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the price of it (Mic. vi. 6, 7; Luke vii. 42). Obedience to the moral law could not secure it, for it has been broken, and whatever man did in the way of righteousness, he would render no more than is absolutely due to God; besides, he is unable to obey it perfectly (Acts xiii. 39: Rom. v. 6, viii. 8, iii. 20, 28; Gal. ii. 16, &c.)

2. The redemption of the soul was effected by the Son of God. In man's desperate circumstances Divine mercy interposed, for nothing less than the sacrifice of "the Son of God" could remedy the infinite evil which sin had entailed upon humanity. Christ, the Christ, the Ransomer, was Divine-met and satisfied the infinite demands of inviolable justice-assumed our nature in a state of lowliness and humiliation, but free from every stain of sin, that He might obey the law which man had broken, and suffer and die "the just for the unjust, that He might," legally, "bring us to God" (ch. liii. 5, 10; Rom. viii. 3; 2 Cor. v. 21; Gal. iii. 13; 1 Pet. iii. 18, i. 18, 19). Our redemption by Christ secures the honour of the Divine character and law, &c. That would be no redemption which should cost the sacrifice of a single principle in the government of God, or make any compromise with the offenders, The justification of the penitent believer is perfectly consistent with the essential righteousness of God (Rom. iii. 24-26).

3. Personal redemption is realised by penitent faith in the Saviour's atoning sacrifice (Mark i. 15; John iii. 14-18, vi. 40, 47, xi. 25, 26; Acts xx. 20, 21). Thus, repentance and faith are the conditions of personal redemption; while it is faith-a faith that presupposes repentance-which is emphatically the means of connecting the sinner with Christ, so that he is admitted to the Divine favour, and receives the Holy Spirit to inspire filial confidence, and to renew his soul. What repentance implies. The nature of the faith which is emphatically the condition and means of personal redemption reliance, appropriation, trust, coming to Jesus, receiving of

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Christ, &c. (H. E. I. 1957-1968.) The warrant of faith Christ's promises (Matt. xi. 28; John vi. 35, 37); the declared will and purpose of the Father, which assures the sinner that he cannot come to Christ in self-renunciation and be rejected (John vi. 38-40; Rom. viii. 32). Personal redemption is therefore perfectly gratuitous" without money," without personal merit; and consequently is a manifestation of the abounding graciousness of God. St. Paul lays great stress on this (Rom. iii. 24, iv. 16, iii. 28). How excellent is this method of personal redemption, for it is adapted to all mankind (Rom. iii. 29, 30); it shuts out pride from man (Rom. v. 27); and it establishes the law (Rom. v. 21).

CONCLUSION: Gratefully avail yourselves of God's method of redemption offered to you in the Gospel, and constantly proclaimed to you by the ambassadors of Christ. It is suited to you.

Let the redemption of your soul be your chief business-your "first" work. You may realise it now. The value of the present opportunity is unspeakably great. It may be now or never (Ps. xlix. 8).-Alfred Tucker.

I. THE LORD'S CHARGE AGAINST HIS PEOPLE. "Ye have sold yourselves for nought."

It teaches us, 1. That we are a sort of trading creatures; indigent and restless, wanting something we have not, and looking about to find it, that we may be happy. Buying and selling to get gain, that we may be happy. "For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought," &c. (Ps. iv. 6; James iv. 13.) 2. That which we part with for this supposed happiness is inestimably precious. Our selves (ch. 1. 1; Mark viii. 36, 37). 3. That the state into which we sell ourselves is deplorable. Like slaves. Joseph sold into Egypt (Ps. cv. 17, 18). The Jews sold themselves into Babylon. "Tied with the chain of our sins (Ps. ix. 17; Isa. lii. 5; Rev. iii. 17). 4. That the enemy to whom we sell

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ourselves is the devil (2 Tim. ii. 26; Luke ix. 21). Seen in Adam and Eve (Gen. iii. 1, &c.), Judas, Ananias. Jesus Christ was tempted to this (Matt. iv. 8, 9). 5. That we are volunteers in the sale of ourselves. "For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought," &c. Ahab sold himself to work wickedness (Hos. xiii. 9). The prodigal. Eve (Gen. i. 6). 6. That in thus selling ourselves we rob and offend God. Because we are His creatures (P's. c. 1, &c.) We waste His goods (Luke xvi. 1). 7. That what we get in thus selling ourselves is nothing. "For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought," &c. (ch. lv. 1, &c.; Eccles. ii. 11; Hos. viii. 7).

II. GOD'S GRACIOUS DECLARATION CONCERNING THEM.

"Ye shall be redeemed without money." Which teaches us, 1. That God recovers His people to their forfeited privileges and enjoyments. "Redeemed" (1 Sam. xxx. 18, 20). Such as (1.) acceptance with God. As to their persons and services (Eph. i. 6; Gen. iv. 4; Ezek. xx. 40, 41). (2.) Conformity to the glorious image of God

(2 Cor. iii. 18; Eph. iv. 24; 1 John iii. 2). (3) Fellowship with God. Adam had this (Gen. ii. 15, &c.) Believers have this (Eph. ii. 18; 1 John i. 1, 2). (4.) A system of providential blessings (Rom. viii. 28; 1 Cor. iii. 1, &c.)

2. That this recovery is by redemption. "For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought," &c. By price (Acts xx. 28). By power (Deut. vii. 8; Ps. cvi. 1, 7; Hos. xiii. 14).

3. That this redemption is without money or merit on our part. "For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought," &c. (ch. lv. 1, 2; Ezek. xx. 42, 44; Luke vii. 42).

CONCLUSION.-1. To the young, with whom Satan is beginning to tamper and bargain.

2. To the Antinomian, casting the blame of his captivity upon God. Adam and Eve (Gen. iii. 1, &c.)

3. To the captive-feeling his yoke, weakness and unworthiness (Jer. xxxi. 18, 20; Rom. vii. 1, &c.)

4. To the ransomed returning Christian (Ps. cxxvi. 1, &c.; Isa. xxxv. 10). -New Pulpit Assistant, pp. 226-230.

BLASPHEMY.

lii. 5. My name continually every day is blasphemed.

The proud and oppressive Babylonians delighted to add to the sorrows of the exiled Jews, by reproaching the name of their God, and by saying that He was unable to defend them and their city from ruin. This sin is awfully prevalent.

I. What is meant by the "nime" of the Lord? His perfections, titles, word,

&c.

II. The various ways in which it is blasphemed. 1. By denying His existence (Ps. x. 4, xiv. 1, liii. 1). 2. By denying His sovereignty (Job xxi. 14, 15; Exod. v. 2). 3. By denying His truth (Gen. ii. 4; Isa. xxxvi. 15; 2 Pet. iii. 3, 4). 4. By denying His power (2 Kings vii. 2; Ps. lxxviii. 19, 20; Isa. xxxvi. 15, 18-20, and 2 Kings xviii. 30, 32-35). 5. By denying

His omnipresence and omniscience (Job xxii. 13, 14; Ps. x. 11, lxxiii. 11, xciv. 7; Isa. xxix. 15; Ezek. viii. 12).

6. By accusing Him of injustice (Jer. xii. 1; Ezek. xviii. 25, xxxiii. 17; Mal. ii. 17, iii. 15). 7. By murmuring against His dispensations (Isa. xlv. 9; Exod. xiv. 11, 12). 8. By false swearing, oaths, and curses, &c.

III. The excuses usually made for it. Ignorance, custom, example, surprise, passion, confirmation of what is said, meaning no harm, inconsistencies of professors, &c. (2 Sam. 12, 14; Ezek. xxxvi. 20; Rom. ii. 24; 2 Pet. ii. 2). IV. The evil consequences of it. stroys the little remains of the fear of God. Leads to the disobedience of all His commands. Sets a horrid example to others, especially to the young, &c.

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V. The powerful arguments against it. "The Lord" is our glorious and lawful Sovereign, who sees and hears all things. He is a holy and jealous God, before whose bar we must appear. He is fully able to punish, and has assured us that He will (2 Kings xix. 22, 28;

Isa. xxxvii. 23, 36-38; Ezek. xx. 27, 33, xxxv. 12-14).-Alfred Tucker.

Blasphemy. I. Its nature. II. Its guilt. III. Its awful prevalence. IV. Its certain punishment.-J. Lyth, D.D.

THE GOSPEL AND ITS PUBLISHERS.
lii. 7. How beautiful upon the mountains, &c.

Whatever reference this passage might have to the deliverance of the people of God from the Chaldean bondage, it refers also and chiefly to the great and glorious Gospel of Christ (Rom. x. 13). It is in this application of it that it is now interesting and important.

I. A DELIGHTFUL REPRESENTATION OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.

1. The Gospel is represented as "good tidings." This is literally the meaning of the word gospel. These good tidings centre in one glorious fact the provision of a Saviour for a guilty world. Everything else is based on this fact. Everything connected with the gift of the Saviour forms. matter for joy the supreme dignity of His person, the completeness of His work, the glory of His doctrine, the efficacy of His death, and the exhaustless fulness of His blessings.

2. It publishes peace. Man united with the fallen apostate spirits in rebellion against God, &c.

3. It brings tidings of good. Not only is God at peace with the sinner, but He waits to bless him with all good. There is (1.) acceptance into God's favour. (2.) Divine adoption. (3.) The influences of the Spirit to illume, convince, guide, solace, meeten for heaven. (4.) The precious promises of the new covenant.

4. The Gospel publishes salvation. A salvation meeting the needs of the sinner.

5. The Gospel declares the reign of Jesus (Ps. ii. 6, 7, &c.)

II. AN INTERESTING DESCRIPTION OF THE MODE OF ITS PUBLICATION.

1. The messengers appointed to de

clare it. Jesus Himself went forth
preaching the good tidings of His
kingdom.
kingdom. Now the messengers are
men, not angels. Men who have been
called and qualified-sent of God.
Men who have known and felt the
power of the truths themselves.

2. The publication of this Gospel is to be free and extensive. They are to go forth prominently; to ascend the mountain tops, and there, before God, and angels, and men, they are to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. The message of grace is to be published throughout the world, and to every creature.

3. The publication of the Gospel is to be a source of joy and delight to perishing souls. By some it will be ridiculed. By others spurned. By others coolly and indifferently heard. But to thousands it shall be spirit and life, solace and bliss.

APPLICATION: 1. The subject should excite admiration and praise. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. But here is matchless loveunparalleled grace. 2. Have we experienced the saving power of the Gospel? Is it our boast, and joy, and song? 3. The infatuation of the rejectors of the good news (Heb. ii. 3; 1 Pet. iv. 17). 4. The duty of the Church to diffuse the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Its prayers, energies, and means, should all bear to this one great end, &c.-The New Pulpit Assistant, pp. 318-322.

I. The varied characteristics of the "good tidings" of Christianity-they are peace, salvation, the reign of God.

II. The great function of the minister of the Gospel-is to bring these good tidings. III. The character in which he appears-"How beautiful," &c.;

i.e., how welcome they should be to us-John Cumming, D.D.: Occasional Discourses, vol. i. p. 336.

THE MINISTRY OF THE GOSPEL
(Ordination Sermon.)

lii. 7. How beautiful upon the mountains, &c.

This exclamation would strike those who first read it more impressively than it strikes us. They would see the runner coming over the distant hills, bearing welcome news. They would hear the loud cry from the watchmen on the walls. They would see the people crowd to the gate to hear. The primary reference of the text is to the news of the restoration of the Jews to Jerusalem, and of the restoration of the ruined city. But there is a secondary reference to gospel times. It is thus applied by the apostle (Rom. x. 15). We may thus apply it.

I. The ministry of the Gospel exists for the announcement of valuable intelligence. It brings good tidings. It is not a ministration of condemnation, but of salvation (2 Cor. iii.) It tells such things as these,

1. That satisfaction has been made for human sin. Man is sinful, guilty. The Lord Jesus Christ, by His death on the cross, has atoned for sin. Thus, in announcing this, the ministry of the gospel is "the ministry of reconciliation."

2. That on the ground of that atonement salvation may be obtained by all that desire it. The dark angel of sin and sorrow has not left the world. But there is pardon for the sinner, holiness for the depraved, comfort for the distressed, which will develop into heaven at last. It may be obtained by faith in Christ. The time when the gospel is preached is the tide of opportunity.

3. That thus the Divine dominion over man is re-asserted and re-established. "Thy God reigneth." He reigns through the bestowment of salvation. Jesus has been exalted to reign in His people's hearts, in the Church, in the world.

II. The ministry of the Gospel is a great and important office. The bearer of this intelligence, primarily referred to in our text, acquired importance both from his mission and his qualifications. He would require speed, interest in the message, fidelity. Thus the ministry is important. Remember,

1. The end at which it aims. The message, the sermon, is not the end but the means. It aims at the salvation of souls. Nothing less will content the true preacher than conversion, spiritual growth.

2. The means which it employs. The message itself. Attract attention to it by legitimate, not fantastic means. While the message cannot be changed, let it be presented in varied forms, to the young, to the aged, in public, in private.

3. The qualifications which it demands. Intelligent acquaintance with the message; a living personal interest in it; thoughtful carefulness as to the methods by which it may be made most interesting and acceptable; diligent and sedulous use of opportunities; earnest sympathy with Christ and immortal souls.

III. The ministry of the Gospel should be regarded with suitable respect and honour. The office, because of its nature; the man, on the supposition that he deserves it. The office cannot entitle the man to respect if he is not worthy of it. Qualification is the only title to office, and the only claim to respect in it. This being supposed, the prominent idea of the text is the man. This honour will comprise,

1. Welcome. comed Paul.

The Galatians welJesus said, "Blessed

are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear." Welcome the ministry of the word by regular and constant attendance; by candid and respectful hearing, as distinguished from indifference, and from unkindly criticism; and by a kindly reception at the home.

2. Love. Cherish affection to the minister for his work's sake. Let him see it in the manner which reveals and perpetuates kindness. Sometimes commend his work.

3. Maintenance (1 Cor. ix.; Gal. vi. 6-8). Now what is maintenance? It is determined largely by position in society. If there is narrow-mindedness in relation to the minister's means of obtaining books, and unholding his influence in the locality where his lot is cast, the church suffers.

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4. Co operation. The primitive churches were active in many ministries. Every member of the church should do something for Christ. The work of extending the gospel is not the minister's business exclusively. The church should be a centre from which every one is working.

5. Prayer. This was the apostle's request (Ephes. vi. 19; 2 Thess. iii. 1). The work of the ministry is spiritual, and it requires spiritual influences. It needs the power of the Holy Ghost. Do you pray for it by praying for Him?

What is the practical effect of the preacher's work in those that receive the truth? Is it not that you bring forth fruits of holiness? See that such fruit is borne. Then you will in your turn proclaim the gospel to others, if not in words, by the influence of your lives (H. E. I. 2622, 2623).

But have you received the truth which has been heralded to you? Some of you are, perhaps, not yet saved. The preacher seeks your salvation. Oh, let this be his joy; not for his sake but for your own. Life is passing on. And the gospel alone can save.-J. Rawlinson,

I. A representation of a true minister of Christ. A messenger. 1. He receives his commission from God. 2. He is intrusted by Him. 3. He is qualified for his particular work.

II. The subject of his message. "Good tidings." 1. Peace. 2. Salvation from spiritual evil, and an introduction to spiritual good. 3. Dominion of Christ. He reigns in His providential and mediatorial kingdom.

III. The dispositions with which he is received. 1. With joy. 2. With admiration.

Improvement. 1. Gratitude for the gospel. 2. Attention to its tidings. 3. Obedience to its precepts.-J. Hordle.

THE GREAT REVIVAL.

lii. 10. The Lord hath made bare His holy arm, &c.

When the heroes of old prepared for the fight, they put on their armour; but when God prepares for battle, He makes bare His arm, that He may do His work in earnest and accomplish His purpose for the establishment of His Church. Leaving the figure, which is a very great one, I will remind you that its meaning is fully carried out whenever God is pleased to send a great revival of religion. (a)

I. THE CAUSE OF A TRUE REVIVAL. The mere worldly man does not understand a revival, he cannot make it out.

Why is it, that a sudden fit of godliness, as he would call it, a kind of sacred epidemic, should seize upon a mass of people all at once? It frequently occurs in the absence of all great evangelists; it cannot be traced to any particular means. There have been no special agencies used in order to bring it about, and yet it has come, just like a heavenly hurricane sweeping everything before it. What then is the cause? It is caused by the Holy Spirit alone. The day of Pentecost. Do not imagine when you hear of a

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