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a distinct view of these things, such as we have at present; but that they spake like Caiaphas the high-priest, when he said, "It was expedient for one man to die for the people, rather than that the whole nation should perish :"* they did not understand the full import of their own words; but God overruled their present feelings so that they spake what was proper to shadow forth the mysteries of his gospel; and he then interpreted their words according to the full and comprehensive sense in which he intended they should be understood.

We could gladly have added somewhat more in confirmation of the sentiments which have been set before you, and particularly as founded on the passage we are considering; but your time forbids it; and therefore we pass on to notice in the

IId place, The dispositions which God approves These must be noticed with a direct reference to the sentiments already * 1 John xi. 49-52.

considered; for God having said, "They have well said all that they have spoken," adds, "O that there were such an heart in them !"

It is but too common for those desires which arise in the mind under some peculiarly alarming circumstances, to prove only transient, and to yield in a very little time to the rooted inclinations of the heart. This, it is feared, was the case with Israel at that time: and God himself intimated, that the seed which thus hastily sprang up, would soon perish for want of a sufficient root. But the information which we derive from hence is wholly independent of them whether they cultivated these dispositions or not, we see what dispositions God approves. It is his wish to find in all of us, A reverential fear of God—A love to Jesus as our Mediator-and An unfeigned delight in his commands.

First he desires to find in us a A reverential fear of God. That ease, that indiffer

ence, that security which men in general indulge, is most displeasing to him. Behold how he addresses men of this description by the prophet Jeremiah: "Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes and see not; which have ears and hear not: Fear ye not me? saith the Lord: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it; and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone: neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God."* Hear too what he says by the prophet Zephaniah: "I will search Jeru salem with candles, and will punish the men that are settled on their lees." It is thought by many, that, if they commit no flagrant enormity, they have no cause to fear: but even a heathen, when brought to † Zeph. i. 12.

* Jer. v. 21-24.

a right mind, saw the folly and impiety of such a conceit, and issued a decree to all the subjects of his realm, that they should all tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, who is the living God and steadfast forever."* Such a state of mind is dreaded, from an idea that it must of necessity be destructive of all happiness. This however is not true: on the contrary, the more of holy fear we have in our hearts, the happier we shall be. If indeed our fear be only of a slavish kind, it will make us unhappy; but, in proportion as it partakes of filial regard, and has respect to God as a Father, it will become a source of unspeakable peace and joy. The testimony of Solomon is," Happy is the man that feareth always." Nor should we shun even the slavish fear, since it is generally the prelude to that which is truly filial; the spirit of bondage is intended to lead us to a spirit of adoption, whereby we may cry, Abba, Father. Another ground on which men

*Dan. vi. 26. + Prov. xxviii. 14.

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endeavour to put away the fear of God is, that it argues weakness of understanding and meanness of spirit: but we are told on infallible authority, that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever."* Permit me then to recommend to you this holy disposition. Learn to "fear that gloriously and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD."+ Stand in awe of his Divine Majesty and dread his displeasure more than death itself. Bethink yourselves, How you shall appear before him in the day of judgment. Settle it in your minds, whether you will think as lightly of him when you are standing at his tribunal, with all bis terrible Majesty displayed before your eyes, as you are wont to do now that he is hid from your sight. Examine carefully whether you are prepared to meet him, and to receive your final doom at his hands. I well know, that such thoughts are not welcome to the carnal mind: but I know also that they are salutary, yea, and indispensa † Deut. xxviii. 58.

* Ps. iii. 10.

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