It teaches his existence, the properties of his nature, the revealed manner of his existence, the natural attributes of his character, his moral perfections, his objects, his purposes, his agency, his offices, the effects of his conduct, his law, his gospel and his happiness. The instructions of divine truth teach and show, as fully and clearly as possible, the true knowledge of God in its breadth and length and depth and height. 2. Divine truth teaches the true knowledge of man. It teaches the nature of his existence, his mental faculties, his capacity, his condition, his moral affections, his agency, his relations and obligations, his sinfulness, his misery, his ill-desert, his duty, his safety, his honor and happiness, the object of his present existence, his future condition and the effects, connections and consequences of his conduct in this state of trial. Divine truth teaches and shows the great doctrines in respect to human beings, their duties and their interests. II. It is proposed to show, that the instructions of divine truth are suited to produce the most happy effects. 1. They are suited to relieve our minds from uncertainty on religious subjects. None, but a being of infinite knowledge, goodness and wisdom, could be able and willing to give us, in our ignorance, sinfulness and misery, the instructions which we need for the relief of our spirits from the errors and evils of this dark and sinful world. But the Bible gives us such instructions so evidently and perfectly, as affords relief to every person who will honestly and humbly receive what it teaches. 2. The instructions of divine truth are suited to direct and raise our attention to the most important objects. They place God before us, in his greatness and goodness, his holiness and happiness, as he exists forever and ever. They place before us his objects and his works in creation, providence and redemption. And they place before us the only account of this world and human beings, that can teach and show us any great and good object, that is to be obtained by their existence. But the instructions of divine truth teach us, that the greatest and best ends will be accomplished by the existence of every creature and every event, however small and evil they may be in themselves. 3. Divine truth teaches the foundation and method of salvation for sinners. It reveals the great purpose of forgiveness and redemption through the mediation and atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. And it shows that the method of salvation displays and exalts the perfections of the divine character and raises every penitent believer to a height of holiness and happiness, that could, in no other manner, be bestowed upon creatures. 4. Divine truth is perfectly suited to regulate and sanctify our affections and promote our deliverance from the power and defilement of iniquity. It teaches our duty with the greatest kindness and faithfulness; and offers and promises the powerful and gracious influence, that we need to lead and strengthen us in the way to heaven and prepare us for its holy services and enjoy ments. 5. Divine truth is suited to comfort us under all the evils that ever exist. It shows that no evil ever exists for its own sake, nor merely because it could not have been prevented; but that God has designed and caused evil to exist in subjection to his power, goodness and wisdom and for the accomplishment of the greatest and best ends that are possible, or conceivable, or desirable, even with Jehovah himself. 6. The instructions of divine truth are suited to lead us to the true sources of happiness. They show us what this world is and what man is and what creatures must be forever. And they teach and show us what God is and has ever been and will be forever and ever. They teach us to choose God for our confidence and refuge and hope on earth and for our eternal portion and happiness in heaven. 7. Divine truth is suited to prepare us for the kingdom of glory. It shows us the design of our present existence; the decisions of the final judgment and the retributions of eternity. And it shows us that we may, for the glory of God and for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ, be prepared, by the conflicts and trials of this short life, for the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory in heaven. The present subject offers the following observations, 1. The prevalence of divine truth among all nations is, in respect to mankind on earth, an object of the highest importance. Such an event is predicted in the Scriptures. It is written, "The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." The Savior could have given no greater and better command than he gave when he said, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." The nature and effects of divine truth require and bind all persons, to whom it is sent, to labor for its prevalence in its purity and power among all nations. 2. Any corruption, perversion, or concealment of divine truth is highly criminal. It opposes human ignorance to divine knowledge, human wickedness to divine goodness and the folly of man to the wisdom of God. "The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord." 3. The fundamental principles of divine truth are perfectly simple. Divine truth is founded on what really exists in respect to God and man. The truth in respect to God and man is the great subject on which we need instruction in this state of darkness, wickedness and misery. And the instructions of the Bible teach us what is found to be true in fact. The Bible teaches the sovereignty of God and the dependence of man; the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man; the designs of God and the duty of man. 4. No limits can be set to real religion, as it is in its connections and consequences. It includes the whole extent of truth in respect to God and man. It embraces objects and interests that affect the universe and extend from eternity to eternity. The Psalmist says unto God, "Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." 5. The instructions of divine truth demand and deserve the most earnest and faithful attention of all persons. Isaiah says, "Hear, O heavens! and give ear, Ó earth! for the Lord hath spoken." And the Savior often says, "He that hath an ear to hear let him hear." The instructions of divine truth must be known and felt by us in the joys of heaven, or in the woes of hell, for ever and ever. 6. They who are rightly affected, will esteem divine truth the richest treasure. It is the only means of light and life, of hope and peace, of strength and joy to our souls. It is of more worth than our daily bread, or the vital air. 7. They who reject divine truth, will turn all things against themselves. Even the gospel of the grace of God will be a savor of death unto death to their souls. They must fall under the weight of their own sin and guilt and weep and gnash their teeth in the blackness of darkness forever and ever. 8. By what strong and solemn bonds are the preachers and teachers of divine truth bound to be faithful! May they be so humble and yet so bold, that divine truth and grace may flow from their hearts like rivers of living water, to refresh the weary people of God and to convey the waters of life to the dead in sin. 9. To every sinner God says, "Hear and your soul shall live." 10. To every saint the Lord Jesus Christ says, "Unto you that hear, shall more be given." Amen. ERRATA. Page 49, 9th line from top, for honor read favor. |