IV.] INESTIMABLE VALUE OF REVELATION. 111

salvation be consigned to those books whose authority is abundantly proved, and which bear internal evidence of their being divine—what is our obvious duty in this important particular? surely to search and study, and take every means of becoming acquainted with that blessed word, of which a great philosopher has given this eulogium, "It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of fable for its matter." Let us, therefore, hold fast this word of truth, which alone can be our infallible guide in all difficulties of doctrine and practice. Let us take warning by those men whom Christ rebukes for having dared to make his words void by their traditions, and for teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Let us, in admiring the institutions with which we are blessed, take heed lest, by adding to, or diminishing from, the written oracles of truth, the candlestick be removed from the place where it now standeth, and, like Belshazzar's kingdom, it be given to another nation more worthy than The night of ignorance of God's word, we believe, brethren, to be now far spent; the day of light and knowledge, we think to be at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. What then would our condition be in this life if we should let go the hopes of immortality, which are given us in Christ Jesus? Whither would our thoughts

we.

112

CONCLUSION.

[LECT.

wander, and where would they find rest if we could no longer turn them upon the revealed word, and on "Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith?" And how can we pretend to feel commiseration for the millions of our fellow creatures, whose lot has been cast in darkness or in dim twilight, if we ourselves feel not the quickening power of God's word ?

The heart of the real Christian burns within him to unfold the treasures of God's word to those who never knew them, and he trembles for those who wilfully put away from them the revealed truth, and who prefer darkness to light; for all which, yea for all who know not the Lord Jesus, from whatever cause of misfortune, or hardness of heart, we are bound to pray. The love of Christ is liberal, and never becomes inactive as long as there remains in the world one poor benighted soul without a knowledge of the redemption which is in Christ Jesus: and hereby, brethren, we know that he abideth in us, by that very spirit of love which he hath given "And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness; and we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life-little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen."

us.

SECOND SERIES.

ON THE INTRODUCTION OF

CHRISTIANITY AND

THE PRIMITIVE CHURCHES-PROGRESS OF THE

GOSPEL DURING THE APOSTOLIC AGE.

̓Αγράφοις χρήσασθαι φωναῖς· διὸ σχεδὸν ἡ πᾶσα γέγονε σύγχυσίς τε δὲ ἀκαταστασία τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν.

LECTURE I.

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH AT JERUSALEM, AND THE SUBSEQUENT DISPERSION OF THE DISCIPLES, IN CONSEQUENCE OF THE MARTYRDOM OF ST. STEPHEN.

ACTS ii. 42.

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Of all the changes and revolutions that have ever taken place in the sentiments and institutions of mankind, there is none which offers so intense an interest as that which was effected by the introduction of Christianity into the world; for if it be regarded as a mere portion of history, what is there in the annals of our species which presents such important and permanent results? That a mild and benevolent religion should "gently insinuate itself into the minds of men, should gradually undermine the prejudices and