Heb. xiii. 8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever^.
IN this present state, wherein the affairs both of individuals and of nations are liable to continual
'T This was preached on occasion of the death of the Hon. and Rev. William Bromley Cadogan, late Vicar of St. Giles', Reading, on Jan. 29, 1797. But it may well be treated as a general subject : — thus,
The creature is frail and changeable But the Lord Jesus
Christ is from eternity to eternity the same.
I. The immutability of Christ —
(This may be treated under the five several heads here specified.)
II. Our duty in relation to him —
1, Seek above all things the knowledge of him —
The preaching of Christ is all our duty, Acts iii. 20. and viii. 5. and ix. 20 ; and to acquire the knowledge of him is yo^irs, John xvii. 3. Phil. iii. 7, 8.
2. Guard against every thing that may divert you from him — Hold fast the instructions which have led you to Christ, ver. 7 ;
but on no account listen to " strange doctrines" that would lead you
fluctuation, the mind needs some principle capable of supporting it under every adverse circumstance that may occur. Philosophy proffers its aid in vain : the light of unassisted reason is unable to impart any effectual relief : but revelation points to God ; to God, as reconciled to us in the Son of his love : it directs our views to him who " changeth not ;" and who, under all the troubles of life, invites us to rely on his paternal care. Every page of the inspired writings instructs us to say with David, " When I am in trouble I will think upon God." Are we alarmed with tidings of a projected invasion, and apprehensive of national calamities ? God speaks to us as to his people of old^ " Say ye not, A confederacy, to all to whom this people shall say, A confederacy, neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid ; but sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread ; and he shall be to you for a sanctuary." Are we agitated by a sense of personal danger ? that same almighty Friend expostulates with us% " Who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man that shall be as grass, and forgettest the Lord thy Maker?" Are we, as in the present instance, afflicted for the Church of God ? has God taken away the pastor, who " fed you with knowledge and under- standing ?" and is there reason to fear, that now, your " Shepherd being removed, the sheep may be scattered," and " grievous wolves may enter in among you, not sparing the flock ; yea, that even of your own selves some may arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them*^?" Behold !
from him, ver. 9. Whoever be taken from you, Christ remains ; and you must " cleave unto him with full purpose of heart." But beware of false teachers, such as there are and ever have been in the Church : for, whatever they may press upon you, there is nothing that deserves your attention but Christ crucified, 1 Cor. ii. 2.
3. Improve to the uttermost your interest in him — Seek to realize every thing that is spoken of Christ, and to make him your all in all. John i. 16. Gal. ii. 20. Col. iii. 1 — 4.
"^ Isai. viii. 12 — 14. = Jsai. Ii. 12, 13. ^ Acts xx. 29, 30.