Sermons and Biblical Studies

“Brethren, be not children in understanding: Howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.” 1 Cor. 14:20. 1. It is the true remark of an eminent man, who had made many observations on human nature, “If reason be against a man, a man will always be against reason.” This has been confirmed … Continue reading “THE
CASE OF REASON IMPARTIALLY CONSIDERED”

“We know in part.” 1 Cor. 13:9. 1. The desire of knowledge is an universal principle in man, fixed in his inmost nature. It is not variable, but constant in every rational creature, unless while it is suspended by some stronger desire. And it is insatiable: “The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the … Continue reading “THE
IMPERFECTION OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE”

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” Rom. 11:33. 1. Some apprehend the wisdom and the knowledge of God to mean one and the same thing. Others believe that the wisdom of God more directly refers to his appointing the ends of all things; and his knowledge, to … Continue reading “THE
WISDOM OF GOD’S COUNSELS”

“Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Luke 12:7. 1. The doctrine of divine providence has been received by wise men in all ages. It was believed by many of the eminent Heathens, not only philosophers, but orators and poets. Innumerable are the testimonies concerning it which are scattered up and down … Continue reading “ON
DIVINE PROVIDENCE”

“Ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” Matthew 16:3. 1. The entire passage runs thus: “The Pharisees also, with the Sadducees, came, and tempting, desired him that he would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said, When it is evening, ye … Continue reading “THE
SIGNS OF THE TIMES”

“Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.” Lev. 19:17. A great part of the book of Exodus, and almost the whole of the book of Leviticus, relate to the ritual or ceremonial law of Moses; which was peculiarly given … Continue reading “THE
DUTY OF REPROVING OUR NEIGHBOUR”

Behold, I make all things new. Rev. 21:5. 1. What a strange scene is here opened to our view! How remote from all our natural apprehensions! Not a glimpse of what is here revealed was ever seen in the heathen world. Not only the modern, barbarous, uncivilized Heathens have not the least conception of it; … Continue reading “THE
NEW CREATION”

“The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters covers the sea.” Isa. 11:9. 1. In what a condition is the world at present! How does darkness, intellectual darkness, ignorance, with vice and misery attendant upon it, cover the face of the earth! From the accurate inquiry made with indefatigable … Continue reading “THE
GENERAL SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL”

“For this purpose was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8. 1. Many eminent writers, heathen as well as Christian, both in earlier and later ages, have employed their utmost labour and art in painting the beauty of virtue. And the same pains they have … Continue reading “THE
END OF CHRIST’S COMING”

“The mystery of iniquity doth already work.” 2 Thess. 2:7. 1. Without inquiring how far these words refer to any particular event in the Christian Church, I would at present take occasion from them to consider that important question, — In what manner the mystery of iniquity hath wrought among us till it hath well-nigh … Continue reading “THE
MYSTERY OF INIQUITY”