Chapter 23.
CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS ON PAUL'S
CHARACTER.
The character and experience of Paul, though imperfectly delineated in the
foregoing pages, show the nature and blessedness of Christianity. Its
heavenly doctrines, its consoling promises, its holy precepts, were so many
sources of light, joy, and purity, which, through the transforming power of
the Spirit, made the once persecuting Saul of Tarsus, a new creature in
Christ Jesus. It is interesting to trace the origin, and pursue the course,
of those principles which made him such a burning and shining light. Perhaps
no mere man was ever made so great a blessing to mankind, or underwent such
trials for the sake of the Gospel.
From the short review which we have taken of the life of this holy man, it
will be evident, that he was no impostor. His sacrifice of reputation,
wealth, and power; his willingness to suffer contempt, poverty, and
persecution, abundantly clear his character from this imputation. As far as
respects earthly things, he had nothing to gain, but every thing to lose, by
declaring himself to be a servant and an Apostle of Jesus Christ. It is also
evident, that he was no visionary enthusiast. His spirit was free from the
violent impulses of fanatical delusion; and his zeal, though fervent, was
never tinctured with melancholy or vanity. He did not court persecution or
popularity to obtain a name; neither did he, like the votaries of Pagan and
Papal superstition, inflict upon himself useless and absurd penances, with a
view of propitiating the Almighty, or purchasing heaven. But, if to love
Jesus with all the heart- if to devote all the powers of the mind and body
to his service- if to count all things but loss to win Christ, and be found
in Him, be enthusiasm; then we do not hesitate to say, that Paul was indeed
of all enthusiasts, the Chief.
It must also be apparent from what we have seen, that the Apostle did not
embrace Christianity through the weakness of his mental powers; neither was
he duped by the artifice of others. Being brought up at the feet of Gamaliel,
a noted doctor of the law, his mind was well stored with the learning of
those times. His Epistles afforded ample proof both of the strength and
cultivation of his intellectual faculties; while his commanding eloquence
extorted from King Agrippa that striking confession- "You almost persuade me
to be a Christian."
On his way to Damascus, he heard the voice, he saw the glory, he felt the
power of Jesus. Being taught by immediate revelation from above, he embraced
the Truth in all its greatness, and immediately preached Christ, in the
synagogues, that he is the Son of God. Can we review so marvelous an event,
and not exclaim, "This has God wrought! The finger of God is here!"
Since Paul, as appears from the clearest evidence, neither sought to deceive
others, nor was himself deceived; every candid mind must be led to these
conclusions- that his faith in Jesus was the result of an overwhelming
conviction of the truth of Christianity, which all his Jewish prejudices
could not withstand- that his conversion to the faith which once he
destroyed, was the work of God- that the Christian religion is a Divine
Revelation- and that to reject or neglect the Gospel, is dishonoring to God,
and destructive to ourselves.
Blessed is he, who with a thankful heart believes the heavenly Record- "That
God has given to us eternal life, and that this life is in his Son." As
there can be no happiness without holiness, so there can be no holiness
without an union by faith to Jesus. Are we abiding in Him- deriving strength
from Him- and depending solely upon his great atonement? He died for
sinners- we are sinners. He has said, "Him that comes unto me, I will in no
wise cast out." If then, as poor sinners, we come unto Him, we shall
assuredly be saved. This is the simple truth of the Gospel. Happy are they,
who, like Paul, are enabled to embrace it with child-like simplicity; for to
all such, there shall be a performance of those things, which were told them
of the Lord.
In the sufferings of Paul, we have seen exemplified that marked hostility
which was manifested by the king of Syria, when he commanded his captains to
fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel. The
enmity of the Jews and Gentiles was not directed against Saul of Tarsus
until he became a Christian, and labored most zealously in the cause of the
despised Nazarene. It was Christ dwelling in his heart by faith, Christ
proclaimed by him, as the King of Israel, who was the real object of their
attack.
The world hated Christ, and would not have him to reign over them. They also
hated his faithful servants, and sought to destroy them. The enmity of the
natural heart still remains the same. Let a worldly man, however elevated
his station, become an humble follower of the crucified Jesus, and condemn
the world by his holy life, and soon his once attached friends will manifest
their displeasure, either by leaving him with disgust, or by visiting him
with scorn and insult.
This spirit of opposition began its deadly ravages in the family of Adam,
and is still in active operation. For, "As he that was born after the flesh,
persecuted him who was born after the Spirit, even so it is now." The prayer
of David conveys the same truth, and speaks the language of the despised
children of God, "Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have
endured much contempt. We have endured much ridicule from the proud, much
contempt from the arrogant."
Should it be asked- Are not the followers of Christ in danger of deserting
him through fear of suffering? The conduct of Paul will afford a sufficient
reply. If left to themselves, they would indeed fall away; therefore they
dare not say we will not; but through the grace of Christ supporting them,
they are enabled boldly to say- "We are ready not to be bound only, but also
to die for the name of the Lord Jesus."
The exhortation of Peter is truly animating. Having fallen through
self-confidence, but being again restored through grace, he knew how to
strengthen his brethren, "But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings
of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you
are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit
of glory and of God rests on you."
Jesus himself has put the seal of blessedness upon his persecuted saints,
"God blesses you who are hated and excluded and mocked and cursed because
you are identified with me, the Son of Man. When that happens, rejoice! Yes,
leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven."
How bitter is the enmity of wretched fallen man against the God who made
him, who redeemed him, and who waits to be gracious to him. The zealous Paul
once felt this enmity in his state of blindness, and when converted,
deplored it deeply at the foot of the cross. May we not enquire; What is the
state of our hearts? Can we suffer shame and reproach for Jesus' sake; or,
do we turn aside through fear, when a cross is appointed for us to bear?
What words can be more awakening, than those which Jesus spoke to his
disciples- "If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are
not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me,
you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and
follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you
will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it." Ah! who can
bear this touchstone of sincerity? Who can endure the bitter pang of
separation from the dearest objects of their earthly affection? Yet it must
be so. With undivided hearts, and disengaged affections, we must follow our
all-gracious Savior, though we incur the frowns of relatives, and the loss
of friends. We must be ready to suffer for his sake, if we would enjoy Him
as our portion. To gain all, we must be willing to lose all; for Christ has
said- "He that finds his life shall lose it; and he that loses his life for
my sake shall find it."
Do we feel our hearts growing cold? Oh! let us look unto Jesus, until they
are filled with holy love. He left the bosom of the Father. He took upon him
our nature. He entered into our world of woe. He carried our sorrows. He
bore our sins in his own body on the tree. He endured the cross, despising
the shame; and then, as the Lord of glory, he burst the bands of death,
ascended into heaven, and sits at the right-hand of the throne of God, where
he ever lives to make intercession for us. Can we be insensible to such
grace as this? O that the love of God were shed abroad in every heart, then
would earth resemble heaven, and the Church of Christ form one holy, happy,
and united family.
It cannot be too deeply impressed on the consciences of men, that love to
Jesus is the spring of holy obedience. It is the Divine Chemistry which
turns all into gold. A cup of cold water given from this principle shall not
lose its reward, while the most costly sacrifice is worthless, if it does
not spring from love.
The sacred fire of love can only be kindled by Him whose name and nature is
love; and when once kindled, it can only he kept burning on the altar of our
hearts, by the constant supply of his grace. The prayer of faith obtains the
holy oil with which our vessels must be filled, and our lamps trimmed, while
waiting in joyful expectation for the coming of the Bridegroom. Increasing
with the increase of faith in the atonement of Christ, this heavenly flame
will burn brighter and more fervently, the nearer it approaches the source
from where it came.
"Yes! love indeed is light from heaven;
A spark of that immortal fire
With angels shared, by Jesus given,
To lift from earth our low desire.
Devotion wafts the mind above;
But heaven itself descends in love;
A feeling from the Godhead caught
To wean from self, each sordid thought;
A ray of Him who formed the whole.
A glory circling round the soul."
"Love is from God; and every one that loves, is born of God, and knows God."
"God is love; and he who dwells in love, dwells in God, and God in him."
Happy then is the heart in which the spirit of love dwells and reigns. Such
a heart is the abode of the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose
name is holy, and who delights in the lowly, loving disciple of the
crucified and glorified Jesus– his coequal, co-eternal Son.
Oh! that we may daily live under the sweet constraining influence of the
loving-kindness of our God. Without it, all is dark and cheerless; with it,
joy and peace, like lovely flowers, spring up around our path. What are all
the vanities of this world, but painted bubbles, when compared with this
eternal treasure? Love, joy, peace, survive the tomb; and form that unending
wreath which shall forever adorn and gladden the soul of the glorified
believer.
Like his Divine Master, Paul had no certain dwelling-place. He was truly a
pilgrim and a stranger upon earth. Wherever he went, bonds and imprisonments
awaited him. We, on the contrary, in these days of the Church's prosperity,
can dwell at ease, none making us afraid. The law does not unsheath the
sword of persecution, nor kindle the martyr's fire. Is there not then cause
for anxious apprehension, lest, while we profess much love for Christ, our
hearts should cleave unto the dust? Are we not in danger of making a home of
this world, and of setting up our rest here, as if this wilderness were the
promised Canaan, rather than the road through which we have to pass to it?
As professing Christians, living in the midst of Gospel light and Gospel
privileges, we can readily exclaim against the idolatries of the Heathen,
while we forget, that whatever draws away the heart from God, is an idol in
his sight. Our domestic ease, our family comforts, too often become our
household gods, at whose shrine we sacrifice the claims of Christian
charity, and the spiritual interests of perishing millions. "All seek their
own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's." There is in every man a
powerful principle, which God has wisely implanted for the purposes of
self-preservation. The second great commandment in the Law appeals to this
principle– "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus refers to it–
"All things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to
them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
But there is a sinful love of self- a spirit of selfishness which is utterly
at variance with the law of love. Nothing can extirpate this evil principle
but love to Christ. As believers in Jesus, we must daily live in the exalted
spirit of his new commandment; "Love one another, as I have loved you." The
love of Christ to us is the Gospel pattern of our love to others. With
enlarged heart, the Apostle enforced this disinterested duty on the
Philippian Christians- "Don't think only about your own affairs, but be
interested in others, too, and what they are doing. Your attitude should be
the same that Christ Jesus had."
With thankfulness to Almighty God we must acknowledge, that of late years
much has been done in our favored island to advance the cause of Christ
throughout the earth, as well as to widen the circle of general beneficence;
yet much still remains to be done. This is but the seed-time of the world.
Let us then, in the spirit of faith and prayer, cast our bread upon the
waters, for we shall find it after many days.
If we truly love the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall, and must, rejoice in
everything which advances the interests of his kingdom. A heart warmed with
the love of God, cannot rest, satisfied with mere verbal expressions of
gratitude, for the blessings of redemption. Love is an active principle. Its
language is, What can I do, however feebly, to promote the great and good
work of evangelizing the world? If contributing of my substance will aid the
noble cause, I will gladly cast into the treasury that which God has given
me. If active exertion be required, I am willing to spend and be spent in
advancing my Savior's kingdom. If advocating the cause of Christ be needed,
I will endeavor to speak, though with a faltering tongue. Such is the
language of love. To all this, the servant of Christ will join his fervent
prayers, and rejoice, with all his Christian brethren, at the enlargement
and prosperity of Zion.
"He who sows sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; and he who sows
bountifully, shall reap also bountifully," -is the Apostle's appeal to our
Christian liberality. Do we act agreeably to this practical knowledge? Do
the rich professors of Christianity never first consult their family
luxuries, their equipage and decorations, before they dare to answer the
Savior's call; "Sell all that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall
have treasure in heaven, and come, and follow me." Our loving Savior, though
he does not require his followers to enter upon a state of voluntary
poverty, or to deny themselves the innocent enjoyment of his providential
bounties; yet, he does demand their chief affection, and a willingness to
impart cheerfully of their substance for his sake.
"Jesus went over to the collection box in the Temple and sat and watched as
the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts.
Then a poor widow came and dropped in two pennies." Many are willing to make
an offering out of their surplus, but few, to make a sacrifice of their
comforts. Liberality must be estimated, not by quantity, but proportion. A
splendid gift from a wealthy person forms only an offering, when no
inconvenience is felt by the rich donation. A small sum given by a poor man
is a real sacrifice, when some privation is experienced by this act of
generosity. On this account it was, that, looking at the largeness of her
heart, and the smallness of her means, our Lord declared- "I assure you,
this poor widow has given more than all the others have given. For they gave
a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything
she has."
As the love of the world is the sin which easily besets us, when sheltering
itself under the creditable appellation of prudence, economy, and planning,
our Savior has given us a double caution against its pernicious influence.
"Take heed, and beware of covetousness." "Watch and pray, lest you enter
into temptation." The Gospel indeed does not condemn a prudent management of
our concerns- it rather enjoins it for, "a good man will guide his affairs
with discretion.'' But, it does condemn that anxious, murmuring, fretful
spirit, which disfigures the conduct of many professors.
How cheering are the words of Paul, "Do not be anxious about anything, but
in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your
requests to God." Christian Reader, behold your privilege- "Do not be
anxious about anything." When any trial comes upon you which would fill you
with anxiety, (for who can escape from trouble in this fallen world) do not
grapple with it in your own strength, nor lean to your own understanding.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; betake yourself by earnest prayer to
the Father of mercies; implore Him to direct and overrule for good, "the
cloud you so much dread," and then, calmly leave at his feet the burden of
your fears. Do this with thankfulness, that you have such a God who cares
for you, and on whom you may boldly cast all your concerns. While you thus
acknowledge Him in all your ways, God will direct your paths, and either
support you under, or deliver you out of, all your troubles.
How sweet is the voice of mercy speaking peace to the troubled heart- "But
blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope
and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots
that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or
worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go
right on producing delicious fruit." He, on the contrary, who, when trouble
overtakes him, will first measure it with his reason, and manage it with his
own counsel, and take the care upon himself, rather than cast his burden
upon the Lord by faith and prayer, shall involve himself in many miseries,
lose his joy and peace in God, sink deeper in the miry clay, and in the end
obtain nothing but vexation of spirit. This is what the Lord says: "Cursed
are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from
the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the
future. They will live in the barren wilderness, on the salty flats where no
one lives."
O how quieting to the afflicted believer are the words of Jesus- "Take no
thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of
itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." "Let not your heart be
troubled." "Neither be you of doubtful mind." Happy is that soul whose hopes
are firmly anchored on the promises of Christ! We live alas! far, far too
much below our privileges. Had we more faith, and spiritual-mindedness, we
would have more strength and joy in every tribulation; our moderation would
be known unto all men; our conversation would be without covetousness; we
would be content with such things as we have on our journey heavenward; and
our minds being fully stayed upon Him who has said, "I will never leave you,
nor forsake you," would be kept in perfect peace. Such was the happy spirit
in which the primitive Christians lived and died. They learned in whatever
state they were, therewith to be content; and took joyfully the confiscation
of their goods, knowing in themselves, that they had in heaven a better and
an enduring substance.
Do we act as stewards of the manifold gifts of God avoiding miserly
anxieties, and wasteful expenditures? Knowing that we are not our own, being
bought with a price, even the precious blood of the Son of God, do we seek
for grace to live to our Redeemer's glory? The world would no longer sway
our affections, did we daily reflect how quickly it is passing away; and how
soon we shall be called to give an account of our stewardship, either for
the one, or for the ten, talents which may have been entrusted to our care.
Though all do not become martyrs, yet all must possess the martyr's spirit;
and though all are not called upon to forsake their houses and friends, as
the noble-minded Paul did, yet all must be in readiness to do so, when the
cause and glory of Christ demand the sacrifice. It was "to all who are in
Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints," that he gave the exhortation,
"Do not be conformed to this world." The very admonition implies the danger
of worldly conformity, and the proneness of the heart to earthly things. Who
can say that he is always raised above the undue influence of terrestrial
objects- that he is daily passing, as it were, upon tiptoe, across this
world of vanity. Alas! alas! we too often sink into the mire of
earthly-mindedness, and have our thoughts absorbed amid the trifles of a
day! But what can the world profit us? It can neither secure us against
temporal evils, nor save us from eternal misery. It cannot, for a single
moment, prolong our existence here, or make that existence peaceful and
happy. It is often a clog, but never a help in moments of spiritual
distress. And yet, we love the world, though, by its deceitful smile, it
robs us of our peace, entangles us in its snares, and would, if left under
its power, eventually destroy our souls.
The heavenly-mindedness and contempt of the world which shone so brightly in
the lives of the first Christians may well cause us to blush. These devoted
followers of a crucified Redeemer did not study those arts of splendor which
have overspread the Christian world. When the honor of their Divine Master
required the sacrifice, they could trample under foot, those profits and
pleasures which ensnare and enslave mankind. They looked upon the delights
and advantages of this life, as things not worthy to arrest their affections
in their journey homeward. Their spirits breathed in too pure an air, to be
caught with the delusive charms of this lower world. It was their continual
regard to keep company with dying thoughts, and to dwell within the prospect
of eternity.
Hence, Justin Martyr in his Epistle says, "that Christians, even in their
native country, live as pilgrims and strangers. They are in the flesh, but
do not live after the flesh; they dwell upon the earth, but their
conversation is in heaven. As the soul lives in the body, but is not of the
body, so Christians dwell in the world, but are not of the world; for, while
sojourning in corruptible tabernacles of clay, their immortal spirits are
daily longing for, and expecting an incorruptible state of glory in heaven."
The simplicity of these early believers in Jesus, kept them from aspiring
after worldly honors and distinctions; and, if at any time advanced to them,
their greatest care was, to keep themselves unspotted from the world. When
Cyprian was elected Bishop of Carthage, his modesty and humility made him
fly from the first approaches of the news. Thinking himself unfit for so
weighty and honorable an employment, he desired that a more worthy person,
and some of his seniors in the faith might possess the place. So far from
accepting his refusal, the people were more urgent in their entreaties; his
doors were immediately crowded, and passages of escape blocked up. He would
indeed have fled out at the window, but finding it in vain, he unwillingly
yielded, the people in the meanwhile impatiently waiting, divided between
hope and fear, until seeing him come forth, they received him with universal
joy and satisfaction.
Can we wonder that such a feeling should be expressed towards this excellent
man, when it is recorded of him, that upon his becoming Christian, he sold
his estate, to relieve the necessities of his poor brethren, from which he
could not be restrained, either by the persuasions of others, or from the
considerations of the poverty to which he himself might be reduced. After
his entrance upon the ministry, his doors were open to all who came, from
which no widow ever returned empty. To any who were blind, he became a guide
to direct them; to them who were lame, he lent his assistance and support.
None were oppressed, but he was ready to defend them. He was the father, the
friend, and the shepherd of his flock. With Job, he could truly say- "All
who heard of me praised me. All who saw me spoke well of me. For I helped
the poor in their need and the orphans who had no one to help them. I helped
those who had lost hope, and they blessed me. And I caused the widows'
hearts to sing for joy. All I did was just and honest. Righteousness covered
me like a robe, and I wore justice like a turban. I served as eyes for the
blind and feet for the lame. I was a father to the poor and made sure that
even strangers received a fair trial." Thus Cyprian like the blessed Paul,
lived for one only object– the glory of Christ and the salvation of men.
Contentment, moderation, and thankfulness peculiarly distinguished the
primitive Christians. This lovely feature in their character is strikingly
portrayed by Gregory, bishop of Nyssa- "The transitory condition of man's
life," says he, "calls for daily reparation of the decays of nature. He,
therefore, that looks no farther than to minister to the desires of nature,
and troubles not himself with vain anxious thoughts for more than is
necessary, lives little less than the life of angels; while, by a mind
content with little, he imitates their need of nothing. For this cause, we
are commanded to seek only what is enough to keep the body in its due state
and temper, and thus to address our prayers to God; 'Give us this day our
daily bread.' Give us bread, not delicacies or riches, not splendid and
purple clothing, not pearls and jewels, large fields and great possessions,
not numerous flocks and herds of cattle, or a multitude of servants, not any
of those things by which the soul is diverted, and drawn from more noble and
divine thoughts and cares, but only our daily bread."
Thus practically did the primitive Christians follow the command of our
Savior; "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life—whether you have
enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and
clothing?" Having food and clothing they learned to be content. Thus,
unhesitatingly, could they declare their renunciation of all things for his
sake, "Lo, we have left everything, and have followed you." Thus deeply did
they drink into the spirit of their beloved Lord, who said, "My food and
drink is to do the will of Him who sent me, and to finish his work."
O how seldom, in these modern times, do we find that full display of the
mind of Christ, which was exhibited amid the storms of persecution in the
early ages of Christianity. May the Divine Spirit revive our languid graces.
May we daily look unto Him, who, though he was rich, yet for our sakes,
became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich. The tendency of the
Gospel is to expand the heart, to widen the stream of liberality, to diffuse
happiness through the earth. When its power is felt, its fruits immediately
appear. Love oils the wheels of action, while faith propels the ardent
spirit in its career of universal benevolence.
But, if few be found willing to sacrifice their superfluities for the
Gospel's sake, how much fewer are found ready to leave the bosom of an
affectionate family, to brave the dangers of the ocean, to endure the
sicknesses of foreign climates, and all those other trials which await the
man, who in the spirit of the self-denying Apostle, delights to preach among
the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and would rather die than
forsake his God and Savior.
Few, like Caleb, follow the Lord fully. Yet nothing is more abhorrent to our
all-gracious Redeemer, than a divided heart and a lukewarm spirit. As all
our happiness in time and in eternity is the fruit of his love to us; so all
our holiness is the fruit of his Spirit, drawing our hearts, and fixing them
wholly upon Himself. It is the office of the Holy Spirit to take of the
things of Christ, and to show them unto us; to convince us of the emptiness
of every earthly good; and the folly of seeking our happiness in a world
which lies in wickedness. Sin blinds the understanding, and sears the
conscience; but, when the heart is filled with the love and Spirit of Jesus,
how weak are the temptations of Satan- how powerless are the allurements of
the world- how comparatively smooth the paths of sorrow. May we be
graciously delivered from a worldly spirit, which can assume a thousand
forms to allure and to deceive. To be in the world, and yet not of the
world- to use it for our temporal necessities, and yet not to abuse it for
carnal purposes, is a high Christian attainment, which Paul possessed in an
eminent degree.
From the book of Nature we may derive much useful knowledge. Solomon sends
the sluggard to the ant. Isaiah, the inconsiderate, to the ox and the
donkey. Jeremiah, the forgetful, to the stork and the swallow. Animals and
birds teach us many important lessons- Thus, when the squirrel is disturbed,
it skips from bough to bough, continuing always near the earth; while the
lark, when alarmed in her nest, flies upwards with rapid wing, singing as
she soars. Just so the worldling, when beset with grief, goes from one
terrestrial object to another; while the Christian, leaving all his earthly
cares behind him, rises on the wings of faith and prayer, to seek, with
tuneful heart, his rest in God.
Do we thus seek for consolation from our God and Savior, and find it in the
hour of trial? Jacob wrestled and prevailed. May we be Israels with God, and
never cease to pray, until he gives that realizing faith, which lessens the
weight of earthly sorrow; that hope and fear which bear the soul with steady
flight to heavenly glory!
Jesus, dwelling in the heart by faith, invigorates the feeblest saint, and
dispels the deepest gloom. The believer, resting in the full assurance of
hope upon the unchanging promises of his Savior, triumphs over every enemy,
and reaches in safety his eternal rest. Such was the blessedness which
cheered and strengthened the heart of Paul, and such is the blessedness
which animates all the children of God.
In the days of his unregeneracy, we have seen how the Apostle prided himself
in being a descendant of Abraham; or, as he styled himself, "a Hebrew of the
Hebrews." Like the rest of the Pharisees, he esteemed himself to be
righteous, and despised others, especially the Gentiles, who were aliens
from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of
promise. But, when it pleased God to reveal to him that Savior, by whom the
middle wall of partition was broken down, he could give the right-hand of
fellowship to all, whether Jews or Gentiles, who loved the Lord Jesus Christ
in sincerity.
This is the true Christian spirit, which unites the whole body of the
Church, by that charity which is the bond of perfectness. For this uniting
spirit, our divine Redeemer supplicated his Holy Father, previous to his
crucifixion, "Sanctify them through your Truth; your Word is truth; that
they all may be one; as you Father are in me, and I in you, that they also
maybe one in us; that the world may believe that you have sent me." If union
be the strength and beauty of the Church of Christ, how great must be the
guilt of those who tarnish and weaken it by contentions and divisions.
Through the blindness of our minds, we are too ready to value ourselves upon
our external privileges, as if belonging to a pure Church must of necessity
make us pure. It is one thing to make a profession of religion, and another
to possess its spirit, and to feel its power.
From Scripture and experience we learn that the heart of man, while
alienated from the life of God, is the same in all ages and countries.
Outward circumstances indeed make some difference, but the radical evils of
the heart remain the same. In Christian lands, unconverted people are no
better than heathens, except as they are brought under the predominating
influence of Christianity, which restrains their vices; while, in those
nations, where sensuality forms a part of the prevailing superstition, they
are more openly licentious.
How little reason have we then to plume ourselves upon our outward
advantages, or to exalt ourselves above others; when the difference arises,
not from any superior natural goodness of our own, but from circumstances
over which, as far as we are concerned, our wisdom and foresight had no
control. Wicked men are greatly indebted to Christianity, and to the
restraining grace of God, for numberless outward comforts which they enjoy,
though they either know it not, or are unwilling to acknowledge it. But oh!
what an unspeakable mercy is converting grace, which brings unnumbered
blessings in its train; for godliness has the promise not only of the life
that now is, but also of that which is to come.
This blessedness, Paul experienced in all its richness, and proclaimed it to
a dying world, in all its fullness. He knew, that the grace of God makes all
the difference between one man and another; collectively, between nations,
where Christianity is established, and where it is not- individually,
between those who are Christians indeed, and those who are Christians only
in name. Being well acquainted with the workings of spiritual pride, he put
these humbling questions to each Corinthian convert, "Who makes you to
differ from another? And what do you have, that you did not receive? Now, if
you did receive it, why do you glory, as if you had not received it?"
Are we the subjects of this distinguishing grace? With what ardor then
should we follow the footsteps of the Apostle, and engage with all our
hearts in the service of our Redeemer. Has the Spirit drawn us to Christ
with the cords of love? How zealously then should we labor for the
conversion of mankind. Though despised by the world, we shall be precious in
the sight of God. Though, by nature, devoid of spiritual light and power, we
shall become, through the Spirit, "the salt of the earth," and "the light of
the world." Thus was Abraham blessed of God, and made a blessing to all
around him; and so are all who walk in the steps of that faith of our father
Abraham, which obtained for him that exalted title– "the Friend of God."
May the universal Church of Christ, by whatever names its several parts may
be distinguished among men, be stirred up to active zeal and self-denial, to
increased liberality and fervent prayer. Then will our Zion become a praise
in the earth, and all the ends of the world shall see the salvation of our
God. When we survey those regions of the earth, where the light of Truth has
not yet penetrated, inhabited by millions of immortal beings who are
successively passing into eternity, what daily cause have we to bless God,
that our lot has been cast in a land of Bibles and Sabbaths; a land, where
his ministers are appointed to proclaim the Gospel of peace; where we are
governed by equal laws; and where we enjoy the blessing of civil and
religious liberty.
O! that we may not, by our willful and continued ingratitude, provoke our
God to withdraw these blessings from us. As a nation, we have long enjoyed
his peculiar favor; and as a nation, we are unmindful of his benefits. By
his present dispensations towards us, he calls to us, in mercy, to consider
our ways. But, if his call of mercy be disregarded, he will speak with a
voice of judgment, which shall cause the stoutest hearts to tremble.
The Almighty has put a singular honor upon his Church, not only by imparting
to it his blessing, and causing it to reflect his glory, but by rendering it
the medium, whereby his perfections are more fully known to the angelic
host. In heaven, they behold one unbroken stream of love; in hell, one
unmixed torrent of wrath. But, in this our world, the seemingly opposing
attributes of justice and mercy, are displayed in all their glory at the
Cross of Christ.
This wonderful truth is mentioned by Paul in his Epistle to the Ephesians,
"Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given
me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make
plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past
was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now,
through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the
rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal
purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Can we be indifferent to this mystery of grace? Can we treat with lightness
these wonders of redemption, which occupy the highest thoughts, and call
forth the loudest praise, of principalities and powers in heavenly places?
Could angels weep, surely, tears would be shed in heaven over the
insensibility of man.
To display this redeeming grace to a dying world, was at once the labor and
delight of Paul. The Godhead of Christ, his atonement, resurrection, and
glorification, constituted the grand subjects of his preaching. He was truly
a scribe well-instructed in the mysteries of the kingdom.
This wise master-builder did not exalt Christ on the ruins of the Moral Law,
nor raise human works to an equality with the righteousness of Christ. He
did not magnify the sovereignty of God to the disparagement of his holiness,
nor lower the claims of justice to enhance the charms of mercy. In the
beautiful harmony of truth, he so revealed the divine perfections, that with
David we are led to exclaim, "Mercy and truth are met together,
righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Having receive the Gospel
by the revelation of Jesus Christ, he saw and proclaimed the glory of the
cross, whereby God can be just, and yet the justifier of the ungodly;
faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.
"If we desire that our faith may be kept from faltering, we ought to be
always upon our guard against every opinion, the drift of which is to lower
the Author and Finisher of it; because everything that tends to lessen our
Redeemer's glory, and to detract from what he has done for us, weakens our
faith, unhinges our hope, and destroys our confidence. Therefore, as we
should avoid those as the spreaders of the most dangerous plague, who would
reduce our Savior to the lots rank of a creature; so we shall be afraid of
partaking of the infectious leaven of such as would bring us off from
looking for our salvation from Christ alone, and would persuade us to expect
that from our faith, repentance, sincerity, and obedience; which was
procured for us by his agonies, toils, and death. And, at the same time that
we are exalting Christ to the utmost, we should avoid the extreme of those,
who, under pretense of magnifying our Savior's infinite merit, pretend to a
liberty to act as they will; because whatever swelling words we may speak,
we do not sincerely trust in the infinite merit of the sacrifice of our Lord
offered up as our Priest, unless we manifest the sincerity of our faith, by
submitting to him as a King.
"It shows that people have no desire to be saved by Christ, when they take
pains to degrade him. None can better judge of his worth, than those, who
having washed their robes in his blood, and by his aid, passed through great
tribulation, are brought to behold his face in righteousness. They suffer no
diminishing thoughts concerning him to find the least harbor in their
spotless breasts; but, in the company of angels and archangels, with the
highest strains of rapture, praise and adore him.
"As long then, as Christians are traveling through the dark and gloomy
valley of life, they should not be backward to ascribe the highest honors to
him who was slain, and has redeemed them to God by his blood; which they
will do without ceasing and weariness, when, passing out of time into
eternity, they shall come to be forever with the Lord in the peaceful realms
of light and immortality, where faith will be turned into sight, and hope
will be swallowed up in enjoyment."
Blessed Jesus, O Light of the world, and the Glory of your Church, cause the
bright beams of your Truth to shine into my heart. Open my understanding
that I may understand the Scriptures. Reveal Yourself as my Savior, as the
Lord my Righteousness, as my Great Atonement and Example. Wash me from all
my sins through your precious blood. Fill me with faith and love, meekness
and humility. Wean my affections from the world, and enable me to receive
the truths of the Gospel in simplicity, to walk in the way of your precepts
with sincerity, and to feed upon your promises with gratitude. Prepare me by
Your Holy Spirit for the mansions of glory; and place me near your throne as
a monument of mercy, there to praise You with saints and angels forever and
ever.