Let US observe, in the fourth place, the ohedience which Jcsiis requires of all who profess themselves His disables. He bids the apostles " teach them to observe all things, whatsoever He has commanded them."
This is a searching expression. It shews the useless- ness of a mere name and form of Christianity. It shews that they only are to be counted true Christians who live in a practical obedience to His word, and strive to do the things that he has commanded. The water of baptism, and the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper alone will save no man's soul . It profits nothing that we go to a place of worship and hear Christ's ministers, and approve of the Gospel, if our religion goes no further than this. — What are our lives ? What is our daily conduct, at home and abroad ? Is the Sermon on the Mount our rule and standard ? Do we strive to copy Christ's example ? Do we seek to do the things that He commanded ? — These are questions that must be answered in the affirmative, if we would prove ourselves born again and children of Grod. Obedience is the only proof of reality. Faith without works is dead, being alone. ^' Ye are my friends," says Jesus, " if ye do what- soever I command you." (John xv. 14.)
Let us observe, in the fifth place, the solemn mention of the blessed Trinity which our Lord raakes in these verses. He bids the apostles to baptize " in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
This is one of those great plain texts which directly teach the mighty doctrine of the Trinity. It speaks of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as Three distinct persons, and speaks of all Three as co-equal. Such as the