Discourses of redemption : as revealed at "sundry times and in divers manners," designed both as Biblical expositions for the people and hints to theological students of a popular method of exhibiting the "divers" revelations through patriarchs, prophets, Jesus, and his apostles

Front matter

LIBRARIES of the UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

on deposit from

Knox College

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 Renaissance of our age— as seen in the elaborate Biblical disquisitions of infidelity itself ; in the multiplication of learned critical helps for the exposi¬ 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 we may account for the fact, this Renaissance has not yet manifested itself in an equal degree in the pulpit — that divinely 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 prevailing method of preaching is still that of theological disquisition, ethical essay, rhetorical, persuasive or emotional appeal — founded upon a shred of the Sacred Text chosen as a motto, or, at best, as suggesting simply the theological topic of the occasion. Whereas the true theory of preaching as gathered from the scriptures, manifestly assumes its purpose to be the showing of the people how to read the Word of God ; and leading them to feel that “ this day is the scripture fulfilled m their ears,” and that these

PREFACE.

IV

are the words of a Jesus who not only spake by holy men of old, but who is noiv speaking with living utterance to the men of this generation.

Having, through a ministry of twenty years, to congrega¬ tions variously composed, in four different cities, been accus¬ tomed, in pursuance of the latter theory of preaching, to appropriate one of the public services of the Sabbath to showing the people how to read the scriptures, and to follow the development of the one great central thought of the Book through the successive eras of revelation — the author can testify from practical experience that the people need no other attraction to draw them to the house of God than a simple, rational and practical exposition and illustration of the 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 the sanctuary. The author’s first experiment was in a congregation composed largely of the professional and public men that gather in the capital of a state ; his last experiment in a city of colleges and in a congregation composed in large 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 preaching which 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 more permanently attractive than any other. Perhaps the most encouraging assurance he ever received that his labours were profitable to hearers, was in a recent testimony from the

PREFACE.

V

Students of Arts, Law, Medicine and Theology in the various institutions of learning in Toronto, which specially and very intelligently pointed out the benefits which they considered themselves to have received from the exposition of the gospel in the order of the successive revelations, under the several covenants in the history of redemption.

The present volume is the result of an attempt to give per¬ manent form, so far as oral instruction can be transferred to the printed page, to such outline specimens of the author’s Biblical Expositions in the several sections of the inspired Word as might be most suggestive to younger preachers in their attempts to develop the various parts of Scripture to the comprehension of the people, and at the same time be instruc¬ tive to Christians, and inquirers, and other earnest persons troubled with doubts touching die inspiration or the doctrines of the Bible. From the titles of the several sections, it will be seen that this is not a collection of miscellaneous discourses, but a logical development of the gospel in the order of its communication. And from the titles of the several discourses under each section it will be seen that the general aim is to discuss some of the more germinal points of each revelation. Want of space for the full execution of his plan has compelled the author to omit several subjects embraced in the programme originally, and has suggested the purpose, if the present effort is acceptable to the public, to prepare a second series of “ Discourses of Redemption,” filling up more completely this outline, while yet constituting a volume com¬ plete in itself, devoted more especially to the great cardinal truths developed in the symbols of the Protestant Reformation.

VI

PREFACE.

Of course students and others accustomed to more exact forms of presenting religious 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 the carefulness and finish of the religious essay where the author is aiming to transfer spoken language, in its popular forms, to the printed page. It is hoped, however, that students will find many valuable suggestive hints ; and that earnest-minded persons — whether Christian believers, or inquirers after the way of salvation, or those harassed and tempted by sceptical doubts — may find these discourses of some advantage to them.

In the Appendix, the author has discussed two or three points having a direct relation to the subjects of the discourses —especially the place of the 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. The 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 the Protestant ministry ; and that these are destined to be the great questions of the next ten years both in the British and American Churches.

New York, March 26th, 1866.

Contents

INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSES.

DISCOURSE I.

THE DIVERSITY IN UNITY OF THE REVELATION OF REDEMPTION.

Section I. Discourse III

REDEMPTION AS REVEALED TO THE PATRIARCHS IN THE THEO- PHANIES. THE GOSPEL COVENANT AND WORSHIP OF THE LOST EDEN.

Genesis ii. 8-17; iii. 15, 24, and iv. 4.

Principles of the interpretation of these ancient records. The estate of man anterior to Eden. The Eden covenant of works. The

VIII

CONTENTS.

PAGE

rationale thereof. Its reasonableness and adaptation to the case of man as a new order of being, from whom a race of beings is to be propagated. The third estate of sin without hope. The fourth estate ; the sinner with a gospel preached. Analysis of the Eden gospel ; its eight points of doctrine. Evidences of the exercise of true faith under the Eden gospel. How Christ crucified was preached. The manner, place and time of the worship of the first sinners. The germinal Church instituted at Eden — substantially the same with the Church still existing . 57

DISCOURSE IV.

THE GOSPEL CHURCH VISIBLE SEPARATELY ORGANIZED: ITS COVENANT CHARTER WITH ITS SEAL: ITS CONSTITUENT ELEMENTS.

Genesis xvii. 4, 7, 10, 11, 13.— Romans iv. 11.— Mark x. 14.

Importance of the study of the Old, as the key to the New Testament. Remarkable prominence of Abraham in scripture. "Why, at this era, an organization of the Church as distinct from the family.

Era of Abraham in the history of redemption, analagous to the fourth day in the history of creation. How shown that this is the origin of the visible Church as a separate organization — The charter — its seal. Constituent elements not individuals merely but as representing families. Relation of children to the visible Church — to the invisible. Argument for the safety of all the dead children . . . . 75

Section II. Redemption As Revealed In The Laws And Ordinances Of

THE THEOCRATIC ERA.

DISCOURSE Y.

THE COVENANT OE THE CHURCH’S REDEMPTION ; ITS SEAL AND THE SIGNIFICANCE THEREOF.

Exodus xii. 3, 7, 11-14.— Luke xxii. 15, 20.— I Corinthians 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 — Vicarious atonement for sin. Subjective truths — Tendencies to unbelief — to cavil-— obscure faith — feeble faith — strong faith.

Free offer of mere y . '. 101

CONTENTS.

IX

DISCOURSE VI.

THE GOSPEL OF THE SINAI COVENANT: ITS RULE OF LIFE TO CONVICT OF SIN: ITS RITUAL TO TEACH THE TAKING A WAV OF SIN: AND ITS MOULDING OF THE SOCIAL ORDER AS A TYPE OF CHRIST’S SPIRITUAL COMMONWEALTH.

PAGE

Circumstances of this covenanting. Facts touching the Sinai revela¬ tions. Their nature and purpose. This a covenant with the Church — as representative of the Church in all ages — spiritual in its significancy — fuller development of previous covenants. In this view of it lies the key to the interpretation of the last four books of the Pentateuch. Israel stood at Sinai in three aspects, and with reference to each the revelations were made. Its chief purpose to give the Church a law to convince of sin ; and ritual to teach the taking away of sin and purification of the nature. Rationale of teaching by symbols. Popular view of the Mosaic laws as repealed erroneous . 119

Section III. Redemption As Revealed Through The Spirit Of Christ In

THE PROPHETS.

DISCOURSE VII.

THE GOSPEL CHURCH BY COVENANT TYPICALLY SET FORTH AS THE ETERNAL KINGDOM OF DAVID’S SON.

II. Samuel vii. 1-24. — Psalm lxxii. 1, 8, 17. — xxxix 3, 4. — Luke i. 32. — Acts ii. 30.

The origin of the covenant with David historically considered. Its importance appreciated by David as placing him in the sphere of Adam, Noah and Abraham. This covenant the key to all the subsequent parts of the Old Testament ; explains the prominence of David and Solomon in the history of redemption ; develops the kingly office of the mediator. Hence at the opening of the New Testament dispensation the theme of the gospel is, “ The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Practical lessons from these views — the importance of the churchly element in the gospel — the kingship of Christ obscured by confounding the secular and spiritual powers — the conversion of a sinner brings him into a new citizen¬ ship — the evil tendencies of ignoring the Church. . 141

X

CONTENTS.

DISCOURSE VIII.

THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM IN CONFLICT WITH AN APOSTATE CHURCH; AND WITH DESPONDING FAITH.

I Kings xviii. 17-20, and xix. 1-14.

Part I. Page

History of the apostasy of Israel. The crisis on Mount Carmel. Its representative character. Whom the prophet represents. The fire test — why chosen. Ridicule a just method with imposture. Victory of faith on Carmel.. . . . 159

Part II

Fury of the Baal representative. Failure of faith. Effort at self¬ restoration by will worship. Readine39 to die as an evidence of piety. The lessons of Horeb. Faith restored. ............... . 179

DISCOURSE IX.

THE GOSPEL OF PARDONING MERCY AS PREACHED BY THE

PROPHETS OF THE KINGDOM.

Isaiah i. 10-18.

Of whom the prophet speaks, and to whom he makes the offer of mercy.

The gospel ever an appeal to reason. Why sin must be the first question reasoned with God. What elements of aggravation enter into the sins of u scarlet and red like crimson.” The grounds of this assurance of pardon . . . 193

Section IV. Redemption As Taught By Jesus The Incarnate Word

DISCOURSE X.

THE OFFICIAL AUTHORITY, NATURE, LIMITS, AND PURPOSES

OF GOSPEL PREACHING.

The condition of the typical kingdom at the opening of Christ’s min¬ istry. This may be considered the inauguration discourse of the New Testament ministry, to take the place of priests and prophets.

The qualification for the office. The commission to speak authori-

CONTENTS.

XI

PAGE

tatively. The security against abuse of the authority lies in con¬ fining the minister strictly to the functions of his office, viz., —

“ To preach the gospel ” — nothing else. Manner of preaching — to aim to meet the capacities of the poor. The purposes of preach¬ ing — to comfort the heart-broken, in a world full of sin, and there¬ fore of sorrow — to deliver the captives — to restore spiritual vision — to hold forth a power to overcome sin — to proclaim an ever-present, ever-ready Saviour . 207

DISCOURSE XI.

THE GROUND OF OUR SALVATION NOT ETHICAL BUT EVAN¬ GELICAL; AND LIES WHOLLY IN THE INFINITE DESIRE OF FATHER, SON AND SPIRIT TO SAVE SINNERS. *

Luke xv.

This chapter contains a discourse of Jesus, in three parts, in reference to ethical religionists. Method of the argument. Designed in the three parables, to represent severally the mediator, the Spirit working in the Church, and the Father receiving sinners. Sympathy of heavenly orders in the work. The true analogies for interpreting the gospel are the heart impulses rather than ethical reasonings. Picture of the straying soul — and of the love of the Father. Portraiture of ethical religionism in the elder brother . . . . . . . 227

DISCOURSE XII.

THE AWARD OF THE JUDGMENT TO COME TO BE MADE ON PRINCIPLES NOT ETHICAL BUT EVANGELICAL.

Matthew xxv. 31-46.

Connection of this judgment scene as the peroration of the discourse begun in Matthew, chapter xxiv, concerning the close of the two dispensations. Sublime views of the close of the present dis¬ pensation. The assize— the award. On what principle made? Mistakes concerning the principles of the award. The six acts cited a logical and exhaustive summary of human acts. What think you of Christ ? the pivot upon which all turns. This test universally applicable. Its application to this age of the Church.. 251

DISCOURSE XIII.

THE DIVINE TRAGEDY OF EARTH, HEAVEN AND HELL.— HUMANITY IN ITS OWN ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES TO INHABIT ETERNITY.

Luke xvi. 19-31.

Occasion of this utterance. The heroes of the tragedy in contrast on earth, preparatory to an infinite contrast after death. Meaning

XII

CONTENTS.

PAGE

of u carried to Abraham’s bosom.” The life and immortality taught by Jesus, is a transfer of the sinless pleasures of life over death. Christ’s estimate of the value of services.

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 the just award of retribution. Hell the natural and necessary sequence of a sinful life. The insincerity of unbelief. Scepticism comes from want of heart, not want of proof . . . . 269

DISCOURSE XIV.

REDEMPTION AS PREACHED AT THE FINAL APOSTASY OF THE TYPICAL KINGDOM, IN THE “LIFTING UP” AND THE “PIERCING” OF JESUS ON THE CROSS.

Final act of apostasy of the typical kingdom. Why the inspired wordpictures 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. Bushnell. The prophetic chorus around the cross. The crosspreached gospel full of comfort . . . . 295

Section V

REDEMPTION AS PREACHED BY APOSTLES UNDER THE DISPEN¬ SATION OF THE SPIRIT.

DISCOURSE XV.

THE APOSTOLIC STATEMENT OF THE TERMS OF SALVATION.

This an actual case arising, and just such precedent as we need. The miracle does not affect the case. 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 . . . . . . 321

CONTENTS.

XIII

DISCOURSE XVI.

THE APOSTOLIC SUMMARY OF THE CHRISTIAN CREED.

I Timothy i. 15.

PAGE

The seven points involved in this comprehensive creed. The true key 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 as 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

DISCOURSE XVII.

THE APOSTOLIC GROUND OF CHRISTIAN COMFORT AND COURAGE.

Romans viii. 28-31.

That God brings mercies out of apparent ills — specially attested in Christian experience. Four classes of scoffers at the gospel view of Providence. 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 we love God ? u The called.”

The key to the interpretation of this love — and also 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

DISCOURSE XVIII.

THE GOSPEL DOCTRINE OF IMMORTALITY CONTRASTED WITH THAT

OF THE SCHOOLS.

II Timothy i. 10.— I Cor. xv. 22, 53, 54.

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 .

XIV

CONTENTS.

DISCOURSE XIX.

THE GOSPEL ALARUM.— ITS IMPORT.

Ephesians v. 11.

PAGE

Seeming abruptness of the Apostle — reason of it. The sleep and death stupor the natural condition of men. It is a dreamy sleep.

The waking from it at death — may be conceived of from partial awakening before death. The drunken sleeper at Niagara. The somnambulist girl. The awakening from Christ; who not only awakes but gives aid. Ethical gospels, mere guide-boards, useless to a cripple. Different methods in which Christ gives light. The hasteful urgency of the gospel calls . . . 415

Section VI

REDEMPTION AS PROCLAIMED BY JESUS ASCENDED; CONFIRMING ALL THAT TIAD BEEN- REVEALED AT THE “SUNDRY TIMES AND IN DIVERS MANNERS.”

DISCOURSE XX.

THE GOSPEL ADAPTED TO THE CONSCIOUS WANTS OF THE HUMAN SOUL; ITS ARGUMENTS, TERMS AND AGENCIES.

Revelations xxii. 16-18.

Whence, when , and what , this message. The reference to the last of the old covenants. Import of the term “water of life” — tendency of scriptures to generalizations — what the import of the “ thirst.” To be understood in a general sense as well as of longing for salva¬ tion by the special call of the Spirit. True inference from the unconscious prophecies of 'heathenism. The vision of the ship in the air by the pilgrims. The causes which develop a conciousness of this thirst. They are natural and supernatural. The terms are “ Freely.” The agencies to bring thirsty souls to the water of life— natural and supernatural . 431

NOTE A. TO DISCOURSE III.

THE RECENT OBJECTION IN THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND CONCERN¬ ING THE PERPETUAL OBLIGATION OF THE SINAI COVENANT, AND ITS SABBATH.

PAGE

The argument founded upon the views presented in Discourse VI., the most effective method. The reasoning against the Sabbath founded wholly upon insufficient and erroneous views of the Sinai covenant. Errors of the friends of truth in stating the grounds for legislation to protect the Sabbath . . 451

NOTE B. TO DISCOURSE IV.

THE PLACE OF THE CHURCH IN THE SCHEME OF REDEMPTION.

The science 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 Church to other points of Theology. The relation of the four phases of Theology. — Papal, Zuinglian, Lutheran, and Calvinistic. The latter theory naturally points to the central truth of Ecclesiology in the mode of the divine purpose to save not merely sinners individually but a body of sinners. This peculiarity of the divine purpose must enter as an element into the true defini¬ tion of the Church. The Church visible the development of this idea of the purpose of God. This view not exclusive of other views of the Church. To the Church directly as an agency for calling and training the elect have been given all the revelations, ordinances, and promises, and not to the race at large as such. General results from this view. The Church essentially one in all ages. Proper definition of the Church. This view in accord¬ ance with the Westminster Confession. And necessary to any right understanding of what the scriptures teach of the Church.

The source of all Church power is Jesus Christ the Mediator.

The power delegated by him is vested neither in the people nor in the officers, but in the body contemplated as such The power of rule is a joint power to be exercised by tribunals, . . 453

The distinction between the Civil power ordained of God, the Author of Nature and the Spiritual power ordained of Christ the Mediator. The distinction, not arbitrary or incidental, but intrin¬ sic and exclusive of the idea of a concurrent jurisdiction. The

XVI

CONTENTS.

PAGE

three functions to be discharged — and the three offices. The government of the Church is held forth in scripture as by tribunals . 466

NOTE C. TO DISCOURSE X.

THE ORDINANCES OF PUBLIC WORSHIP AS SET FORTH IN SCRIP¬ TURE; THEIR RELATION TO THE IDEA OF THE CHURCH.

What are the divinely appointed ordinances of worship— Rationale thereof. The distinction between the acts of public worship and any merely human teachings lies in the relation of the ordinances of worship to the idea of the Church. Still more direct is the relation of the sacraments to the idea of the Church. Significance and nature of the sacraments as a means of grace . 471

NOTE D. TO DISCOURSE X.

THE RELATION OF THE TEMPORAL AND THE SPIRITUAL POWERS HISTORICALLY CONSIDERED. THE SCOTO-AMERICAN THEORY.

Singularly vague views prevalent on this subject. Conflicts in Papal countries between Cis-Montanism and Ultramontanism. Conflicts among the Continental Protestants — between the theories of Hegel, Stahl — Schleirmacher, &c. In England between the theories of the Civil Courts — Broad Church — Palmer and others.

In Scotland between various theories of support from, and sub¬ mission to, the State by the Church. In the American Churches between the Virginia theory — the New England theory— and the Gallio theory. Absurd ideas and representations of politicians. 474

The theory of a connection between the powers secular and spiritual wholly Pagan in its origin. History of its first introduction into Christianity. How the Pagan view was maintained by the jurists and civilians. Why not cast aside at the Reformation. The Scottish Reformers had clear views of the scripture doctrine. Causes of failure. The Paganism ofVattel. The first develop¬ ment of the American theory. Logical fallacies of the New Eng¬ land theory. Its consequences as seen in originating heretical bodies ; as seen in Justice Story and Mr. Webster. The doctrine of the memorialists in Virginia — Waddell, Graham, Smith — a revival and advance upon the doctrine of the Scottish Reformers.

The Jefferson-Madison 11 Act establishing religious freedom” — the first recognition, from the civil side, in all history of the complete independence of the “ kingdom not of this world.”. . . . 476

INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE.

I. The Diversity In Unity Of The Revelation Of

REDEMPTION.

Hebrews i. 1, 2. — God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son.

Hebrews ii. 1, 3.— -Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward ; how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation ?

It will be perceived that these two passages, though the opening sentences of different chapters, stand in the close logical relation to each other of premise and conclusion ; the intervening portion of the first chapter being of the nature of a parenthesis. The first, by way of premise, declares the fact that, instead of speaking once for all in making his revelation, God spake at “ sundry times ” through his prophets, and at last through his Son, u God manifest in the flesh.” Nor that either in any uniform mode of utterance, but “ in divers manners ” through the successive ages : He spake now through the Theophanies of the Patriarchal era, now through the oracles of the Theocratic era, now through the inspiration of the Spirit of Christ in the prophets of later ages, and lastly through Jesus the Incarnate Word.

B

From these facts as a premise, Rationalism argues to the conclusion of the uncertainties and contradictions of Scrip¬ ture ; and Romanism to the conclusion of the need of excluding the people from the free perusal thereof, and the need of an infallible interpreter, through whose harmonizing voice only the speech of God shall he spoken to the people. But, you will observe, the Apostle, from the same premise, reasons to a precisely opposite conclusion from both, viz., the increased responsibility of those who have the benefit of all these varieties of the revelations of God, and the inevitable doom of those who now neglect such advantage.

The purpose of the present discourse will be to fix your attention upon :

First. — The significance of the facts of the Apostle’s premise — the u sundry times and divers manners ” of reve¬ lation.

Second. — The significance of the Apostle’s reasoning and conclusion from this premise.

I. The fact here set forth, of God’s revelation to men through successive and diversified developments of his scheme of Redemption, furnishes a most important key to the interpretation of the Scriptures. For their peculiar form and structure arises chiefly from this, that, instead of a single utterance, in systematic and scientific form, God chose to speak “ at sundry times and in divers manners,” gradually developing more and more clearly a scheme of salvation, which was perfect from the first.

It is the fundamental blunder, alike of the sceptics and of the philosophic theologians, to assume that, if God speak to man, his perfections require the utterance to be exclusively in the terms of a scientific theology. Had he gathered the more intelligent of the race around some Horeb summit, and thence communicated his attributes and purposes, in the style of a “ Code Napoleon,” or of scientific papers before

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE APOSTLE’S PREMISE. 19 the Paris Academy, or the Royal Society of London, then ■would the communication, they think, have had an exactness and a certitude more worthy a Divine Author ; and then would no room have been left for disputes and diversities of opinion in religion.

Now it might he a sufficient answer to all such suggestions — What if God hath chosen to reveal himself in his Word as in his Works? What if in Revelation, as in Nature, he hath chosen to scatter his truths broadcast, leaving men to gather them with laborious care, and arrange them in their scientific systems ? But a little reflection must make it plain that it was for reasons in the essential nature of the case, that he spake thus at “ sundry times,” connecting his revelation with the progressive history of humanity through all its varying developments.

What man needed was not merely a revelation concerning the mysteries of God, but concerning the mysteries of his own nature as well ; and the paradoxes of which his soul is full. Man needed a revelation which should become the articulate voice of these mysterious instincts of his spiritual nature. How could such a revelation be made in any other conceivable method so well as by this of connecting it with, and developing it through, the ever varying history of humanity, under the leadings of his Providence, through all its phases and civilizations ?

Accordingly, you find this revelation a record, not merely of the utterances of God speaking from heaven to men, but of the utterances, also, of the human soul answering back from earth to the voice of God. That answer is now in cries of mysterious terror, now in shouts of defiant impenitency, now’ in penitential wailings, now in the joyous cries of child¬ like faith and trust. The Bible is not a Divine monologue ; it is an amazing dialogue of the ages, between earth and heaven. The gospel which it reveals is not a mere melody of “ Peace on earth ” sung by angel voices ; it is the strain of a mighty orchestra rather. Notes from the stricken chords of the heart of God lead the strain, and notes from all the stricken chords of the human soul answer back in responsive chorus.

As already suggested, the Bible method consists in the development more and more fully, through the successive “ sundry times ” of humanity, of a scheme of salvation which was perfect from the first, though revealed only in germ. Men build their systems of knowledge as they build their houses' ; beam is laid upon beam ; nor does the structure really exist, as a structure, until the last fragment has been adjusted to its place. Hence their proneness to regard a theology as imperfect, which is not thus artificially systemized. But when God constructs a theology, he builds, just as he builds the oak of the forest, or the cedar of Lebanon, by the continual development of a germ, perfect from the first, through the successive “sundry times” of the humanity with whose origin the development began.