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and to them in particular; and was now going to prove, by laying down his life for the benefit of the world, which surely was the highest testimony of sincere affection that was possible for him as Man to give.

Our LORD observed to his apostles, that though they professed themselves his servants, he had treated them as intimate friends, communicating to them from time to time all things which the FATHER had revealed to him which it concerned their happiness and interest to be made acquainted with from henceforth, therefore, he should call them by the endearing appellation of FRIENDS, SO long as their fidelity to him and to each other remained. Yet they were not to suppose, that it was their own merit that procured them this honour; for he had chosen them without solicitation from the rest of his followers to be ministers of his gospel, and given them abilities to exccute the office faithfully.

So essential to the discharge of the apostolic duty was brotherly love, that our SAVIOUR once more enjoined it as an indispensable obligation, particularly necessary to his apostles, because they would each be exposed to the enmity of wicked persons: he therefore exhorted them to unite firmly together, and not be discouraged by the hatred of the world, since it was what he had taught them to expect, and had met with himself. Our LORD then predicted the treatment his followers would shortly meet with from the Jews, on account of their attachment to him and to each other; and observed, how highly this, wicked nation had offended GoD by opposing the MESSIAH; and added as a warning, to be uttered afterwards by his apostles to the Jews, that their pretending not to know him would be no excuse, because he had sufficiently proved himself to be the CHRIST: if he had not, indeed, they would, in this particular, have been clear from

the

the guilt of rebellion against GoD and his beloved

Son.

Our LORD then reminded his apostles, that the treatment he met with had been foretold by Moses and the prophets; and he intimated, that he had another witness to produce in proof of his mission, namely, the HOLY SPIRIT, who would be a Comforter to them, and a powerful advocate in his cause; and would encourage his disciples also to bear witness to the works he had performed, and the doctrines he had taught.

It is wonderful to remark the great condescension of the Son of GOD in assuming the 'tender relation of friend to men of the meanest rank and lowest abilities; for the greatest part of his followers were poor illiterate fishermen. This circumstance should raise the hopes of the humble, and bring down the pride of the lofty. The only qualifications necessary to procure the friendship of Our SAVIOUR, and through him of God the FATHER, is a sincere love of God, shewing itself in acts of obedience to his commands, and particularly in those kind and benevolent offices to our fellow-christians which are, in the very exercise of them, productive of the most rational delight pleasures

sordid, learning ich riches cannot purchase for the

attain in the circle of human sciences, neither can power procure to the unfeeling heart; yet are they within the reach of the poor, the illiterate, and the weak; for every Christian has opportunities at one time or other of his life to contribute something to the happiness of others, and to shew forth the glory of GoD.

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and to them in particular; and was now going to prove, by laying down his life for the benefit of the world, which surely was the highest testimony of sincere affection that was possible for him as Man to give.

Our LORD observed to his apostles, that though they professed themselves his servants, he had treated them as intimate friends, communicating to them from time to time all things which the FATHER had revealed to him which it concerned their happiness and interest to be made acquainted with: from henceforth, therefore, he should call them by the endearing appellation of FRIENDS, SO long as their fidelity to him and to each other remained. Yet they were not to suppose, that it was their own merit that procured them this honour; for he had chosen them without solicitation from the rest of his followers to be ministers of his gospel, and given them abilities to execute the office faithfully.

So essential to the discharge of the apostolic duty was brotherly love, that our SAVIOUR once more enjoined it as an indispensable obligation, particularly necessary to his apostles, because they would each be exposed to the enmity of wicked persons: he therefore exhorted them to unite firmly together, and not be discouraged by the hatred of the world, since it was what he had taught them to expect, and had met with himself. Our LORD then predicted the treatment his followers would shortly meet with from the Jews, on account of their attachment to him and to each other; and observed, how highly this. wicked nation had offended GoD by opposing the MESSIAH; and added as a warning, to be uttered afterwards by his apostles to the Jews, that their pretending not to know him would be no excuse, because he had sufficiently proved himself to be the CHRIST: if he had not, indeed, they would, in this particular, have been clear from

the

the guilt of rebellion against GOD and his beloved

Son.

Our LORD then reminded his apostles, that the treat. ment he met with had been foretold by Moses and the prophets; and he intimated, that he had another witness to produce in proof of his mission, namely, the HOLY SPIRIT, who would be a Comforter to them, and a powerful advocate in his cause; and would encourage his disciples also to bear witness to the works he had performed, and the doctrines he had taught.

It is wonderful to remark the great condescension of the Son of God in assuming the tender relation of friend, to men of the meanest rank and lowest abilities ; for the greatest part of his followers were poor illiterate fisher. men. This circumstance should raise the hopes of the himble, and bring down the pride of the lofty. The only qualifications necessary to procure the friendship of our SAVIOUR, and through him of GOD the FATHER, is a sincere-love of God, shewing itself in acts of obedience to his commands, and particularly in those kind and be nevolent offices to our fellow-christians which are, in the very exercise of them, productive of the most rational delight pleasures which riches cannot purchase for the sordid, learning cannot attain in the circle of human sciences, neither can power procure to the unfeeling heart; yet are they within the reach of the poor, the illiterate, and the weak; for every Christian has opportunities at one time or other of his life to contribute something to the happiness of others, and to shew forth the glory of God.

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SECTION

SECTION XXVII.

JESUS ENDEAVOURS TO RECONCILE HIS APOSTLES TO THE THOUGHTS OF HIS REMOVAL, AND REPEATS THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

From John, Chap. xvi.

THESE things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

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They shall put you out of the synagogues; yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think that he doth Gop service,

And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

But these, things have I told you, that when the time these, things have shall com 31

21

come, ye may remember that I told you of them.. And these things I said unto you at the beginning, be

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Cause I was with you.

But now

of you

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I go my way to him that sent me, and none

asketh me, Whither goest thou?

But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

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Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but, if I depart, I will'send,

him unto you.

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.

Of sin, because they believe not on me ;

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Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more: Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.".

How beit, when he the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself;

but

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