As miniſters of the goſpel, we are not left to ſet before our hearers, ſyſtem of refined Heatheniſm: or to entertain them with cold, ſpiritleſs lectures of virtue. No: we have the infinitely tender love, the immenſely free grace, of the bleeding, dying Immanuel, to diſplay — to improve — to enforce. And Is there a topic in the whole compaſs of oratory is there an argument, amidst all the ſtores of reaſon, ſo admirably calculated to touch the fineſt movements of the ſoul? To ſtrike all the inmoſt ſprings of action, with the moſt perſuaſive, the moſt commending energy?———Would we alarm the ſupine, or intimidate the preſumptuous? We may call them to behold God's own Son, weltering in blood; God's own Son, transfixed with the arrows of juſtice. We may bid them conſider, if judgment begins with the immaculate Mediator, where ſhall the irreclaimable ſinner appear? How will he eſcape the ſtroke, how bear the weight, of God's everlaſting vengeance!—Would we comfort the diſtreſſed? We may point them to an atonement, whoſe merits are infinite, and able to ſave to the very uttermoſt, Heb. vii. 25. We may lead them to a righteouſneſs, whoſe efficacy is unbounded, and ſufficient to juſtify the ungodly. And what balm can be ſo ſovereign, for a wounded conſcience?———Are we to ſupport the weak, and animate the doubting? Here, we may ſhew them promiſes; free, promiſes[1]; exceeding great and precious promiſes; ratified by the oath of Jehovah, and ſealed by the blood of his Son. And what cordials can be ſo reſtorative, to the drooping Chriſtian?
- ↑ To man the bleeding croſs has promiſed all:
The bleeding croſs has ſworn eternal grace:
Who gave his life, what grace will he deny?
Night Thoughts, N. 4.
