■ M V /*./2.S Section.. ..Ot-nrA • THEOLOGICAL SKETCH-BOOK, ( '- ^SKELETONS OF SERMONS; ) CAREFULLY ARRANGED IN SYSTEMATIC ORDER SO AS TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE BODY OF DIVINITY; PARTLY ORIGINAL BUT CHIEFLY SELECTED FROM Simeon's Horoe Homileticse and Skeletons; Sketches of Sermons; Pulpit Assistant; Benson's Plans; Preacher; Pulpit, and other approved publications. DESIGNED FOR THE USE OF STUDENTS OF DIVINITY, MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL AND PRIVATE CHRISTIANS. IN THREE VOLUMES VOL. I. 3$ a U t at or r: PRINTED AT THE PUBLICATION ROOMS, KO. 7, SOUTH LIBERTY STREET. ROBERT CARTER, NO. 58 CANAL STREET, NEW-YORK. MESSRS. MENTZ & ROVOUDT NO. 53 NORTH THIRD STREET, PHILA. 1844. Copy right secured according to Act of Congress, in the year 1844, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Maryland. Stereotyped by Wm. H. Hope & Co., No. 97 1-2, Market st., Baltimore. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. From the Rev. Hugh Mair, D. D., of the (Old School) Presbyterian Church, late of Johnstown, Fulton county, N. Y. Rev. Sir, "The work which you are now preparing and contemplate soon presenting to the view of the religious public, appears to me upon mature reflection to be a very felicitous selection from works, highly meritorious — decidedly evangelical and reviewed in the ablest periodicals of Great Britain with the highest approbation. The arrangement which you have made, in this important work is at once judicious and interesting. And moreover as there is no work so far as I know of the same complexion, with the exception of one, which is com- paratively limited in its range, I am disposed to indulge the hope that it will meet with a wide circulation, throughout the religious community and prove highly useful to private christians, and more especially to all evangelical ministers of the gospel." 2. From the Rev. Wm. C. Brownlee, D. D., of the Protestant Reformed Dutch Church, New York. " Having examined the outlines of the work entitled, " Skeletons of Sermons," I fully concur in the sentiments expressed respecting it, in the foregoing letter of the Rev. Dr. Mair. The plan is excellent and the selection admirable. It will be a valuable treasure to the pri- vate christian, and particularly to every clergyman. It will be one of the most valuable works offered of late to the American public.'''' 3. From the Rev. Wm. B. Lacey, D. D., (of the Episcopal Church) President of Baton Rouge College, La. " I concur with the Rev. Dr. Brownlee in his estimate of the merits of the work here alluded to, and think it admirably calculated to the wants of the West." 4. From the Rev. Jared B. Waterbury, D. D., of the (New School) Pres- byterian Church, Hudson, N. Y. " So far as I have examined the above named work, it appears to possess an adaptedness to the wants of many clergymen, while at the same time it affords a rich treasure of spiritual knowledge to the private christian." 5. From the Rev. Dr. Welch, of the Baptist Church, Albany, N. Y. Dear Sir, " The work you are about to issue from the press and which you were so kind as to sub- mit to my examination in MS. I can most cheerfully commend to the patronage of the christian public, as eminently calculated to afford important aid to the Biblical student, in the investigation of the scriptures. Combining the talent and researches of some of the most distinguished expositors of the Holy Text, with much that is evangelical and practical, it will prove alike useful to the public teacher and private christian. Impressed with the conviction, that this work will confer important benefits upon the church of God, you haye my best wishes for its extensive circulation." 4 RECOMMENDATIONS. 6. From the Rev. Noah Levings, D. D., of the Methodist Episcopal Church, New York city. Dear Sir, " I have devoted what time I was able to the perusal of the manuscript of " Skeletons of Sermons," which you left for my examination ; and am happy to say, that I very cor- dially concur in the recommendations which you have already received. As a whole, tho work will contain, to some extent, a body of Divinity, arranged in such systematic order, as to present a consecutive view of tlte leading doctrines and duties of Divine Revelation. The work, I trust, will be of peculiar service to ministers of the gospel, not indeed, by superseding the necessity of study and personal application in making preparations for the pulpit, (least of all should these plans be servilely followed) but, by suggesting many sub- jects, models for the formation of plans of sermons. Praying that you may meet with abundant success in your, labor of love, permit me to subscribe myself yours, very respect- fully." H. H. stands for - ... «. , „ _, g, g. « « . " fcimeon's Horse Homileticaj. Simeon's Skeletons. Sketches of Sermons. Hannam's Pulpit Assistant. Benson's Plans. Preacher. - Pulpit. Original. theEZ7^nl ^ f°Urth Kne0fthe Preface'read ingeniously for ingenious, and insert Sk. H. B. Pr. P. O. PREFACE. Im offering this work to the Christian community, it might be expected that we should vindicate its publication by replying to the principal objections which are wont to be urged against books of this kind. But this would require more space than is afforded on the two pages to which we are necessarily limited. Besides, however ingenious men may argue against printing of " Sketches of Sermons," and however learnedly they may expatiate, ex cathedra, on their evil tendency, the numerous advantages arising from them to the private christian no less than to the experienced — and especially the youthful minister, no longer leave the question a mooted one. In this respect as in many others, doubtful speculation has been forced to succumb to the salutary lessons taught by stern and unequivocal practice. The multitude of works of this class which have been published in various countries on the con- tinent of Europe, in Great Britain and in our own country by the wisest and best of men, Xnd the ready and extensive reception with which they have been honored by ministers and christians of all denominations, seem to have settled the point as to the propriety of usher- ing them into existence, and their unquestionable utility when properly used. We accord- ing!}' regard this matter as one which in the judgment of a large majority of the enlight- ened community, has already travelled beyond the confines of debatable ground ; and therefore pass on to a few suggestions respecting the general nature and design of the work before us. It is, as announced on the title-page, a " Theological Sketch-Book," and as the sketches are arranged in consecutive order, so as to constitute a complete body of divinity, compre- hending all the varied subjects properly falling within the scope of such a system, it lays claim, at least so far as the arrangement is concerned, to the merit or demerit of being some- thing neio ! Contemplated in the abstract, as a body of divinity, it may be entitled to some considera- tion ; and if found to have been judiciously compiled, it will command, in this view alono, the respectful regard of the enlightened and unbiassed reader. As the materials have been carefully culled from the choicest productions of some of the most profoundly learned and most approved expositors of inspired truth, the hope is indulged that on this score no seri- ous objections will be made. It is confidently believed that these outlines will be acknow- ledged to be sound in principle, evangelical in character, and eminently practical in their tendency, and therefore well adapted to improve the heart no less than to instruct the mind, and make the prayerful reader wise in the Holy Scriptures as well as wise unto salvation. In relation to the design, we would remark, that the " Sketch-Book" is not intended to tempt the student of divinity or the youthful minister, for whose benefit, it has been more especially prepared, to commit the sin of literary theft, but to aid them in a legitimate way in their preparations for the pulpit. Neither is it designed to save them from the labor of thinking, or the toil of writing, but rather to assist them in both, by suggesting appropriate themes as subjects for the impressive inculcation of divine instruction; enabling them the more readily to survey the wide field of truth opened to them in the Scriptures ; and show- ing how others, distinguished for learning, piety and usefulness, have treated the same sub- jects on which they desire to instruct their hearers — thus furnishing facilities not only to declare the whole counsel of God, but also rightly to divide the word of truth and dispense 6 PREFACE. it profitably to the people of their charge. If there be a man in the gospel ministry who lacks sufficient talent and originality to prepare a sermon to edification, it may be contended that he is unfit for the sacred office ; but if he must needs remain in it, is it not vastly pref- erable that he should avail himself of these helps than waste his and the people's precious time and opportunities in attempting to do good by crude, confused and pointless produc- tions emanating from his own meagre resources ? Is it not also a fact that such an indi- vidual may thus avail himself, to a useful extent, without thereby necessarily subjecting himself to the fearful charge of plagiarism ? So far as mere thought and argument are in- volved, all literary men may be regarded as free-booters ; whatever they meet with in their researches they have a right to capture and make their own, and in employing it for their own lawful purposes, they adopt their own arrangement and choose their own language. — Are they therefore plagiarists? Then all men from the beginning of time must plead guilty. Eut if this course be not only lawful but commendable in regard to other subjects, why should it be inadmissible in relation to sermonizing ? As to the man of learning, — of extensive and varied reading, and ample intellectual and theological furniture, it is presumed that even he will be gratified to meet with a work of this kind prepared to his hand. If it serve to refresh his memory, — bringing to his recol- lection suitable topics for pulpit discussion and appropriate passages of Scripture on which to base such discussion ; to suggest arguments and arrangements of thought which in the hurry of preparation might not have occurred to him ; to give his reflections a direction, and carry them forward to results more satisfactory than the urgency of his multitudinous labors would have allowed him to elaborate ; — if these valuable ends be answered by this work its appearance will be welcomed by the most accomplished divine, as well as by the less favor- ed son of the church. Or should not one of these objects be accomplished, and the erudite and devout minister should nevertheless ascertain that his own process of pulpit preparation has conducted him in the very direction and to the same issue as that of others, the simple discovery of this interesting fact cannot fail to prove exceedingly gratifying, and greatly ♦ncourage and strengthen the modest and distrustful yet anxious laborer in the vineyard of our Lord. But however well qualified the man of God may be for his high and holy voca- tion, it is presumed that he may still be assisted in acquiring a more intimate acquaintance with many subjects of pulpit discussion, and in adopting a perspicuous method in the divi- sion of his sermons, so that they shall present the doctrines and duties of rehgion in t-Vsir beautiful order and connection, exhibiting its lofty sanctions, its blessed privileges, and its hallowed motives, in the light and relations in which they will carry the authority of the great Author of truth to the understanding and conscience. It only remains to be added, that the object sought to be compassed by this undertaking, will require three volumes of about equal dimensions with the present one ; the second is now in process of publication and expected to leave the press in a few weeks ; the third is intended in part to comprize sketches on promiscuous subjects, not essential to the integrity of the system, but selected with care and a constant reference to practical utility, and will be forthcoming in due time. With these views we commend this work to the student, the preacher, and to christian* in general. Baltimore, July the 1th, 1844. CHAPTER I. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. THE BOOK OF THE LORD. 1 Isaiah xxxiv. 16. — " Seek ye out of the bock of the Lord and read." (Sk.) The text occurs nearly at the close of one of the most awfully sublime chapters that the language of man ever uttered, or the pen of inspiration ever wrote. A chapter in which Jehovah is represented as clothing himself with the garment of vengeance, and coining out of his place to punish the inhabi- tants of the earth for their iniquities ; and a chapter, in which we not only discover the indignation of God displayed against sinners, so as utterly to effect their destruction ; but where the very land that had nursed them in their crimes is made a standing monument of Divine vengeance. Can any thing within the whole compass of human language be more awful than the descriptions in ver. 9 — 16 ? It is not now necessary to say when these pro- phecies were fulfilled, or to what particular country they referred : what we have at present to regard is, the advice in the text ; and here let us, I. Notice the object to which our attention is directed — the book of the Lord. This phrase primarily meant the prophetic writings ; but since the canon of Scripture has been filled up, we understand by the " book of the Lord," the whole Bible, consisting of the Old and New Tes- taments : these are called, " the book of the Lord." 1. Because they ivere inspired by the Lord, 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17. We in- fer this — from their wonderful preservation — from the exact fulfilment of the prophecies with which they abound — from the most stupendous and indis- putable miracles recorded in them — from the grand and elevated subjects on which they treat — and especially from the moral influence of their doctrines in the salvation of mankind. 2. They abound with the most correct and sublime descriptions of the Lord. One of the ancients said, ' The Bible is the history of God.' It describes the nature of God — what he is in himself, and what he is to us — what he has been doing, and what he will do. It records the terrible acts of his justice — the grand displays of his mercy — his inviolate faithfulness, immaculate purity, and immutable goodness. There is scarcely a question which a serious mind may be disposed to urge relative to the Divine Being, which cannot be solved from the Old and New Testaments. 3. They are sanctioned by the L,ord, and he has set his seal to their truth, Isa. lv. 10, 11 ; Rom. i. 16; 1 Thess. ii. 13. Oh! what great and glorious success attends the doctrines contained in the Bible, when preached in their purity. How many blind eyes are opened ! How many hard hearts softened ! How many inveterate prejudices subdued ! How many wander- ers reclaimed ! How many penitents cheered ! And how many immortal souls made wise unto salvation by the Holy Scriptures ! 4. They lead to the Lord. They find us out in our state of estrangement and alienation from God; they t^acli us the way of access unto God, by the blood of the atonement; they mark the steps by which the prodigal returns to his Father ; they encourage him by promises, and urge him by threaten- g THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. ings ; and their most obvious tendency and design is, to lead us " to the rock that. is higher than" ourselves. II. Illustrate the purposes for which we are to seek out of the book of the Lord and read. 1. To gain instructions The Bible is a book of knowledge. All the streams of sacred instruction, which have been flowing in every direction through all the Christian world, and fertilizing the waste and desolate places of the earth, have arisen from this source. Do we pant for knowledge ? Here it spreads its ample page ; ' 'Tis revelation satisfies all doubts, And solves all mysteries except its own ; And so illuminates the path of life, That fools discover it and stray no more.' A christian with a Bible in his hand resembles a man standing on the elevat- ed summit of a mountain, " where ether pure surrounds him, and Elysian prospects rise." The dark clouds that hung over the past are ah dissipated, and he views the birth of time, the formation of the globe, the origin of evil, and the long train of miracles, prophecies, and wonders, with which the Old Testament abounds. Nor is he less favored in looking through the bright vista of the future years. 2. To gain examples. The Bible is a book of models ; here we see re- ligion enlivened and embodied. The precepts of the Gospel describe what men ought to be, but in the living characters we see what they were ; and there is not a single virtue that can adorn human nature, but what has been exemplified in some living characters, recorded in " the book of the Lord;" such as faith in Abraham, meekness in Moses, patience in Job, &c. 3. To gain excitements. The Bible is a book of motives. — Knowledge and practice do not always harmonize. Men know much ; but how few live up to what they know ! There are no motives equal to those which the Bible presents. Can love allure us ? Here is love " no where to be found less than divine." Can terror awe us ? Here are the terrors of the Lord most awfully displayed, in the punishments inflicted on the ungodly. Oh, Avhat motives does " the book of the Lord" display ! addressed to the under- standing, to the conscience, and to the heart. 4. To gain encouragements. The Bible is a book of promises and con- solations ; they suit every case, meet every emergency, redress every griev- ance, scatter every doubt, and heal every wound ; they are pure in their source, satisfying "in their nature, and perpetual in their duration. III. Offer a few thoughts as to the manner, how we should seek OUT OF THE BOOK OF THE LORD AND READ. 1. We should do it with deep seriousness and holy awe resting upon our minds. The very thought that we are about to consult the oracles of eternal truth, which came forth from God, and serve to describe his nature, ought to repress every feeling of levity, and every disposition contrary to serious god- liness. Were God again upon earth in human form, and were we to consult him on the great business of our salvation, who can doubt but what we should do it seriously ? — So read his word. 2. We should " seek out of the hook of the Lord, and read," with all the attention of which we are capable. " Search,''1 said our Saviour, " the Scriptures." This is a significant word, and is a metaphor taken from mi- ners, who dig deep, and search for metals in the bowels of the earth. " The book of the Lord" has a rich vein of heavenly wisdom running through it, whose merchandise is better than silver ; but this treasure lies deep, and THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 9 superficial observers never perceive it : while we read let us seek — bend the whole force of our minds — call in .our attention — and repress every wander- ing thought. 3. We should do it frequently. If we cannot spare hours to do it, let us snatch moments ; and if we cannot peruse many chapters, let us read single verses, and treasure them up in our memories. ;* Thy word have I hid in my heart," Psa. cxix. 11. Let our memories be sacred repositories for the words of God. 4. We should do it ivith much prayer. While you read, pray — pray for Divine illumination. " Holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost ;" we need that same teaching, to understand what they wrote, Psalm cxix. 18 ; Prov. i. 23. 5. We should do it practically. Let us read, not merely to know, but to practise ; all knowledge should be influential. " If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them," James i. 25. Infer, 1. The greatness of our privileges. We live in a land of Bibles, we have " the book of the Lord ;" and by the help of Sunday schools, &c, all may read. 2. The greatness of our obligations — to know, love, praise, and obey God. 3. The greatness of our guilt, if we abuse our privileges, and violate our obligations to God. THE DIVINE AUTHORITY AND PERFECTION OF THE SCRIPTURES. 2 Tim. iii. 16. — " All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruction in righteousness." (H.) There are but two possible ways of acquiring the knowledge of the mind of God, and these are reason and revelation ; reason is that noble faculty of the soul by which man is distinguished from all inferior orders of creatures, and made capable of moral government. When our first parents were in a state of innocence, this alone was sufficient to acquaint them with every part of their duty ; but upon their disobedience it was so far eclipsed, that from this time, the world, with all its wisdom has neither been fully acquainted with the perfections of the true God, nor with the right and acceptable man- ner of worshipping him ; as appears from the history of those ages and na- tions, which have not had the advantage of revelation. The apostle Paul, speaking of the Gentile world, says, " they changed the glory of the incor- ruptible God into an image made like corruptible man." Rom. i. 23, &c. He admits they had some little acquaintance with God, but not sufficient to direct their practice ; for even at Athens, the most learned city of Greece, there was an altar with this inscription, "To the unknown God." If we look abroad into the barbarous nations at this day, we shall find them buried in ignorance and superstition. Flow little do they know of the nature and perfections of the one living and true God, and of his reasonable service ! and 2 10 * THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. how dim are the remains of natural light, with regard to the terms of accept- ance with him ! all which demonstrates the necessity and usefulness of a Di- vine revelation, or of that clear and bright discovery of his will, contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testament ; which, according to the apos- tle, are given by the inspiration of God, and are profitable for doctrine. I. The scriptures of the old and new testament are given by the INSPIRATION OF GoD. By the scriptures, the apostle, in our text, means chiefly the Old Testa- ment, for the canon of the New was not yet finished ; and by their being in- spired, that those ancient prophecies came not by the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. In order to judge whether persons are inspired, we must, 1 . Inquire into their moral character : Are they virtuous and holy per- sons 1 These dare not deceive, nor deliver any thing as a revelation from God, but what they are fully satisfied they have received from him. If a pretender to inspiration should denounce some remarkable judgment to be in- flicted for our vile crimes, and should himself be notoriously guilty of those vices ; it is not reasonable to suppose, we should receive him as a prophet sent from God. 2. We must examine into their doctrine. Is the doctrine they teach ac- cording to godliness ? A Divine revelation must have a tendency to promote Divine knowledge and virtue, not only by teaching men to deny ungodliness, but also to live soberly, and righteously. Again, do they exalt the Divine glory and majesty, and abase the creature so far, as that no flesh should glory in his sight ? 3. We must consider the credentials, or external proofs of their mission ; which are principally, 1. Miracles. There can be no stronger evidence of a Divine mission than this. When Moses was sent with a massage to Pharaoh, the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, " When Pharaoh shall speak to you, saying, Show a mir- acle, then take your rod." Ex. vii. 9. By Avhich it appears, that in those early times, miracles were esteemed a convincing proof of a Divine mission. Our Lord appeals, upon all occasions, to his miracles. When John the Bap- tist sent to inquire of him, " Whether he was the Christ?" He replies, " Go tell your master, that the blind receive their sight." Matt. xi. 5. How oft- en did he point the scribes and pharisees to his mighty works, as well as his disciples ? (John xiv. 11,) " Believe me that I am in the Father." 2. Fulfilment of prophecy. No mere man can foretell what shall be on the morrow, much less in ages far remote. This is the sole prerogative of the great God ; as he alone searches and tries the reins and the heart, so he only can foretell the end from the beginning. When therefore a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord. Deut. xviii. 20. Now all these marks and characters of inspiration are no where so conspic- uous as in the Holy Scriptures. Moses, David, Solomon, Daniel, and the rest of the prophets, were pious and upright men, and it is no inconsiderable proof of their integrity, that they have left their own faults and infirmities on record. Their doctrines are reasonable, just, and good, tending to promote the glory of God and the happiness of men. What sublime strains of devo- tion are in the Psalms of David ! What excellent rules for the conduct of life in the writings of Solomon ! and how glorious does the God of Israel shine throughout all the prophets ! how kind and gracious are his promises ! how awful his threatenings ! and how wonderfully is his majesty supported bv the numerous representations of the infinite distance and disproportion be- THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. H tween him and his creatures ! These holy men believed themselves inspired, for they tell us the word of the Lord came unto them at such a time ; and Avhen they spake, it is with, " Thus saith the Lord." And with regard to the New Testament, the evidence of its Divine author- ity is as strong as the nature of things will admit. The apostle tells us, "That God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners," Heb. i. 1. So that if Jesus Christ be the Son of God, it will certainly follow, that his doc- trine could be no other than a Divine revelation. And this appears in many prophecies of the Old Testament. It was prophesied of the Messiah, " that he should be incarnate before the sceptre departed from Judah ; that he should he born of a virgin ; that he should be of the seed of David, and of the tribe of Judah ; that the place of his nativity should be Bethlehem, a village of Ju- dea ; that his name should be Immanuel ; that he should appear in the form of a servant, and after a mean and contemptible life, should be betrayed by one of his own household, and cut off for the sins of the people." It was there- fore with the highest reason that our Saviour upbraided his countrymen for their unbelief. " O fools, and slow of heart." Luke xxiv. 25, 26. Besides, how illustriously do the other characters of inspiration, already mentioned, shine forth in the person of Christ, who was holy, harmless, un- defiled ; whose doctrines were so rational and sublime, that the people won- dered at the gracious words that proceeded out of his mouth. The miracles which he wrought in confirmation of his doctrine were so clear and surpris- ing, that nothing but the extremest obstinacy and malice could withstand their evidence. But as there were many doctrines necessay to be known, which the apostles of our blessed Saviour could not receive from him in his state of humiliation and suffering ; he therefore promised after his ascension into heaven, to inspire them with the extraordinary gift of the Holy Spirit, where- by they should be led into all truth, and qualified to declare to the Gentiles "the whole counsel of God." Accordingly, on the day of Pentecost, when the apostles were gathered together in one place, " the Holy Ghost came upon them, and enabled them not only to speak divers languages, but to con- firm the doctrines they taught with signs and wonders." II. The perfection or sufficiency of the scriptures. It is said in the preceding verse, " that they are able to make us wise to salvation;" and in the text, " that they are profitable for doctrine, for reproof." By the sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures, we mean, that they contain all things necessary to be believed and practised ; the law of Moses was so complete a direction of the faith and obedience of the Jews, that the addition of the Scribes and Pharisees were both useless and vain. Matt. xv. 29. In like manner the writings of the New Testament are a perfect standard to us Christians; for all things that our blessed Lord heard of his Father, he made known to his apostles, and the apostles to the churches. Acts xx. 26, 27, " I take you to record." But the perfection of the Holy Scriptures may be farther illustrated from the particulars in my text, as, 1. They are profitable for doctrine ; to acquaint us with our lost and mis- erable condition by sin, and the train of fatal consequences that attend it, with our recovery by Christ, the covenants of redemption and grace, the offices of Father, Son, and Spirit, in the work of our redemption, and with all those " other mysteries, which were kept secret since the world began." Rom. xvi. 25. 2. For reproof; or the discovery of our pernicious errors in doctrine and practice. When the gospel was first preached among the idolatrous nations 12. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. their dumb idols were thrown down, and their superstitious vanities fled be- fore it, as the. shadows of the night before the rising sun. The scriptures are now the standard of truth ; and if men preach not agreeably thereto, it is because there is no light in them. A text of scripture, rightly explained and applied, is as full a confutation of error to a Christian, as a mathematical de- monstration to a philosopher. 3. The scriptures are profitable for correction of vice and wickedness ; " wherewithal (says the Psalmist) should a young man cleanse his way ?" Ps. cxix. There we have a collection of all Christian graces and duties, with their opposite vices : the fruits of the Spirit and of the flesh are distin- guished with the greatest propriety ; and the most engaging motives to the practice of the one, and awful threatenings against the other, are represented with the greatest strength and advantage. 4. For instruction in righteousness ; that is, either in the righteousness of Cod, which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all, that believe; or in the practice of moral righteousness, the nature and excellency of which are better explained and illustrated in the sermons of our blessed Saviour, than in all the writings of the ancient philosophers. The precepts of the Bible are so many excellent rules for a holy life, and the promises are Divine encouragements to it : " Having therefore these pro- mises, dearly beloved," 2 Cor. vii. 1. In a word, the Holy Scriptures are sufficient to all the purposes of religion. III. Their clearness and perspicuity. There are sublime speculations, which may employ the thoughts of the most learned inquirer after truth ; as well as the deep things of God, which the angels are desirous to look into : and there are also the principles of the doctrine of Christ; that is, the "milk of the word," or the softest and gen- tlest food which is fit for babes, as the other is for strong men. The doc- trines of the greatest consequence, such as repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the certainty of a future state, of the resurrection of the dead, and of judgment to come, are most clearly revealed. The love of God, and of our neighbour ; together with the necessity of universal holiness, charity, and good works, run through the whole of the New Tes- tament, and are placed in so strong a light, that pei'sons of the meanest ca- pacities cannot but understand them. Besides, 1. The Holy Scriptures are written in the vulgar language, and therefore designed for the use of the common people. The Old Testament was writ- ten in the language of the Jewish nation, and a portion of it read in their synagogues every Sabbath-day. The New Testament was written in Greek, which was, at that time, the general language ; and St. Paul's epistles were read in the churches. Now can we suppose, that the scriptures should be read to the common people, and they not capable to understand them ? could not the Spirit of God write clearly ; or would he not ? To say the former is blasphemy ; and to affirm the latter, is in effect to say, the scriptures are no revelation to the churches : for if they cannot understand them after their best inquiries, they might almost as well have been without them. 2. Our Saviour, in his sermons to the people, appeals to the scriptures, and exhorts his countrymen the Jews to search them. " Search the scrip- tures." John v. 39. The noble Bereans are commended for this practice, Acts xvii. 11 ; and young Timothy appears to have been acquainted witli them from his childhood. Remark, I. Hence we may learn, that the religion of a Christian should be his THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 13 Bible ; because it contains the whole revealed will of God, and is a perfect rule of faith and practice. It is also a more sure word of prophecy. 2. Let us be thankful that we have the scriptures in the vulgar language. Christianity was professed a thousand years in this island before the Bible was translated into English. This was one of the peculiar blessings of the Reformation. 3. Let us revive this neglected duty of reading the scriptures. It is both a delightful and useful employment. " Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning." It was enjoined the Israelites, upon their coming out of Egypt into the land of Canaan, that they should not only love the Lord their God, but " the words which I command thee this day." Deut. vi. 5 — 7. 4. When we read the scriptures, let us consider them not as the words of men, but as in deed and truth the word of God. If some things are above our capacities, let us remember, " that the foolishness of God is wiser than man." Let us read the scriptures therefore with reverence, and endeavor to understand them, as well as we can, by comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 5. In judging of controversies among Christians, let us not be carried away by the authority of great names or numbers. Councils, and fathers, and synods, may be mistaken in their decrees ; but the word of' God is in- fallible. Here we are safe, and no where else. 6. When we read the scriptures, let us pray for the instructions and teach- ings of the Holy Spirit; for it is not sufficient, that the light of the gospel shines around us, unless the Spirit of God, who once commanded light to shine out of darkness, shines in our hearts. " Then opened he their under- standings, that they might understand the scriptures. Lord, open our eyes, that we may behold the wondrous things out of thy law." ADVANTAGES OF POSSESSING THE SCRIPTURES. f Romans iii. 1, 2. — What advantage then hath the Jew : or what profit is there of circum- cision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. (Pr.) Paul's leading object in the whole of this epistle is to show that a sin- ner's justification with God is by faith in Jesus, in opposition to the works of the law. The Jews were for trusting in circumcision as the ground of acceptance ; and the apostle admits, that if they had not sinned, circumcision as well as other acts of obedience might be pleaded ; but that having sinned, their circumcision was nothing, and there was no justification with God on that ground : chap. ii. 25 — 29. The words of the text are then introduced as containing an objection ; to which the proper answer is given — I. Consider the character here ascrieed to the Holy Scriptures : THEY ARE " THE ORACLES OF GOD." 14 THE HOLT SCRIPTURES. 1. Observe, an Oracle is the speech or answer of a deity, or of some supposed deitv ; as a temple is the residence of a deity, either real or imagi- nary. The heathens had their oracles, which they consulted on every occasion, though they were altogether a delusion, and a mere piece of priest- craft. But though all these were counterfeits, yet there were true ora- cles ; and these are the Word of the true and living God. The holy Scriptures are called oracles in other passages, as Avell as in this. In Acts vii. 38, they are denominated " the lively oracles." They are not an old dead history about persons and things long ago, but are what concern the living at this day. They are not like the dead languages, but are them- selves a living language, in which every man hears in his own tongue the wonderful works of God. God's precepts are the same now, as when they were delivered at Sinai. They are not grown obsolete, but are still in force, and are spoken to us as well as to them. Deut. v. 3. His threatnings are the same now as then, and God means the same by them as he ever did, and they are all equally in force. The promises are all the same : it is God that still invites us, saying, ' Come ye to the waters :' and the invitations are equally addressed to us as to those of old. • 2. The Scriptures are called oracles as containing the first principles of religion: thus in Heb. v. 12. They contain indeed a fund of wis- dom and knowledge, as well as first principles, and are therefore to be re- • garded as the standard of truth. Hence if any one speak or teach, let him do it as the oracles of God speak, and be careful that his doctrine corres- ponds with that rule. 1 Pet. iv. 11. 3. In some instances the oracles of God are contrasted ivith the oracles of the heathen, as in Isai. xlv. 19. The heathen oracles were chiefly distinguished by three things. They affected a mysterious conceal- ment : but the oracles of God court examination. They disappointed those who trusted in them : but the Lord ' never said to the seed of Jacob seek ye me in vain.' They were of an immoral tendency, had no regard to righteousness, but taught and encouraged what was evil, and con- sulted only the sinful inclinations of the people : but the oracles of God de- clare ' the things that are right,' without consulting the sinful propensities of men, and whether they would regard it or not. II. Consider the advantage of possessing the sacred writings ; this IS " MUCH EVERY WAY." It was the distinguishing privilege of the Jews, that unto them were com- mitted the oracles of God ; and it is also one of our principle advantages. We cannot so well estimate the worth of any thing as by consid- ering the condition of those who are without it ; our commonest mercies are all undervalued, because they are common. The sun rises every day, and fills the world with light, and we think little of it ; but if we were left in darkness for several months, we should then be taught to estimate its value. Could we but see the state of the heathen world, and compare it with our own ; could we but compare their general morals with those of christian countries, we should be more fully aware of the advantages which we en- joy. The Scriptures have an effect on men in general, who them- selves have no love to righteousness ; and they are compelled to act with some degree of decorum and good order. David having been driven away among the heathen, by the persecutions of Saul, and obliged to wan- der in the land of Moab, and among the Philistines, was led from hence to THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 15 form an idea of the incomparable worth of the holy Scriptures ; and then" it was, very probably, that he wrote his encomiums in the nineteenth psalm, and also in the cxixth, Some of the advantages of having the Scriptures will appear, if we con- sider more particularly the following things — 1. What a flood of light they pour upon that subject which belongs to our best interests. All men are convinced that they are sinners, for all have a conscience ; yet by nature are wholly in the dark, not knowing whither they are going, nor what shall be hereafter. Oh the impor- tance of that word, which shineth as a light in a dark place, and shows us the way of life ! If heathens ask, what shall we do to be saved ; none of their oracles, none of their priests can tell. Neither Greece nor Rome with all their learning, could answer such a question as this. But when the Phil- ippian jailor proposed such a question to Paul and Silas, they could answer and say, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. There is now no need to ascend into heaven, and descend into the deep : the word is nigh us, and it tells us all things. Rom. x. 6 — 9. 2. Consider how plain the directions are which the Scriptures give on the subject of obedience. The poor heathens are trying to please God, or rather their idols, in a thousand different ways, yet know not how : but the sacred oracles will tell us at once, and in one word, wherein the whole law is con- tained. God does not require such kind of sacrifices as their idols are supposed to do : his words are, ' My son, give me thy heart.' What does he require, but that we love mercy, and walk humbly with him. The original inhabitants of this island had their wicked idols, like those of Moloch, in which they burned thousands of human beings alive, in honor of their deities. Whatever use we may make of the oracles of God, and however much they may be abused, they are of the greatest importance in themselves, and it is our chief glory to possess them. 3. They are the principal means which God has used in the conversion of sinners. ' The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul ; sure, making wise the simple.' The ivorks of God did not convert men then, any more than they do now, though they declare his glory, and his handy work. Psal. xix. It is by the truth that we are saved ; the gospel is the power of God unto salvation ; and whenever the time come that all shall know the Lord, and be made righteous, and when all the people shall praise him ; it shall be by his way being made known upon earth, and his saving health among all nations. Psal. lxvii. 2. The history of the mission to India confirms this re- mark: from the time that they translated and circulated the Scriptures, the Lord began to bless them, and not till then. III. Application of the subject. 1. If the oracles of God were of so much advantage to the Jews, they are much more so to us. We have also the New Testament, which is the accomplishment of the Old: such an addition to the sacred oracles is of in- finite importance. If David could say so much of the five books of Moses, which were nearly all that was extant in his day ; what would he have said of the whole Bible as we possess it in our day ! • 2. What a motive is presented for attempting to diffuse the knowledge of the Scriptures all around us. If we wish to see mankind blessed and made happy, let us give to them the words of eternal life. 16 THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. The instruction of the children of the poor is in this view a most desira- ble object. There are many public charities, and also charity schools, which have their use : but Sunday schools in particular have an object in view which distinguishes them from all the rest — that of giving access to the holy Scriptures. They give the key of knowledge, which is one of the chief advantages of true religion. 3. Let us remember that the oracles of God will be of no ultimate advan- tage to us, unless we are brought truly to believe and to embrace them, so as to live under their holy influence. Without this, they will only be a swift witness against us in the last day. ON THE PERFECTION OF THE SCRIPTURES. Psalms cxix. 96. — But thy commandment is exceeding broad. (H.) By commandment, the Psalmist here means the whole will, word, and law of God, as it is contained in the Holy Scriptures. And I intend from these words to discourse concerning the fulness, perfection, and sufficiency of that word and law. I. The perfection of the Holy Scriptures will appear, if we con- sider THEM WITH RESPECT TO THEIR AUTHOR AND ORIGINAL. This word the almighty God has spoken ; this law, or this commandment, the infinite Jehovah has made and given. As the child bears the image of the parent, and the wax receives the impression of the seal, so these sacred oracles breathe forth the spirit of their great Author ; and do in every page confess the likeness which they have to their Divine original. The unparalleled excellence of the Divine nature, the glories of the su- preme Majesty, are here expressed, as the features of a man's face are visi- ble in the glass wherein he looks. These scriptures are not of a common birth ; " all scripture is given by the inspiration of God ; and holy men spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." Now there is, in the word and law of God, a perfection of holiness and purity ; of truth and certainty ; of righteousness and justice ; of wisdom and knowledge ; of mercy and goodness ; of perpetuity and duration. Ps. xix. 7 — 9. II. If we consider the subject matter. It is said of the authority, excellency, and perfection of our Lord's doc- trine, that " never man spake like this man." The gospel contains the words which our Lord spake : of which our Lord gives the truest and fair- est description, when he says, "The words which I speak, they are spirit and they are life." There is that spirit of heavenly light, life, and love ; there, is that Divine virtue, and that exquisite beauty, in these sacred writ- ings, that no other composure can parallel. Here we have the nature of God discovered, the lines of sovereign power and wisdom drawn in the clearest brightness. Much of God may be read in his creatures ; " the invisible things of him." Rom. i. 20. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 17 But the most complete and attractive attributes of God, are nowhere so amply displayed, as in this revelation he has made of himself in his word : from this book do the brightest beams of Divine love break out upon us in the most astonishing manner. The perfection of the scriptures, will appear, if we consider the usefulness of the histories, the certainty of the prophe- cies, the wisdom of the laws, the sanctity of the morals, the loftiness of. the mysteries, the brightness of the examples, the preciousness of the promises on the one hand, and the terror of the judgments on the other. Here are contained the deep things of God, the unfathomable secrets of infinite wisdom. Here we have discovered to us the adorable mystery of the Trinity, the incarnation of the Son of God, the fall of man, and the cor- ruption of our nature by it, the various windings of Providence, concerning which we have reason to break out with astonishment, " O the d^pth !" How important are the discoveries of a future state of inexpressible rewards and punishments, of the solemn and august appearance of the great and last day. How admirable are the rules of life, how strict the precepts of virtue. What a complete treatise of practical religion have we given to us in our Saviour's sermon on the mount. There are such bright images of piety, such refined rules of holy living, such as by far outdo all the former institu- tions of religion and philosophy. They never taught the duty of loving our enemies, mortifying our anger, abstaining from revenge, the necessity of for- giving injuries. These are some of the peculiar perfections and excellences which belong to the laws of Christ. III. The next instance wherein the perfection of the scriptures CONSISTS, IS THE MANNER IN WHICH THEY ARE WRITTEN. In the word of God there is not only a profound treasure of the most ex- cellent matter, but those holy and heavenly truths are also delivered in the most majestic strains of oratory, and with all the ornaments of the most ex- alted rhetoric. Words are nowhere arranged in a more attractive order, nor do the triumphs of sacred eloquence shine in any author with greater splen- dour, nor flow with an evener stream. How wonderful and surprising are the descriptions which Job in chaps, xxxvii. xxxviii. and xxxix., gives us of the Divine power and providence ! In how fine and poetical a strain are the songs of Moses and Deborah composed ! and with how much beauty of style, as well as height of devotion, is the book of the Psalms replenished ! How lofty and intricate are some of the prophets ! how pathetical and terri- ble are others ! and some, again, how mild and gende ! What refined wis- dom, what deep experience, what admirable observations of human policy, have we in the writings of Solomon ! What noble characters, and lively images of things, have we dispersed in those instructive pages ! How inim- itably is the passion of grief set forth in the Lamentations of Jeremiah ! " One would think," says Dr. South, " that every letter was wrote with a tear, every word was the sad accent of a breaking heart ; that the penman was a man compacted of sorrows, and disciplined to mourning ; that he never breathed but in sighs, nor spoke but in a groan." Hom^ awful and dreadful is the account which Moses gives us of the pub- lication of the law : God descended in fire and smoke, and the people did not only fear, but the hill shook, and the mountain did exceedingly quake and tremble. Nothing can give us a juster idea of omnipotent power, than that expression of Moses, when God says, " Let there be light, and there was light. He spake the word, and it was done ; he commanded and it stood fast." How exactlv, and with how much harmonv, have die evangelists written 3 18 THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. <5f the life and passion of our Saviour ! How strongly do the mysteries of Divine grace and goodness flow in the epistles ! What a glorious descrip- tion have we of the New Jerusalem. Rev. xxi. 23. Indeed, none can de- scribe the excellency and dignity of the whole composition of the New Testament. IV. The excellency of the scriptures will appear, if we consider THE DESIGN FOR WHICH THEY ARE REVEALED. The intent of their promulgation is glorious. There is no book in the world that is so adapted for the raising our minds, refining our judgments, spiritualizing our affections, and advancing our hearts to the imitation of God. One great end of this inspired book is, to direct us to the knowledge of God, his being, nature, and attributes. God hath made himself known by his works ; but he has done this more perfectly by his word. In the one, he has shown his back-parts, as once he did to Moses; but, in -this, he has uncovered his face. Another end of the Holy Scriptures is to lead us into the knowledge of the providence of God ; his various dealings with his church and people in all ages ; how he has protected them by his power, corrected then! by his judgments, comforted them by his Spirit, ruled them by his laws. To make us complete and universal in our obedience, that the upright- ness which we lost by the fall, may be repaired and restored by the Spirit of grace. To give us a true and just notion of ourselves, to abate our pride, to show us what we are, and from whom we have received our all. To give us right thoughts concerning the world, the vanity and uncertainty of every creature. They do in the best manner direct us to our great end, the glory of God, and the salvation of our souls. In all which particulars, we must say of the law of God, "Thy commandment is exceeding broad," i. e. it is exceeding perfect, wanting nothing, either to declare the greatness of its Author, or to contribute to the happiness of man. Observe, If the scriptures are thus excellent and perfect, in their original compos- ure and design ; if we have in them so great and so worthy a rule and direc- tion of life and manners ; then from hence it will follow, that we cannot em- ploy our time better than in searching this rule, than in reading and studying die scriptures, which are written for our learning, and which are so exceed- ing useful and profitable to us in every respect. Let us search, and diligently meditate on these sacred writings ; and, since " we have so sure a word of prophecy, we should do well to take heed unto it." THE WELLS OF SALVATION. Isaiah xii. 3. With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. (H. H.) We wonder not that the Scriptures are read with so little interest by the generality : for, till persons know somewhat of their lost estate, and of the way of salvation provided for them, the Bible is to them a sealed book. But }et them once experience a taste of the Redeemer's love, and instantly they will find in the Inspired Volume mines of wealth. Such a storehouse is that THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 19 blessed book to the godly in this day: and such will it be to the Jewish Church, when once they shall be converted to the faith of Christ. " In that day they will say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine auger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me." ^Such will be the reflections at the time of their first discoveries of 'God's mercy to them in Christ Jesus. Then they will advance farther to express their full confidence in God.) " Behold, God is my salvation ! I will trust, and not be afraid : for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song ; he also is become my salvation." (Then will they be fully prepared to derive the rich- est benefit from the Scriptures : and) " therefore shall they draw water with joy out of the wells of salvation." That we may form a just estimate of their privilege, let us consider, I. The character by which the Scriptures are here designated — - The expression, " wells of salvation," is supposed by many to be spoken of Christ: and doubtless it may be very fitly applied to him. But I rather understand it of the Scriptures, from whence, as from an inexhaustible foun- tain, all true comfort flows. They eminently deserve that name, 1. As containing in themselves all the blessings of salvation — The whole of salvation as planned in the Divine counsels from all eter- nity, as executed for us by the Lord Jesus Christ in his incarnate state, as still carrying on by him at the right hand of his Father, and as offered through him to every child of man, is there fully contained. " This mystery of godliness was indeed kept secret since the world began ; but now it is made manifest ; and by the Scriptures of the Prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, is made known to all nations for the obedience of faith." Rom. xvi. 25, 26. Now let any one contemplate this mystery, and endeavor to explore the whilom, the love, the mercy, and the grace contained in it: how surpassing all finite comprehension will they be found ! Verily, the breadth, and length, and depth, and height of this mystery, and of the wonders contained in it, are utterly unsearchable ; and the blessings flowing from it are a plenteous arid perennial spring, for the refreshment of all on earth, and of all in hea- ven. 2. As revealing them for our use — In the whole world besides, there is not to be found one drop of water to satisfy a thirsty soul. Where can one look that is oppressed with a sense of guilt? Where, one who is mourning over the corruptions of his nature? Go to those who have not the Scriptures : go to even the wisest philosophers of Greece and Rome ; and see how vain were all their expedients for pacify- ing a guilty soul, or purifying a polluted soul. But in the Scriptures Ave find all that a sinner can desire ; an atonement, sufficient for the sins of the whole world ; and an Almighty Agent ready to dwell in the heart of all who seek him, and engaged to transform into the Divine image all who commit their souls to him. In them are promises suited to every condition incident to our fallen nature ; as suited to refresh the soul, as water is to allay our thirst. Conceive of every want with which a sinner can be oppressed, and the appropriate relief will there be found. 3. As actually imparting them to our souls — As a spring pours forth its waters, so do the Scriptures impart life, and peace, and strength to all who go to them as God's appointed channel of communication to their souls. They have within themselves a life-giving virtue; John iv. 10; so that, when brought home and applied by the Spirit of God, they quicken the dead, and give a vital energy to all our powers. 20 THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. They are able, not only to " make men wise unto salvation," but to impart salvation itself; being "like fire" to consume dross, Jer. xxiii. 29, and "a hammer to break the rock in pieces," ib., and "a two-edged sword to pierce the very inmost soul," Heb. iv. 12, and "a weapon to destroy every enemy." 2 Cor. x. 4, 5. They have a power to enlighten the darkest mind, Ps. xix. 7, 8, and to sanctify all on whom they operate aright; John xv. 3, and xvii. 19 ; and so to sanctify them, as to prepare them for the per- fect fruition of their God. Eph. v. 26, 27. Think then of, II. The blessedness of having access to them — Truly we should never contemplate them but with joy, on account of, 1 . The freeness with which we may approach them — There is no prohibition to any creature under heaven. About wells that have been dug for a supply of common water, there have been the fiercest contentions : Gen. xxvi. 18 — 21 ; but these are public property, and equally accessible to all : none have to " pay for this water," as Israel had : Numb. xx. 19 ; it is to be had " without money and without price." Isaiah lv. 1. True indeed it is that there are many, Protestants as well as Papists, who would bar our access to them : but God has given to all an equal right to come to them: for his invitation is, "Let him that is athirst come; and whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely." Rev. xxii. 17. 2. The ease with which we may draw from them — There are those who think it in vain for the poor to come to them, seeing that "the wells are deep, and they have nothing to draw with." John iv. 11. But be it known, that however valuable learning may be for the attaining a critical acquaintance with the holy Scriptures, it is not at all necessary for a spiritual perception of their truths. It is faith, and not learning, that is want- ing for that end. All the learning in the universe will not impart to us a spiritual discernment, any more than it will furnish us with any corporeal or- gans. It is faith alone that will avail us here. That discerns the things which are not visible to mortal eyes ; and will go to the very bottom of these wells, and draw from thence the most refreshing consolations. 3. The abundance that we may receive out of them — When the rock was struck by Moses, the waters gushed out in such abundance, that the whole camp of Israel, with all their cattle, could drink thereof. And, if all the sinners in the universe will go to these wells, they shall find no lack for the supply of their most enlarged necessities. Our Lord says, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink; and out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." John via. 37, 38. Indeed, the more intense and ardent your thirst is, the more abundant shall be the blessings which you shall derive from them. 4. The perfect satisfaction that we may find in them — "Whoever drinks of other waters will thirst again: but whoever drinks of' these wells, will never thirst: for the water which he has received will be in him as a well of water springing up into everlasting life." John iv. 13, 14 ; Isai. xlix. 9, 10. I may appeal to all, whether the most copious draughts of carnal pleasure are ever satisfied ? Solomon, who drank as deep of it as a human being could do, pronounced it all to be vanity and vexation of spirit. "The eye was never yet satisfied with seeing, nor the ear with hearing." But he who has obtained the knowledge of Christ, and drunk deep of the promises of the Gospel, has no longer any relish for earthly THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 21 vanities, nor any desire after them. Give him all the world, and he feels empty : give him the presence of God, and he desires no more. Address, 1. Those who are going to broken cisterns — What is the creature but " a broken cistern that can hold no water?" —And will you for this forsake " the fountain of living waters ?" Jer. ii. 13. Let me prevail on every one of you to go to God as your reconciled God in Christ Jesus, and to say with David, "All my fresh springs are in thee." Ps. lxxxvii. 7. 2. Those who are drinking from "the fountain of life" — Ps. xxxvi. 9. Say whether you have not "a joy with which the stranger intermeddleth not?" Say whether the fountains do not richly supply you ; and whether, even on the highest places, which, according to human apprehension, are in- accessible to rivers, the rivers do not follow you? Isai. xli. 17, 18. Yes, till you arrive at heaven itself, the streams shall never fail ; and even there shall they run beside you for your comfort to eternal ages. Rev. vii. 17. THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL. 2 Thess. iii. 1. Finally, Brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, even as it is with you. (H. H.) The light of the material sun is hailed and welcomed by every nation un- der heaven : but how much more is the light of the Sun of Righteousness to be desired ! If the one be necessary for our comfort in this life, the other is necessary to guide us in the way to life eternal. Hence the Apostle not only labored to spread the Gospel himself, but endeavored to interest all the Lord's people in its behalf; that by their united supplications they might obtain from God whatever should conduce to its establishment in the world. In this request of his we see, I. What we should desire for the word of God — I. That it should "have free course" — It is surprising that any should be averse to the circulation of the Scrip- tures; or should be jealous of the Scriptures, unless accompanied with hu- man compositions to forestall and determine the judgment of the reader. What is this but to determine the judgment of the reader ? What is this, but to return to Popery ? The Papists locked up the Scriptures in an un- known tongue, and forbade the laity to read them ; and sent forth among the people small portions of them only, and counteracted those portions by the most erroneous comments and grossest superstitions. Far be such conduct from Protestants : freely have we received, and freely we should give : nor should we relax our efforts to disseminate the Scriptures, till every human being shall have them in his possession, and be enabled to read in his own native language the wonderful works of God. See Ps. xix. 4, and Rom. x. 18. II. That it should " be glorified" — What is implied in this expression, we are at no loss to determine. We have only to see how it was glorified "with them,'''' i. e. the Thessalonian converts, and we have the perfect model of its being glorified amongst our- selves. 22 THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. In two ways is the word of God glorified ; first, in the conversion of sin- ners ; and, next, in the edification and salvation of saints. How the Gospel wrought to the conversion of the Thessalonians, we are distinctly informed ; They received it, " not as the word of man, but as the word of God:" it "came to them, not in word only, but in power;" and by it " they were turned from idols to serve the living God" 1 Thess. i. 5, 9, and ii. 13. Similar effects were produced by it in other Churches. Acts vi. 7, and xix. 20. And who must not confess that the word is glorified when such wonders are wrought by it ? But that it is so, is expressly affirmed by the voice of inspiration itself. Acts xiii. 48, 49. Nor was the Gospel less powerful for their continued edification. This was greatly advanced among them, as the Apostle himself bore witness, 2 Thess. i. 3, 4, and ii. 13, 14. Yet nothing but the pure word of God was, or could be, effectual for this end. 1 Pet. ii. 2. As the rod of Moses wrought all those miracles in Egypt and the wilderness, so was the Gospel " the rod of God's strength :" and in the production of such mirac- ulous events, both the word itself, and God in it, were greatly glorified : Acts xxi. 19, 20, nor is it possible to see such effects yet produced in the hearts and lives of men, without acknowledging, that " he who hath wrought them to the self-same thing is God." 2 Cor. v. 5. Let us next inquire — 4 HI. HOW THAT DESIRE IS TO BE OBTAINED The Apostle speaks of himself and all his fellow-laborers, as instruments whereby the Gospel was propagated throughout the world. And the same is true of ministers in all succeeding ages, even to the present day : they are God's Ambassadors to a rebellious world. But the prayers of God's people -