Thus does the Apostle Peter, in this his second epistle to the Jewish converts dispersed throughout the world, endeavour to " stir them up," by calling to their remembrance the truths he had inculcated, that so they might, after his removal from them, retain their steadfastness even to the endd.
In conformity with these examples, I would, after ministering to you for half a century, point out6,
First, what, in conformity with St. Peter's example, I have, from the beginning, laboured to instil into your minds.
I might here, in the review of my whole ministerial life, adopt the words which St. Paul used at the close of his career : " Having obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come ; that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people (the Jewish people) and to the Gentiles f." Yes, I can appeal to all who have ever known me, that to proclaim a suffering and triumphant Messiah, as revealed to us by Moses and the prophets, has been the one object of my life, without any variation as arising from the persons addressed, " whether small or great," and without ever turning aside after novelties, or fond conceits, or matters of doubtful disputation. From the be- ginning, " I determined," like that blessed Apostle, " to know nothing amongst you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified."
But I will draw your attention rather to St. Peter's conduct, and to his expressions as contained in the foregoing context. He says, " I will endeavour that you may be able, after my decease, to have these things always in remembrance."
What " these things" were which he here refers to, I will endeavour to explain. He addresses himself
d 2 Pet. iii. 17. with the text.
e This was a Jubilee Sermon, preached on that special occasion.
f Acts xxvi. 22, 23.