we 5hould degrade i£ we bad not the spiritual capacity for the right use of them, 'l'his may apply to some questions concerning the u1timate destiuy of man. 3. Some truths may be concealed for the present, because the special use of them ie for some .future time. Now they might only amuse our idle curiosity, and distract our atteutlon from more practical concerns. At "the time of the end" they will do valuable eorvice. This may he the case with revelations of the millennium. _ II. RE\.ELATION MUST BE SEARCHED IN ORDER TO BE UNDERSTOOD. " Many shn.ll run to and fro," traversing the book, and oomparing its several sayings in order to see their full meaning. So must we do with Scripture (John v. 39; Acts xvii. 11). 'l'here are truths so clear that the most foolish oan understand them (Isa. xxxv. 8) • and all men can practise them without hesitation (Bab. ii. 2). But there are large ~nd deep truths which must be sought to he found. 1. When truths are thus obtained, they are better understood and more valued than when they are learnt without effort. 2. The very act of searching is a w;eful, exercise of patience, zeal, and spiritual thoughtfulness. 3. E~peri.ence proves the success of this method of learning truth. The difficulties of Scripture attract thought. Scripture is a mine of inexhaustible treasure. Men run to and fro through it now more than they ever did, and its truths are fresher and bri()'hter than ever (Matt. xiii. 52). " Ill. 'l'RE KNOWLEDGE OF SoRIPTURE IS PROGRESSIVE. The knowledge is increased. Scripture repays the searching it calls for. 1. Experie'MB increases the knowledge. History illustrates revelation. Providence explains Scripture, Thus gospel history explains the deeper spiritual truths of Messianic prophecy. 2. Our own spiritual growth leads to the iocrease of knowledge. Scripture contains more to the advanced Christian than it does to the young disciple of Christ (John vii.17). 3. Theprogres- ,ive life of the Church leads to enlarged knowledge of Scripture (1) by accumula- tion of experience, thought, and study of the Birle; (2) by the correction and mutual criticism of various minds in different ages; (3) by improved methods of inquiry 11Uperseding the errors of patristic exposition and schola.stic theology. Ver. 8.-Tl,e end. I. ALL EARTHLY THINGS HAVE AN END. This world is marked by change. All things are temporary and transient. But the order of change itself will change. The whole present system of life will pass away. Life is a process, a preparatiou, a series of changing events which is to end and give place to an entirely different order. 1. Pleasure will end; therefore live for higher interests. 2. Sorrow will end; therefore be patient and hopeful. 3. Temptation will end; therefore be brave. 4. The opportunity/or work will end; therefore be diligent now (John ix. 4). 5. This life will end; therefore be prepared for the life beyond. 6. This world will end ; therefore take account of the other world in judging of the mysteries of present Providence. IL WE ARE ALL CONCERNED WITH THE END. 1. Though the world passes away, we remain. The soul's life outlasts all earthly things. It is therefore of great moment to us to be right for the end. 2. The end is the most important thing to be considered. We all work for ends. Passing things are used as means to obtain some end. We have not yet rest and satisfaction. We look for such blessings at the end of life (Micah ii. 10). 3. The character of the end will determine our estimate of preseut things. We value the process according to our estimate of the result. If it is right, at the end the bard and dark questions concerning things as they are may be waved. "All is well that ends well" (Rom. viii. 28; 2 Cor. iv. 16-18). Ill THE END IS PARTLY HIDDEN, PARTLY REVEALED. 1. The principlea of govern- ment which determine the end are revealed ; the moral conditions of the end are made known. We cannot plead ignorance as an excuse for negligence. Enough is revealed to guide and urge us in the right way (Matt. vii. 13, 14), and to cheer the Christian. with boundless hope (1 Cor. xv. 24, 25). 2. The external ccndition, the detail of events, the destiny of individual souls, and the final issues of eternity, arc not revealed. Therefore we walk by faith. IV. THE END 1s ALL KNOWN TO Goo. God knows the end from the beginning (Isa. x.lvi. 10). It cannot surprise him. It cannot frustrate, but can only fulfil, ?is purposes. 1. It is foolish as well as wicked to expect to reach a happy end by opposing God's wajs, sin.ce the en.d is with him. 2. If we are fol1Qwin11 in his wars, we n.eed cm. xn. 1-18.J TIIE BOOK OF DANIEL.
have no fear for the end. He will provide the beet that infinite love can give (John lliV. 2),