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nothing,” i. e. either in regard any connection with him, or that

See Stephen, in like circumstances, with like intrepidity, defending his own cause, and that of his Lord; fearlessly rebuking the

to their own salvation or that of he even knew him. See this others. Of this they, doubtless, same Peter, a little after, when a felt the full force. Therefore he prisoner, under examination bepromised to be with them, that fore the high Priest and rulers he might afford them all needed of the Jews, boldly avowing the help. In this view the promise name he had denied, charging implied all that supply of grace them with the guilt of his crucito their own hearts, which fixion, attesting his resurrection, should keep them in the love of proclaiming him as the only SaGod, and fit them for the holy viour, and, unawed by their mansions he was going to pre-threats, refusing to cease preachpare for them. The certaintying him to the people. Acts iv. of this they had in the promise that the Holy Spirit who dwelt in them, should be in them, and abide with them for ever. The promise of Christ's pre-chief Priest, and fathers, and peosence implied, also, all suitable ple of the Jews, in this faithful accomplishments and furniture and pointed language. "Ye stiff. for their ministry. Under a sense necked and uncircumcised in of their own incompetence, the heart and ears, ye do always promise of his presence could resist the Holy Ghost; as have been no encouragement to your fathers did, so do ye. them, had they not understood | Which of the prophets have not it as implying that he would your fathers persecuted? and communicate to them all need- they have slain those who shewful gifts for the performance ofed before of the coming of that their work. He had cautioned holy one, of whom ye have been them, before, not to be solicitous the betrayers and murderers.” how, or what they should answer, Acts vii. 51. And when led when persecuted and brought forth by the outrageous mob, before rulers for trial; for he and stoned to death for his fideliwould give them a "mouth and ty and zeal for his Lord, how wisdom, which all their adversa-happily, how gloriously did he ries should not be able to gain-die? with his last breath comsay or resist." This assistance, mitting his soul to his Saviour, of no doubt is implied in the pro-whose glory he had just received mise of his presence. To go an extraordinary manifestation, through with their work, they and praying for the pardon of had need of great patience, and his murderers. How full of confortitude of mind, and special solation and joy were Paul and consolations, for their support. Silas, in the midst of great outThese were included in the pro-ward affliction, when, in prison, mise of Christ, which was, in this at midnight, their feet fast in the respect, remarkably fulfilled to stocks, they found in their them. See the pusillanimous hearts,, not only to pray, but sing Peter, who forsook his Lord, praises to God. Acts xvi. I when first apprehended; then may not dwell on the particular following him, afar off, and, instances of abuse and distress. at of fear, denying that he had they endured; or the patience,

they were, doubtless, included in Christ's promise to be with them. This promise, also, included an engagement to direct them, in their ministerial work. A fulfilment of it, it is conceived, Peter received, when the Spirit directed him to go with the messengers of Cornelius, Acts x. 19. Also Paul and Timothy when they were forbidden by the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia; and when they assayed to go into Bythinia; but the Spirit suffered them not. Acts xvi. 6, 7. Again, the promise under consideration, it is thought, must denote a supply of all those ministerial gifts to each one, which will furnish him to act, with propriety, the part assigned him. But these gifts are all communications from the divine Spirit. 1 Cor. xii. 4, &c. The promise also implies an assurance of suc

constancy and meekness they manifested; or the deliverance, support and consolation they experienced. The apostle has thrown many such like circumstances together in 2 Cor. vi. and in the conclusion, says, they were "As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." To what can these things be ascribed, but to the divine power operating in their hearts, and alisposing other things so as to favor them, contrary to the wishes and endeavors of their enemies? But wherever there is any special exertion of divine power, there is evidence of the special presence of God; for we cannot conceive of his exerting his power in any place where he is not. These exertions of divine power, therefore, which were put forth for the protection, assistance and comfort of his min-cess, that they should not labor isters, betokened that presence of Christ which he promised them, and must be considered as the fulfilment of that promise. We may further remark that the special work, which was wrought for them, was such as is peculiarly ascribed to the Holy Ghost. Thus of Peter and Stephen, in the circumstances which have been mentioned, it is par-ministers of Christ. ticularly said, they were filled with the Holy Ghost; which the sacred historian seems to mention as the cause of the zeal, fidelity, intrepidity, composure and peace of mind which they manifested. And those graces of love, joy, longsuffering, gentleness &c. for which they were But what is necessary to te so conspicuous, are called fruits success of the gospel ministry of the Spirit, Gal. v. Eph. v. among men? Certainly, that And as these were necessary to influence which will effectually furnish them for their work, I change their minds, subdue the

in vain. Nothing short of an assurance of divine power to be with them, to render their labors effectual, could have given them any courage, in an undertaking, which, in every other view, appeared so unpromising, and even impossible to succeed. The weight of this consideration has been felt by all the faithful "Who is

sufficient for these things?" has been the language of their hearts. Christ's promise was certainly designed to encourage them, in an enterprize infinitely above their own strength; it must therefore be designed to contain an assurance of success.

rebellion of their hearts against God's authority, remove their prejudices against his truth, open their hearts, a it is said of Lydia, to attend to and receive the truths spoken to them. This work is ever ascribed to God, and appears to be peculiarly the office of the divine Spirit. Thus the prophet represents the wilderness as becoming a fruitful field, when the Spirit shall be poured out from on high. Isai. xxxii. 15. Then, and then only, are people" convinced of sin, of righteousness and of judgment," when the Spirit is sent for that end. John xvi. 8. The apostle says, "God hath chosen you to salvation, through sanctificacation of the Spirit." 2 Thess. ii. 13. And as sanctification is first begun, through his influence, so it is carried on through every step, till believers receive the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls. They are changed into the image of Christ, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor. iii. 18.

It is also to be remarked, that, though this promise was originally made to the apostles, it is evident he meant not to restrict it to them; but to extend it to all the faithful ministers in his church, to the end of time. The words of the promise imply so much, "Lo, I am with you to the end of the world.” In this he had, apparently, a view to a succession of gospel teachers, whom he meant to raise up, in every age. He foresaw that, having to deal with a corrupt world, who would be enemies to him and his kingdom, they would meet great opposition; many trials, which would tend to dishearten them. He therefore left such a promise to encourage them; that their faith might have sure ground to rest on. He knew, also, how much need they would have of a constant sense of his presence, and continual inspection of their conduct, to prevent their sloth, and keep them watchful and faithful in his ser vice. Encouraged by this pro Thus their success in bring- mise, they need not fear to take ing sinners to repentance and the most dangerous post, or ensalvation, the great object of gage in the most arduous labors, their ministry appears to depend in his kingdom, when his provon the influence of the divine idence points its out as the way Spirit; and this success was, of duty. "I can do all things, certainly included in the prom-through Christ, who strengthises of Christ's presence. From eneth me," said Paul. the circumstances in which this promise was made, we must conclude it implied whatever was needful to furnish them for their ministry; to support, encourage and succeed them in it; and we see that all this was fifilled to them by the communications of he divine Spirit; the presence, therefore, which Christ promised, was the presence of his Spirit.

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It is important further to observe, that the condition, plainly implied, of their enjoying his presence, is their fidelity in his work. They must be faithful in teaching whatsoever he has commanded them, and administering the ordinances he has appointed. This is the business he enjoins, on them, and then promises to be with them, &c. which implies that he will be

with and own them in doing argument, if he be allowed to be these things, not otherwise.

God.

If any imagine that Christ did not mean to promise the pre

From what has been advanced on this subject, we infer the divinity of Christ. If the pre-sence and assistance of his Spirit,

when he promised to be with his ministers; still it is believed, his divinity may be argued from the promise, because the nature of it is such that none but God can fulfil it. The scriptures teach us that Christ, since his resurrection, has ascended into the heavens, which have received him till the end of the world; that he there lives to make intercession for his people. Here he promised to be with his apostles and ministers to the end of the world; to be with them alway i. e. every day, or all the days, as it is in the Greek. All his faithful ministers, through all parts of the earth, have a right, from this promise, to expect his

sence of Christ, which he promised to his disciples, was the presence of the Holy Spirit; if it was proper for him to say, he would be with them, because the Holy Spirit would be with them, this, it is conceived, must denote such a oneness between him and the Spirit as no mere creature can claim, supposing the Holy Spirit to be God. Believers, indeed, are said to have the Spirit of God dwelling in them; and "those who are joined to the Lord are one Spirit," &c. yet surely no one will pretend that this would justify them in calling the Spirit of God their Spirit, as he is called the Spirit of Christ. This could never authorize them to repre-presence with them, for their disent themselves as being present, wherever the Spirit of God is; or to speak of sending the Spirit to be in and abide with others, as Christ does. The scripture representations, some of which have been mentioned, of the relation between Christ and the Holy Spirit, it is thought, are such as no mere creature can appropriate. If so, the real divinity of Christ will follow as a consequence, unless we deny the divinity of the Holy Ghost. But to deny this would be, in effect, to deny the divine authority of the scriptures, which were written by his inspiration, and land us, at once, in the dreary regions of infidelity. Whatever any may think concerning the personality of the Holy Spirit, as different from that of the Father, it makes no difference, in this

VOL. VI. No. 8.

rection, protection, support and consolation, in all the various places, times and circumstances in which they are situated; they have a right to expect his presence constantly; for there is no moment when they do not need it; no moment to which the promise does not extend. The Lord fills heaven and earth; but can it be conceived that any merely created nature can reside perpetually in heaven, and also be perpetually in every part of the earth, where any of his servants are; in each place exerting that care and power which they individually need, and which the promise under consideration implies?

May I be indulged in offering a few thoughts more, which naturally arise on contemplating this promise. By this we are

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assured that Christ will never enlargement of his kingdom. Let those who are engaged, as workers together with Christ, in building the walls of Jerusalem, redouble their exertions, while they consider that every prayer they make, every sermon they preach, and every ordinance they administer is like a stone laid in the building, which, by his blessing, helps to raise it to

Jack a church on earth, so long as the world endures; nor shall the church lack a succession of faithful pastors. He will not suffer those ordinances and administrations to cease, in which he hath engaged to afford his presence to the end. Though the enemies of Christ. and his kingdom exert all their force, and make violent efforts to de-its appointed height. Let them stroy his cause, they can never bear in their hearts his precious perform their enterprize; for promise. They need the ac"when the enemy comes in like complishment of it every day. a flood, the Spirit of the Lord If they are faithful, they may will lift up a standard against expect the contradiction of sinhim." The Christian church, [ners, who will be impatient of in the beginning, when small the holy, self-denying precepts like a grain of mustard seed, was and faithful reproofs of the gosrudely attacked. The enemy pel. But if Christ be for them, sought, and hoped to overturn they need fear none who are ait; but he fought against a pre-gainst them. If tempted to sloth, sent God, whose watchful eye or unfaithfulness, in shunning was ever on his church for good, to declare truths which are disand his power constantly exert-pleasing to men, let them call ed for its protection and enlarge- to mind the presence of their ment. And though he some-Lord; let a sense of that rouse times suffers it to decrease, and them to action, and dispel the the enemy gets apparent advan- fear of man which brings a tage, for a season; this only snare. If they are in "labors serves to shew, more illustrious- more abundant," they will feel ly, his superiority over him, their dependence on his blessing when he appears in his glory to succeed them. If the pleaand builds up Zion. Upon the sure of the Lord prosper in their strength of this promise, and hands, they will acknowledge it what we have already seen of as proceeding from the powerits accomplishment, we confi-ful influence of his Spirit. dently expect the time when He hath sent them a war"all nations shall flow unto the fare; but, thanks to his name, mountain of the Lord's house;"not at their own charges, or unwhen "Zion shall become a accompanied. Though the adquiet habitation, and the holy versary erect many strong holds one of Israel shall make her to impede the progress, and prean eternal excellency, a joy of vent the success of Christ's sermany generations." This is the vants; yet to attack them need not Lord's doing, and it is, even in seem hazardous, nor to demolprospect, marvellous in our ish them impossible, under the eyes. "Let the children of Zi- conduct of him who is able to on be joyful in their King ;" let bind the strong man, them pray and strive for the laway all his armor.

and take

In every

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