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Br775.R4 w- ^■^■^ MUIUUy AND UIBU, EUIMBUnCH, ' f KHmtKi TO HKR majesty's stationhrv ofpicb. •;.H PREFACE. That the noble conception of British and American Chris- tians, half a century since, of the Bible, " the religion of Protestants," in every household has produced its fruits, is evinced in the general Bible Jtenaissanee of our age — as seen in the elaborate Biblical disquisitions of infidelity itself; in the multiplication of learned critical helps for the oxposi- tions of scripture ; and, more than all, in the almost innu- merable issues of expositions and illustrations of scripture to meet the general demand for such knowledge among the people- However wo may account for the fact, this Itmaiasance has not yet manifested itself in an equal degree in the pulpit — that dimely appointed agency for the special and autho- ritative teaching of the Word of God to the people. With the exception of perhaps a slight increase of the expository lecture, the prevJuKng method of preaching is still that of theological disqtdsition, ethical essay, rhetorical, persuasive or emotional appeal— ^founded upon a shred of tho Sacred Text chosen as a motto, or, at 'best, as suggesting simply the theological topic of the occasion. Whereas tho true theoiy of preachmg as gathered from the scriptures, manifestiy assumes its purpose to be the shwpring of the people how to read tho Word of God ; and leading them to feel that " tins day is the scripture fulfilled in their ears," and that these 1 1^ ...LO If PREFACE. aro tho words of a Jesus who not only upaka by holy men of old, but who i# now tpeakinj with living utterance to tho men of this generation. < Having, through a ministry of twenty years, to congrega- tions variously composed, in four diSbront cities, boon acous- tomed, in pursuance of tho latter theory of preaching, to appropriate one of tho public services of the Sabbath to showing tho people how to read tho scriptures, and to follow the development of the ono groat central thought of tho Book through the successive eras of rovelation — tho author can testify from practical experience that tho people need no other attraction to draw them to tho house of Qod than a simple, rational and practical exposition and illustration of tho Bible. And he who may once attract them by such teaching will find no occasion for devising sermons on special subjects, or any other theatrical devices to draw men to tho sanctuary. Tho author's first experiment was in a congregation composed largely of the professional and public men that gather in tho capital of a state ; his last experiment in a city of colleges and in a congregation composed in largo measure of professional men and students in every stage of professional education ; in two intervening experiments in commercial cities among business men. And his experience is, that with all classes alike the preachmg wluch aims most directly at making the scriptures a living message from God to men, translating them into the current forms of thought and speech, is mora permanently attractive than any other. Perhaps tho most; encouragmg assurance he ever received that his labours wore profitable to hearers, was in a recent testimony from tho PREFACE. Students of Arts, Law, Medicino and Theology in the various institutions of learning in Toronto, which specially and very mtolligently pointed out the benefits which they considered thorasolros to have received from tho exposition of the gospel in tho order of tho successive revelations, under tho several covenants in tho history of redemption. Tho present volume is tho result of an attempt to give per- manent form, so far as oral instruction can bo transferred to tho printed page, to such outline specimens of tho author's Biblical Expositions in tho several sections of tho inspired Word as might bo most suggestive to younger preachers in their attempts to develop tho various parts of Scripture to tho codtprohension of tho people, and at tho same time be instruc- tive to Christians, and inqwrers, and other earnest persons troubled with doubts touchmg the inspiration or tho doctrines of tho Bible. From tho titles of tho several sections, it will be seen that this is not a collection of miscellaneous discourses, but a logical development of tho gospel in tho order of its communication. And from the titles of the several discourses under each section it will bo seen that tho general aim is to discuss some of tho more germmal points of each revelation. Want of space for the full execution of his plan has compelled the atithor to omit several subjects embraced in the programme originally, and has suggested tho purpose, if the present-effort is acceptable to tho public, to prepare a second series of" Discourses of Redemption," filling up moro completely tlus-outlino, while yet constitutmg a volume com- plete in itself, devoted moro especially to tho great cardinal truths developed in tho symbolsof tho Protestant Reformation. vf VI PREFACE. Of courac students and othora acoustomod to moro exact forms of presenting roligioos truth will not expect to find in this volume the precise and scientific style of discussion of the systems of divinity ; nor must literary critics look for tho carefulness and finish of the religious essay where the author is aiming to transfer spoken language, in its popular forms, to tho printed page. It is hop«d, however, that students will find many valuable suggestive hints ; and that earnest-minded persons — whether Christian believers, or inquirers after tho way of salvation, or those harassed and tempted by sceptical doubts — ^may find these discourses of some advantage to them. In tho Appendix, tho author has discussed two or three points having a direct relation to the subjects of the discourses •—^specially the place of tho Church in the scheme of Re- demption, its ordinances of public worship, and its relation to the Civil Government — in a more elaborate manner than suited the style and limits of a sermon. Tho conviction grows upon him daily, that the questions there discussed have a far higher importance in the Gospel system than that hitherto attached to them by tho Protestant ministry ; and that these arc destined to bo the great questions of the next ten years both in the British and American Churches. ' Nhw YoBK, March 2Gth, 1866. ' CONTENTS. INTBODUCTORY DISCOURSES. DISCOURSE I. TUC DIVEBSITY IN DNITT OF TOE UKVBIATION OF BEOEUPTION. Hebrew! i. 1, a, and li. 1-1. PAoa The {wuages staud in tho relation of premiso and concloaion. The Apostle roagons to directly nn opposite conclusion from this pre> mUo firom that of the Rationalist and tbo Romanist. Significance of tho Apostle's premise. PaUaeies of the Ratlonalistie reasoning from the diversltiea of scripture— of tbo reasonings of tho Romanist. False riewa of Ohnrch diTersitics IT Significance of tho Apostle's reasoning. The componad ^Uo^sm. With whom he docs not reason here ? What is assumed of uiose with whom he reasons. The force and solemnity of the Apostle's conclusions 31 DISCOURSE n. TUB SCBIFTUBES OF TUE "SUNDRY TIMES " INSPmBO OF GOO: THE ONLY SOUBCE OP SAVIlSrO KNOWLEDGE: THE ANTIDOTE TO PERILOUS EBBOB. n. Timothy iU. 1.16. Fcuturua of tho perilous times. Why the scriptures are antidotes to such i)erils. The logical and exhaustive character of the cla3sifi- , . cation of their uses — for doctrine— reproof— correction — instruc- tion in righteousness. Inspired, in what sense, and to what extent. ' Difficulties of the theory of inspiration far less than the di£Scultics of unbelief. Divine adaptation of scripture to doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness 37 SECTION I. * DISCOURSE ni. BEDEUFTION AS BEVEALED TO THE PATBIABCHS IN THE THEO- PHANIES. THE GOSPEL COVENANT AND WOBSHIP OF THE LOST EDEN. Genesis IL 8-17; ill. 16, 2«, and It. 4. Principles of the interpretation of these ancient records. The estate of man anterior to Eden. The Eden covenant of works. Tho vm CONTENTS. PAOU mtioiule thereof. lU nuonableaeM and ad*pUUon to the ciue of man as a now order of being, from whom a race of bcinpi i-i to bo propagated. The third estate of lin without hope. The fourtli estate ; the sinner with a ffospel preached. Analysis of the Edon gospel ; Its eight points of doctrine. Eridcnces of the exercise of true ftiitb under the Eden gospel. How Obrist emcifled waa ■ preached. The manner, place and time of the worship of the first sinners. The germinal Oliurch institatcd at Edon— substantially the same with the Ohurch still existing S7 DISCOURSE rv. TUB GOSPEL CnUBCH VISIBLE SEPABATELT OROAinZED! ITS COVENANT CQABTER WITU ITS SEAL: ITS CONSTITUENT KLEXENTS. Genesis zrU. 4. 7, 10, 11, IS.-Bomans It. ll.-Mark x. 14. Importance of the study of the Old, as the key to the Xuw Testament. Remarkable prominence of Abraham in scripture. Why, at this era, an organisation of the Ohurch as distinct flrom the family. Era of Abraham in the history of redemption, analagous to tho fourth day in the histonr of creation. How shown that this is tho origin of tho risiblo Ohurch as a separate organization — Tho chuter— its seal. Oonstituent elements not individuals merely but OS representing families. Relation of children to tho Tisible Ohurch— to the invisible. Argument for the safety of all the dead children 75 SECTION II. BEDESIPnON AS REVEALED IN THE LAWS AND ORDINANCES OP THE THEOCRATIC ERA. DISCOURSE V. TIIB COVENANT OF THE CHUROH'S REDEMPTION ; ITS SEAL AND THE SIGNIFIOANOB THEREOF. Ezodos xll. 8, 7, ll-ll.-Lttke zzil. 15, 20.-I Corinthitos r. 7. 8. Significance of the Passover Covenant. Its relations to preceding and succeeding covenants. Two great classes of truths exhibited in the institution and observance of the first Passover. Objective truths — Retributive justice of God — An elect covenant people — ^VicarioQS atonement for sin. Subjective truths — Tendencies to unbelief— to cavil — obscure faith — feeble faith— 'Strong faith. Free offer of mercy lOI CONTSNTS. {31 DISCOURSE VI. TOS GOSPEL or TQE SIXAI COVEN Ayr : ITS RULE or LITE TO COXVICT OF SIN: ITS RITUAL TO TEACH THE TAKING AWAY or SIN: AND IT9 MOULDINO Or TUE HOCIAL ORDER AS A TYPE OF CHRIST'S SI'IRITUAL COXMONWEALTU. Exodu xlx. 3-C, XX. 1-17, xxiv. 7-0.— Deatoronomjr r. 3, 3, 23, vl. 1-A, x. 1-fi. Circamitances of this corenanting. FncU touching tho Sinai rcrclo- tiont. Thei r nature and purpoM. This a corenant with tho Church — M repreMntatire of tho Church in all agca — spiritual in its I ' nignificaner — fbller doTelopmcnt of prcrioua covenantfl. In this Tiow of it lies the Icey to the interpretation of the laat four books of the Pentateuch. Israel stood atSiuai in three aflpcctK, and with reference to each tho revelations were made. ltd chief purpose toRivothe Church a law to convince of sin; and ritual to teach the taking awaj of sin and ])uriHcation of the nature. Rationale of teaching bj symbols. Popular view of tho Mosaic laws as repealed erroneous PAOt 119 SECTION in. BEOEHFTION AS REVEALED TUROUOU THE SPIRIT OF CHBLST IX THE PROPHETS. DISCOURSE vn. THE GOSPEL OHURCn BY COVENANT TYPICALLY SET FORTII AS THE ETERNAL KINQDOM OF DAVID'S SON. II. SamncI tU. l-M.— Pialm Ixxil. 1, 8, 17.— xxxix 3, 4.— Lnko i. 33.— Acts ii. 80. The origin of the corenant with David historically considered. Its importance apprsciatcd by David as placing him in tho sphere of Adam, Noah and Abraham. This covenant tho key to all tho subsequent parts of tho Old Testament ; explains tho promincnc3 of David and Solomon in the history of redemption ; develops tho kingly office of tho mediator. Henca at tho opening of tho New Testament dispensation the theme of the gospel is, " Tho kingdom of heaven is at hand." Practical lessons from these views— the importauco of tho churchly clement in tlio gospel— the kingship of Christ obscured by confounding tho secular and spiritual powers— the conversion of a sinner brings him into a new citizen- flhip-^tho evil tendencies of ignoring tho C burch 141 X CONTENTS. DISCOURSE vm. ./.''■' THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGOOSI IN CONFLICT WITn AN AFOSIATE CHUSCH; Airo WITH DESPONDING FAITH. I KiuCT XYill. 17-20, and xlx. 1-14. PART I. - "' PAOB History of the apostasy of Israel. The crisis on Mount Garmcl. Its representative character. Whom the prophet represents. The fire test— why chosen. Bidicole a just method with impostnre. Victory of faith on Oarmel 159 PART 11. Cory of the Baal representative. Failure of faith. Efibrt at self- restoration by will worship. Readiness to die as an evidence of piety. The lessons of Horeb. Faith restored 179 DISCOUESE IX, THE GOSPEL OF PARDONING MERCY A3 PREACHED BY PROPHETS OF THE KINGDOM. Isaiah i. 10-18. THE Of whom the prophet speaks, and to whom hemalces the offer of mercy The gospel over an appeal to reason. Why sin must be the first question reasoned with God. What elements of aggravation cuter into the sins of " scarlet and red like crimson." The grounds of this assurance of pardon 193 SECTION rv. BEDEUPIION AS TAUGHT BY JESUS THE INCARNATE WOED. DISCOURSE X. THE OiWIOIAL AUTHORITY, NATURE, LIMITS, AND PURPOSES OF GOSPEL PRBAGHINa. '!<,!,;: Lukeiv.16-21. The condition of the typical Icingdom at the opening of Christ's mio- istry. This may be considered the inauguration discourse of the New Testament ministry, to take the place of priests and prophets. Th:: qualification for the office. The commission to speak authori- CONTENTS. XI PAGB tatively. Tbo security against abnao of the authority lies in con- fining the minister stricUy to the ibnctiona of hiii ofBce, tLz.,^ " To preach the gospel "—nothing else. Manner of proacbung— to aim to meet the capacities of the poor. Tho purposes of preach- ing—to comfort the bcart-broken, in a world Mi of sin, and theio- foro of sorrow— to deliver tho captires— to restore spiritual riaion^to hold forth a power to overcomo sin— to proclaim an cyer-present, evor-rcady Saviour 207 DISCOURSE XI. THE GKOUND OF OUE SALVATION NOT ETHICAL BUT KVAN- GEUCAL; AND LIES WOOLLY IN TAB INFINITB DESIBB OF FATHER. SON AND .smUIT TO SAVE SINNEBS. Luke XT. This chapter contains a diaconrso of Jesus, in three parts, in refercuca to ethical religionists. Method of the argument. Designed in the three parables, to represent severally tho mediator, tho Spirit working in the Church, and the Father receiving sinners. Sympathy of heavenly orders in the work. Tho true analogies for interpreting the gospel arc tho heart impulses rather than ethical reasonings. Picture of the straying soul— and of the love of the Fatiier. Portraiture of ethical religionism in the elder brother 227 DISCOURSE XII. rHE AWABD OF THE JUDGMENT TO COME TO BE MADE ON rUlNCIPLES NOT ETHICAL BUT EVANGELICAL. Matthow XXV. 31-40. Gopnection of this judgraeut scene as tho peroration of the discourse begun in Matthew, chapter xxiv, concerning tho close of the two dispensations. Sublime views of the close of tho present dis- pensation. Tho asilza— the award. On what principle made? Mistakes concerning tbo principles of the award. TIic six acts cit( i a logical and exhaustive sununary of human acts. What think you of Christ ? the pivot upon which all turns. This test universally applicable. I ts application to this age of the C hurch. .251 DISCOURSE xni. THE DIVINE IHAGEDf OF EAETH. HEAVEN AND HELL.— HUMANITY IN lis OWN ESSENTIAL AITBIBUTES TO INHABIT ETEENITY. Luke xvi. 19-31. Occasion of this utterance. The heroes of the tragedy in contrast on earth, preparatory to an iuflnitc contrast after death. Meaning zn CONTENTS. PAGB / of " carried to Abraham'^ bosom." The life and immortality tanght by Jesas, is a transfer of the sinless pleasures of life over death. Ohrist's estimate of the value of scrrices. Rich and poor on a level at death. Fallacies of the argument against a hell. The dialogue between hell and heaven. Prayer too late— the real monument of every man's life. Hell thn just award of retvibution. Hell the natural and necessary sequence -<. of a sinfnl life. The insincerity of unbclir^f. Scepticism comes from want of heart, not want of proof. 269 DISCOURSE xrv. BCDEHPnON A3 PREACHED AT THE FINAL APOSTASY OF THE TYPICAL KINQDOU, IN THE "LIFTING UP" AND THE " PIERCING" OF JESUS ON THE CROSS. John xix. 16-37 • Ui. 14. and xU. 32, 83. ' Final act of apostasy of the typical kingdom. Why the inspired word- pietnres of his death exhibit him surrounded with relative objects. The hand-washing magistrate. Relative pictures — humanity receiving the gospel from the cross. Central figure— circumstan- ces attending his last hours on the cross. His death expiatory or the facts inexplicable. Note— Blasphemous criticism of Dr. Bushncll. The prophetic chorus around the cross. The cross- preached gospel full of comfort 295 SECTION V. REDEMPTION AS PREACHED BY APOSTLES UNDER THE DISPEN« SATION OF THE SPIRIT. DISCOURSE XV. THE APOSTOLIO STATEMENT OP THE TERMS OF SALVATION. Acts. xvi. 29-31. T'lis an actual case arising, and just such precedent as we need. The miracle docs not aflfect the cose. Place of miracles in the gospel. Two things only to be understood — the object of faith "the Lord Jesus Christ" — and the subjective act — "believe." Why we hold forth Jesus Christ as the answer to inquiring sin- ners. What it is to believe. Proof that this believing, without respect to degree of strength, is all that the gospel demands to secure acceptance 3il talitj «s of vices, iment rayer just lence omes PAGB CONTENTS. DISCOURSE XVI. THE APOSTOLIC SUHUARY OF TliE CHBISTIAK CBEEO. I Timottar 1. 10. XUI PAOC 269 isr OF ND THE rhe seren points inrolred in this comprehensire creed. The true Icey to the meaning is in the spirit of the utterance. The gospel rests on the assumption of man a sinner condemned and helpless. How consciousness attests the gospel teaching of sinfulness. Reason attests the gospel offer aa faithful, worthy of all confidence — the heart and moral nature, as worthy of acceptation. The Apostle's proof that Jesus will accept any who accept this saying. 343 ord- cts. nity ^n- tory Dr. >S3- 295 ISPEN- DISCOURSE xvn. THE APOSTOLIC GBOUNO OF CHBISTIAN C03IF0BT AND COUBAGE. IlomasiTiii.2S-31. That God brings mercies out of apparent ills— specially attested in Ghristian experience. Four classes of scoffers at the gospel view ofProTidence. The natural Saduceeism. Transcendental Atheism Theological Scepticism — Sentimental Scepticism. The last, bad taste, worse theology and still worse logic. Who may apply the comfort— How determine whether wo love God ? " The called." The key to the interpretation of this lore— and alao to all that follows. Relation of the gospel truths to the emotions. Hence the error of making the 29th and 30th verses the battle- ground of controversy. " The called" are further assured by the purpose of election. The true end of predestination. Why all real Christians must here practically agree. How this doctrine meets all the necessities of the human soul. 363 TION. DISCOURSE xvm. THE GOSPEL DOCTBINE OF IMMOBTALITT COKTBASTED WITH THAT OF THE SCHOOLS. 10 10 h t . 321 U Timothy i. 10.— I Cor. XT. 22, 63, M. Prevalent mistakes concerning what the schools have taught. An immortality of bliss has not, neither can be, proved from reason and natural religion. What in fact true philosophy does teach. The gospel doctrine of the resurrection alone solves the puzzle of the schools. The gospel teaching concerning " Life and immor- tality." The doctrine of the resurrection essential to any gospel faith. Practical lessons 383 M aov CONTENTS. DISCOURSE XIX. TQE GOBFEL ALARUM.-IT8 lUFOBT. < i F * EpheilMu T. 11. PAOU Seeming abruptness of the Apostle— reason of it The sieep and death atnpor the natural condition of men. It is a dreamy sleep. The waking from it at death — may be conceived of firom partial awakening before death. The drunken sleeper at Niagara. The Bomnambulijt girl. The awakening firomOhrist; who not only •wakes but gives aid. Ethical gospels, mere guide-boards, useless to a cripple. Different methods in wiuch Christ gives light. The hostcfhl urgency of the gospel calls 415 n Tf ' SECnON VI. BEOEJIPTION AS FBOCLAIUGD BV JESXTS ASCENDED; COXFIRMINa ALT. THAT HAD BEEN BEVEALED AT THE "SUNDBY TIMES AND IN DIVEB8 HANKEBS." DISCOURSE XX. THE GOSPEL ADAPTED TO THE CONSCIOUS WANTS OF THE nUMAN soul; its ABGUMENTS, TERMS AND AGENCIES. . /• i BevelatlonB xxii. 16-18. Whence, when, and what, this message. The reference to the loat of the old covenants. Import of the term " water of life "—tendency of scriptures to generalizations — what the import of the " tliirst." To be understood in a general sense as well as of longing for salva- tion by the special call of tho Spirit. True inference from the unconscious prophecies of heathenism. Tho vision of the sfaip in the air by tho pilgrims. The causes which develop a consciousness of this thirst. They are natural and supernatural. Tho terms aro " Freely." Tho agencies to bring tliirsty souls to the water of life — natural and supernatural. 43t t*fX APPENDIX ?!:■!■ NOTE A. TO DISC0UR33 lU. THKKfiCETT OBJECTIOX IX THE CHURCH OP SCOTLAND CONCERX- IXa TUB r£BP£T(JAL OUUGATION OF TUC SINAI C0V£XA:.T, AND ITS SABBATH. ,.,,;_, . .,, ,,^-i>.ar;fi UW^iT ,^My:. I'AGB The argument founded upoii tho views presented in Disconrso VI., tin ./ most cSectiro method. The reasoning against the Sabbat!) founded wholly upon insufficient and erroneous views of th ■ Sinai covenant. Errors of the friends of truth in stating tho grounds for legislation to protect the Sabbath 4 '< 1 NOTE B. TO DISCOURSE IV. THE PLACE OP THE CnCSCEI IN THE SCHEME OP REDEMPTION. The tcience of Ecclesiology yet remains to be developed. Prejudice against theoretical reasoning on the subject not accordant with the spirit and method of scripture. Relation of the idea of the Ohorch to other points of Theology. The relation of the four phases of Theology. — ^Papal, Zuinglian, Lutheran, and Oalvinis- tic. The latter theory naturally points to the central truth of Eccle8iolovith these perpetual endeavours to fashion the Church into one invariable form in all the details of its liturgy and expression of faith. Hence, long before tho controversy with Protestantism concerning sects, and the need of an infallible interpreter, the children of the Church of Rome herself loved to find the symbols of a church manifold, yet one, in the four rivers, flowing from one fount in Paradise ; and, in the four-fold, yet one, living creature seen in the \'isions of Ezekiel and Daniel and John in tho Apocalypse. Long before the apostasy of FALSE VIEWS OF CUURCH DIVERSITIES. 27 BiOmc, Jeromo had said : "As the one river of Paradise SIGNIFICANCE OP THE APOSTLE'S REASONING. 31 this ?" That "would, indeed, bo a true statement, and sound reasoning, but it is not tho argument here. It is directed not to those who reject^ but to those who ^* neglect" salva- tion. 1 . • . h'-. Nor, again, is the reasoning with that class who, though not unbelievers, as they think, yet find their chief reason for not being Christians in tho diflScultics of the gospel doctrines, which they cannot reconcilo with their reason. There aro many of our educated youth and professional men to whom tho gospel presents tho aspect of tho Sphinx of the old tragedy, sitting by tho wayside to propound the riddle, and demanding of each passer-by " Solve it or die !" Whereas, it is the peculiar feature of tho gospel of Christ that it demands neither tho solution of paradoxes, nor even tho acceptance of opinions, as a condition precedent to salvation. Its call is not " solve or die," but " believe with thine heart or die." Not believe a creed, either, but " believe on tho Lord Jesus Christ," a personal Saviour. Not with such is tho reasoning here. For then the argument would be, God hath at " sundry times and in divers manners" added explanation to explanation, and solved difficulty after difficulty, till no longer is it conceivable how any sincere mind can cavil ; therefore, if still in the dark, — how shall we ever have the mystery solved ? That would be valid reasoning, but it is not the argument here. Ho reasons not with those who mi/stifi/, but those who " neglect" salvation. Nor, agtun, is the reasoning here with the careless and pro- fane scoffers, who say, " let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die ;" nor with the frivolous devotees of fashion and the world, whenever care to listen to tho higher calls of the soul ; nor with the servile worshippers of Mammon, who recklessly take the dollar in exchange for tho soul. For then tho rea- soning would be — God hath so highly regarded this work of saving sinners, that, amid all the cares of tho Universe, ho U ,1 1 32 THE DIVERSITY IN UNITY OP SCBIPTUBE. hath '* at sundry times and in divers manners " manifostod special concern, and sent down the chariot of heaven to bear communication to earth respecting it. If then ye are oarelcBs, frivolous and reckless in a matter that has interested all heaven during ages past, what hope is there for you? How can such as ye escape ? That would be valid reasoning, but it is not the argument hero. He reasons not with those that insult and contemn, but those that " neglect '* salvation. But the parties addressed in the argument of the text are those of whom it is assumed, Rrst, — That " they have heard these things " and recognize them as things spoken by God's angels (messengers). In so far, they are those found in all our Sabbath congregations, who treat the gospel with great outward respect, and even thank God that they are not as other men — even as these sceptics, scoffp'^, frivolous and thoughtless. Sc jnd, — That they have not only the objective knowledge of the gospel, but also a subjective consciousness of a danger to bo " escaped," and a ruin from which the rescue must bo a " great salvation." It is indeed a striking feature of the gospel that it assumes, as truths known to human conscious- ness, most of these things which men speculate about as reli^ous opinions. It makes no argument to prove immor* tality to him who is ambitious to prove himself an ox or an ass, or as any of " the brutes that perish." It assumes not only the conviction of immortality in every soul, but, as con- nected with that, the conviction of a condition of present moral ruin, and of a wrath to come. These are instincts with which the spiritual nature of man is assumed in the gospel to have been originally endowed. As in the realms of animated nature, the creatures socm, by some mysterious law, to bo endowed with instincts, whoso blind impulses prove more watchful guardians of their safety than the proud intelligcuco of man ; so that the wild scream 'H I rOBCB AND SOLEMNITY OP mS CONCLUSION. 33 of the sea-bird is often the first warning of the commg tcm< pest, even when the most experienced mariner can discover no " cloud big as a man's hand" : so the soul of man seems to be endowed with certun spiritual instincts, — blind impulses, it may be, — ^but efficient to warn him of wrath to come. And even when the voyage of life is happiest, its sea cahnest, and its sun brightest— amid your shouts of joy and songs of glad- ness, there would bo heard, if you listened for it, tho low soul- w