Ver. 5.-TIM, dynamic gospel. If we may illnstrate spiritual truths by describing them in the terminology of physical science, we may say that the great mistake which the Church, as well e.e the world, has been making over and over again is that of treating the gospel statically instead of dynamically-as a settled creed to be embraced in it.a rigid form rather than as a power to he submitted to in its progressive influence. But it is evident that the apostles cared not one straw for their preachin~ except in so far as it was the vehicle of Divine energy. They taught the truth, not as profe&iors of metaphysics in a college, but as workmen who were bringing a new force~" bear on the reconstruction of society. I. lT IS VAIN TO RECEIVE THE GOSPEL IN WORD ONLY. 1. It may be published. A heathen country may open its ports to missionaries. Bible societies may circulate the Scriptures through every countr.v and hamlet, Preachers may never cease to expound it. .And all this will be as nothing for the spiritual welfare of people who wi11 not hear, understand, believe, and submit to the truth. 2. It may be heard. Crowds may flock to the churches. .Attentive congr~gations may bang upon the lips of popnlar pree.chel"S. And still no good me.y be done while the truth is not understood, believed, and obeyeo.. 3. It may be understood. The meaning of the language used m,\y be intelligible enough. People may give themselves the trouble of thinking out the subjects presented to them by the preachers. Still all is ve.in if the gospel is not believed and submitted to. 4. It may be believed. The truth may not be doubted. We may have a certain conviction of it, e.ndyeteven this may count for nothing without the faith that accepts the influences and follows the directions of the gospel. There is a world of difference between believing . b.e gospel and believing in Christ; at least, in the only way in which this is of practical importance, viz. as a trust_ful acceptance of his gracti and a loyal devotion to his will So long as we come short of this we may have the gospPl, but it will be" words, words, words "-thti letter that killeth, not the spirit that quickeneth. II. THE GOSPEL MAY BE RECEIVED IN POWER. This very statement seems to strike some peoplti who have long been familiar with the words of the gospel as e. new revela- tion, RB itself a fresh gospel. But we have to learn the power as well as the truth of the gospel if it is to bo of e.ny real good to us. 1. 'l'he operation of thti power of the gospel consists in changing th, hearts and lives of 111m. The gospel does not simply promise future salvation. It effects present regeneration. The ntiw birth is the t>ssential 1:>eginning of redemption. Nothing but a i:,owcr, vast, ovorwhclming, peuetrnting, and omnipotent, ce.n make new crel\tur,·s of old, stubborn profligates and hypocrites, men of the world, a.nu self-righteous Pharisees. 2. 'l'he secret of the power of the gospel is in tM baptism of the Holy Spirit. '!'he new nmn i~ "bor_n of the Spirit•~ (John iii. Christ is "the Power of God," because he bapt1zes with the Holy Spmt (Matt. w. ~t 11). Christ expressly oonneobed the power ol apostolic preaching with the gift of t.ne Holy Spirit: "Ye shnll ~ooeive_ power, when t~e Holy Ghost is come upo~ you• (Act.a i. 8). Preachers need this to give foroe to their words, and hear6Cll to receive the trut.h .,ffeotuaUJ. a 'l'he sign of the power of the go~pt1l will be much -vm TM lM THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS. [cu. 1. 1-10.
faith which grmn out of experiencing this power will be much atron:rer, more vivid, nnd rnon• joyous than that ,,r first helic,•ing the trnth of the gosµcl.-\V. l<'. A.
Ver. 6.-Afffictin11 1Pitl1 .foy. The Christians of Thessalonica had no sooner accepte,l the gospel than the,· were attackc>d with swift, sharp persecution; and it is to be remarked that, while in other plac,·s the apostles were often assailed and the converts spared. here the full force of the assault fell on the infant Church (Acts xvii. 5-10). ~L. Paul frequently refers to the suffering,, that so quickly tested the faith of this brave CbriFtian community at the very commencement of its new life (eh. ii. 14; iii. 2- 5). Dllt in spite of persPcuti .. n a peculiar joy seems to havt. possessed the Church at 'l'nes,,alonic... The E1 ,i~t h-.s to the 'fhcssalonians are to bo distinguished for hearty c,(lngrat11lations anJ a spirit of gladne.-;s. Here is an apparent paradox, which, however, whl'n re1,.,arded lrom a higher standpoint, resolves its,·lf into a spiritual harmony. l AN EARTHLY PARADOX. 8t. Paul was much inclined to the use of startling para- cioxet; His ,igorous mind seemed to delight in facing them. Thus his style is rugged with great contrasting ideas. 1. The gospel does not prevent ajfiiction. 'l'o the 'l'hes- ralonians it was the means of bringing suffering. Christians often suffer more ol ci.:thly trouble, rather than less, than otheT'S (Heb. xii. 8). Though the gospel is good news, and though it brings gladness to the soul, it may be ushered in with ~torms and suffering!= in the outer life. This might be expected, seeing that it is in conflict with Lhe prince of this world. 2 . .Affiiction does not prevent the ezpsrience of the joy of the gospel,. In spite of much affliction, the Thessalonians haJ joy. The world sees only the outside. HencF it.s common verdict that religion must be melanc,1oly. It can see tht flamin!:. fagots; it cannot see the exultant heart of the martyr. It is a great trutl, 10 kno"' ,hat, wber: God does not remove trouble, he may give us such gladness of heart as shall entirely counteract it Surely it is bt,tter to rejoice in tribulation than tc he sad in prosperity II TuE SPIRl'l'UAL HARM01'"Y 1. The affiiction is external, while the joy is internal Tne two belong to different spheres. It would be impossible for one and the same i,erson 10 be in temporal prosperity and adversity at the same moment, or to be at once it spiriwal sunsh.ir.e an<' undei spiritual clouds. But it may well be that, while the earth!_,. sun is shrouded ir gloom, the heavenly sun is shining in full splendour. 2. The affiu.tinn coma from earthly causes, the joy from },.,eavenl,y. Men persecute, the Holy Spirit inspires joy. Here are different sources of experience, and accordingly the experience:; differ 3. 17ie affiiction rather helps the spirit=l joy than othe,·wise. It preveats mu:. Iron. looking to external things for comfort. It enables them to see that ·,rue joy must be inward and spiritual 1n conclusion, observe that affliction is no reason for the rejection of the gospel, since tl'e is not therefore the less true, and it claims to be received on its truth, not on our r-:easure, and also because the joy it brings will not be lessened by any external 1,0uhle.-W. F. A.