In confirmation of this truth, I will endeavour to point out, I. Some of those secrets which God reveals to his faithful people The whole of the divine life is a secret, from the beginning to the end; and "the joys" arising from it are such as "the stranger intermeddleth not with." But, to descend to particulars, 1. God gives them an insight into the great mystery of redemption 66 [This was "a mystery hid from ages and generations," yea, "hid in God from the foundation of the worldf:" but at last it was made known to the Church by Christ and his holy Apostles, that all God's saints might become acquainted with its. St. Paul, speaking of the great truths of the Gospel, says, "It is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit"." We must not, however, imagine, that because this mystery is revealed to the Church in the written word, we need no further revelation of it to our souls: for "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." Notwithstanding, therefore, the Gospel revelation is so clear in itself, we still must receive, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we may know the things that are freely given to us of God." A speculative knowledge of the Gospel may, indeed, be acquired by human instruction: but a spiritual and experimental acquaintance with it, as "the wisdom of God and the power of God," can be attained only through the teaching of God's Spirit: "flesh and blood cannot reveal it unto us: it can be made known only by inspiration from the Father. And that inspiration, blessed be his name! is given to many. Through his tender mercy, it may be said of many, "Ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things'." Whilst to some, who hear the Gospel, "it is spoken, as it were, only in parables;" so that, in relation to the plainest truths of the Gospel, they are ready to exclaim, as Ezekiel's hearers did in reference to him, "Ah, Lord God! doth he not speak parables m?" to others "it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven";" and by the opening of their eyes "they are brought out of darkness into marvellous light."] 2. He makes them to know their own personal interest in it 66 66 [We are struck with the confidence with which the inspired writers speak, in reference to their own state and the state of their brethren in the faith: "Now are we the sons of God:" we know that we have passed from death unto life:" we know that God abideth in us, by the Spirit which he has given us:" we know that we are of God; and the whole world lieth in wickedness"." Now this assurance is no other than what our blessed Lord promised to his believing people: "In that day ye shall know that the Father is in me, and I in you, and you in me." That the believer may, by fair and rational deduction, ascertain much of his state before God, there can be no doubt: but that internal manifestations are, in many cases, vouchsafed to the soul, is also certain: for our Lord has promised, that "he will manifest himself unto us, as he does not unto the world:" and this promise he has explained, by saying, that " he and his Father will love us, and come unto us, and make their abode with us." Accordingly we find, that to many is given "the Holy Spirit," as a witness, to "bear witness with their spirit that they are the children of God," and, as "a Spirit of adoption, enabling them, with holy confidence, to cry, Abba, Father'." They have prayed to him, like the Psalmist, "Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation3:' and God has answered them in the desire of their hearts, and enabled them to say, in reference to him, "O God, thou art my God;" and, in reference to the Lord Jesus Christ, "My Beloved is mine, and I am his "."] 3. He shews them that every occurrence, of whatever kind, is in some way or other working for the ultimate salvation of their souls [They may not always see this at first: but, when more fully instructed, they learn to trust in God, assured, that though "clouds and darkness are round about him, righteousness and judgment are the basis of his throne." See a remarkable instance of this in the Apostle Paul. He was shut up for two full years in prison, and was thus deprived of exercising his apostolic office in his accustomed way. Such an event as this would be contemplated, by the Church at large, as a subject of unmixed sorrow: but St. Paul himself had far different n Mark iv. 11. P John xiv. 20. • 1 John iii. 2, 14, 24. s Ps. xxxv. 3. t Ps. lxiii. 1. and v. 19. Rom. viii. 15, 16. u Cant. ii. 16. views of it: he said, "I know that this shall turn to my salvation:" nor was he less confident that good would accrue from it, also, to the Church of God: yea, he saw, even whilst in bonds, the beneficial results of his imprisonment; and declared, that, instead of obstructing the progress of the Gospel, it had "tended rather to the furtherance of the Gospel," since many had been emboldened by it to preach the word with greater courage and fidelity. Thus does God compose the minds of all his faithful people. They may indeed, for a season, be ready to complain with Jacob, "All these things are against me; but he whispers in their ears, that "All things are working together for their good";" and that, eventually, they shall have as much reason to bless him for the darkest dispensations as for those which were more gratifying to flesh and blood.] Passing by many other secrets, I will proceed to set before you, II. That more particular view of his covenant which is the crown and summit of them all From all eternity did God enter into covenant with his Son; as it is said, "The counsel of peace was between them both"." And to this covenant God leads the minds of his people, 1. As the source of all their blessings [Certain it is, that, whatever grace has been bestowed upon us, it has been conferred, "not on account of any works of righteousness which we have done, but according to God's purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began "." But this is a great secret; a secret utterly unknown to the world at large: and one which not all, even of righteous persons, are able to receive. There is, in the minds of many, a prejudice against it, as though such an idea would necessarily puff up the mind with pride and conceit: whereas, there is nothing in the world that so much tends to humble and abase the soul as this: for it takes from man all ground of self-preference, and leads him to give all the honour of his salvation to God alone. Believer, how wonderful is the thought, that God, from all eternity, set his heart on thee; ordained thee to be born in a country where the light of Revelation shone, and where the means and opportunities of conversion should be afforded thee! How wonderful, too, that this grace, which so many receive in vain, should be made effectual for * Phil. i. 12-14, 19. z Zech. vi. 13. y Rom. viii. 28. a 2 Tim. i. 9. thee; and that, by the operation of God's mighty power on thy soul, thou shouldst be "turned from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God!" Art thou not amazed, that thou shouldst be "taken, when so many are left;" and that the Saviour, who to so many millions is only "a stumbling-block and rock of offence, should be to thee a sanctuary," where thou hast found rest to thy soul? Truly, it is a great matter if God has taught thee, that "thou hast not chosen him, but he thee ";" that thou hast not loved him, or apprehended him, but hast been loved and apprehended by him; that "He hath loved thee with an everlasting love; and therefore with loving-kindness hath he drawn theed!" Does not the thought of this overwhelm thy soul with gratitude? and art thou not altogether lost in wonder, love, and praise?] 2. As the security for the everlasting continuance of them [This is another part of the same stupendous mystery: and blessed, indeed, are the ears that have heard this secret from the Lord, and the eyes that can discern the truth of it! Believer, when God entered into covenant with his Son, he left it not uncertain whether any benefit should accrue from his mediation, but engaged, that "when he should make his soul an offering for sin, he should see a seed who should prolong their days, and the pleasure of the Lord should prosper in his hand." Then he gave thee to his Son, that in thee "he might see of the travail of his soul, and be satisfied." Thou wast then ordained to be a jewel in his crown: and the Father engaged, when he put thee into the hands of his Son, that " none should ever pluck thee from them." Times without number does the Lord Jesus speak of his people in this light, as "given him from eternity by the Father" and "of those who were so given him, he will lose none"." What a consolation is this to thee, under all thy difficulties and all thy conflicts, to know that "God hath made with thee an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sureh!" God himself tells us, that "he confirmed his covenant with an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before usi." Rejoice, then, in this thought. Bless God for making it known to thee. See how safe thou art in the hands of an unchanging God. See to what it is owing that thou hast not been consumed already; and what is thy security, against all the wiles c 1 John iv. 10. Gal. iv. 9. Phil. iii. 12. e John x. 28, 29. b John xv. 16. d Jer. xxxi. 3. f John xvii. 2, 6, 9, h 2 Sam. xxiii. 5. of Satan, and all the infirmities of flesh and blood. "Know, then, in whom thou hast believed; and that, as he is able to keep that which thou hast committed to him'," so "he will preserve thee unto his heavenly kingdom"."] TO IMPROVE this subject, I would further say, 1. Cultivate increasing friendship with God— [It is not to all, but to his friends only, that God imparts these heart-reviving secrets, even to them who truly "fear him." Nor is it amidst the noise and bustle of the world that he will communicate them, but in seasons of retirement, and in the stillness of the night. It is by a still small voice that he imparts them to the soul. O let your fellowship with him be sweet and frequent! Go to him on all occasions: consult him in every emergency: listen to his voice, whether he speak by the written word, or by his Holy Spirit. Say to him at all times, "Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth." So "will he draw nigh to you, when you draw nigh to him:" and when you spread before him your inmost wants," he will guide you by his counsel:" he will "lead you into all truth;" he will make known to you " the deep things of God";" and by communications of every kind will "perfect that which concerneth you°;" enabling you to "comprehend, in a measure, what none can fully comprehend, the height and depth and length and breadth of the love of Christ, and thereby filling you with all the fulness of God P."] 2. Make a due improvement of the secrets he has already imparted to you [Treasure them up in your minds, for your support and comfort under all the trials of life. They will prove a healing balm to every wound; and, like an anchor of the soul, they will keep you steadfast amidst all the storms that you may encounter in this tempestuous world. But, keep them not altogether in your own bosoms. God may make use of you for the imparting of them to others, and for the sustaining and strengthening of your weaker brethren. Yet, care is necessary, that you do not, by an indiscreet disclosure of them to those whose minds are not prepared to receive them, lay a stumbling-block before the very persons whom you wish to edify. Our Lord cautions us "not to cast our pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend us." We must administer "milk to babes, and strong meat to those only who are able 12 Tim. i. 12. • Ps. cxxxviii. 8. Matt. vii. 6. m 2 Tim. iv. 18. P Eph. iii. 18, 19. n 1 Cor. ii. 10. |