HOMILETICS. Ver. 2.-The resurrection. L THERE WILL BB .a. BESUBBEOTION, For ue the Jewish notion of a r<'surrection is equivalent to the idea of a future life. 1. The yearniua for a future life is involuntary and apparently instinctive; the belief in a future m: is nlruost universal amongst people in all degrees of civilization, and with all ve.rietics of religion; the need of a future life for the execution of justice and the development of the hopes and promises of this life is such that we might expect a righteous God to 8ecure it. Providence would be a mockery if it permitted the holiest aspirations of the most spiritual men of all ages and creeds to grow to noble fruits by feeding on one huge delusion (1 Cor. xv. 19). 2. In addition to these presumptions in favour of a future life, we have the following direct evidences: (1) Scripture, backed up by the force of all that goes to prove its inspiration and truth, plainly teaches that there will be a resurrection, and this with a development of clearness and positiveness which is parallel to that of self-evidencing spiritual ideas. (2) Jesus Christ taught the same. To reject this teaching, we must believe that our Lord was in complete error on one of the most fundamental doctrines of his religion (Matt. xxii. 23-33; John xi. 25, 26 ; xiv. 2). (3) The fact of the resurrection of Christ-amply established on historical evidence which is irresistible when once the supposed presumption against it founded on the testimony of experi,epce in regard to miracles, ie balanced by the presumption in favour of it founded on grounds of moral and religious truth-is one instance suffi- cient in itself to prove that there is a life beyond the grave. II. THE BESUBRECTION WILL BESULT IN A JUDOMENT AND DIVISION OF DESTINIES. 1. It will be an occasion of revelation. Men's past history will be rehearsed, their 1M1Cret thoughts exposed, their true character made known (Rom. ii. 16): 2. It will result in justice to all Now we see justice hina,erecl and delayed, so that the wicked orten prosper and the righteous seem to fail (Ps. 1:xx.iii. 3). Then men will receive according to tbeir deserts (Ps. 1.x:uiil. 17). To those, however, who have repented and sought forgiveness and newness of liJe in Christ, the justification will consist, not in their meritorious works, but in their faith 1n the grace of God (Rom. iv. 6). 3. The con- ditions of life thus brought about will be seen to be the natural fruits of the life on earth. The judgment will really or.Jy bring to light inevitable natural precesses. Its results will be the development of natural law -the fruit-bearing of character (Gal. vi 7, 8). IIL THE RESUBRECTION WILL 1ssuE IN TWO MAIN counsEs. 1. Eternal life. Life is the issue of godliness-not indolent rest, nor selfish pleasure, but glad; restful living. 'l'his implies not only continued existence, but (1) the exercise of faculties and energies; (2) growth and development- larger being, increased knowledge, nobler activities (1 John iii. 2); (3) near1:r communion with God, who is true Life and the S,,urce of all life (John xvii. 3). 2. Eternal shame and contempt. 'l'his implies sufieriug--spiritual, but most bilter. It ill the degradation of life as opposed to the en. xn. 1-13.] 'l'Ilr<: DOOK OI!' DANIEL.
fuller development of life in Gocl'e people. Thie is more terrible than phyaical tort, 1re (Isa. ]xvi. 24). Note: 1. It implies continued existence-not annihilation-and also the preservation of conscience. The lowest dci?radation is where conscience iR ex tin- guished, and shame becomes impossible. 2. The eternity of the sutTering implies at least, Its duration beyond any known bonnds. Such a prospect ie unsreakahly awful, whatever the consideration of other aspects of truth may suggest in regard to the finnl issues of all punishment.