We rejoice in it,
1. Because it diffuses truth —
[Truth, under any circumstances, is better than error, even as light is better than darkness. But if truth be viewed in its consequences, its importance will be found to exceed our utmost conceptions. The preachers who proclaim not the Lord Jesus Christ, disseminate error. Whether it be in denying the fallen state of man, or in establishing man's righteousness, or in inculcating merely heathen morals, or in whatever way it is that men go beside the Gospel, or come short of it, the effect is the same : the preacher betrays the hearers to their ruin ; and the people, so deceived, must " perish for lack of knowledge." Contrast, then, with such a ministry the preaching of one who exalts Christ among his people, and points him out as " the way, the truth, and the life ;" and the difference between them will be found exceed- ing great. As to the motives and principles by which the preacher may be actuated, the hearer has nothing to do with them : he is not called to judge of them : nay, he has no right to judge of them: he must leave that matter to Him who alone can search the hearts of men : but, in the truth exhi- bited to his view, he has the very same interest that he would have if it were declared by an angel from heaven : his mind is enlightened by it ; and his feet are guided into the way of peace. However unworthy the preacher of it may be, God may work by it ; as we have no doubt he did by the ministry of Judas, as well as by the other Apostles: and, in as far as truth is diffused instead of error, " we do rejoice in it, yea, and will rejoice in it."]
2. Because the Lord Jesus Christ is exalted —
[I well know that Christ would not suffer the demoniacs to confess him. I know also, that, as far as the preachers themselves are concerned, Christ is dishonoured, rather than glorified, in those who preach him from unhallowed motives. But when he is truly preached, whatever be the motives of the minister himself, he is, on the whole, honoured ; for his salvation is made known ; his kingdom is enlarged ; his authority is established ; his name is glorified. This ought to be a matter of unfeigned joy to all. The angels, when they announced his advent to the shepherds, said, " Behold, we bring you glad tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people : for unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." If, then, the advent of Christ, whilst he was yet but a new-born infant, was so replete with joy to all people, much more must the full exhibition of his mediatorial work and offices be a source of joy; since in