The fact being proved, we proceed to shew,
II. For what end we bear our testimony respecting it—
To set forth Christ as the Saviour of the world was the one labour of all the Apostles. The same also is our blessed employment ; and we make that our constant theme, or, at least, the sum and sub- stance of our discourses ;
1. That you may have just views of the Father's love —
[We behold the goodness of our God in every thing around us : but not all the creation can exhibit it in so bright a view as the cross of Christ : there, even in the face of a crucified Jesus, shines all the glory of our God. Love, in particular, is there portrayed in its most endearing colours. The gift of God's only dear Son to die for man, was the
j Actsii. 32, .3.3, 30. k Acts i. 21, 22. ' 1 John i. 1—3.
m Acts xxvi. 16. " 1 Cor. ix. 1.
most stupendous effort of love that ever was, or can be, ex- hibited0 It is greater love than was ever shewn even
to the angels themselves0: and, while it brings us nearer to the throne of God than theyq, it will furnish us with ever- lasting songs in which they can never joinr ]
2. That you may renounce all erroneous methods of seeking acceptance with him —
[If this glorious truth had never been revealed, we might well have made the same inquiries as Balak s. But what room is there for such inquiries now ? Do we despise this unspeak- able gift of God ? or do we conceive that we shall be able to establish a firmer foundation for our hope, than that which is laid in the blood and righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ ?
O reject not the proffered mercy of your God ! Say
not, ' The Saviour of the world shall not save me.'' This is what you do, in fact, say, when you go about to " establish any righteousness of your own V To guard you against so fatal an error, St. Paul testified with all the energy he could express u : and toe also testify, that there is no other foundation to be laidx, nor any other name to be trusted iny, but that of Jesus Christ.]
3. That you may embrace the Lord Jesus with your whole hearts —
[View him as sent down from heaven, even from the bosom of the Father: view him as dying in your place and stead2: view him as saving a ruined world. Can you forbear to love him ? Can you refrain from seeking an interest in him? Are you not ready to cry out, " Hosanna to the Son of David; Hosanna in the highest?" Behold him, I say; admire him; adore him ; trust in him ; " cleave unto him with full purpose of heart ;" " count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus your Lord." Alas ! you are but too little affected with his love ; and need to be reminded of it continually : "we determine, therefore, with God's help, to know nothing among you but Jesus Christ and him crucified," and to set before you his love, till it constrains you to love him, and to live to him.]
Conclusion —
[Hear once more our testimony. We testify, that Christ is indeed the Son of God, even " Emmanuel, God with us." We testify, that the one errand on which he came, was to save
0 John hi. 16. Rom. v. 8. ver. 9, 10. p Heb. ii. 16.
<J Rev. vii. 11. r Rev. v. 9, 10. s Mic. vi. 6, 7.
t Rom. x. 3. " Gal. v. 2—4. x 1 Cor. iii. 11.
y Acts iv. 12. z Isai. liii. 4, 6. 1 Pet. iii. 18.
i!)o l JOHN, IV. ig. [2457.
a ruined world. We testify, that he has done all that was necessary for the salvation of our souls ; and that " he is both able and willing to save to the uttermost all that come unto