Saviour, which is Christ the Lorde." As soon as ever the full effects of the Gospel came to be experienced, the converts, filled with every malignant temper just before, were filled with joy, and " ate their bread with gladness and singleness of heart, blessing and praising Godf." No sooner was the Gospel preached in Samaria, than " there was great joy in that city : " and, the instant that the eunuch had embraced it, " he went on his way rejoicing8." Thus it is at this day a healing balm and a reviving cordial to all who understand and receive it.]
2. It is in itself well calculated to create joy in our hearts —
[Let but its blessings be felt, and it will be impossible not to rejoice. Did the Jews exult at a deliverance from a cruel yoke, and a restoration to their native country ? How much more must a sinner rejoice at his deliverance from death and hell, and his restoration to the forfeited inheritance of heaven ! The transports of joy manifested by the cripple whom Peter and John had healed, were the natural effusions of a grateful heart : we should have wondered if he had not so expressed the feelings of his soulh: but he had received no benefit in comparison of that which the believer enjoys when he first embraces the Gospel of Christ. Hence our prophet represents the Gospel as invariably producing such sensations as the hus- bandman feels when bringing home the fruits of the field, or the soldier when dividing the spoils of victory1.]
3. It is, and ever will be, the one subject of thanks- giving in the realms of glory —
[The glorified saints never have their attention diverted from it for one single moment : day and night are they sing- ing to him who loved them, and washed them from their sins in his own blood k. And though the angels are less interested in this subject, because they never needed redeeming grace, yet do they join the general chorus, ascribing honour and glory to him that sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb for ever. Nor will they ever be weary of this subject; such an inexhaustible fund is it of light, and happiness, and glory.]
Infer —
1. How strange is it that the Gospel should be treated with indifference !
[That it is so treated, needs no proof: but how amazing that it should ever be slighted by those to whom it is sent ! that condemned criminals should disregard the offers of
e Luke ii. 10, 11. f Acts ii. 46, 47. s Acts viii. 8, 39.
h Acts iii. 8. ' Isai. ix. 3, 6. k Rev. i. 5, 6.
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pardon sent them by their prince ! O that there might be no more occasion for that complaint, " Who hath believed our report ? " Let the very feet of the messengers who bring the tidings be henceforth beautiful in our eyes.]
2. Of what importance is it to distinguish between mere morality, and the Gospel of Christ!
[Lectures upon honesty would administer but little com- fort to a person about to be executed for breaking the laws of his country : nor can mere discourses on morality administer much comfort to a self-condemning sinner : and if he mistake such discourses for the Gospel, he is fatally deceived. The Gospel is a full and free offer of salvation through the blood of Christ : and this is glad tidings indeed ; like " rivers of water in a dry place, or a shadow of a great rock in a weary land." O that all who are ambassadors of God may remember the great scope of their ministry, and testify the Gospel of the grace of God ! And let all who hear the joyful sound, improve the day of their visitation : blessed are they if they receive the truth in the love thereof; but most aggravated will be their con- demnation if they despise the mercy so freely offered them.]