his people to fulfil that office in the moral, which the sun performs in the natural world.
1. He has qualified them for it — [There is a light in their minds, which reason and philo- sophy cannot impart, and which no man can possess, unless it have been given from above '^. " God has shined into their hearts to give it them, even the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ^." This is that mys- tery which was hid from ages and from generations, but is now made manifest to the saints *^. The meanest of his people are in this respect wiser than the wisest of unenlightened men, because they are taught of God^. We are aware that this is an offensive truth ; and that the learned will ever reply in the language of the offended Pharisees, " Are we blind also '' ? " But it is no less true at this day than it was in former ages, that " God has hid his Gospel from the wise and prudent, and revealed it unto babes ; even so, for so it seemeth good in his sight*."
Now this qualifies his people to instruct others. It is pos- sible enough that they may be very ignorant in all other things; but of these things " they have the witness in themselves*^," and therefore are enabled to speak of them just as they do of the things about which they are daily conversant. They may not speak scientifically about their bodily feelings ; but when they tell you of their wants and their supplies, or of the dis- eases and the remedies which they have found effectual to remove them, they know whereof they affirm. Thus respect- ing the great truths of the Gospel, they are enabled to speak from their own experience ; and the greatest philosopher in the universe may sit at their feet and learn.]
2. He has ordained them to it —
[It is a favourite idea with many, that they are to be religious ; but that their religion is not to be seen. Under the pretence of hating ostentation, they conform to every practice of the world, and are in no respect distinguishable from the mere decent moralist. But, when they think that a man may serve God faithfully, and yet avoid the notice of those around them, they only deceive their own souls. For,
In the first place, they cannot do it if they tvoidd. " A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." If whilst the world around them are " living after the flesh," and " walking in the broad road that leadeth to destruction," they " walk after the Spirit,"
'' 1 Cor. ii. 14. e 2 Cor. iv.'e. f Rom. xvi. 25, 26.
- John vi. 45. ^ John ix. 39. i Matt. xi. 25, 26.
"^ 1 John V. 10.