Page images
PDF
EPUB

it most probably is so; let him lay it to heart, and exclaim with David, when insulted by Shimei-"Let him alone, for the Lord hath bidden him :" and say, in the language of the prophet-" I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause. I will look unto the Lord, and humble myself at his footstool. I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me, and will deliver me. Rejoice not then against me, O mine enemy: though I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me." It would, my friends, be an incalculable advantage to every one of us when insulted, if we were immediately to reflect and examine ourselves, whether if we do not exactly deserve it from the hand of man, yet as the instrument vested with power for a chastisement from the Lord, we do not indeed deserve many more stripes than the feeble arm of flesh, or tongue of malice can inflict?

The Almighty may also have many wise and salutary ends in view, by thus dealing with sinful man. Faith, hope, and charity, must necessarily be herein proved to the utmost, and patience may be perfected; consequently, the exercise and display of those qualities and essential requisites in Christians, manifest how far they may be

entitled to be called the children of God, and have any claim to the promised blessing -which is the last point of observation. Cometh not this blessedness by faith? Yes, my friends that faith which works by love, purifies the heart, and relies on the everlasting promises of God; and in the hope and assurance of peace, through that divine Saviour who hath made peace for us, even through him who is the great peacemaker our Intercessor at the throne of God! Who is daily, hourly interceding for his people, and reconciling us to God, that we may be made the blessed of his Father. Seeing then we have such an advocate, who ever liveth to make intercession, let us do his will on earth as it is in heaven.

In all trials and persecutions, in which the Christian may be brought to the test, in the midst of the most fierce assaults of an enemy, if he rightly views the dispensation, that he hear the rod, as the prophet saith, from him who hath appointed it, and endures chastening as he ought, making a due improvement of it, he will find that how deeply soever he may be wounded, "whilst the hand of the ungodly presses him sore, there is a physician ready to bind up, and to heal; and who hath promised that the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the

[ocr errors]

righteous, and will not suffer his people to be unjustly traduced or afflicted. At any time his spear may be brought forth to stop the way, and make the adversary to feel, that he is touching the apple of his eye, if he offend the least one of those who trust in him. For he hath said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay. "-"In all our afflictions he was afflicted surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows." He is ever touched with compassion for us; and can, even in the most dejected moment, pour down the balm of heavenly consolation into the wounded spirit, that divine peace shall flow in like a river, and refresh the fainting soul.

Then can the Christian lay his head to rest in full confidence in him who promised that the Comforter should come unto him. His light afflictions, he knows, are but for a moment, and shall work out for him a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. He committeth himself to one who judg eth right, and will be a defence for the oppressed in every time of trouble. He need not fear though the earth be moved, and carried into the midst of the sea; and though the waters thereof rage and swell, and the mountains shake at the tempest of the same. The shafts of the wicked may

for a time prevail; but no weapon formed against him shall prosper.

The arrows of the persecutors may assail, but they cannot pierce or assault his soul: he shall lie down in peace, and none shall make him afraid.

I must now, in applying what has been said, first, Consider the positive obligation all professing Christians are under to perform the duty which we have been enjoining; and, secondly, The danger of neglecting it; thirdly, The motive to its due observance.

First, then, Our blessed Saviour hath said, "Have peace one with another," and taught us to pray, Thy will be done on earth

66

as it is in heaven." How then dare we profess obedience to his commands, and pray thus, if we neglect to extend peace and good will to man? Our great High Priest is continually pleading and making our peace where all is harmony and concord. Let it then be so with us. Let us delight to do his will, and constantly follow after those things which make for peace; and those things wherewith we may edify one another. The whole tenor of the gospel is peace. St. John makes it the test of our love to God; St. Paul, St. James, and St. Peter, repeatedly exhort and enjoin us to live in peace, and peaceably with all men,

which, if it were so, would make for univer. sal peace. But such a state of blessedness is not to be expected till the full establishment of the kingdom of Christ upon earth. Then nation shall not lift up sword againstnation, neither shall they learn war any more; for the Lord will be their shield.

Secondly, The great danger of neglecting the important duty of peace-making, and promoting peace as far as it is possible, is indeed undeniable; and to imagine we are at peace with God while living at enmity with man, is the height of self-delusion and presumption. To pray, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us," whilst at the very moment of uttering these words we are at variance with any one, and, it may be, harbouring resentment and malice in our heart, is really appalling. And the man who is not open to conviction to acknowledge this, either has never considered the subject seriously and with due attention, or has not right views of Christianity and his own responsibility, or must have a seared conscience. And now, let me ask, how can such a one approach the table of the Lord?

O let me beseech you to think more deeply on these important truths! To think, did I say? Let me intreat you, as you value

« PreviousContinue »