He affectionate interest, and strangers with eager curiosity. His qualifications and calling are the theme of conversation. Satan secretly devises destruction. His associates fondly wish him prosperity; but cannot point the way. thoughtfully purposes to himself a solemn question, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? -?" A voice from the sacred oracle responds, "By taking heed thereto according to thy word." 1st, The young man's way; 2nd, A question proposed concerning it; 3rd, An appropriate answer. I.-The young man's way. 1. The future interests of life are based upon it. Habits formed now, will stamp the future man. All experience goes to show the misfortune of neglecting this auspicious period. 2. It may be a way of personal happiness. The morning forebodes the day. 3. It may be a way of usefulness. Thousands may be benefitted by his influence, or destroyed. 4. It will be a way of changes. They are the lot of all. The most prosperous must submit. 5. It tends to an eternal destiny. of all flesh. This is the end of all. young man's way! He must go the way II. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? A question distinguished from that of many peculiar to Christianity. 1. It supposes the pollution of the natural heart. 2. This question inquires concering his future interests in life. 3. It refers to his eternal welfare. F2 III. An admirable answer. "By taking heed thereto, according to thy word." This word is the best interpreter of Providence. 1. By obtaining at the commencement a change of heart. 2. By studying the path of Providence. 3. Guarding against the seductions of the adversary. 4. By continuance in the way of holiness. [Address young men. Urge the claims of Sabbath Schools.] London, 19th Dec., 1849. SERMON XVI. GOD IN THE MIDST OF THE CHURCH. "Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee."-ISA. xii. 6. From its com Christianity is a restorative system. mencement it has been gradually leading man to brighter revelations of the Deity. The climax of its glory on earth, is called the latter day glory. The Spirtual glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom must be expressly manifested to the world. God first shines into Zion, that she may reflect his saving lustre to mankind around. This chapter relates to the bringing in of the Jews after a series of judgments. But its sentiments are no less applicable to the general Church of God, of every name, under the Christian dispensation. Our text alludes to the brightest manifestations of the Divine presence on this side eternity. "The Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee." I. We lead you to contemplate God in the midst of the Church. From the prophetic character of the text, it will at once appear, that these terms apply to the future Christian dispensation. Isaiah speaks in the present time, the more vividly to portray the glorious promise. 1. "God in the midst of Zion," presupposes the preparation of his people for such a bright manifestation of himself. Dust and ashes cannot approach his majesty. Sinful man cannot enter the presence of a pure God. A revelation of the Deity must be either suited to our impressions, or our capacities must be exalted: we have both. The dazzling majesty of Heaven modified to us; and ourselves "raised to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." 2. "God in the midst," implies the exercise of rule and defence over them. "Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion." He rules there; and "his people are willing in the day of his power." This authority extended even to the world without. Among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” 66 3. "God in the midst," implies a mutual intimacy. "Fear not, for I am with thee." As a parent in a family, his children commune with him with filial confidence. 4. "God in the midst," answers the immoveability of the Church. "God is in the midst of her, she shall not, be moved:" Ps. xlvi. 5. Omnipotence is at the helm. 5. "God in the midst," ensures the prosperity of the Church. He is in the hearts of his people; he issues his word, organizes means, appoints institutions. 6. "God is in the midst" of the Church, as the centre of blessing. II. The influence his presence should exert upon his highly privileged people. "Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion." a 1. This is the language of awe. "Lo God is here!" 2. It may be the language of praise. 3. It may express fervent supplication. 4. It expressly signifies a proclamation to others. Here is a duty incumbent on all. London, 22nd Dec., 1849. SERMON XVII. SIMEON IN THE TEMPLE. "And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalein, whose name was Simeon ; and the same man was just and devout; waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was upon him. "And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. "And he came by the Spirit into the Temple: and when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, "Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: "For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, "Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; "A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." LUKE ii. 25-32. Though the history of nations and the state of the Jewish people, conspired to prove the genuineness of the infant Messiah, a sinful world were careless concerning him. But in the spiritual world, this great event exerted a different influence. Angels sang, "Glory to God in the highest, on the earth peace, good will towards men." The eye of faith in the church militant could also discern the beaming glories of the sacred era. ❤ Thus was it with Simeon. We claim your attention to I. His character. 1. He was "just and devout." |