rich and useful instruction. From them may be deduced the following most important consequences : 1. That Christ is assuredly the true Messiah— [If there had been but few predictions relative to the Messiahs death, and they such as admitted of being carried into effect bv a well-concerted conspiracy, the fulfilment of them would have had comparatively but little weight in a subject of such importance. But they were so numerous, so minute, and, if I may so express myself, so contradictory, that it was not possible for his friends to form a conspiracy equal to the occasion. Besides, there were many of the predictions which could not be carried into effect, but by enemies Who but enemies could deliver him up to the Gentiles? who but enemies could nail him to the cross, and load him with such contempt, and pierce him to the heart with the spear? But when we see so many prophecies fulfilled by people wholly unconnected with each other, yea, and hostile to each other, as Herod and Pilate were, and Jews and Gentiles were, the con- viction is irresistible : He is, and must be, the predicted Mes- siah, the Son of God, the Saviour of the world ]
2. That no opposition, however sanctioned by the great and learned, should at all weaken our conviction
of the truths we have received
[Against the Lord Jesus Christ were engaged all the great and learned of the land. But was his religion, therefore the more questionable ? No : if there had not been one added to his Apostles as a witness for him, he would still have been the same Almighty Saviour, worthy of all possible honour and trust. So 1 may say with respect to us at this day. Manv will urge, as they did, in reference to our Saviour, " Have any of the rulers and of the Pharisees believed on him? But this poor people are cursed." Yes, many will ask, with a kind of confidence, What do your governors in Church and State think of your opinions? Do you find them walkino- in the same strict and self-denying ways that you do?' I rn-ant there are not many rich, or mighty, or noble, or wise, that are called : and that, for the most part, it is to the poor that the Lord Jesus Christ is preached ; and that by them, almost alone, is he received. But, if this invalidated not in any degree the testimony of the Apostles, neither does it weaken our testi- mony respecting the Gospel of Christ. » It is to the word and to the testimony ' that we make our appeal; and by that must all sentiments be tried and judged. And, if we speak according to the Scriptures, we should not regard it, even though ike Elijah we, in appearance, stood alone in the midst of the land. I grant, that singularity will not prove us