1 John iv. 4. Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the
world.
CONSIDERING the opposition made to Chris- tianity in the apostolic age, it is surprising that it gained so speedy, so extensive, and so permanent a footing in the world. That its establishment was effected through miracles, there is no doubt : but miracles, unless attended with a divine power to the hearts of the beholders, could effect nothing. The very raising of Lazarus from the dead served only to embitter the minds of many against him who had effected it. That which gave energy to the word,
and caused it to work effectually for the conversion of men, was the power of the Holy Ghost. More- over, after that men had embraced the Gospel, every possible method that Satan could devise was used to turn them from it : but millions maintained their steadfastness, even to the end : for, as St. John in- forms us, " greater was He that was in them than he that was in the world."
This truth being still as important as ever, I shall,
I. Confirm the assertion as relating to former times —
" Great," it must be confessed, " is he who is in
the world " —
[" Many false prophets," even whilst the Apostles were yet living, " had gone out into the world :" and great were the efforts which they made to turn men from the faith of Christ. Our blessed Lord had foretold that such persons would arise, and that their efforts would be productive of incalculable injury to his Church and people. " Many prophets shall arise, and deceive many." " For there shall be false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders ; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before3." In accordance with this prediction, we find that " the faith of many was overthrown1*;" " whole houses were subverted0;" and great multitudes were " turned back unto perdition'1." At a future period we expect still more extensive ravages of the flock, through these wolves in sheep's clothinge : for the Spirit speaketh expressly, " that in the latter times some will depart from the faith ; giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot ironf."
But it is Satan, in reality, that is the great agent in all these transactions : and the men who are more immediately engaged, are his instruments. In " these false apostles, these deceitful workers, who transform themselves into the Apostles of Christ, it is Satan himself transformed into an angel of light5." It is " the prince of the power of the air, even the evil spirit him- self, who worketh in all those children of disobedience11."]
But " greater far is He who is in the Church" —
[" The strong man armed keepeth his palace, and his goods, for a time, in peace. But there is a stronger than he,
a Matt. xxiv. 11, 24, 25. b 2 Tim. ii. 18. c Tit. i. 11.
d Heb. x. 39. e Matt. vii. 15. f 1 Tim. iv. 1, 2.
« 2 Cor. xi. 13—15. h Eph. ii. 2.