1. To bring them to a clear knowledge of the
Gospel of Christ —
[The Gospel is here called a mystery, even " the mystery of God :" and throughout all his writings he designates it as a great stupendous mystery. It is the mystery of God, even of the Father, and of Christ. It must be viewed as from all eternity concerted between the Father and the Son in the covenant of redemption ; wherein the Father agreed to accept the mediation of his Son, in behalf of man; and the Son agreed to assume our nature, and to bear our sins, and to work out a righteousness for us by his own obedience unto death; and so to watch over those whom the Father gave him, that they might all, without exception, attain to ever- lasting life0.
Now all this he would have them " understand ;" and not in a mere superficial way, but with such " a full assurance " as should leave not a doubt upon their mind either of its truth or excellency. In it are "riches" that are utterly unsearchable : riches of zvisdom, which no finite mind can comprehend : riches of love, which can never be explored : riches of mercy, which eternity will never suffice to celebrate. He would have them see how harmoniously all the divine perfections unite in this mystery, and how wonderfully they are glorified. In a word, he would have them see in it a salvation so worthy of God, and so suited to man, as to carry with it, independently of all other considerations, a satisfactory evidence of its divine origin, and a pledge of the happiness of all who embrace it.
Now this is precisely what every pious minister wishes, and labours to accomplish. Those who are themselves ignorant of this mystery will be satisfied with some loose general state- ment about Christ, if they do not leave him out altogether. But not so the man who is taught of God : he will endeavour to exhibit to his people all the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ*1: and he never will rest, till God has shined into their hearts, to give them a clear, a rich, an assured know- ledge of it.]
2. To bring them to an open " acknowledgment " of it—
[" With the heart man believeth unto righteousness : but with the mouth confession is made unto salvatione." What- ever we may know of this mystery, it will be ineffectual for eternal happiness, if we do not confess Christ openly before men. He will never acknowledge those who are afraid to
0 John xvii. 2, 6, 9—12. with 22—24. d 2 Cor. iv. 6.
e Rom. x. 10.