of the truest characteristics of genuine piety; and a reconciliation to the divine providences is but the natural result of exercising faith in the Redeemer's name. The most striking difference may be at once observable as existing be- tween those who put their trust in Christ and those who do not. Thrust the unbeliever into deep afflic- tion, and behold how his bosom heaves with sorrow and anguish; but there is to him no blessed Saviour to flee to for refuge, and he is left alone to bear his burdens, because he refuses to cast his burden upon the Lord. The heart of either the renewed or un- renewed man may be rent and pained with sorrow, and the eyes become a fountain of tears, all of which may show that naturally each have the same ties of affection and the same capacities for suffering; but pause for a moment and look beyond the tearful eye and penetrate down into the deep recesses of the

TTIE MATCHLESS CONDESCENSION OF CHRIST. 23

heart, and how wide the contrast. The one, raising his voice against the dealings of Providence, repines and murmurs at the stroke which is laid upon him, and with a heart rising in rebellion against the hand of the Most High, he remains unreconciled to God and his dealings with him. The other, although possessed of the same native powers and feelings, bows his head in meek submission to the will of Christ, — and although called upon to pass through the most fiery ordeal, and endure the most severe pangs of sorrow and anguish, his heart rises not in rebellion against the dealings of Providence with him; and although called upon to bid adieu to all earthly prospects, he can trustingly say, a Not my will but thine be done." Yea, the believer is often enabled, by dwelling near to Christ, to say, like one anciently, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him."

Again, Christ is not only the security of the be- liever individually, but of the Church as a body. That security which he vouchsafed to his Church when he declared that it should be founded upon a rock, and that even the gates of hell should not prevail against it, still stands before us in all of its primitive truthfulness, and its echoes will conti- nue to roll on, vibrating and reverberating through- out the Church of Christ, until time shall be no longer. The true Church of Christ is thus secured.

24 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

so that all of tlie combined forces of man, together with the deepest devices of the arch enemy of souls, can neither remove its foundations or shake its pil- lars. By this we are not to understand that deep sorrow will not often visit the Church of Christ ; but when called upon to pass through the deep waters ot affliction, the blessed Saviour is ever near, saying, €i My grace is sufficient for thee." The beating storm, the howling winds, or the sweeping floods, may be brought to bear against the Church in which the Saviour dwells, — yet all is safe, so long as a firm reliance is exercised in him who alike directs the storm and controls the wave.

Again, afflictions are often sent upon the Church in order to try our faith and to enable us to see the more clearly that our refuge and our strength is alone in the Most High. Often does it happen in the providence of God that those upon whom the greatest responsibility is placed, and to whom we have looked for counsel and direction, are at once laid low, their countenances changed, and their places vacated. Such, my dear hearers, has of late been our own sad experience.* The hand of affliction

* Reference is here had to the lamented N. W. Smith, who died July 22d, 1863, and who, at the time of his death, was pastor of this church. God, in an especial manner, blessed his labors with us, and his death filled all hearts with inexpressible sorrow.

THE MATCHLESS CONDESCENSION OF CnRIST. 25

has been laid heavily upon us, and we are called upon to lament and bewail the loss of one who was abundant in labors and beloved by all. As we look around, our hearts are filled with sorrow; and, view- ing things from our limited standpoint, we are led to exclaim with sorrow and trembling, " Why has God dealt thus with us ?" Yet, as we lift our eyes above, and by faith look to Jesus, we hear even now his gracious voice speaking to us in tones of sweet- ness, saying, " It is I ; be not afraid." Although sorrow encompass our hearts, and darkness be round about our path, faith wings its way to the Saviour's presence, and grace strengthens our sorrowing hearts ; and although we deeply mourn our loss, we at the same time feel constrained meekly to bow to the mandate of heaven. Yea, we can even now be- hold Christ in the storm, and with mingled joy and sorrow we may repeat the sad lay :

A watchman is fallen,

Life's labor is o'er; /

The Master has called him To the Elysian Shore.

With hearts filled with sadness,

We would not complain, But look unto Jesus

For grace to sustain.

A watchman is fallen,

No more to arise; We bow to the Master,

Though mourn o'er the prize.

26 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

While we are thus left for the present desolate and sad, let our united hearts be lifted to God ; let us be humble and seek continually his face, and let us pray that God would ere long send us another, after his own heart, to be over us in the Lord ; to go in and out before us, and break unto us the word of life. Thus we may find Israel's God to be our God, yea, even our fortress and high tower.

Again, Christ is the comfort and security of be- lievers in the trying hour of death. Many of us have had the privilege of seeing the sustaining power of religion, when some dear friend has been called upon to bid adieu to the scenes of earth and enter the untried scenes of eternity. We have beheld the pallid cheek and sunken eye, and we have watched the emaciated frame trembling beneath the icy grasp of death. But under these deep afflictions we have beheld the supporting power of Jesus in a trying hour; and we have been enabled to realize his sup- porting arm as the pillow upon which rested the lan- guishing head. And, would we have that same sacred arm upon which to rest our throbbing brow, when we too are called upon to bid farewell to the things of earth ? Would we have that same Divine Power to support and uphold us when called upon to pass through the dark valley? Would ice then, we repeat, have that same Jesus near and calmly fall asleep in his arms? Then we too must give our

THE MATCIILESS CONDESCENSION OF CHRIST. 27

hearts to God, lead the life of the righteous, place our treasures in the heavens, and live the life we now live by exercising a living faith in the Son of God. We must endeavor to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. The trying hour will come upon all of us soon, for the Saviour assures us he will come quickly. But if we are pre- pared to meet our change, if we have found an in- terest in him, whom to know is life eternal; then we need fear no evil, and we can lift our hearts joyfully to Jesus; and grapple triumphantly with the king of terrors, saying, " 0 death where is thy sting ? 0 grave, where is thy victory ? " Yes, my dear hearers, we may even triumph gloriously in the hour of death, for Jesus has withdrawn the sting of death, and shorn the conquering grave of its boasted victory. Oh ! then, uhow precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." They are called from earth, but it is that they may the more richly enjoy the Saviour's presence in brighter realms above. The brittle thread of life is severed in order to transport the believer into the blest mansions above.

Oh ! with such a Saviour, may we not triumph even in the dark, trying hours of affliction; and may we not even exclaim in the language of the Psalmist, " Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy

28 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

rod and tliy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies : thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life : and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

That this may be the happy experience of all pre- sent, may God grant for Christ's sake. Amen.

DISCOURSE II.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN EFFORT.

"Is there not a cause?'' — 1 Samuel xvii. 27.

At the time when the armies of Israel were mar- shalled to repel the invading Philistines, we behold the servant of God, David, then a mere youth, volun- tarily entering the field of conflict, prompted by holy desires for the welfare of Israel. The Israelites at that time were disheartened and dismayed because of the defiant mien and dreaded threats of a champion of the Philistines, who drew near morning and even- ing, bidding defiance to the Israelitish warriors, by calling vauntingly upon them to send forth a man who would dare to enter into conflict with him, de-

THE mFORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN EFFORT. 29

daring that if the Israelite prevail against him and slay him, then the Philistines wonld become servants of Israel; but if he, the Philistine, prevail, then Israel was to become subject to the Philistines. For forty days had this champion of Gath thus chal- lenged Israel to send forth a man to fight with him. The Israelitish camp had by this time become terror- stricken, and not one within their ranks could be found who would for a moment dare to stand before such an imposing foe. They were all well aware their antagonist was skilled in the art of warfare, and forgetting that the God of Israel was their refuge, they were perplexed and sore afraid. Before them stood this defiant enemy, huge in stature and skilled in battle, wearing a coat of mail of nearly two hun- dred pounds weight, and bearing in his hand a spear, the staff of which was like a weaver's beam, and the head of which weighed twenty-five pounds. Thus armed, his cries, as they daily reached the Israelitish camp; spread terror throughout their ranks, and none were found to enter the field of conflict. "While in this sad state the army of Israel is visited by David, who was sent by his father for the pur- pose of carrying to his brethren some of the tem- poral comforts of life. Whilst in the camp of Israel, as army was arrayed against army, the giant of the Philistines and the terror of Israel again made his appearance, bidding defiance to Israel. 4

30 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

No sooner did the defiant boast reach the ears of David, than, as if impelled by a divine power, he desires to meet this common foe upon the field of conflict. His elder brother hearing him express his desire to fight with Goliah, severely rebukes him for his supposed presumption. He turns and talks with another, and is again answered in the former man- ner. At length his words were rehearsed before Saul; who immediately sent for him ; but no sooner does he express his desires to Saul, than he is again discouraged by Saul's answer. But this does not quench his desire for the preservation of Israel, and he now commences to plead with Saul for permission to engage in the deadly conflict. He makes known to Saul that while keeping his father's sheep he slew both a lion and a bear, even grasping one of those fero- cious beasts with his own hand, and then slaying him ; and he further declares that this uncircumcised Philistine shall also fall beneath his hand, because he has defied the armies of the living God. At length Saul was persuaded to let David meet Goliah, and accordingly he placed his armor upon him. But upon being clad with the armor of Saul, his fears began to arise, and he at once cast off the armor, and resorted to weapons with which he was familiar. With a staff and sling in his hand, and with five smooth stones taken from a neighboring brook, he boldly sallies forth to meet the defier of Israel. As

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN EFFORT. 31

the Philistine drew near to David, lie even treated him with utter contempt and disdain, saying, "Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves V And he cursed David by his gods. Moreover, he says to him, " Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field." The wise answer of David was, "Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield : but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast de- fied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into my hand; and I will smite thee, and take thy head from thee ; and I will give the carcasses of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands." He then, after having thus declared his trust in God, hurls the deadly mis- sile from his sling, and the champion of Gath falls to the earth. The hand of God may be most distinctly seen in the termination of this conflict. A mere youth, inexperienced in the art of war, but bearing the shield of faith, and wearing the breast-plate of righteousness, bodily meets a savage and relentless foe, strikes him to the earth, and thus Israel is pre- served. The victory was not man's but God's. With

32 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

a heart fired with a zeal for God's glory, the young servant David exclaimed from the depths of his heart as he thought of the probable destruction of Israel, "Is there not a cause ?"

As the believer now beholds the many threaten- ing forces arrayed against him, and the kingdom of Christ, may he not well be led to exclaim in the lan- guage of our text, "Is there not a cause?" The foes which we are called upon to face and repel, are not foes of an earthly character, as was the enemy of Israel; but they are a still more deadly foe, which threaten even the destruction of never-dying souls; and would we do battle valiantly and successfully against these opposing forces, we must be characterized by a zeal and faith like unto that of God's servant Da- vid. The great battle-field upon which is to be found the deadliest of enemies, is within the human breast, for there the enemy of souls delights to enter and seeks to drag the Christian from the Saviour, and make the heart a servant of sin. But over all of these opposing powers we may triumph through Christ, for in him alone is our help.

We shall now speak in the first place upon the na- ture of the conflict in which we are called upon to engage. And, secondly, the necessity of individual exertion in the kingdom of Christ. And in the third place, we shall make a few remarks by way of a prac- tical application.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN EFFORT. 33

First, then, the nature of the Christian conflict. The opposing forces which are brought to bear against the Christian, are of a two fold character — internal and external. The former is in consequence of the depravity of the human heart; the latter is in conse- quence of coming in contact with outward induce- ments and allurements to sin. This being the condition of the believer, he would be utterly inca- pable of standing in the path of holiness were it not for the support of one who was tempted and tried in all points like as we are, yet without sin; and who, therefore, knowing our frailty, is able to help us. Although there is such a proneness to sin, still the great actuating motives of life are so changed as to be going out after holiness, so that sin, instead of being the universal, becomes the exceptional. The proclamation of pardon, which cost infinitely more than man can conceive, has been passed upon us, through faith in Jesus. The king upon his throne, and. the humble peasant who put their trust in Christ, now stand upon a like basis, needing the same grace to sustain, and the same arm to uphold. A poor Lazarus laid at the rich man's gate, and the million- aire of this world, alike need the same help from above, and are a like directed to the land beyond the skies for their chiefest joy. The gospel comes to all, giving the same warning against sin, holding forth

the same reward for obedience, and pointing to the 4*

34 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

same rest above. It comes to those who have their mines of wealth, and makes known to them the tran- sitory nature of all things below, charging such to be rich in good works, and assuring them that a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Thus around every temptation and allurement there is a warning.

In every effort heavenward, and over every triumph over sin, there is a new avenue opened up between Christ and the soul, so that new beauties are seen in the divine way. Encouragements to fight valiantly against sin, and strive daily after greater holiness, are everywhere given by the Saviour. And by way of encouragement, the Christian is assured that he shall not be vanquished by any opposing forces, for he is assured that he will come off more than con- queror. True, the different conditions of the human race may be very dissimilar, but the nature of the conflict with sin is the same, the grace needed is the same, and the rest to be secured is the same. Also the inducements held forth in the gospel to enter the ranks of Immanuel are the same, whether the child, the youth, the middle aged, or the aged be addressed, or whether it be those dwelling in far-off heathen lands. The same victory is to be won, and the same rest to be attained. To the child the gospel comes pleading for the heart to be thus early given to Christ, while the contaminating influences of the

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN EFFORT oO

world have not so deeply poisoned the soul, and though assured that there is constant necessity for watchful- ness, the Saviour himself gives the assurauce of constant aid. and at last a crown of life. To those who are in the vigor of youth the gospel comes, ask- ing that the strength of their days be devoted to Christ, and pointing to a never ending rest above as a reward at last.

It comes to the aged and lifts up before them a glorious rest above, and pointing beyond the bounds of time, the thoughts are directed to that blest land where there is no marks of age and decay, where the finger of time can never furrow the cheek, where the eye will never become dim with age, and where naught shall mar an eternity of celestial happiness. But further, there is, to particularize, oftentimes the greatest necessity for watchfulness, lest the heart become proud and self-righteous. Man by nature is at enmity against an imputed righteousness. It is contrary to all of the natural inclinations of the hu- man heart. Although there is within the unre- newed heart oftentimes a strong sense of guilt, still there is an uprising against an imputed righteous- ness, and he vainly desires to personally merit that which can only be received as a gift. Even in the days of the Apostles, this fact may be most clearly- seen, for the Apostle Paul, in speaking of his own brethren the Jews, bears them record that they

36 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. And he declares them to be ignorant of God's right- eousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness , and he farther makes known to them the righteousness which is of the law, and also the righteousness which is by faith. Of the former, he says the man which doeth those things shall live by them. That is, if we look to the law for justifica- tion instead of looking to Christ, we shall be judged by the law; and how clearly are we shown that by the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified, inas- much as all have sinned. But the righteousness which is by faith, speaketh on this wise : " Say not in thy heart who shall ascend into heaven, that is, to bring Christ down from above; or who shall descend into the deep, that is to bring up Christ again from the dead. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee; even in thy heart and in thy mouth, that is the word of faith, which- we preach. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, andshalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man belie veth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Here then we have a full and clear delineation of the manner in which man is justified before God. The righteous- ness of which we are speaking is imputed to us through faith.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN EFFORT. 37

In the first place we are clearly shown that all mankind are by nature lost. No distinction is made either to caste or condition, but clearly and unquali- fiedly all are represented as being condemned by the law, and that there is not upon the earth one that doeth good and sinneth not. Having seen our true situation by nature, we are then directed for justifi- cation to the peace-speaking blood of Jesus. As we before said the unrenewed heart naturally rises up in rebellion against the gospel mode of justification. As man lost his first estate by a personal act of diso- bedience, so he, by personal acts which are merito- rious, naturally desires to regain the favor of God. Had it been possible to have thus regained the favor of God, man would have been thus justified; for, says the Apostle, if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily, righteousness would have been by the law. But ah! this could not be. No perfection can be attained by erring man. The chasm into which he has fallen is so deep, that none, independent of Christ, can ever scale its massive walls and escape. The current into which he has sailed is so rapid, that none can ply the oar and reach the shore. The terrific maelstrom into which man has gone, is of such fearful power as to even preclude all possibility of escape. But while justice is placed to the line, and judgment to the plummet, a gleam of light is seen in the distance.

38 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

"A beam of light that shines for me, To save me from despair."

The gospel, the glorious gospel, comes within our reach, and casts a hallowed light around each way- worn traveller. We open its precious lids, and pe- ruse its sacred pages. God's Holy Spirit descends from above, and rests down upon the heart. A sense of guilt, mingled with feelings of hope and need, pervades the heart, and a safe and sure refuge is sought in him who alone is " Mighty to save." Thus the hard and strong heart is softened and changed, and becomes a habitation of God through the Spirit. But, as we said in the first place under this head, there is much need of the believer exercising a care- ful watchfulness over himself, lest instead of doing good and leading a holy life through love and obe- dience to Christ, we begin to trust in our good deeds, and so frustrate our growth in grace and derange our relationship to Christ. Again, by way of encourage- ment to those who enter the field of conflict, they are assured that, although many be their trials, they shall at last come off conquerors and receive a crown of life; and that the forces of Immanuel will con- tinue to increase until the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Yes, although at first the saving light of the gospel only reached the scattered few, yet like the shrill blast of the archangel's trump, the notes of salvation

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN EFFORT. 3d

are designed to roll and swell from mountain to mountain, and from sea to sea, until its vibrations shall be felt throughout the whole earth. Its move- ment is onward, its destiny is triumph. Although infuriated persecutors have attempted to smother up and quench this heavenly flame, their attempts have all proved that they were fighting against God. A few, comparatively, were believers in the days of Christ, yet even noic nearly incomprehensible is the number who are to-day trusting in Christ, although when compared with the present entire aggregate of the human race, but a small fractional portion are yet personally interested in Christ. We shall, there- fore, in the second place, consider the necessity of individual exertion in the cause of Christ.

As we take a survey of the present population of the human race, we find it estimated at about one billion. Vast and incomprehensible as is- this num- ber, it would be far over the general estimate to sup- pose that one fifteenth portion were true believers in Christ, and yet we believe that the whole world is to become acquainted with the way of salvation, '/and the kingdoms of this world are to become the king- doms of our Lord and of his Christ." The field is the world, and for the period of more than eighteen hundred and fifty years have the servants of Christ proclaimed the glad tidings of the gospel, yet the vast majority of the human race are now in utter

40 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

darkness concerning the way of salvation. About half of the population of the entire globe are Pagans; and the many millions of Mohammedans and others in almost entire darkness as to the true way of sal- vation, diminish the Christian world to a compara- tively small fraction. This picture, although un- speakably sad; is nevertheless a picture which boldly stares the Christian world in the face. Oh! to think of so many never-dying souls hurrying quickly on to the judgment seat of Christ without any know- ledge of the Saviour, is enough to excite the Chris- tian heart to earnest labor and untiring zeal.

While we thus view the dark regions beyond the reach of the gospel light, may we not anxiously ex- claim in the language of our text, uIs there not a cause ?" Truly, "darkness still covers the face of the earth and gross darkness the people. " On these be- nighted idolaters the light of the glorious gospel has never cast its hallowed rays. Upon these darkened shores the banner of the cross has scarce been un- furled, nor the everlasting gospel been proclaimed. There the inhabitants, instead of sitting beneath the noon-day blaze of the gospel, are left to bow down to the works of their own hands, which can neither see nor understand. Upon the Asiatic shores may still be seen the deluded widow burning upon the funeral pile with her lifeless husband, the fond Hin- doo mother bringing her infant child to the bank of

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN EFFORT. 41

the Ganges and plunging it into its sacred waters to rise no more, and the blind devotee voluntarily fall- ing before the rolling car of Juggernaut, to be crushed beneath its ponderous wheels. Oh ! who can thus behold these darkened souls and not be moved with deep feelings for the advancement of Messiah's king- dom ! Our feelings should be at once aroused in view of these things, and with much prayer and fidelity should we labor to extend the knowledge of our God and king. As Christ's people are the in- struments whom God has seen fit to use to spread the knowledge of the truth throughout the earth, a fearful responsibility is placed upon each person for the manner in which he uses the talent intrusted to his care. A field vast and extensive lies open before us, and by living up to our distinguished privilege the cause of Zion will be extended and established. But further; we shall now consider some of the duties which present themselves before the Church of Christ even within the immediate circle of her influence. Within the so-called Christianized world by far the greater portion of the inhabitants have no personal hope in Christ. From a careful examina- tion by Bev. Harvey Newcomb we learn that even in our own State nearly one-third of the entire pop- ulation are not even habitual attendants upon evan- gelical worship, and that the average attendance will not much exceed one-fifth part of the whole

42 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

population. Says Rev. J. F. Stone in speaking upon this sad fact, "It ought to move the friends of Christ to vigorous effort and earnest prayer." From a computation made upon the whole country East and West we are informed that not more than one- sixth of the whole population can truly be styled followers of Christ which number might still be di- minished could we be privileged to read the heart. As we thus view the sad state of our own land, may not the words of the text come to us with a peculiar significance, " Is there not a cause." All around the Churches of Christ are those who have no saving faith in the Redeemer of Israel. Yes, even in our midst, and perhaps in our own family circle may be found those who never lisp a prayer to God, who never bow before him and make known to him their wants ) but who live in habitual neglect of Christ's commands, who turn a deaf ear to his admonitions and warnings, who heed not his threats neither re- gard his entreaties, who live daily upon G-od's boun- ty and never praise and thank the giver, and who desire not a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. "Why ? Oh, why then we ask should the Church of Christ slumber ? Souls are perishing in our very midst and why should we be slothful ? Is not the Master willing to hear the cries of his people ? Is the arm of the Lord shortened that it cannot save ? Are not the fields white alreadv for the harvest ?

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN EFFORT. 43

Behold and see the work which is waiting us ! Has God refused to avenge his own elect if they cry unto him daily ? Nay, verily. His promises are all yea and amen in Christ Jesus. The arm of Jehovah is to-day laid bare in behalf of his people and he is even uow waiting to be gracious. Then let our cry be •• Awake, 0 north wind; and come thou south; blow upon our garden that the spices thereof may flow out." Yea, let our united cry be, " Oh ! that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down j that the mountains might flow down at thy presence." What is needed at the present time is faith and prayer, mingled with a more entire conse- cration. "All things are possible to him that be- lieveth." That is, all things which pertain to the believer's own personal duties. Are we perplexed, and do we ask how we may be the most useful in the cause of Christ ? Then let us yield ourselves to him asking wisdom from on high, trusting in the promise that he will give to him that asketk liberally and upbraid not.

But further, let us consider still more particular- ly the solemn fact that many of us, perhaps all of us, have near friends and relatives which are out of the ark of safety. This is a subject of a most solemn and weighty character. Entire households are in very many instances not consecrated to Christ. Our friends are, perhaps, all that we could wish them to

44 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

be in every other respect, but, alas ! like the rich ruler who came to Christ, there is one thing lack- ing. Perhaps in nearly every such instance earnest prayer has been and is still being offered that God would incline them to trust in Christ. But have we done all for them we could do ? Have we reasoned with them of righteousness, temperance and a judg- ment to come ? If we have put forth our every ef- fort to lead them to the Saviour, and if our reliance is wholly upon the promises of God, then may we look sooner or later for them to become lovers of the Saviour. But do you say, "I feel that I offer the prayer of faith and yet I see no immediate answer ;" neither did Elijah when he commenced to pray upon Mount Carmel, but his faith was not shaken never- theless, and in due time there appeared the little cloud which foretold an approaching storm. The im- portunate widow was not apparently heeded at first, but by her strong faith and continued supplication her request was at last granted. Even so will God also avenge his own elect.

Delays are by no means denials, and it may be that the prayer of faith may not be answered until the lips which offered it shall have been long years silent in the grave. That prayer has been preserved in eternity as a delightsome odor, and the individual for whom it was offered maybe brought to the Saviour in answer.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN EFFORT. 4f)

Often, do we believe it to be the case, that the dy- ing believer's prayer is answered long years after the dust has returned to its kindred dust. Often do we believe that the dying mother's prayer in behalf of her precious household, is answered in long years to come. As one by one is brought to Christ, they may not know the reason, but in heaven there are golden vials which contain those earnest prayers, and our living Intercessor dwells at the right hand of the Most High, there to plead the efficacy of his own blood, which avails for us.

How vast and important then, dear friends, is the work of the Christian. Our friends to be brought to Christ, our own land more fully evangelized, and the glorious gospel to be disseminated throughout every clime. The Macedonian cry arises upon either hand; and the cords and stakes of Zion are to be lengthened and strengthened. But, while this is to be effected through human means, it is not accom- plished hy human power. '-Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord. Paul may plant, and Apollos water; but it is God alone that giveth the increase."

But we will still more closely, if possible, consider the duty of individual exertion in the cause of Christ.

In order to the more effectually insure success to our labors, our Saviour has seen fit to institute a 5*

46 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

church whereby we may the more successfully labor for the mutual upbuilding of the Redeemer's king- dom. The cause of Christ is designed to be alike precious to all, and by a church organization concert of action is secured, and an opportunity afforded for harmony and unanimity of action. The building being thus fitly framed together, every person occu- pies an important sphere of usefulness.

Here, in the midst of his people, the Saviour de- lights to dwell. John, the revelator in the Apoca- lypse, saw in the midst of the seven golden candle- sticks, which were the seven churches of Asia, one like unto the Son of man, whose eyes were as a flame of fire, and whose voice was as the sound of many waters, bearing in his hand the seven stars, which were the angels of the seven churches.

Beautiful picture, in which to portray the near- ness of the Saviour to his church and people ! Oft would we imagine, when faith is upon the wane, that the Saviour is far distant. Oft do the people of God fail to realize that the great Captain of our salvation is ever near by his Spirit and his grace to lead his people on to conquest and victory. Oft do we fail to realize that the ruler of the world has constantly an anxious and careful eye upon even the feeblest of his followers.

But, while the Saviour is thus near, let us listen to his solemn warning and admonition. "Be watch-

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN EFFORT. 47

ful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die." 0, what a solemn admonition is here given to the church at Sardis ! and no less solemn warning is it to us to-day, than to the church of Asia. "Be watchful,'' says Christ to us, "and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die. Remember, therefore, how thou hast re- ceived and heard, and hold fast and repent. If, therefore, thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." Yes, my dear hearers, if we are not watchful, our Saviour will look upon our luke- warmness, the angel of the covenant will spread his soft wings and fly sorrowful away, and our candle- stick be removed out of his place. The encamping armies will overrun the armies of Israel, and defeat and sorrow will take hold upon us. Truly, then, (i Is there not a cause?"

We are not engaged in a cause which is to be de- fended by carnal weapons, as was Israel, but we are engaged in a cause which is to be defended by wea- pons which are spiritual in their nature, and mighty through God, to the pulling down of the strongholds of sins.

TTe are apt, in a measure at least, to forget at times that our strength is wholly from above, and we are too often like the Israelitish army when threat- ened by the uncircumcised Philistines. Fear often

48 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

takes hold on us when we are in the greatest need of individual activity and watchfulness. We often tremble before the enemy when we should fight valiantly for the name of our God and King. We often falter and grow weary when we should, with a nerved arm, hurl the broad battle-axe into the very heart of the enemy.

Two things are necessary in order to insure suc- cess to the believer, viz.: faith and Christian valor : the former to sustain us, the latter to enable us to stand firmly by the truth. Thus armed, the church of Christ may at all times break the ranks of the enemy even more effectually than did Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, when hedged in by the Eoman army.

Briefly, to close : a few remarks by way of a prac- tical application. As we take a retrospective glance at the foregoing remarks, we may be enabled to see in some degree the greatness of the Christian's labor and the solemn obligations which are resting upon every disciple, to endeavor to advance the Saviour's cause.

Christ has given to every disciple a field of labor and usefulness, with the important command resting upon him, "Occupy till I conie." He has committed to his followers the glorious work of spreading the glad news of salvation, by proclaiming to a dying world the glorious plan of redemption.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN EFFORT. 40

While thus engaged he has left his people the gracious promise that he will assist theni by his Spi- rit and his grace, and that he will never leave nor forsake them. Yea, he further declares, that he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal. This, then, is the great mission of the church of Christ, to seek to be instrumental in pluck- ing sinners as brands from the burning. To persuade men to be reconciled to God. Will we, then, be faithful to our trust? Oh ! how important the field ! How precious the work of gathering fruit unto life eternal! With a deep sense of the great responsi- bility which is resting upon us, with what earnest- ness should we labor to point sinners to Christ! Let us, then,

"Point to his redeeming blood,

And say, Behold the way to God!"

Oh! may our hearts be deeply stirred this day for the welfare of Zion, and may our united praises ascend in one united symphonious strain as we be- hold the riches of God's grace as displayed in the gift of his Son for the salvation of sinners.

"When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.

u Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ, my God;

50 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

All the vain things which charm me most, I sacrifice them to thy blood.

" See, from his head, his hands, his feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down; Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

" Were all the realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all"

DISCOURSE III.

Christ's vicarious death.

" He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." — Isaiah liii. 5.

The prophet Isaiah was enabled to look down through the vista of coming ages with a more ex- tended vision than were many who prophesied of the Redeemer's kingdom; and he seems almost at times to even step over into the gospel dispensation, and proclaim the glad tidings of a crucified and risen Saviour. Indeed, so much did he foretell concerning the promised Messiah, and so frequently are his

Christ's vicarious death. 51

writings referred to in the New Testament, that he is sometimes styled the Evangelical prophet.

In the chapter immediately preceding the one con- taining our text, the prophet breaks forth in joyful strains, announcing the glad news of the personal appearance of the Bedeeiner, and the establishment of his kingdom upon the earth. But, no sooner does he see the exalted Saviour personally erect his king- dom upon the earth, than he is permitted to look still further- and, as if with the natural vision, he is permitted to behold the deep suffering connected with the Saviour's mission, and the deep trials through which he must pass.

Xot only does the prophet thus view the suffering Saviour, but with a keen perception he glances at the cause of these indescribable sufferings: and no sooner does he obtain a view of the cause of the Sa- viour's agony, than he breaks forth in the words of the text: " He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." A dark cloud now rests upon the pro- phet; and instead of the joyous words which came forth from his heart as he beheld Zion putting on her beautiful garments, and her strength, he now descends into the deep valley of sorrow, and with plaintive voice we hear him describing the cause of the suffering which he beholds the Saviour endurine.

52 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY

Ah. ! what wonder that the prophet's voice is hushed into strains of sadness as he beholds the sinner's guilt and the Saviour's sorrow ! Like the dark cloud which obscures the light from above, so a cloud now rests over the inspired penman; and although the cloud is ere long removed, as he sees the glorious ends resulting from the pangs of suffering and sorrow en- dured by the Saviour, still, beneath that cloud, where hangs the bleeding sacrifice, would we now desire to lead you, in order that we may have a clearer under- standing of our sinfulness in the sight of Grod; and of the great sacrifice which has been given for us. Fain would we rend the veil around our hearts while we contemplate this subject, and seek to understand why darkness covers the earth for a season; why the deep thunders roll, and the rocks are rent asunder; why the veil of the temple is rent in twain, and ivhy Jesus dies.

Therefore our first point will be: The love of Christ to sinners.

2. The vicarious sacrifice which he offered.

3. The result of, or reconcilation made by Christ's suffering.

First, then, we shall discourse for a short time upon the love of Christ to sinners.

This theme, although one which is constantly set forth in the sacred word, is as far beyond the com- prehension of the human mind as infinitude is beyond

Christ's vicarious death. 53

that which is infinite. We can no more fathom it than we can fathom eternity. As well might we at- tempt to understand the entire works of creation, as to think to comprehend Christ's love. True, man is capable of measuring or understanding, to a certain degree, Christ's wonderful love to sinners; yet the ex- tent of that love, in its length and breadth, heighth and depth, who can measure? Man can measure the distance from one point to another upon the orb on which we live, even though it be across the lofty mountain, the wide-spread plain, the dense forest and the trackless ocean; or he can tell us the height of the mountain peak, which is seemingly lost in the heavens. Nay, more, so completely is science per- fected, that the astronomers can tell us the distance from the earth to the starry orbs which dot the ca- nopy of heaven, and so great do they tell us the d s- tance in some cases is, that we find ourselves utterly lost. Astronomers farther tell us the distance of one star from another, the distance of stars from the pla- nets, and the planets from the sun; whilst away, far as the most gigantic telescope can reach, appear in- creasing numbers of worlds; and here science fails us; and we are left to conjecture by flying upon the wings of our imagination, only to find ourselves lost in the great depths of immensity. We may task our- selves to the utmost in endeavoring to comprehend 6

54 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

the vastness of the universal empire, but we find our- selves drifting in the midst of an endless ocean, and we are exhausted in the attempt.

Fit type in which to represent to you, my hearers, the immeasurable depth of the love of Christ. We here and there catch glimpses of the Saviour's love which we can in a measure understand, whilst there are other manifestations of his love more incompre- hensible to us than the immeasurable distance from this world of the most distant of the heavenly worlds. Christ's love to his earthly parents, and his wonderful care for the future wants of his mother, even in his last moments, when suspended upon the cross, proves to us the strength of those earthly ties of relationship; but oh ! how soon are we lost in contemplating his love for sinners! We endeavor to understand it, but its vastness far surpasses all human knowledge, and we wander until our minds are tasked to their utmost, only to turn either way and find the same increasing depths. As the finite can never comprehend the In- finite, neither can we fully understand the depths of the riches of that love which is treasured for us in Christ Jesus. We may task our capacities to their utmost, but there will ever remain the same infini- tude of distance. Had we the privilege of viewing the death of one who had lain down his life for his friends, we might possibly, to quite an extent, com- prehend the depth of that love which prompted this

CHRIST S VICARIOUS DEATH. ^5

voluntary sacrifice. "We might say the persons for

whom he suffered were highly esteemed ; they were the choicest friends, and possessed the most praise- worthy elements of character; and although the sacrifice offered shows the greatest attachment, still the personal merit of those friends would afford to us special reasons why the offered life should be given. Says the Apostle Paul, " Peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die." This idea, al- though comparatively plain to the inspired penman, is nevertheless spoken of as being an expression of no ordinary degree of love.

Again, were a person to suffer martyrdom, we should be able, in part at least, to comprehend the strength of that love which caused him to yield him- self a willing sacrifice. We should look at the im- portance of the cause which he was defending, and we should admire the attachment of him who would rather die than renounce it, and he would receive from us the highest encomium. We should admire such noble traits of character, and we should feel that such a public exemplification of love for the truth was in the highest degree commendatory. The history of the Church affords innumerable instances of the ar- dency of the true believer's love for Christ, when put to the test. A love for the truth as it is in Jesus has, in countless instances, been the means of leading the poor sufferer to the burning stake. The blood-stained

56 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

pages of the Church's history tell us plainly how dear to the believer has been the precious Saviour. No threats of punishment nor pangs of cruel torture could sever the strong cord of love which bound the believer to his Saviour. Still we are enabled to, in part at least, comprehend this love, for it emanates from a heart which has been freed from the bondage and dominion of sin, through the cleansing efficacy of the Saviour's blood, and the maintenance of the love of Christ within the heart, as well as the eternal in- terest of the never-dying soul, demand an unswerv- ing allegiance to Christ's holy cause.

Again, our love to Christ is only reciprocal in its nature. We love him, says the sacred writer John, because he first loved us. The love which the be- liever bears to Christ, is not because of any inherent affection for the Saviour and the things which be- long to holiness; the first cause lies not in the human breast, but emanates from the Divine Saviour; and why we love him is because his Spirit inclines us to see a beauty in him that we should desire him. But farther, there are the highest reasons, why our hearts should be filled with the deepest gratitude towards him, for no earthly friend could ever confer upon us so many inexpressibly valuable blessings. He has borne our sins in his own body upon the tree, and thereby freed us from the bondage of sin and death. He continually watches over and careth for his peo-

CHRIST'S VICARIOUS DEATII. 57

pie, even as a shepherd watcheth over and careth for his sheep. Yea, he supplieth our every want, and leadeth us by the side of the still waters, and in the green pastures.

But when we for a moment turn and contemplate the boundless and unspeakable love of Christ for sinners, for those who are his open and professed enemies, how soon are we overwhelmed ! Nothing in man to elicit one kind look; nothing in us to draw one thought of mercy from above; and yet Jesus loves us. Yea, he not only loves us, but he lays down his own most precious life for ours; — being wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities. "Who can portray such boundless love? What mortal tongue make known its unfathomable depths ?

" Neither Angel nor Archangel can e'er make known Such wondrous love to dying man ; While they behold the Saviour seated on his throne, They exclaim, His wisdom drew the plan I"

As the sun is the great centre from which light ema- nates, so Christ is the great centre of light to our moral horizon. Remove Christ, and it would be like blotting the sun from the heavens above us.

But further, we will contemplate more particularly

the manner in which Christ manifested his love to us

in his last agonies. His whole life affords a most

wonderful display of love; but we have only time to

6*

58 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

notice briefly, and particularly, those scenes which transpired upon Mount Calvary. Here would we linger, and amidst the scenes which present them- selves, meditate upon the love of the suffering Sa- viour. We behold him suspended upon the cross, enduring the most excruciating agony, allowing his enemies to drive the sharpened nails into his hands and feet, and at last meekly bowing his head, and saying — "It is finished." What, dear hearers, is finished ? The rocks are rent, the earth quakes, and the veil of the temple is rent from the top to the bottom, — what is finished? Christ's sufferings are finished; but is this all? Ah! no. There is yet another thought connected with the dying words of Jesus. Our redemption is finished; our ransom is paid; for with his stripes we are healed. The tide of suffering which flawed in upon him while sus- pended upon yonder cross, was the sufferings due us, of which we shall speak at greater length hereafter. Beneath the overhanging cloud upon Calvary arise plaintive notes of sorrow; but, lo! he who hangs sus- pended on yonder cross is the sinner's Friend.

"Hark! from yonder mount arise

Notes of sadness, Jesus dies;

On the cross the Lord of lords,

Love for guilty man records :

Sinner, sinner, hear your Saviour's dying words.''

2. We shall now speak of the vicarious death which Christ offered.

Christ's vicarious death. 59

The death of Christ, and the sacrifice or atone- ment thns made, was wholly substitutionary in its character. The divine government must be main- tained, and sin could not be allowed to go unpunished. Man had broken the holy law under which he was created, and invincible justice demanded satisfac- tion. Arrayed before the court of Heaven stands the sinner, when Christ offers to meet the demands of justice, by dying in the stead of his people. . His love, as we have before considered, was wholly un- merited by us, and arose, as it were, spontaneous in his own breast. Having obeyed the law perfectly, in its very letter and spirit, and having shed his blood for his covenanted people, they became, through faith in his name, partakers of the heavenly inheritance. AVe see, then, that by his obedience, we are made righteous, and by his blood we are justified. In the former, Jesus magnifies the law, and makes it ho- norable; and in the latter, a satisfactory expiation is made, so that through faith in, and obedience to him, we obtain forgiveness, and receive his righteousness. Hence, the apostle Paul exclaims : " There is, there- fore, now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own

60 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, con- demned sin in the flesh. That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Thus did Christ die for us, that he might free us from the fearful conse- quences of sin, and bring us again into favor with God. The great sacrifice he offered was every way satisfactory to the Father, and his justice could be maintained; whilst sinners could be saved, for upon him (the Saviour) was laid the iniquities of us all. Our debt of penalty has, therefore, been fully paid. Our debt of penalty, we say, but not our debt of duty. This latter point, you will at once perceive, strikes back upon the moral law as our rule of con- duct. It has been vainly argued by some, that through the death of Christ we are released from the claims of the law, not only as respects the penalty due on account of transgression, but as a rule of con- duct. As to the former point, we readily concede; but as to the latter, we feel to dissent, if by -''rule of conduct," we are to understand our duty to love God with our whole heart, and our neighbor as ourself. Although it is true that in all things we do sin and come short, — which fact shows our constant need of the intercessions of Christ, — still, were the high moral standard by which the heart and life are to be guided removed, our entire moral standard would be swept away, and there would be no effective means of guiding

Christ's vicarious death. 61

the moral faculties. Our duty to love the Lord with our whole heart, is as binding upon us to-day as when the wTords were repeated by the Saviour. This duty has never been, and never will be abrogated ; and it is our failure to comply with the requirements of this law, which places us under the constant need of the intercessory labors of Christ. Thus, Christ having the righteousness which is by the law, has whereof to bestow upon those who live by faith upon him, and he thus becomes the end of the law for righteous- ness to every one that believeth.

Again, by the sufferings of Christ the identical penalty for our actual transgressions has been paid. Identical, we say, for whether we consider the Sa- viour to have suffered upon the cross, the actual suf- fering which we would have endured had we been punished eternally, or whether we view it in another light, the end is the same to us, and the punishment due our actual transgression fully paid. Christ, then, hath borne our sins in his own body upon the tree. Yes, believers in Jesus, those sins which you have so often committed, and over which you have so often mourned as you thought of your aggravated guilt in the sight of God, were all of them borne by the Sa- viour upon the cross of Calvary. Every sinful act which you have committed, every sinful thought which has ever crossed your mind, was voluntarily met by the Saviour upon Calvary's rugged brow.

62 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

Oh ! let us not think then that sin is any thing of a trivial nature ! Think you the wondering angels viewed it thus when Jesus was expiring ? Think you the Saviour viewed it in this light while en- during the hidings of G-od's countenance, and re- ceiving for us the fearful arrows of justice? Even in view of these sufferings, he sweat as it were great drops of blood; yet he ■ *;nks not, and, bearing his own bosom to the arrows of justice, he receives them in our stead, being wounded for our transgressions, and braised for our iniquities.

"Alas ! and did my Saviour bleed? And did my Sovereign die ? Would he devote that sacred head, For such a worm as I?

"Was it for crimes that I have done,

He died upon the tree? Amazing pity, grace unknown !

And love beyond degree !"

Christ, by his death, unlocked every cell of sin within the human heart, and drank for his people the bitter cup of justice even to the very dregs, and by this means he broke the binding chains of sin; proclaiming deliverance to the captives, and letting the oppressed go free. He saw us ruined in the fall and exposed to eternal woe, but— amazing thought ! he bade adieu for a season to the joys of heaven, and came to our relief. He saw us in the deep gulf of

Christ's vicarious death. 63

despair, with no hope, and without God; and being moved with pity and compassion, he came to the yawning gulf, looked longingly over its brink, and, beholding the deep lake of fire beneath our feet, he receives in his own side the sword of justice, and rescues us from the burning crates of woe. Oh ! dear hearers, behold your Saviour, even leaping over the yawning precipice, and clasping the sinner to his bosom, that he may save him from the devouring flame ! TTell may angel tongues falter in their sweet strains of heavenly music, as they behold the great atoning sacrifice offered for our redemption. Redemption^ how precious is this word to the be- liever! No erring mortal could ever purchase it for himself — much less for others, for we are entirely destitute of all original holiness. Xeither angel nor archangel could redeem us, should they weep tears of sorrow throughout the countless ages of eternity. But Jesus has accomplished it, by taking upon him- self our human nature, obeying the law perfectly, and dying in our stead. Although the image of ho- liness has been lost by our sinfulness, the connecting link is again even restored through the mediation of Jesus, who. clasping the sinner with the one hand, and with the other firmly clasping the hand of the Father, thus forms the connecting link between earth and heaven.

64 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

He, by his own hand, lifts us out of the horrible pit and miry clay, and places our feet upon the sure Rock of Ages. The simple and plain terms by which we may all become the recipients of his favor, and have our feet planted upon a sure rock, is by exer- cising faith in his name. No sinner need now per- ish, for eternal life is so freely offered, that those who perish can only perish by rushing recklessly over the promises of Christ, and turning a deaf ear to his warning voice.

3. The result of Christ's sufferings.

We have previously considered the love of Christ to sinners, and his vicarious death; and having had our hearts made sorrowful on account of viewing the suffering Saviour, we would now present a theme of endless joy to the believer. With his stripes we are healed. The great end of the life and death of the Saviour, as we somewhat considered under our last head, is the salvation of his people. To those who live by faith upon his name is a pardon granted, and his righteousness freely bestowed. There are no sins, however great and aggravated, but that the peace-speaking blood of Christ can cleanse. There is no corruption so deep but that Christ can remove. For the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin. It is sometimes the case that people stay away from Christ because they are such great sinners; and be- cause they have long walked in high-handed rebel-

Christ's vicarious death. 65

lion against God, and rejected so many offers of mercy, they almost view themselves beyond the reach of free grace. They reason thus with themselves : If I had always maintained a strict moral deport- ment— if I had never so many times rejected God, and sinned against him, I would at once seek for mercy. It is true, these things greatly aggravate our guilt ) but let us look to the sacred word for hope. " With his stripes we are healed." "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." The Apostle Paul, when reviewing the manner in which his past life had been spent, was not at all in- sensible to his awful sinfulness when he was destroy- ing the disciples ; but instead of using this as a rea- son why he should not come to Christ, he takes the opposite view, and, using it as a reason why he should come, he says, "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief." Here the Apostle views himself as not only a great sinner, but as the chief; as one who had not only committed small crimes, but as one who had committed the greatest crimes. Yet, with all of his wickedness and madness against the Church, he obtained mercy. The Spirit of God descended upon his heart, and through its influence he was laid low, and led to see that it was Jesus whom he was persecuting, and that it was through him alone that he could be saved. Thus, as 7

66 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY

the result of Christ's sufferings, salvation is secured unto all who believe. The Apostle who had once been a persecutor now becomes a defender of the faith he once sought to destroy, and such high at- tainments did he make in the divine life, that he even desired to depart and be with Christ. While he felt that to live was Christ, he also felt assured that to die was gain. An ardent desire for the spread of the gospel was constantly manifested by him, and the great question for him to settle was, how he could best glorify God. He felt that a free gospel was placed within his hands ; and, holding forth the word of life, and proclaiming its precious truths, he was permitted to witness its divine power in bringing sinners to Christ.

Again, as a result of Christ's sufferings, his people enter into eternal rest. The life here is usually a life of toil and deprivation; but there is continually shining upon the believer's path rays of heavenly light, and, like the lamp elevated upon the lamp-post by which the traveller obtains light, so the light which shines upon the believer's path shines more and more even unto the perfect day. Were it not for the sus- taining hope of a rest beyond the grave, Christ's peo- ple might become faint and wearied; but as we look beyond the bounds of time, we are enabled to count the sufferings of this present time as not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in

Christ's vicarious death. 67

us. Yea, we look forward with joy to the day when we shall ascend on high and enjoy the continual pre- sence of Jesus; where no sin can ever enter to draw our thoughts from Christ, and where we shall forever enjoy the sweet fruition of his love. Oh? happy, happy abode ! to dwell forever with Jesus and an- gels. Worthy, worthy, worthy the Lamb that was slain, for thou hast redeemed us. We will sing thy praises and make known thy mercies. Let the chil- dren of Zion be joyful in their King, and let his saints rejoice in his mercy. Yea, praise ye the Lord all his people. Praise him in his sanctuary; praise him in the firmament of his power ; praise him for his mighty acts ; praise him for his excellent great- ness, for he is the rock of our salvation, our fortress, our high tower, and with his stripes we are healed.

"Who shall fulfil the boundless song? What vain pretender dare ? The theme surmounts an angel's tongue, And Gabriel's harp despair."

68 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

DISCOURSE IV.

A SOLEMN QUESTION. "What will ye do in the solemn day?" — Hose A ix. 5.

To the individual who will take the pains to con- sider why this solemn question is asked, there may be no passage in the book of the prophecy of Hosea, which contains a more solemn warning or practical lesson. The time when this prophecy was uttered, was about seven hundred and sixty years before Christ. Israel had, for a long time, gone astray, and cast off the fear of God, and God in his great mercy raised up Hosea, which was the son of Beeri, to pro- phecy unto the people and warn them of their great danger.

He declares unto them that God will break the bow of Israel, and because of their wickedness, will cause the once strong kingdom of Israel to cease. Yea, he saith, "I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away. For ye are not my people, and I will not be your God." Nevertheless, many and gracious are the promises which God held out to Israel, and by turn- ing to him he declares he will betroth them in righ-

A SOLEMN QUESTION. 69

teousncss. in loving kindness and mercies. He pro- mises them the valley of Achor for a door of hope, which fertile vale may be regarded as an earnest of the spiritual inheritance held forth to the true Israel.

Again, the prophet cries unto Israel, saying, "Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, because thou hast rejected know- ledge."

After repeated and unavailing exhortations, the prophet is again commanded to set the trumpet to his mouth and make known that the enemy shall come as an eagle against the house of the Lord, be- cause they have transgressed against the covenant of the Lord, and trespassed against his law. Yea, he declares that because Israel hath sown to the wind, they shall reap the whirlwind.

The literal fulfilment of these threatenings, was at last meted out to the children of Israel, although God bore long with them, and gave them space to repent. TTe are informed that the last king over Israel was Hosea, son of Elah. Hosea did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord; by rejecting his council; and Shalmanezer, king of Assyria,

went up against the king of Israel, and Israel became

<1*

70 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

his servant. At last the king of Israel formed a conspiracy against the king of Assyria, for which crime Shalmanezer took the king of Israel with his subjects, and carried them away captive, from which captivity they never returned.

The great lesson taught us in this brief history of Israel is, God's mercy and long suffering with trans- gressors; yet the awful certainty of the transgressor, unless he repent, being brought to judgment.

Although the words of the text were directed more particularly to the ten tribes of Israel, yet these words, like all prophecies which have reference to the accouD lability of man, come to us to-day with all of their primitive power, and the language of God to us to-day is, "What will ye do in the solemn day?" As obedience to God was essential to the proper enjoyment of the Jewish feasts referred to in the text, so an observance of the great commands found in the gospel, is as essentially requisite to our enjoy- ment here, and fitness hereafter to sit down at the great feast of the marriage Supper of the Lamb.

We shall therefore divide our subject into five heads, and consider them very briefly.

1. To whom is this solemn question directed?

2. The certainty of a final judgment.

3. What are the necessary preparations to meet that day?

4. Have we each made these preparations ?

A SOLEMN QUESTION. 71

5. The final separation of the righteous and the wicked.

First, then, we shall consider to whom this solemn question is directed. This question is directed to all who are within the reach of the gospel. Xone are exempt. The king, and the peasant; the rich, and the poor; the high, and the low; the bond, and the free, are each alike included. The language of inspiration bows not to earth's nobles, neither does it pass over or release the most lowly. It comes to each one saying, -4 Return, ye sons of men."

The text is directed with an especial force, how- ever, to those who are the most distinguished in privilege. Those who sit under the constant light of the gospel are thereby under the greater responsibi- lity. The light which constantly shone on the Jewish people, was the means of greatly increasing their ac- countability, and either led them to yield to the will of the Most High; or else they were compelled to steel their hearts against the truth, and by thus will- fully rejecting the truth their guilt was doubly awful.

As the first and greatest crime of which they were guilty, consisted in a rejection of God, so the first and greatest crime of which we are guilty consists in a rejection of the only true light from above, and the Saviour of men. By a rejection of Christ, we mean not yielding to his will. While sitting under the

72 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

gospel light, many are strangely prone to attempt to convince themselves that it is not absolutely necessary for them to give heed to the warning voice, and that by some means or other they will be passed by. So thought many of the Jews. How often did God admo- nish them of their wickedness, and with what empha- sis did he warn them of their danger. And when, at times, all of these warnings and threatenings failed to cause them to seek his face and obey his voice, his hand of affliction was laid heavily upon them, and thus through chastening they were led to see that the living God was the God of Israel.

Therefore, we behold Hosea speaking to the chil- dren of Israel, saying, u Thou hast sinned, and there- fore is it my desire that I should chastise thee." The Israelites, as a people, afford a striking illustra- tion of those who are under the light of the gospel. They oftentimes rejected God's counsel, and forsook his cause, which kindled his fury against them, and caused him to deliver them into the hand of the spoilers. The threatened penalty was invariably meted out, unless reconciliation was made by a peni- tential turning to the Lord.

So will it be with us dear friends in the great and solemn day. The voice of warning is raised and conies to us saying, "turn ye, turn yey for why will ye die."

A SOLEMN QUESTION. 73

" Again, we hear the Lord saying unto us "As I live I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked." Nothing is, nor can be any farther from the will of God than to have those who are his rightful sub- jects turn from his holy commands and trample his precepts uuder their feet. Faith in, and obedience to Christ, is absolutely required of us in order to our complete justification before God ; yet man, although amenable to God for every transgression, is not ut- terly cast off until the brittle thread of life is severed.

"While the lamp of life holds out to burn, The vilest sinner may return."

Again, this solemn warning is directed to none but sinners. Could there be found an individual up- on earth who had never sinned, this solemn question would be to him of no practical value. He would listen, but not with alarm ; he would answer, but not with fear. There would be nothing connected there- with which would in the least degree awaken any sense of want or fear. The reason would be, because of an inward conviction that he was already justified by a personal obedience. There could be no compunctions of conscience, for the heart would be guiltless. There could be no sense of unworthiness, for the heart has never been alienated from God on account of wicked works. To such an one the promises and threat- nings of God would militate against what his heart daily realized. Thus it is that sinners only are ad-

74 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

monished by the words of the text. It is not a class of intelligences who have never sinned, but it is fallen, ruined man. There is no exemption, however much self-righteousness there may be around the sinner's heart, for we are assured that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Both believers and unbelievers may alike take the words home to their own hearts and learn a deep lesson of instruction therefrom, although the situation of the parties maybe very dissimilar. The one is justified, but it is through faith in the merits of Christ ; and as a fallen being, liable often to err; and even at times to forget his allegiance to the cross, he needs to be constantly admonished of duty, and the so- lemnities of the judgment oft need to be brought be- fore the mind. Hence it is that we are exhort- ed to be faithful unto death, that we may receive the crown of life. " Brethren, ye have need of patience" says the apostle Paul "that after having done the will of God ye may receive the promises." Not a momen- tary obedience; not a zeal which passes away ere the conquest is over; not a devotion which may be render- ed to-day and withheld to-morrow ; but, God requires an obedience which is lasting as life, a zeal which time does not quench, and a devotion which even the flames of persecution cannot destroy. Such is the lesson which the believer may derive from the text in view of the solemn day.

A SOLEMN QUESTION. 75

We shall now consider the condition of the unbe- liever, and the lesson conveyed in the words of our text. By the term unbeliever we mean one who has not accepted of Christ as his Saviour.

The holy Word abounds with proof showing that the heart unrenewed is enmity against God. Hence we find man everywhere exhorted to repent and turn to the Lord. Numerous are the incentives placed before him to induce him to accept of the way of life.

A crown of life is offered \ a rest above which lasts for aye ; the society of Jesus and angels for- ever ; whilst upon the other hand lies an incentive equally strong, an eternity of misery to be shunned.

Will you my dear dying friends, but pause for a moment, and seriously consider your great danger while we ask you this thrilling question, " What will ye do in the solemn day Y9 You are now condemned, your own heart and God's holy Word both tell you so, for out of Christ our God is a consuming fire. Think for a moment of your fearful situation. Think of the heaven to be enjoyed, or the misery to be en- dured. Think how, in your present state, you would dare to meet that day of the wrath of the Lamb. Fly upon the wings of your imagination and picture yourself this moment standing before God in judg- ment. Oh ! that great, that solemn day which soon awaits you !

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2. We shall now consider the certainty of a final judgment.

And, first upon this point we would remark, the day of judgment is one of the fixed purposes of God. " The hour is coming in the which all that are in the grave shall hear his voice, and shall come forth : they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resur- rection of damnation."

Again, we are informed in the book of Chronicles that the Lord cometh to judge the earth; and in Psalms ix. 7 we read, "the Lord hath prepared his throne for judgment. And he shall judge the world •in righteousness." Turn also to Acts xvii. 31: " Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead." Hebrews ix. 27: "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." Amongst the innumerable other passages which we might quote by way of proof of the day of judgment, we refer lastly to Rev. xx. 12-15 : "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened : and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the

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dead which were in it; and death and hell gave up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

0 how terrible, how awful will be that day when Christ will judge the world in righteousness! The pealing thunders which rolled around, and the awful presence of God which was manifested upon Mount Sinai, we are informed, was so terrible to behold, that Moses, the holy man of God, said: "I exceed- ingly fear and quake." And, if such be the awful presence of God when he comes to deliver counsel and instruction to his people, how unspeakably awful will be his appearance when he comes in flaming fire to reward his people, and take vengeance upon those who obey not God nor obey the gospel. Oh! how terrible will be the sight when we shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with the holy angels j and when the clear shrill blast of the arch- angel's trump will re-echo and reverberate through- out the heavens and the earth, startling the teeming millions of the dead from their graves, and when he shall place one foot upon the sea and the other upon the land, and swear by him that liveth forever that time shall be no longer. Oh ! that great, that notable day of the Lord of hosts ! He comes ! methinks I see

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the Saviour coming, for lie says I come quickly. He comes ! not as the despised Nazarene, but as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He comes ! in his flaming chariot, swifter than the clouds of heaven, methinks I see him coming. Look at those terror- stricken countenances now ghastly pale — who are they? They are the very persons who have rejected Christ, and they are now crying for the rocks and the mountains to fall on them and hide them from the face of the Lamb. The earth is reeling upon its axis, and even now are the devouring flames sweep- ing over it, whilst the heavens are turned into one awful canopy of fire. Oh ! who shall abide the day of his coming ? " The great day of his wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand ?" The judgment day, the great day of the Lord Almighty, has come. The sea, that boundless graveyard without a tomb- stone or monument, gives up its countless millions, who have, perhaps, for centuries securely slept,

Beneath the ocean's briny serf, Calm on the ocean's bed.

The lone caverns which thousands of years ago have been filled with human forms, and then se- curely cemented at the entrance, so that the eye of the traveller could scarcely distinguish the spot, are rent open by the mighty power of God, and the wasted dust re-animated. The lone church-yard also gives up its treasured dead. The wasted dust which

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ha? long been scattered to the four winds of heaven, is again collected and re-animated by the power of tha Most High. The form which has for long cen- turies remained upon some snow-capped mountain, or some giant iceberg in the distant polar sea, is again startled into life, and once more becomes the recep- tacle of the Spirit. The form which has for long years slumbered upon some distant isle of the sea, far from the reach of mortal ken, hears the life-giving blast of the archangel's trump, and awakes to the awful judgment. " And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God." Here, dear hearers, we behold that there is no exclusion. There will be the tender infant, whose warbling tongue was so early hushed beneath the stroke of the dark-winged angel of death. There will be the child who had just passed into years of accountability, but who was sud- denly plucked from earth and passed quickly away like the morning flowers. There will be the young- man or woman who once bid fair for long life, but, alas ! the fell destroyer seized the form, and laid its victim low. There will be the aged form, whose once tottering step long years foretold that death was near. All of these will appear before the awful bar of God.

We now come to a more solemn point if possible, viz.: a distinction of character. The infant child will appear upon that day, but accepted in Christ,

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having never committed actual transgression, and being included, as we believe, in the great covenant of redemption between the Father and the Son. The child of accountability who has early given its young heart to the Saviour, will behold with joy the star- decked crown, and hear the welcome plaudit, " Come ye blessed of my Father." The mature or aged be- liever who while here fought bravely under the banner of the cross, will be then exalted, having kept the faith. Joy unspeakable and full of glory will swell each peaceful breast.

But, dear hearers, allow me for a moment to turn to another class. In that great day will appear the despiser of God's holy word; the man who neither regarded man nor feared his Maker. But, alas ! how changed the scene. When it is too late, and the flames of eternal woe are rising before him, he begins to realize in some degree the priceless value of a Saviour's blood.

There also will be the infidel who could once scoff at religion without remorse and who feasted upon and gloated o'er any supposed failing of the Christian* There will be Voltaire, whose efforts to supplant Christianity have been the means of destroying thousands. There will be the far-famed infidel Paine, who once labored so hard to scatter broadcast the seeds of infidelity; but who at last fell a victim to the most debasing appetites.

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There too will be the individual who for many years sat under the light of the gospel, and who often, like Agrippa, was almost persuaded to be a Christian, but who was suddenly cut off ere the de- cision was made. Oh ! how changed to such will be the scene. All of the once hu?;e fabrics which have

o

been built upon the fancied excuses in life will have then passed away, and eternity in all of its awful reality will appear :

" The day of wrath, that dreadful day, "When heaven and earth shall pass away; What power shall be the sinner's stay ? How shall he meet that dreadful day?

When shrivelling like a parched scroll, The naming heavens together roll ; And louder yet, and yet more dread, Resounds the trump that wakes the dead."

3. We shall now consider what are the necessary preparations to meet that day, although this has been more than anticipated, and somewhat dwelt upon, in our discourse upon our second head.

And in the first place we would remark that in order to meet that day in peace we must have a per- sonal interest in Christ.

Under our second head, we showed that the day of judgment was one of the fixed purposes of eter- nity, and that it would come upon us quickly. When we thus view the solemn day approaching

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with more than electric speed, how our hearts should be stirred with deep anxiety, to be prepared to meet our G-od. This can only be done by a letting go of self, and taking hold on Christ ; or, in other words, relinquishing all hopes of salvation by works of righteousness which we have done, and receiving by faith the righteousness of Christ. The heart must be brought to a realizing sense of the deep depravity which dwells therein, and the will must be brought into meek submission to the will of Christ. uBy grace are ye saved through faith." As the natural man sees nothing lovely in Christ, the veil must be torn aside; and, instead of viewing the Saviour as a root out of dry ground, having neither form nor comeliness, he must be viewed as the chief among ten thousand, and altogether lovely. Our highest affections must be placed upon him. Those pleasures of this world which are deleterious in their effects upon our hearts, must be abandoned, in order that the loftiest faculties may concentrate upon Christ. The frivolous pursuits of life need all to be set aside, and we must watch and be sober.

The inordinate love of riches must be guarded against, and the actions guided by an enlightened judgment. In fine, the entire heart with all its af- fections, must be supremely centred upon Christ. "I beseech you," says Paul, " by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,

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acceptable unto God; which is your reasonable ser- vice. And be not conformed to this world ; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." Here we have most clearly brought to view the path designed for the Christian to walk in. A disconformity to the world, in those things which tend to lead the heart from Christ, is one of the grand essentials to a holy life. But here we would remark the holiness of heart referred to, cannot be the result of any mere outward reforma- tion— although there must be an outward change — but must be the result of acceptance of and obedience to Christ. The hard and stony heart must be taken away, and the deep stains of sin removed. The su- preme object must be to glorify God, and the Holy Spirit must find a temple of delight within the heart. Love to God, and a desire to obey him, must be a reigning principle within the heart; and those holy desires must be manifested by an active and holy life. There is something more required of us than merely declaring openly and in a public manner, that we are the servants of Christ, (although this is essential), we are required also to make it our highest and greatest aim in life, to advance the Re- deemer's kingdom.

The glorious banner of the cross is unfurled, and the name of the Lord of hosts inscribed upon its

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waving colors, while beneath it is marshalled the Christian host, with the command resting upon each one, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." To the true soldier of the cross, there is no retreat. The prize is placed at the end of the Christian race, and both inward and outward foes beset us in our journey through this foreign land, but by a familiar acquaintance with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, we may be able to so wield its truths as to overcome through the blood of the Lamb. Paul, in speaking of the Christian conflict, exhorts us to so run that we may obtain the prize, and so fight against sin as to win the victory. The life of the believer is often represented in the sacred word as being a life of toil and self-denial; but, with all of these hardships and conflicts, there is a sensi- ble nearness to one who knows full well every temptation and trial, and who is ever ready to deli- ver from temptation. There is no difficulty in the way but what Jesus can remove, nor barrier but what he will reduce. The advance steps are before us, but they are steps of peace, although to the disinterested they may at times seem to be difficult. Indeed they would be difficult were we to attempt to accomplish any thing in our own strength ; but when we realize that the blessed Saviour has promised that he will never leave nor forsake us, seeming burdens become

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light, and personal duties are easily performed. Thus, by an active and influential faith in the Saviour, we become strong in the Lord and in the power of his might ; and by thus relying upon Christ, we have those preparations which will enable us to stand jus- tified in the solemn day.

We thus behold what is essentially necessary to prepare us for the great future. Being regenerated by the spirit of God, having sought and obtained a personal interest in Christ, and having lived a life of holy obedience to him; we are by this means prepared to meet the untried scenes of eternity.

4. Have we each made those preparations ? For the solution of this important inquiry, we wish each one to make a personal application of this question.

It is always an easy matter to reason upon and about abstract theories; yet this, however good in itself considered, fails of reaching the heart, and, to use the language of Pollock, " Leaves the heart un- touched, the conscience uninformed." Hence the necessity of making a home application.

Let every man examine himself in the searching light of divine truth, and you will be the better qua- lified to answer this momentous question. The evi- dences of discipleship are essentially the same in all true believers, and if we will but for a moment turn to the first Epistle of John, we may perhaps be able to easily understand our true standing. 9a Brethren, if

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our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and knoweth all things. Whosoever sinneth, hath not seen him, neither known him. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer; and ye know that no mur- derer hath eternal life dwelling in him." But, " be- loved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we con- fidence towards God. And whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sin. In this the children of God are manifest. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. And what- soever we ask; we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things which are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as he gave us command- ment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us by the Spirit which he hath given us."

From these extracts from the word of God, we have a clear view of what constitutes the Christian character, and no one ne#d fail of thoroughly under- standing his true standing before God,

Oftentimes people shun to examine their hearts in the light of divine truth, for the simple reason that they do not have any desire to see how sinful they

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are. and how justly they stand condemned. But however much we may wish to shun such an ex- amination, the time is fast hastening when we shall be called upon to appear before our Judge, and be judged out of this book of life. Then will every baseless hope perish, and every mouth be stopped. Then will every refuge of lies be swept away, and no security in human works be found.

Oh ! that we might each, in view of the importance of this subject, flee at once to Chris t, and place our hope of salvation upon his finished righteousness. Come just as you are, saying :

'•Nothing in my hands I bring, Simply to thy cross I cling."

5. We shall now consider very briefly our fifth head, viz : The final separation of the righteous and the wicked.

However sad the contemplation of this fact be to our minds, it is one which is often presented to us in the gospel. It is a subject which should at once arouse the careless and quicken the believers. " The hour is coming," saith Jesus, "in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth : they that have done good unto the resurrection of life ; and they that have done evil unto the resur- rection of damnation. Says Paul, in speaking of the resurrection, " There shall be a resurrection both of the iust and unjust." Again, in Revelation xx. 14,

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15, we read that " death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life, was cast into the lake of fire." Also in the book of Matthew we read that "before the Son of man shall be gathered all nations, and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divi- deth his sheep from the goats. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Then shall he say unto them on his left hand, depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire. These shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal."

Oh! how joyous will be that day to the believer; but how terrible to those who disobey God and obey not the gospel.

In that vast throng will be many who will say, a Lord have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name done many wonderful works;" but the Lord will answer them, saying, " I never knew you: depart from me, ye workers of iniquity." We are informed that " not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into my kingdom, but he that doeth the will of my Father."

Here we may fancy fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, children and parents, and all of those bound together by the different ties of relationship, meeting

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and separating for the last time. Remorse may then take hold upon the wicked, and they may gnaw their tongues for pain, but, alas! it is too late, too late. The gates of hell will be then closed forever, and the sounds of the sluggish waves, as they bathe the dismal shore of the lake of woe, will resound from shore to shore; and throughout the hollow arches of this drear abode will continually reecho these words, forever, forever, forever.

"And must I be to judgment brought, And in that solemn day, Give an account for every thought, And idle word I say V

May each one draw a deep lesson from the con- templation of this subject, and may we realize that we are all bound to the awful judgment seat of Christ, from whose face the heavens and the earth will soon flee away. Seeing, then, dear hearers, that all things here below must soon be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conver- sation and godliness. May God apply this subject to our hearts. Amen.

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DISCOURSE V.

CHRISTIAN BLESSEDNESS.

" Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit." — Jeremiah xvii. 7, 8.

The sacred Word affords abundant proof, showing us that he that trusteth in the Lord is supremely blessed. Having sought an interest in the Lord of hosts, the believer thereby obtains a seat at the king's table, and is nourished and strengthened by the hand of the Most High. Peace reigns within the heart, for an approving God smiles affectionately upon him, and the light of heaven directs his steps. "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord." This blessed- ness consists in peace of mind, purity of heart, and a quiet reliance upon Christ for salvation. A holy life is the result, or springs out of this reliance upon Christ, and instead of the mind being harassed with anger, hatred, malice, and fearful forebodings, there is love, joy; and peace. As Christ dwells within the

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heart, and the Spirit witnesses the acceptance of the believer, the deep anxiety which was once felt, is re- moved, and a heavenly calm rests upon the soul. A life of usefulness is also one of the grand results of hoping in the Lord, and he who obtains this hope lives upon promises which can never fail, for they are all yea and amen in Christ Jesus.

The inspired penman uses a striking figure to illustrate the peculiar blessedness of him whose hope is in the Lord. He assures us that he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river. As it is absolutely necessary for the believer to quench his spiritual thirst from life's flowing fountain, the beautiful figure of a tree planted by the river is brought to view, showing that as the running stream is the source of life to the branching tree, so he that trusteth in the Lord dwells beside the never- failing fountain of life, which preserves- the soul from death, and enables us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.

It shall not see when heat cometh, that is, shall not feel its withering power, for the cool stream from which it derives its support is unfailing; and although the trees of the forest wither and die, this tree may still be seen flourishing, and upon its many branches may be seen the green leaves and peuding fruit, which show there is no lack of support. The burn- ing sun affects it not; the lack of moisture from

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above fails to cause it to wither; for down, far down the winding roots gather moisture from the never- failing stream. Even when the earth all around is parching for lack of moisture, we may here gather fruit. In order to the more forcibly impress your minds with this figure, let us for a moment imagine the sad state which the earth would be in were the clouds to withhold the rain for a season. Those ver- dant hills now so beautifully clothed in a rich garb of green, would, ere long, present the sad picture of a barren waste. Those mountains upon whose rugged sides may now be seen the waving pine and lofty oak, would soon present the sad spectacle of lifeless trunks and withered branches. The burning sun which for- merly quickened vegetation, would soon kill every spark of vegetable life, and its scorching rays would cause the earth to become a gloomy desert. The beau- ties of nature would fade, wither, and pass away, and earth's present attractiveness would soon disappear. But while this would be the case where moisture could not be obtained, let us contemplate the tree planted by the side of a never-failing river. Yonder, in the dis- tance, behold a tree which shows signs of life and vi- tality. As we approach it, behold its leaves are green. Ah! what meaneth this? As we approach still nearer— surprising fact — upon its waving branches may be seen in rich clusters the delicious fruit. What meaneth this ? The hills and mountains are

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destitute of vegetation; the wide spread plains and valleys are drear and barren ; but here, before us, is a tree which is spreading its green branches, and its leaves are not withered. We press the inquiry yet farther, and approach still nearer, until we stand upon the green bank of the river, and here the mys- tery is solved. We now can easily understand why the green leaves and rich fruit are seen, for the winding roots reach even to the running stream below.

Let us now, for a moment, spiritualize the figure, and all is plain. The believer is in a dry, parched land. There is nothing connected with this earth which can satisfy his hungering soul, or quench his thirst; nevertheless, he is supremely blessed, for he drinks from the unfailing stream of life, and dwells even while here with the Saviour Immanuel. The cup of salvation is placed within his hand, and the stream of salvation is flowing at his side. He drinks from its living waters, from which, if a man drink, he shall never die. The result of dwelling by the side of this living stream is most clearly seen, for in seasons of great moral dearth, when wickedness is spreading over the land, there stands the believer, with his feet firmly planted upon the Rock of ages, and from the stream of salvation he drinks and lives forever. Like the tree referred to, which spreadeth her branches and yieldeth fruit, so the believer

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dwells by the side of a stream which flows through Immanuers land, and he sits under the shadow of the Most High. Having made these introductory remarks, we shall now proceed to speak upon

1. What constitutes the believer's hope.

2. We shall give some reasons why the believer ] is blessed.

3. The result of believing in Christ.

First, then, we shall dwell for a short time upon what constitutes the believer's hope. By the term hope here we understand, desire united with expecta- tion. In order for hope to arise in the mind of any one, there must be a weight of evidence brought to bear upon the mind to convince us that the thing is true, and will come to pass, and we must also be per- suaded that happiness will be the ultimate result With regard to the things of this life, we readily see that hope is constantly exercised. To illustrate. A near and dear friend, who has long been in some fo- reign land, sends us a line that upon such a day he will return to his friends and relatives. From that very moment hope springs up in the mind, and with much anxiety do those friends look forward to the time when the long absent friend will return. Here we at once see that hope is based upon the weight of evidence. We might also illustrate the idea in some degree, were it necessary, by referring to the more common events of life; but all of these illustrations

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Would fail to illustrate, only in part, the true nature of the believer's hope.

Christ alone is the object of the believer's hope, and his hopes of eternal happiness rest wholly upon him. Haying loved his own even unto the end, the believer is enabled to look unto him as all of his sal- vation, and all of his desire. Hope rests firmly upon Christ, and is beautifully set forth as being an anchor to the soul; both sure and steadfast, and which en- tereth into that within the veil. Yes, the hope of the believer reaches through the dark veil drawn by the hand of the Most High between earth and heaven ; and clasping hold upon the Saviour, who sitteth at the right hand of God, it serves to keep him from being dashed upon the rocks which constantly sur- round us upon the ocean of life. The gathering storm may break with maddened fury, the foaming waves may roll like mountains around him, yet he feels safe and secure, for he is safely anchored upon the Rock of Ages, and there is no 'fear of being stranded upon the shore of woe. Immovably is the believer united to Christ, and the ocean may be deeply stirred, the waves may heavily dash around him, and the beating storm may swiftly come; but, although the very fountains of the great deep may be broken up, the believer need not fear.

Having shown that the Christian's hope rests wholly upon Christ, we will now consider some of the

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reasons why he exercises this hope. And we would remark, first, because he believes God's holy word. He here learns that God has revealed himself as a sin-pardoning God, and that through the mediation of his own Son, sinners lost, ruined, undone, may be saved. He here learns that God has left many and gracious promises for those who will trust in him, and that Jesus has promised to be with such even unto the end. The Holy Spirit from above descends and dwells in the heart, and comforts by his pre- sence, and he is enabled to realize the preciousness of the promises to him that believeth. He believes, and is forever blessed. Yea, he is blessed with a peace which the world can neither give nor take away. The changes and vicissitudes of life may be ever so many, yet they affect him not essentially, for the heart is staid upon Christ, and he remains unmoved, for he feels that Jesus is his portion, both for time and for eternity. The Lord is his refuge, his hope, and his strength, and the heart is a habitation of God through the Spirit. The believer's heart thus be- comes a temple, in which the Saviour dwells. In harmony with this thought is the teaching of Paul to his Colossian brethren, when he speaks of the great mystery of the riches of the glory of God's grace which, he says, is " Christ in you the hope of glory/ > Christ in you the hope of glory! Ah ! how precious is this thought to the believer ! Christ dwells in the

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heart of every true believer, and lie would so purify it as to reflect his own divine image. Sitting as a refiner of silver, he transforms his people even from glory to glory. How divinely blest, then, is he who trusteth in the Lord! He shall go from strength to strength, until he appears at length in Zion. The Scriptures of truth are taken as the man of his coun- sel, and his delight is in the law of the Lord, after the inner man. The temptations of this world may try him. and the enemy of souls may assail him, but with the shield of faith he is able to quench all of the fiery darts of the wicked. Feeling, then, that we have a title to the mansions of rest, through Jesus, the Divine Mediator, with what devout gratitude should we ever seek to glorify his holy name !

11 0 for a thousand seraphs' tongues, To bless the incarnate Word: 0 for a thousand thankful tongues, In honor of my Lord."

" Come, tune afresh your golden lyres, Ye angels round the throne, Ye saints in all your sacred choirs, Adore the eternal Son."

Secondly, some of the reasons why the believer is blest.

The great blessings conferred upon the believer, are the fruits of redeeming grace and everlasting love. Had not everlasting love been manifested toward

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man, these blessings could never have been enjoyed. But Jesus has given to his people a purchased pos- session, and through his mediatorial labors and sa- crificial offering the Father smiles approvingly upon them, and freely bestows his rich grace. As Jesus has purchased his people, they are adopted by the Father, and constituted legal heirs to the inheritance in heaven. There are no wants but the Father sees and supplies. The young lions may lack for food, but they who walk uprightly shall never lack for any needed blessing. We say needed blessing, for much of the discontentment in the Christian world arises from inordinate desires for that which is neither ne- cessary to our usefulness, nor essential to our hap- piness.

Again, the believer is blessed because he commits the keeping of his soul to God. Like Paul he is persuaded that God is able to keep that which he has committed unto him against that day. He feels that he is not able of himself to do this, but that God is able, and because he has promised he will perform. He realizes that God will protect him, and therefore his confidence is firm. He is kept not by human power, but by the power of God through faith unto salvation. Yes, the arm which moves the world is exercised in his behalf, and under this pro- tection he is safe forever. By this we would not wish to be understood that believers have no doubts

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nor spiritual trials ; by no means. We have been considering the leading points in the Christian ex- perience , the grand total, taken as a whole. If the believer at times forgets his reliance and dependence upon God, he will find himself like Samson when shorn of his locks. But when he rests wholly upon God, he feels the support of a divine hand, and be- comes like Samson when his hands are upon the pil- lars of the house. Although within the heart may be many a hard conflict with sin, yet he whose trust is in God will assuredly come off a glorious victor. Arrayed within the heart may stand the giants of Philistia with drawn battle-blades, but Christ will always cause his people to triumph and become even more than conquerors. God has promised that he will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able, but will with every temptation provide a way of escape ; and if our hope is in lively exercise, we shall be able to trust confidently in this promise. Yes, as David dodged the javelin thrust at him by the infu- riated Saul, so may we evade the fiery darts of the wicked. No doubt Saul was confident that with his skilful hand he could with the javelin which he held fasten David to the wall. But the hand of God was there, and although Saul knew it not, the shield of omnipotence was before David. He was a man after God's own heart, and although his adversaries might rise against him and raise innumerable hosts to slay

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him, yet God's arm was laid bare in his protection and preservation. When forced to flee from the presence of Saul he lacks not for bread, for he is even fed from the table of the Lord, upon sanctified bread. After having seen the wonderful protection and pre- serving care which God had so mercifully exercised over him, who can doubt that the hand of God was there ?

In all of the spiritual difficulties which we are called to pass through, if we are faithful to the Sa- viour's cause, we shall as certainly receive assistance and strength as did the servant David. Yes; that same Being who rendered temporal deliverance to David, will render to us all needed spiritual deliver- ance. May we not feel then to exclaim u Jehovah Jireh," the Lord will provide. Surely, the Lord God is a sun and shield unto all them that walk up- rightly.

Again, another reason why the believer is blessed is because he is a partaker of the divine nature, says the sacred writer, Peter, " Accordingas his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises : that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature." Here, then, we have the Scrip- ture declaration that he that believeth in Jesus is a

CHRISTIAN BLESSEDNESS. 101

partaker of the divine nature. This is perhaps one of the strongest reasons why we are blessed, and is the direct fruit of redeeming grace and dying love. As the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature, an intimate relationship exists between him and the Saviour, and God abundantly blesses him. The royal robe is placed upon him, the fatted calf is killed, and jubilant rejoicing is now heard. A crown of life awaits him above, and he is even now in the posses- sion of that peace which passeth knowledge.

Holy desires arise within the heart as the effects of this divine connection, and the believer's great desire is to know the will of his Master, who is in heaven. Like Solomon, he feels to ask for wisdom from above, pleading the promise of God that he will give liberally and upbraid not. Again, another rea- son we might mention why the believer is blest is be- cause Jesus intercedes for him. We have an advo- cate with the Father Christ Jesus, the righteous. As the believer lifts his heart to God in holy aspira- tions, the Saviour intercedes for him, and by show- ing his pierced side, and pleading his sacrificial death, the needed blessings are bestowed. Every prayer of faith is indited with the Saviour's love; and he even knows our wants better than we can express.

Oh ! what encouragement to the believer. Jesus ever watching over him, shielding him from danger, delivering him from evil, strengthening him to do 10

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his will, quickening and comforting him by his Spirit, supplying all of his multitudinous wants, listening attentively to every prayer, and ever interceding in his behalf at the throne of the Most High.

" Jesus, thy boundless love to me,

No thought can reach, no tongue declare; Unite my thankful heart to thee, And reign without a rival there.

" Thy love, how cheering is its ray ! All pain before its presence flies,* Care, anguish, sorrow, melt away, Where'er its healing beams arise."

Third : The result of believing in Christ.

Under our second head we gave some of the reasons why the believer is blessed. We showed that it was because he believes the holy Word, be- comes a partaker of the divine nature, and because Jesus intercedes for him. We now are to consider the result of believing in Christ. Says the text — "He shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river." In those countries where droughts are frequent, and where large portions of the country are rendered barren, the force of this figure may perhaps be more clearly seen. In times of drought, when vegetation refuses to grow, and when, as in the days of Jacob, no food can be obtained, save only that which has been previously laid by, this figure may peculiarly illustrate the pre-

CHRISTIAN BLESSEDNESS. 103

serving power of God. Let us, however, for a mo- ment contemplate the sad spectacle which this coun- try would present, were rain to cease. Ere long the tender grain which had just sprung up would wither and die. The blades of grass which were just stretching upward would soon disappear. The trees of the fo- rest, which had lately been refreshed by the vernal rains, would soon spread their deep roots in vain for moisture, and gradually would they wither and die. The land would present one vast scene of desolation, and gloom and suffering would be depicted upon every countenance. The drifting sands would be whirled around us, and the scorching sun would pour its re- lentless rays down upon us, whilst our lips would be parching for lack of moisture. Could we at such a time catch a glimpse of a tree in the distance which was stretching its branches heavenward, and whose boughs were laden with fruit, with what quickened pace would we approach the spot. Yet, dear hearers, this figure is a representation of the believer, amid the unbelieving world. Like the unfading leaf referred to in the text, the believer will manifest, even in trying times, a spiritual life. In seasons of great apostasy from the faith, especially, will we find this to be the case. Upon such occasions, when infidelity stalks abroad in the land, and when the multitude are fol- lowing some wild hallucination; when the dark clouds of superstition are hovering around the dark-

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ened mind, and when the Saviour is lightly esteemed; in such seasons, we say, may be seen the humble fol- lower of Jesus, pursuing the narrow path which the Saviour trod, quenching his thirst from life's living stream, and bending every energy to attain to that rest that remaineth for the people of God. The cries which meet his ear of " Great is Diana of the Ephe- sians!" arrests not his attention, and, like the Apos- tle, he is persuaded that neither " heigh t; nor .depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." A divine power is exercised in his behalf, and the Eternal's hand is extended even unto him, so that nothing can remove him from God. But you will notice a peculiarity concerning the believer ; illustrated in the text. He shall be as a tree planted by the waters. This tree did not spring up here of its own accord — it was planted here by a friendly hand. By nature it was like the trees of the surrounding forest, but it has been removed from its place of nativity, and been planted upon the bank of a never-failing stream. Before it was liable to be scorched by the burning heat in the season of drought; but it has been removed from the place of danger, and carefully planted in a rich soil by a living stream; and now, although the earth all around presents the sad pic- ture of blight and decay, still its deep-laden boughs bend with fruit, and its leaf fadeth never. The be-

CHRISTIAN BLESSEDNESS. 105

liever, which is here referred to, has in like manner been removed from a place of danger, and now dwells safely upon Immanuel's land. Once he was far from the stream of life, and he was in danger of being de- stroyed at any moment; but the kind hand of the Saviour has been extended to him, and he has been taken from the place of danger, and now dwells in the presence of Immanuel.

Again, this tree is not planted by the stream to grow for a season, and then wither and die; but its leaf shall be green, and it shall not cease yielding. fruit.

So the believer presents marks of life, spiritual in its nature, which clearly indicate that his life is hid with Christ in God. His life clearly manifests a hid- den spring of action, and that he is guided by him who measures the ocean with the hollow of his hand. Yes, he who holds the destinies of the nation in his hands — he who ruleth in the armies of heaven, and by his own almighty fiat hath spoken the worlds into existence — is with the believer; blessing and strength- ening him.

There is also another characteristic of this tree spoken of, upon which we would wish to dwell more particularly. It shall not cease yielding fruit. In like manner will the true believer not cease being fruitful in good works. It is one of the grand ele- ments of Christianity. The life of the believer 10*

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will be a fruitful one. It is the will of the Saviour that his people be fruitful in every good word and work. Then why should we be so inactive ? Let us search for the evidence that we belong to the sacra- mental host of God's elect. Let us shake off the dull stupor which would settle upon us, and let us trust more fully in the Redeemer. Is not the assurance of the text sufficient to cause every disciple to take fresh courage ?

" Ye feeble saints, fresh courage take."

As the cause of Christ is to triumph throughout the earth, may we not even rejoice in the privilege of engaging in such a glorious work? " Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord." As the dew de- scends upon Hernion, so God commands blessings upon the laborers in his vineyard. As Israel was preserved while in the wilderness by manna, so Christ's people are fed upon the true bread of heaven, and because Christ lives, his people live also.

Happy — thrice happy — he whose hope the Lord is. " Goodness and mercy shall follow him all the days of his life, and he shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." The king upon his throne may boast of his royal robes and princely estate ) the no- bles of earth may glory in their mines of wealth; the warrior may proudly boast of blood-bought honor ob- tained by wading through seas of blood; but the

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humble believer has a costlier robe and more princely estate than earth's mightiest kings, a richer mine than all of earth's nobles, and more enduring honors than the most valiant warrior. The thrones of earth and princely robes will soon disappear, the treasures of this world may take to themselves wings and fly away, the honors of earth's victors will soon be laid low; but the crown which awaits the believer is a royal diadem which lasts forever. Yes, when the successive ages of eternity shall have run their am- ple round; when time and earth shall have been mil- lions of years passed away; there will stand the Christian in yonder realms of light, arrayed in a spot- less robe of purity, holding in his hand a glorious palm of victory, and wearing upon his brow a never- fading diadem, decked by the Saviour's hand.

DISCOURSE VI.

AN IMPORTANT INQUIRY.

"Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?" — 1 Chronicles xxix. 5.

These words fell from the lips of the servant of G-od; David, but a short time previous to his death.

108 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

He was anxious, now that the hour of his departure was drawing near, to see a people separating them- selves to the service of the Lord, and seeking to en- hance his kingdom. There is always something pe- culiarly instructive to be drawn from the lips of an aged disciple, and the voice of experience should be listen ed to with interest. Every thing connected with the scene now brought to view in the text, is peculiarly instructive, and strikingly impressive. The step of the aged pilgrim which was once elastic, has now become feeble; the arm. which was once strong in battle, has now lost its power; the eye which was once brilliant, is now dim with age; the locks which were once like the ravens, are now bleached by the storms of many winters; the brow which once betokened the season of youth and ma- ture manhood, is now deeply furrowed with the marks of time; the cheek which was once glowing with health, is now blanched and sunken; the voice which used to speak with force and power, has now become in a measure hollow and feeble, and evidently the sands of life have well nigh run.

Listen ! 0 listen then Israel ! for your king would give you a few words of instruction ere he departs to be here no more.

The preparations for building the temple having been made by David, he charged his son Solomon to see to its erection. David's anxiety for the welfare

AN IMPORTANT INQUIRY. 109

of Israel abates not in the least degree "with ad- vancing age, but to the contrary, as the shadow of death begins to fall upon him, his thoughts turn to Israel with deep anxiety, and his last counsel is given. With feelings of deep interest is the appeal to Israel made, and Israel's king is made to rejoice by reason of the readiness of the people. The words of the text were not uttered in vain, for a people who were willing to give themselves up to the service of the Lord were present, and at once responded to the call.

In like manner as the words fell upon the ears of the host of Israel do they reach us to-day; and, with a depth of meaning do they come to the heart of each one present, calling for an immediate consecration to the Lord. To consecrate our service to the Lord, implies a yielding up of self, and devoting our talents and all we have and are to Christ. We are called upon to engage our service in the spreading and promulgating of Immanuel's cause, and by thus doing we become co-workers with God. We are called upon to act as standard bearers, to wave continu- ally the standard of the cross, and make known, so far as in us lies, the glorious news of salvation.

But while we are called upon to labor in the Mas- ter's vineyard, we are not called upon to labor with- out remuneration, for a reward is given for service rendered, which is of infinite worth and eternal in

110 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

durability. It is sometimes the case that we allow our zeal to become feeble, and we feel as if our labor spent in the service of Christ must necessarily be very limited, as the pressing duties of life, and the open door for earthly pleasures, seem calling for all our time. We are sometimes so blinded with the glittering things of earth, that we almost feel as if a life of consecration is what we would wish to have when called upon to step from time into the reali- ties of eternity; but so long as we are blest with health and prosperity, we feel as if the day of conse- cration may be put off. Such reasoning is highly presumptive and dangerous in the extreme. It is running counter to every precept of the gospel. Now is the accepted time, behold noio is the day of salvation. No earthly or temporal motive should ever be allowed to creep into our hearts and prevent us from at once obeying the injunction of inspiration. We are most sensibly impressed that many worldly motives often conduce to keep back the heart from Christ and a consecration to his cause; but when we, for a moment, pause and view these things in the light of eternity, how utterly insignificant do they all appear. Compare but for a moment a few days of sinful pleasure with an eternity of happiness; a lump of sordid gold with an inheritance above; a crown of worldly honor with a never-fading diadem; a laurel of blood-bought praise, with a glorious palm

AN IMPORTANT INQUIRY. Ill

of victory over sin, death and the grave through the blood of the Lainb, and who we ask can fail to see the propriety of having respect unto the recompense of the reward above ?

When intelligently viewed in the light of eternity, how all important does it appear that we improve the present passing moments in the service of the Re- deemer.

An example directly to the point, and worthy of im- itation, is that of Moses the servant of God, who, we are informed, chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. This holy man spurned Egypt's gods, and sought a refuge in the Most High, that he might be prepared to at last enter the pearly mansions of rest. And it is no less important for us to seek to be prepared to .meet our last change, inasmuch as we are all destined to appear before the same solemn tri- bunal, and pass the same solemn test before God. With these few prefatory remarks we shall now con- sider

1. The freeness of the gospel call.

2. What are the necessary requisitions to an ac- ceptance.

3. The happiness in store for the righteous. First, then, we shall speak upon the freeness of the

gospel call. The call of the gospel is one of a uni- versal character, without any regard to earthly rank

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or distinction. Wherever the light of the gospel shines, there is this solemn question directed to each individual. There is no distinction of race, color, or condition; for all sprang from the same representa- tive Head, and all are by nature in the same condem- nation. But the call is not only extended to all, but God has designed to save a people from every habit- able portion of the globe. The shrill notes of salva- tion are intended to roll on over vale and mountain gathering in a people as the echo swells and rolls, until the uttermost corners of the earth have heard of the glad tidings of salvation. Yes, it shall be like the lightning which cometh from the one part under heaven, and shineth even unto the other part under heaven; and, as its light flashes and streams from shore to shore, so shall it be with the light of the gospel. Are there sinners upon the darkened shores of India? A free gospel is now presented to them. Are there fallen ones upon the far-off isles of the sea? There, too, the sweet notes of salvation are de- signed to find their way. Are there sinners here? Here, dear hearers, is for you a free gospel. All are in the same condemnation, for all have sinned and come short.

But man is not only offered salvation, but he is most earnestly and solemnly urged to accept of the way of life, thus showing us that it is of the utmost importance to our future interests. When the Sa-

AN IMPORTANT INQUIRY. 113

viour was upon the earth, especially and earnestly did he seek to interest his kinsmen, the Jews; in this great salvation, even weeping over the rejection he received in the beloved city of Jerusalem, and in view of the fearful doom awaiting the inhabitants. He even exclaims, while viewing the much-loved city, and contemplating the rebelliousness of its inhabitants, " 0 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou which killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children to- gether, even as a hen doth gather her chickens under her wings, and ye would not. Behold ! your house is left unto you desolate."

Oh, sinners ! so will it ere long be with you; if you continue to reject the Saviour. The hour is fast has- tening when your house will be left unto you desolate. The Spirit of God, which would now draw you, will forever leave you, and the kind offers of the Saviour fail to impress you. Perhaps you have almost at times been persuaded to become a Christian, but in an evil hour of unbelief you forgot your resolutions, you became entangled again with the things of the world, and you are still upon the broad road which leads to despair. Again would we beseech you to reflect and consider. You have been for these many years sowing to the wind, and without repentance you must ere long reap the whirlwind.

11

114 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

But farther, the Saviour requests an acceptance even for his very work's sake. Every inducement is placed before the mind to cause it to yield to the Sa- viour. The works which the Saviour performed were well known among the Jews, and were an in- controvertible attestation of his Messiahship.

Thus are we, as well as the Jews, without excuse.

It is contrary to every act and offer of the Saviour for man to perish; but we are assured that many, many precious souls, will reject Christ, and be forever lost. Nevertheless, we are assured that the gospel will be unto God a sweet savor in condemning such as turn a deaf ear to his calls and invitations; for the Apostle Paul, in speaking of the triumphs of the gos- pel, says : " For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that pe- rish : to the one we are the savor of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life." Oh ! dear friends, did you ever pause and reflect that the gospel; if rejected, would be unto God a sweet savor in condemning you in the day of judgment? Did you ever view yourself ushered into the presence of God, and called upon to give an account of your stewardship? Such will soon be the case. Your limbs, although to-day elastic, will soon be cold and motionless; and your voice, although to-day strong and clear, may be soon forever still. Your life, at best, is but a vapor, which appeareth for a little time,

AN IMPORTANT INQUIRY. 115

and then vanisheth away. Life is short, yea, short and uncertain. How often do we see this to be the case, even within our own circle of acquaintance! Probably there is not one present, who has not been deeply startled by the unexpected departure of some near friend. In a moment, when, perhaps, we had not the remotest thought that death was near, a dear friend or intimate acquaintance has been suddenly cut down, and placed in the silent tomb. You were aroused, you were shocked, and perhaps you then made the solemn promise that you would seek an in- terest in Christ. Years may have since rolled quickly away, and how is it with you to-day? Have those resolutions been fulfilled, and are you now rejoicing in hope of the glory of G od ? If so, you can say with the Psalmist, " It is good for me that I have been afflicted." But if to-day you stand with a broken vow resting upon you, how critical your state! You once promised God you would serve him the remain- ing remnant of your days, and at the time you were sincere; but in a little time you allowed the world to creep in between your own heart and Christ, and you were thus dissuaded from performing your vows unto God. and you turned away from your promises, and to-day you are wandering upon the dark mountains which surround the regions of despair. Dear hearer, if this be your situation, be admonished. God is not mocked. His just wrath and indignation may be for

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the present withheld, but not quenched. The sword of justice may not have yet laid you low, but it may already be seen gleaming over you. The arrow of death may not have yet left the bow; but it is fitted to the string, and ready. But, in this calamitous state, rejoice, dear friend, that to-day there is a way of escape. Although you have despised God's holy law, — although you have rejected his counsel, and have written bitter things over your head, there is even at this late moment a door of hope open for you, and you are again saluted with the offer of pardon. Do you ask from whom you may obtain this pardon ? We answer, it can only be obtained from that Being whom you have slighted and injured.

We shall therefore now consider what are the ne- cessary requisitions to an acceptance. And we would remark, in the first place, there must be a sense of need. In order for any thing to be valuable to us, it must not only be of great worth, but we must esteem it so. Hence if we under-estimate the Saviour's of- fers of mercy, we are thereby unfitted to come to him. A gift is valuable to us only as we properly appreciate its worth and the motives of the donor. Hence, although the sinner feels that he is unrecon- ciled to God, there is that within his heart which precludes the idea of obtaining salvation in the gospel way, in consequence of the strong desire to merit, and an under-estimate of the value of that which we can-

AN IMPORTANT INQUIRY. 117

not in this manner obtain ; and until these ideas are changed, there can never be an acceptable approach to Christ. If personal acts of obedience were the terms of salvation, how quickly would the mass of mankind set at work; but such is not the case. We must look to another source to obtain light and life. We must look to Christ as he is revealed in the gos- pel. But it is not enough that we be able to theo- retically understand the great plan of salvation, for we may thoroughly acquaint ourselves with the sacred Word, and perhaps be able in some degree to explain its truths and quite clearly understand its doctrines, and yet not be personally interested in the Saviour. There must be, as we before stated, a sense of need. From whence, then, do we obtain a saving sense of need? A true and saving sense of need arises from the direct operation of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. Here, then, we find a key by which we un- lock the entire mystery. It is the Holy Spirit which teaches us our need of the Saviour. When a person thus becomes awakened, the doctrines and truths of the gospel find a lodgment in the heart, and the once theoretical knowledge becomes practical, and a life of activity and usefulness is the result. That we may the more distinctly impress the idea of the Spirit's agency upon the heart in regeneration, we would re- fer you to Xicodemus; who, we are informed, was a ruler among the Jews. We learn by the narrative 11*

118 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

that lie came to Jesus by night to listen to his in- struction. But no sooner does he commence con- versing with Christ than he is told that in order to see (that is, have a saving interest in) the kingdom of God, man must be born again. And the Saviour explains to him the mysterious operation of the Spirit upon the heart when he sees that Nicodemus does not understand him. Therefore, he sa}s, 6i The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou nearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh and whi- ther it goeth; so is everyone that is born of the Spi- rit." Here we find one who was well schooled in the theology of the Old Testament, and who had even attained to the office of a ruler amongst his brethren, who nevertheless lacked a saving interest in Christ, and was experiment 'ally a stranger to the doctrines of grace. But here, you will observe, the Saviour does not speak in any derogatory manner to Nicodemus for having so great a reputation amongst the Jews, but, upon the other hand, he marvels that one who had so good an understanding should fail to know that the Spirit alone can savingly teach the heart. But before we dismiss this interesting narrative, we would remark that we believe there is conclusive proof that the interview of Nicodemus with Jesus was not in vain, and that he perhaps at that very time was savingly made acquainted with Christ. The very fact that Nicodemus came to Christ for a personal

AN IMPORTANT INQUIRY. Ill)

interview, shows an anxious state of mind, and the next that we hear of him is in John viii. 50, where we find Nicodemus amongst the rulers defending Christ, saying, doth our law judge any man before it hear him and know what he doeth? Another proof is, after the death of Christ, Nicodemus* came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes of about a hundred pounds weight with which to embalm the body of Jesus. These facts we think afford conclu- sive proof that the journey of Nicodemus to the Sa- viour was the means of good, and proved effectual through the operation of the Spirit.

A lesson may be here derived which is of much practical benefit to the anxious. The conduct of Xicodemus is commendatory, inasmuch as he went directly to Christ. He did not substitute anything else for a personal interview with the Saviour. In like manner should the anxious always go directly to Christ. Often do we fear that the anxious are mis- guided from a lack of scriptural instruction in this direction. The individual is often guided to that which is substitutionary and tangible in its nature, instead of being pointed directly to Christ. And, if falsely taught that through the efficiency of any sub- stitutionary means he becomes a disciple, the error is liahle to prove fatal. It is a quicksand into which it is unsafe to step, a rope of sand soon to be broken.

120 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

Again, we must have a godly sorrow for sin.

As we see our sinfulness we must feel sorrowful and repent if we would come to Christ and receive his favor. And, as we look into our hearts we shall see great guilt; but as we look to Christ for help we shall find him ready to receive us. It is true we may be almost overwhelmed when we behold the flag- rant crimes we have committed, but Christ's blood avails for even the chief of sinners.

But perhaps some are ready to say I do not con- sider myself a great sinner, I have never profaned God's holy name, I have lived a correct moral life from my youth up, and therefore how can I be con- demned. Such reasoning is the very quintessence of self-righteousness.

There stands a sin of which the moral and profane are alike guilty, which rises far above and overtops all others, and stands forth in all of its hideousness; a sad spectacle to believers, a wonder to angels, and an insult to the Saviour. Would you know the sin? It is to reject Christ.

This sin upon the great and solemn day when the dead, small and great, stand before God, will be found to be the fatal rock upon which countless numbers have stranded. '-This is the condemnation that light has come into the world, and ye have chosen the darkness rather than light, because your deeds were evil." Ye knew your duty, but did it not, will for-

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over gnaw upon the soul like the worm that never dies.

Again, we must come to Christ in the exercise of faith. He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. We are commanded to look to Christ for justi- fication, and we are to receive his righteousness by faith; and when we trust wholly in him, he becomes our wisdom, our righteousness, our sanctification and redemption, and our sins, which are red, like crimson, and as scarlet become like unto snow and as wool.

Thirdly : We shall now consider the happiness in store for the righteous.

We would now, in so far as we can, set before you the joys, the eternal joys which await the believer. But what tongue can fully describe those ineffable joys which await the believer? What stammering tODgue can paint those joys at God's right hand for evermore? Our ravished soul would fain draw aside the veil, and view with breathless awe the glories of the. world to come. As we contemplate those fast approaching joys, what bright visions fill the enrap- tured soul. We behold the beautiful city in which the ransomed throng are forever before the throne of God enjoying continually those mansions of rest pre- pared by the Saviour. We behold in each hand a glorious palm of victory, and we hear those blessed words falling from the lips of glorified saints, "Worthy,

122 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES FOR THE LAITY.

worthy, worthy the Lamb that was slain, for thou hast redeemed us." We behold upon each brow a crown of life placed there by the Saviour's hand, while the sweet notes of the golden harps are swell- ing the grand anthem of praise. We also behold Jesus, the captain of our salvation, leading his people unto living fountains of water. Is it not, then, dear friends, better to depart and be with Christ? Is it not gain to die ? Cannot the believer, as he looks forward to the grave, even see rays of divine glory hovering around the tomb? Can he not look for- ward with joy and rejoicing to the time when this a corruptible shall put on incorruption; and this mortal put on immortality?" Yea, can he not, when called upon to grapple with the King of terrors, -triumph- antly exclaim, uO death! where is thy sting? 0 grave! where is thy victory?"

Oh! dear hearers, has not the believer whereof to glory, as he beholds even the destruction of the last great enemy ?

"Asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep, Prom which none ever wakes to weep ; A calm and undisturbed repose, Unbroken by the last of foes."

Oh ! my dear friends, there is a power in the re- ligion of Jesus which enables the believer to triumph even in the hour of death, for he feels that though called upon to pass through the valley of the shadow

AN IMPORTANT INQUIRY. 123

of death, lie will ere long reach the glorious climes of bliss and immortality, where the soul can forever enjoy the sweet communion of the Saviour, and where the voice can join in the many-toned seraphic anthem of praise which continually floats throughout the realms of paradise.

No cloud of darkness will then sweep across our horizon to obscure the beatific joys, for an eternal noon shall forever reign. JSTo care-worn look of trial or disappointment, neither the pallor of sickness nor the furrows of age will meet the eye, for the former things will have passed away. There we shall for- ever sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and all of the holy patriarchs and prophets, and with all of the glorified saints behold the ever-unfolding glo- ries of God and the Lamb. There we shall find no temptation to resist, nor mourn because the deep fountains of corruption arise and at times flow over, despite our prayers and tears; for we shall be forever purified through the blood of the Lamb.

Oh! is it not a high privilege to be a Christian? Is it not the most distinguished calling to which man can aspire, to consecrate his service to God and be- come an heir of glory?

In conclusion, allow us once more to ask, who in this assembly will consecrate his service this day to the Lord ? The Father is ready to forgive you, the Saviour is anxious to receive you, and Paradise will

124 PRACTICAL DISCOURSES TOR THE LAITY.

ring with songs of joy and rejoicing at your conver- sion.

" Who can describe the joys that rise Through all the courts of Paradise, To see a prodigal return, To see an heir of glory born."

Beholcl! we set before you this day life and death. Choose ye; therefore, whom ye will serve; ye cannot serve God and mammon.

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A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION

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