1. .A Divine Pei·son is exhibited. Christian preaching sets forth, not rabbinical learning, not Hellenic wisdom, not a co<le of morals, not a system of doctrine, not a ritual of ceremony, but a Person, even Jesus Christ. 2. An historical fact is related, c,·en the crucifixion of him who is proclaimed." Everything relating to Christ's ministry "·as worthy of remembrance, of repetition, of meditation; but one aspect of that ministry was regarded, and still is regarded, as of supreme interest-the Cross, as preceded by the Incarnation, and as followed by the Resurrection. In bis earliest Epistle Paul had written, "God forbid that I should glory save in the cross;" in one of bis latest he taught that the incarnate Redeemer becaUle obedient unto "the death of the cross." 3. Religious teaching of highest moment was based upon this fact regarding this Person. Thus sin was condemned, redemption was secured, a new motive to holiness was provided; for the cross of Christ was the power of God and the wisdom of God. JI. REASONS FOR EXCLUSIVE DEVOTION IN THE MINISTRY OF RELIGION TO THIS ONE GREAT THEME. 1. .A personal and experimental reason on the part of the preacher. Paul had a personal experience of the excellence and power of the doctrine of the cross. The knowledge which he prized he communicated, the blessings he had received and enjoyed be could offer to others. So must it be with every true preacher. 2. .A more general reason-the adaptation of the gospel to the wants of all mankind. For Christ crucified is (1) the highest revelation of the Divine attributes of righteousness and mercy; (2) the most couvincing testimony and condemnation of the world's sinfulness and guilt; (3) the Divine provision for the pardon of the transgressors; and (4) the- most effectual motive to Christian obedience and service. The same doctrine is also (5) the mighty bond of Christian societies; and therefore (6) the one hope of the- regeneration of humanity. APPLICATION. 1. Here is a model and an inspiration for those who teach and preach Jesus Christ. 2. Here is a representation of the one only hope of sinful men; what they may seek in vain elsewhere they will find here-reconciliation with God, and the power of a new arid end.le~s life.-T. Ver. 4.-Spiritual power. Language like this sometimes refers to those special, supernatural gifts which were bestowed upon the members and officers of the Church in the apostolic days. But, as the apostle is speakiug of the gospel of the cross of Christ and of its moral and spiritual effects, it seems reasonable to take the very strong expressions here employed as referring to the Divine vigour and energy accom- panying the Word of salvation. L CHRISTIANITY IS THE DISPENSATION OF THE SPIBIT OF GoD. The Jews would have received it had it been a dispensation of miracle and prodigy ; the Greeks, had it been a dispensation of rhetoric and philosophy. But God's Spirit has his own mode oi operation, withheld from the apprehension of carnal natures. The same Spirit who abode upon the Saviour at his baptism, rested as the Spirit of truth and illumination upon the inspired apostles, and as the Spirit of power accompanied their word to the hearts of men. He is from above, as the Breath, the Wind, the Fire, the Dew, the Rain, the Dove of God. ) lL HUMAN SOULS ARE THE FIELD OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE SPIRIT OF Gon. Chris- tianity is no mechanical religion; its ends are not to be secured by any external con- formity; it does not consist in buildings, ceremonies, priesthoods, etc. He only understands the nature of Christ's purposes who can join in the consecration and: confession- " I give my heart to tbe:i, 0 Jesus most desired ; And heart for heart the gift shall be, For thou my soul bast fired. Thou hearts alone wouldst move; Thou only hearts dost love; I would love thee as thou lov'st me, 0 Jesus most desired I " III. THE GOSPEL IS THE IMPLEMENT AND WEAPON OF THE SPIRIT OF Gon. God'~ Spirit approaches man's spirit in every true, pure, and lofty thought, in every revelatiou ,cu. u. 1-16.) THE FIIlST EPISTLE TO THE COitINTHIANS. 69
-0f pity, love, and sacrifice. But God's mind is made known with special reference to man's position and needs in "the truth as it is in Jesus." It is because the Spirit is in the Word that the Word is living and powerful, antl sharper than the two-edged Hword. IV. FAITH AND REPENTANCE, OBEDIENCE AND HOLINESS, ARE THE POWRR AND oEMONBTRATION OF THE SrmIT OF Goo. Here we have "the witness of the Spirit," telling us that the source of such streams is above. Here we have" the fruits 0f the Spirit," telling us whence is the life which embodies itself in such resnlts. Doubtles.:< under the conviction of the Spirit there present themselves displays of feclin;:, deep and signal. Ilut the great and reliable proofs of the presence and action of the Di vine Spirit are to be sought in those moral effects which can be traced to no inferior c:iuse. 'l'he weeds sow themselves; but an abundant and precious crop is wit.ness to the skill and the energy of the husbandman. V. RESPONSIBILITY IS INVOLVED IN THE PRESENCE OF THE SPIRIT OF Goo. 1. The preacher of the gospel is reminded that his reliance should be, not upon his own gifts, but upon the Word and Spirit of God. 2. The Church of Christ is admonished neither .to" quench" nor to" grieve" the Holy Spirit. 3. The hearer of the gospel is warned that to refuse the gospel is to reject the Spirit; and deliberately, persistently, and finally to do so is to sin against the Holy Ghost.-T.