and impious conceit k: whereas, Jesus, though he spoke of " his Father as doing the works," spoke of himself as concur- ring with the Father, in a way of personal and independent exertion1. And as this had been his habit from the beginning, he might well expect that his Apostles should have compre- hended his meaning, and have been fully satisfied, that he was indeed " the brightness of his Father's glory, and the express image of his person"1."]
We may see from hence,
1. How slow even the best of men are to appre- hend and believe the truths of God —
[After the day of Pentecost, the Apostles had juster views of their Lord and Saviour. They might then say with truth, " We beheld his glory, as the glory of the only-begotten of the Father"." But, previous to that time, they did not even understand the true nature of his kingdom0: and the answer of Philip clearly shewed that they did not yet fully see him as their incarnate God. And is there not reason to complain that multitudes in this day hear the Gospel, but understand it not ; and have the whole counsel of God declared unto them, yet perceive it not? It is perfectly surprising, that persons should have line upon line, precept upon precept, repeated to them for many years together, and yet never attain a distinct knowledge of " the truth as it is in Jesus." But so it is : and our adorable Lord may yet, with just displeasure, address himself to many amongst us, " Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip p ? " I pray you, brethren, be more attentive to the blessed truths which from week to week are brought before you ; and " give more earnest heed to them, lest in future, as in past times, you let them slipi."] ^ J
2. How much infirmity there is mixed even with our best services —
[Certainly, upon the whole, the request of Philip must be considered as an expression of a pious mind. But yet it was full of imperfection. And who that examines his prayers, either in public or in private, must not blush at the recollec- tion of the infirmities that have attended them? Were they all scrutinized, and weighed, as it were, in a balance, how
k Acts iii. 12, 16.
1 Compare ver. 10. with John v. 17, 19, 21. m Heb. i. 3.
" Johni. 14. o Acts i. 6.
p This may be illustrated either in the plainer or in the more hid- den doctrines of the Gospel, as occasion may require. i Heb. ii. 1. vol. xiv. n