The works of Rev. E. Bickersteth : containing Scripture help, Treatise on prayer, The Christian hearer, The chief concerns of man for time and eternity, Treatise on the Lord's Supper, and The Christian student

Contents

Pajre.

SCRIPTURE HELP.

lue of the Bible.

Chap. 1. The general Importance of Hearing the Word . . . 221

2. National Benefits of Hearing the

Word 229

3. Preaching the word the Special

Oridinance of God for Salvation 241

4. The Presence of Christ the Glory

of Christian Assemblies .

6. The Holy Spirit received in Hear-

ing the only Source of Genuine Profit ....

5. The relative Situation and re-

spective Duties of Ministers and People

7. Directions for hearing the Word 281

8. The Importance of reflecting on

what we have heard . . 293

9. Practical Obedience to the Word 298

10. Answers to objections against

Pratical Obedience . . 30o

11. Observations on the Parable of

the Sower .... 310

12. The promised universal Diffusion

of Divine Knowledge . . 319

13. The Danger of Neglecting divine

Truth ,330

14. The blessed Results of faithful

15. Address to different ClMpes, ex-

horting them to atteidto this Duty 346

THE CHIEF CONCERNS OF MAN FOR TIME AND ETERNITY.

SERMONS I. II.

The day of Grace. . . 351—361

SERMONS III. IV.

On Death. . . . 361—368

CONTENTS.

SERMONS V. VI.

The Resurrection.

Part II

SERMONS VII. VIII.

The Judgment Day. . 376 — 385

SERMONS IX. X.

SERMONS XL XII.

SERMONS XIII. XIV.

SERMONS XV. XVI.

The Christian's Triumph.

412—423

SERMONS XVII. XVIII.

Farewell Sermons. . . 423—436

TREATISE ON THE LORD'S SUPPER. PART I.

Chap. I. The Appointment of the Lord's

2. The Atonement made by the

Death of Christ . . 443

3. On Faith in Christ's Atonement 447

4. The New Covenant . . .451

5. The Design of the Lord's Supper 458

6. The Obligation to receive . 463

7. Answers to Excuses commonly

8. On receiving unworthily . 470

9. On Preparation . . . 472

10. The Benefits connected with a due

reception .... 479

11. The Happiness which would fol-

low its universal and devout pbservance . . . 486

12. On Communion with Christ and

his People .... 488

13. The due Improvement of the

V Lord's Supper ... 493

1. Helps for Self-examination

2. Hints for the Regulation and E

ployment of the Mind dun s the Communion Service . I

3. On the Communion Service of 1 :

Church . . . . I

4. Meditations during the CommiJ.

ion Service . . .5 Prayer after receiving 5

THE CHRISTIAN STUDENT.

Chap. 1. The Usefulness of Theologio.1 Study to Christians

2. The Influence of Practical Hoi-

ness on Theological Studies

3. The Divine Teaching which God

has promised ...

4. The Study U the. Scriptures

5. The Character of Scriptural Di-

vinity . . • . 51

6. The Study of Practical WoYks 5 f

7. The Study of Controversial Works 5

8. The Dangers connected with Stud-

ies 5 ]

9. Practical Rules for Study . 5

10. Advice to a Student on entering

the University . . 5!

11. The Right Application of Theolo-

gical Knowledge . . . 6(

12. Jesus Christ the Chief and Best

Appendix

Outlines of the History of Divinity.

The Fathers ....

The Schoolmen and their Contemporaries ....

The Reformers

Successors to the Reformers

The Non-conformist

The Divines of the Restoration and Revolution .

Modern Writers

69 63

Preface

TO

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The want of a plain Tract, cheap enough to be easily procured, and yet sufficiently full to be useful to those who are beginning to read the Bible, induced the writer to set about this little work. His first design was only to write a tract of a few pages, but he was led on by degrees, even in the first edition, to a much greater length than he originally intended. He has been encouraged by the favourable reception of that edition (of which 2200 were sold in two or three months) to revise the whole work, and introduce several additional chapters ; particularly those which, as he stated in his former edition, he had omitted^ for the sake of brevity.*

His objects have been, first to direct the reader's attention to THE BIBLE : to lead him dilligently to study the pure word of God, and to point out the vast importance of seeking the help of the Holy Spirit. He has next endeavoured to add such hints as might assist the reader to study practically and profitably ; give him clear views of the various parts of divine truth, and remove apparent difficulties. The most important points to be attended to, are then summed up in a few practical rules, and the whole is concluded with some scripture prayers, a very brief chronological table, and some general remarks on the history of mankind and the church of God.

Although much has been wisely and usefully done to illustrate the Bible by commentaries, yet it is evidently of great importance, that it should not be chiefly studied through the works of uninspired authors. There is a majestic authority,, an unaffected and beautiful simplicity and plainness in the word of God, which speaks more powerfully to the heart, than the most laboured expositions. On this account, the writer has been anxious to excite his readers to study, more constantly, with fervent prayer, the volume of the scriptures, without continually going to other works to guide them in reading it, and thus to take tlieir religious sentiments from the fountain head. The writer from his heart embraces that great protestant principle, that it is each man's duty and privilege to read the Bible for, himself ; and that important truth expressed in the sixth Article of the Church of England, that " Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation : so that whatflOever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to bo required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the faith, or he thought requisite or necessary to salvation." He also fully assents to what is Mated in the excellent church

*His extension of the plan, having necessarily increased the price, nn Abridgment of the pre* cnt edition has been published for the use of the poor, 10,000 copies of which have been aolfc whilst this was passing through the press.

X

PREFACE.

homily on this subject, " That man's human or worldly wisdom, or science, is not needful .to the understanding of scripture, but the revelation of the Holy Ghost, who inspireth the true meaning unto them that with humility and dilligence do search therefor."*

The Bible is in many respects its own interpreter ; it contains in itself, the key which will open its own treasures ; and it is hoped, that the following pages may assist in pointing out this key to the reader.

As the writer aimed rather to furnish a useful work, than to obtain credit for originality, he has freely borrowed from others whatever appeared likely to promote his object. He desires particularly to acknowledge his obligations to Jone's Scripture Directory, for many observations in the fourth chapter. He wishes also to express his thanks to several friends who have kindly favoured him with their remarks on the former edition. To one, he is more especially indebted for some important suggestions, several corrections, and two or three valuable notes.

Many imperfections will doubtless still be discovered in this work, and should another edition be called for, and the writer's life be spared, he will be glad to rectify any errors that may be pointed out to him through the medium of the publisher.

Reader, join in praying that it may please the great head of the church, to bless this and every attempt, to lead men to the study of that book, which is so peculiarly his own. E. B.

Norwich, January 1816.

♦The whole of this Homily, which may be had separately, well deserves attention.

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CHAPTER. I. Value of the Bible

Suppose a person compelled to quit a foreign country, were invited to return home to receive a large possession which his father had promised him. Suppose he is entirely unacquainted with the road he has to go, but knows that it is often rugged, difficult and dangerous ; that there are also many false guides to mislead him, and many enemies to encounter : and that thus he will be exposed not only to the loss of the promised possession, but of every thing he has, and even life itself. What would be such a person's first inquiries ? Where can I get a sure direction ? Is there any protector who can defend me from mine enemies ? With what delight he would hear, " your father has given you a plain, full, and paiticular direction, and an all-sufficient protector." How dilligently he would be looking at this direction as he went along, and how entirely he would trust his Protector.

This journey is the Christian's life : God is his father : heaven is his home : eternal bliss is the promised possession : Christ is the all-sufficient protector, the captain of our salvation, who has himself gone the road and conquered every enemy, and who now guards and defends as many as commit themselves tohim: and TBI rihle, with the help of the Holy Spirit, affords a sure direction to God, to heaven, to everlasting bliss.

" The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." By means of the Bible, God himself "directs your paths." Eh all Important points, it is so plain, " that he who runs may read." It is also so full and particular, that you will find in it something adapted to remove your most perplexing doubts, and to guide you aright through your greatest difficulties. Its fullness speaks its divine author.

The Bible is altogether true : " thy word," says Christ, " is truth." It is truth without any mixture of error." It is the source and the only unerring standard of all religious truth and knowledge. Men may deceive us, or be deceived themselves ; our own minds and hearts may deceive us, and therefore we are told not to " lean to our own understanding; andnotto trustour own heart;" but the Bible will never deceive us ; it is truth that we may always depend and act upon. Hence it is called " a light to our feet and a lamp to our paths ;" it renders the way to eternal life manifest and clear.

Some may say, how am I to know that the Bible is true ? I will endeavor to tell you. The Bible is evidently an ancient book, written by different persons at different periods, and yet in all its parts promoting one great design. Bad men could not write a book so plainly condemning all sin. Good men would not have deceived mankind by pretending that an invention of their own was a divine revelation, especially when they were likely to get nothing by this deception, but reproach, imprisonment, torture, and death. Its doctrines and precepts are evidently superior to all human wisdom, and directly contrary to that corruption of human nature, which impostors would indulge, as the means of gaining their ends. The Bible points out a clear way to eternal life ; a way honorable to God, suitable to the wants of man ; whilst by the strongest arguments it promotes practical holiness, so that you cannot read the book without feeling that it ' is a holy book. It gives you an account of various miracles which could only have been performed by the power of

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God, and which were wrought in the midst .of vast multitudes for a purpose worthy of God. The religion of the Bible was at the time of its promulgation supported by these miracles ; and has ever since continued in the world. There are various prophecies in the Bible, the completion of which shew its divine original. Those concerning Jesus Christ have in a great measure received their accomplishment : these were known to have been written long before his coming. The prophecies concerning Babylon were delivered many ages before they were fulfilled ; and the fall and continued ruin of that great city, which at the time when the predictions were delivered no human sagacity could foresee, prove that they were dictated by the inspiration of God. Those prophecies also respecting the Jews which pointed out their dispersion and yet predicted their preservation as a distinct people, are openly fulfilling to the present day in the sight of all men.*

All these things prove that of old holy men of God " spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Pet. i, 21. Hence it is expressly declared, that " all scripture is given by inspiration of God." 2 Tim. iii, 16. By inspiration is here meant " such an immediate and complete discovery, by the Holy Spirit to the minds of the sacred writers, of those things which could not otherwise have been known, and such an effectual superintendency as to those matters which they might be informed of by other means, as entirely to preserve them from all error in every particular, which could in the least affect any of the, doctrines or commandments contained in their writings." — Scott.

The evidence above stated has been admitted by the wisest men in all ages, as a sufficient proof of the truth and divine inspiration of the Bible, but they are not sufficient of themselves to produce that saving faith which is so much commended in the scriptures. Not only is the mind of him who possesses this faith completely convinced, but his heart is purified and his life changed. The grace

♦See Porteus's Summary of Evidences, and Paley's Evidences.

of God has removed the pride and prejudices, which before prevented his seeing the excellence of the truth, and feeling its importance. Hence this faith is said to be " the gift of God." If you experience the power of this grace in thus leading you to see the truth in its glory, you will believe the Bible to be the word of God, with an evidence which you never felt before. It will be the evidence of manifest conviction ; " he thatbelieveth hath the witness in himself." The Bible, when accompanied by the influence of the spirit, " with a powerful and penetrating energy, alarms and pierces the conscience, discovers the thoughts and intents of the heart, convinces the most obstinate, and makes the most careless to tremble. With equal authority and efficacy it speaks peace to the troubled mind, and heals the wounded spirit." It expands the understanding, it leads men to delight in God, to desire to know him more and serve him better ; it gives a meetness for the happiness of the heavenly world, and thus prepares man for an infinitely superior state of existence. All these considerations unite in one point, and they produce the complete conviction, that such a system, so pure, so animating, so sanctifying in its operations, so elevating in its effects, cannot proceed from any other source than " the Father of lights."

The Bible claims our attention on account of the invaluable truths it contains. It discovers to us things which the wisest of men in vain attempted to find out. It shows who is our Creator : his love to us, and what we have to do to please him. It plainly declares what should be our great care and concern in this life ; it affords light to those in darkness, rest to the weary and strength to the weak, and opens to us the invisible realities of another world.

As all men have sinned — the Bible is above every thing valuable, since it is addressed to sinners, and discovers to us the person, character, and offices of Christ, the Saviour. This discovery, if the expression may be used, throws a splendour on the pages of the Bible. It is therefore particularly called " the word of Christ." "When men feel themselves

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sinners, and discover their need of a Saviour, and find in Chiist just that which they want, they see that there is an infinite value in every thing which relates to him and his salvation.

That important question, What must I do to be saved? is here then satisfactorily answered. Forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ, reconciliation with God, peace of mind, the restoration of the divine image, and a solid hope of eternal life, are clearly set before us in the scriptures, and freely offered to our acceptance, through the mediation of a Saviour. Do you feel yourself sinful, and do you fear the wrath of God and mourn under the burthen of your sins ? In the Bible you will find declared, the means which God hath appointed both for your pardon and your cure. There you will read that " God sent his son to be the propitiation for our our sins ;" that Jesus Christ came into the world to save .sinners ; that he " is the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world," and that M the grace of God which bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. These things were written, that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God, and that believing we might have life through his name." 1 Tim. i, 15. John xx, 31.

Thus you see the Bible has " God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its contents." There is a further value in the Bible which the real christian has experienced. He has found that it is an unspeakable consolation in seasons of distress. He is able to say with David. " This is my comfort in my affliction." In the loss of all that is valuable on earth, in contempt and ill usage from others, when tried, tempted, and weighed down by his sins, the christian has two resources ; the throne of grace and the Bible.

Thouoh his heart may be nearly broken with grief, yet he can say, " why art thou east down ? () my soul, hope in God." The Bible has calmed his agitated mind, and given him even in his worst distress such a peace as he would not part with for all the world. " Thy stafc utes," says David, " have been my song in the house of my pilgrimage : unless thy law had been my delight, I should have perished in mine afflictions." — Again ; the Bible is inexpressibly valuable, because its truth endures for ever. All in this world is changing and uncertain : where can we rest ? where can we fix our feet and say this will never sink under me, this will abide for ever? "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man is as the flower of the field : the grass withereth and the flower thereof falleth away, but the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." — Heaven and earth," says Christ, " shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Here then is something that will be of value in every period and every state ; it will be found true in the hour of death, at the day of judgment, and through eternity.

CHAPTER II. The importance of habitually Studyingthe Bible

The possession of a Bible, if rightly used, is one of the gieatest blessings and advantages that can be conferred upon us. Every thing however depends upon the use we make of it. If a person had swallowed poison, the best remedy in the world would do him no good unless he took it. So it is here ; your Bible will do you no good unless you use it. Nay, it' would have been better never to have had a Bible, than to have one and neglect to use it ; because the Bible is a talent entrusted to your charge, for the due improvement of which you must account— besides, to disregard it, as if it were of no value, is a high affront to that great God who gave it. Suppose a parent wrote a letter to a child at a distance, full of affectionate admonitions and kind promises, and that child never opened the letter, or only read a line now and then; what an unworthy part such a child would act; — just so are we acting

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if we neglect that book, which our Heavenly Father has sent to us, his children.

I purpose to shew the importance of studying the Bible, frequently, patiently, and thoroughly, from the command of Christ : ihe character and conduct of pious men : the knowledge, practical benefits, and real happiness gained by it, and the ill effects of neglecting it — and then to answer some objections, and point out the danger of a neglect of the Bible. I know indeed there are many young persons, and others who have not the command of their own time, from whom so much cannot be expected as will be required from those who have more leisure. To such I would say, " still you may do something : cannot even you often find time for folly, or perhaps for sinful books or company, when you will not give time to the Bible. Let no excuse satisfy you, but such as you are convinced will stand good in the solemn day of account. It may indeed require much self-denial, when, wearied with the labours of the day, you retire at night to your room, to read, perhaps in the cold a portion of scripture ; and again, to rise somewhat earlier for this purpose in the morning or to snatch a few moments in the middle of the day ; but would you not do more than this to gain a great temporal good, and here is a far more important benefit, a spiritual, an eternal good to be obtained." Let all do the best they are able in their different circumstances. " If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what a man hath, and not according to what he hath not." Let all therefore consider, that

1. The study of the scriptures is plainly commanded by God and his Christ. Thus Christ says : " search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they testify of me ; — blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it." And again, Paul says. " let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom." Solomon gives much the same directions when he says, " cry after knowledge, seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasure. Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom." "He" then " that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches." Let us not live in the neglect of a plain command of Christ.

% It was the conduct of pious men. It appears .from the 119th Psalm, that David was continually studying the scriptures ; and he says of the righteous man, " his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night." 0 that this were the character of all who call themselves Christians ; that they would not only read their Bibles, but continually meditate upon them and delight in them. Timothy had known the scriptures from a child. Apollos was mighty in the scriptures. What a solemn injunction St. Paul gives respecting his epistle to the Thessalonians — " I charge you by the Lord, that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren." It is said that the first christians read the scriptures with great dilligence.

We cannot follow a better example. Remember then that this blessed book has been the daily study of the wisest and the best of men, of all the saints of God ever since it was written, and that it has constantly guided them through every temptation and difficulty till they have been received to the glory of God.

3. Continual study under the influence of the Holy Spirit, is the only way to obtain a knowledge of the Bible.

A thorough acquaintance with any subject cannot be acquired without great attention ; still less can a knowledge of religion, without much perseverance and study. It is well said, " the scriptures are a treasure of divine knowledge which can never be exhausted. The most learned, acute, and diligent student cannot, in the longest life, obtain an entire knowledge of this one volume. The more deeply he works the mine, the richer and more abundant he finds the ore. — New light continually beams from this source to direct his conduct, and illustrate the works of God and the ways of men." — Scott.

4. It is one great means of attaining the practical benefits which result from the religion it teaches, namely, conversion, faith, hope and sanctification. — Hence when the Bercans " received the word with all readiness of mind, they

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searched the scriptures daily, and therefore many of them believed." David says, " thy law is perfect converting the soul." Jesus Christ prays for his people, :> sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth and Paul says, " what things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the scriptures, might have hope. Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, we are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, as by the spirit of the Lord." And he sums up these benefits when he says, the scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus, and are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Observe, too, how our Lord answers every temptation of Satan with a text of Scripture. Matthew iv. Reading the scriptures is one of the great means of bringing our souls near to God, and enjoying communion with him. " While in prayer, we speak to God : in the scripture, God speaks to us."

5. This study also brings real happiness. You have not found happiness in the world. How often have you been compelled to feel, if not to acknowledge, the vanity and emptiness of all worldly good : try, then, to find happiness in the Bible. You will not be disappointed there ; it will lead you to that " fountain of living waters of which whosoever drinketh shall not thirst again. Great peace have they that love God's law." The Thessalonians received the word preached to them " with joy of the Holy Ghost." In hearing this word of Christ, you will often find your hearts like those of the disciples going to Emmaus, burning within you. As " faith cometh by hearing," you will not only be persuaded God's promises will be fulfilled, but will see your interest in them, and exult in the hope of boundless bliss beyond the grave. Christ says, " he that hcareth my words and believeth in me hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation ;but is passed from death unto life." John v, 24.

Do not however be discouraged, if these practical benefits are not immediately obtained, or you seem not to make rapid advances in the divine life. Your progress may be real, though slow and hardly perceptible. Although the new-born babe daily receives nourishment yet it does not instantly grow up to manhood, but gradually passes through the stages of childhood and youth — so it is here. Be not disappointed, if reading the Bible should sometimes appear a task, and your corrupt nature should be ready to call it a dry, dull, and tedious study ; still persevere in it, remembering that nothing valuable is gained without self-denial. The more constantly you read in a right spirit, the more comfort and pleasure, profit and happiness you will find.

When a man, by much patient study of his Bible, has taken his sentiments and principles simply from that source, he has the satisfaction of knowing I rest on a solid foundation ; I did not take my opinions from this man or the other, but from the Bible alone ; I have "thus saith the Lord" for the reason of the hope that is in me. Who can describe the value of this persuasion in the hour of temptation and trial.

6. There are, lastly, very ill effects arising from the neglect of this study. This is the reason why so many are ignorant of the first principles of Christianity, hardly knowing that there is a Saviour, or having " heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." This is the cause why so many false and groundless notions prevail amongst us : for when we follow our own reasonings and neglect the scriptures, we must of necessity go astray. Ignorance of the scriptures is one great cause of error and vice. Matthew xxii, 29. This ignorance keeps you from much happiness and comfort : it is the indirect cause of many anxieties and great misery in this life : and what is far worse, it ruins your immortal souls. Christ says, " he that rejecteth me and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him. The word which I have spoken shall judge him at the last day." John xii, 4s. " My people," saith the Lord, " are destroyed for lack of knowledge."