many, who have contended for a metaphysical unity between the Father and the Son, have clothed them with very unlike attributes. The verses of Dr. Watts express the feelings probably of a great part of Christendom. Speaking of the throne of God, he says, "Once 'twas a seat of awful wrath, "Rich were the drops of Jesus' blood, That sprinkled o'er the burning throne, God is all ven Jesus, all compas life blood to cool Now, without remarking upon the mutability of character, which these verses ascribe to the Deity, only observe what opposite dispositions are ascribed to God, and to Christ, by this pious, but mistaken man. geance, frowns, and devouring fire. sion, is represented as pouring out his down the burning wrath of the Deity. Can the ingenuity of man draw a picture of more opposite characters? Thus it is that metaphysical, theological theories have stripped the everlasting Father of his perfections, and robbed him of the confidence of his creatures. In opposition to these views, we believe that Christ and the Father are one in disposition; that Jesus, in his life and death, did but manifest the love of God. We therefore regard him, under God, the chief corner-stone of our hopes of pardon. Time will not permit me to set forth all the efficacy which we ascribe to the sufferings of Christ in regard to the pardon of our sins. In general, the efficacy we ascribe to the cross of Christ is in the way of manifesta tion, impression, conviction, motive; an efficacy in arming us with the mind that lived in Jesus, and in assuring us of the pardoning mercy of God; an efficacy upon man and not upon God, an efficacy in reconciling men to God, not God to men. Jesus is the corner-stone of our hopes of pardon, because he was the publisher of the covenant of mercy, because he sealed it with blood, because his character manifested the dispositions of God, and because his instructions, his labors, his sufferings and death are all adapted to instruct, to affect and to change the heart, and thus to bring us into such a state of character, as makes us proper subjects of divine forgiveness. He is, therefore, the chief corner-stone of our hopes of pardon. IV. Jesus is the chief corner-stone of all hopes of spiritual aid to the sinner in his endeavors to return to virtue. He has assured us that God will give his holy spirit to them that ask him, even as a father is ready to give good things to his children. He has assured us of the efficacy of prayer, saying, "Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find." Where can we repose our hopes of divine aid in our endeavors, and of help to our infirmities, but upon the chief corner-stone, which God hath laid in Zion? V. Once more, Jesus is the chief corner-stone of our hopes of a future life. He affords the only solid support to the spirit against the agonies of bereavement and the fears of dissolution. I would not undervalue the arguments for a future life, which nature affords. But it cannot be concealed that they are of such a nature as to yield but little satisfaction to many in the vigor of health, and the full possession of the faculties. What then are they in the chamber of sickness, and upon the bed of death? Can all the ingenious reasonings of the philosophers be mustered up at pleasure, by the mind enfeebled by sickness, and fainting with anxiety? Let it only listen, however, to the voice of Jesus, and it has all that it wants. "He that believeth on me shall never die."-" The hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice and come forth." John v, 28, &c. Here is a foundation upon which our hopes of a future life may repose. I have thus endeavored to set forth the sure and broad foundation upon which we build our faith, our practice, and our hopes; the foundation which God hath laid in Zion. It is a solid and sure foundation; it is laid by God, an all-perfect architect. His wisdom, power, and mercy, were all engaged in preparing it, and are pledged to preserve it. It is broad enough for us to build upon it our faith, and practice, our hopes of pardon, of spiritual aid, and of eternal felicity. It leaves not a doubt, weakness or anxiety of the soul unsatisfied. I have shown, too, that it is the only sure foundation upon which ignorant, frail, guilty, anxious man can build, so as not to be disappointed. Let us build our faith, our practice, and our hopes, upon this chief corner-stone, which God hath laid in Zion, and we shall have a sure support to our wants, when all other supports shall give way, a support amid the dangers of prosperity, and amid the sorrows of adversity; a support under the agony of a wounded conscience; a support under the depression of moral weakness; a support in the agonies of expiring nature, and a support in the hour when the secrets of all hearts shall be laid open. |