17. The Lord is a God of knowledge; by him actions are weighed. 1 Sam. ii. 3. 1. Then we cannot deceive him.-2. Then can he determine the value of actions.-3. Then let us act with reference to his estimates. Search, O my God, my thoughts and heart, And guide me in a perfect way. 18. I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Phil. iv. 11. 1. A rare Christian attainment.-2. A state of mind essential to the highest enjoyment. Fond ambition, whisper not; Anxious, busy cares, away: 19. Study to be quiet, and to do your own business. 1 Thess. iv. 11. 1. As a preservative from evil.-2. As a means of enjoyment.-3. As a becoming example. Remote from anger, noise and strife, Oh let me lead a quiet life, 20. And Abraham said unto God, Oh that Ishmael might live before thee! Gen. xvii. 18. 1. Strength of parental desire.-2. Energy of parental prayer. God of mercy, hear our prayer For the children thou hast given; Grace on earth, and bliss in heaven. 21. It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts xx. 35. 1. It is more excellent in itself.-2. It has a better effect upon the character.-3. It brings a richer reward. Thus what our heavenly Father gave Shall we as freely give ; Thus copy him who lived to save, 22. Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Eccl. xi. 1. 1. A service for faith to perform.-2. A promise for faith to trust. How bless'd is he who fears the Lord, And follows his commands, Who lends the poor without reward, 23. I will give unto every one of you according to your works. Rev. ii. 23. 1. The justice of God is retributive.-2. It is distributive.-3. It is equitable. His holy law before him stands; 24. Thou shalt call his name Jesus. Matt. i. 21. 1. A Divinely appointed name.-2. A very expressive name.-3. A precious name. Jesus! the name that calms our fears, 'Tis music in the sinner's ears; 25. Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke ii. 10, 11. 1. A joyous announcement.-2. A wonderful personage.-3. Extraordinary union of grandeur and humility. Joyful all ye nations, rise; Join the triumph of the skies; 26. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke ii. 14. 1. The angels' doxology to God.-2. Their congratulations of men. Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace, 27. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke ii. 12. 1. Extraordinary humiliation.-2. Unparalleled condescension.-3. Mysterious benevolence. Cold, on his cradle, the dew drops are shining; 28. When he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me. Heb. x. 5. 1. Without a sacrifice of infinite value, sinners could not be saved.-2. The sacrifices of the Old Testament were inadequate to the purpose.-3. The body of Christ was given him that he might have an offering that should be satisfactory. But Christ, the heavenly Lamb, A sacrifice of nobler name, 29. We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ. Heb. x. 10. 1. We cannot be saved without sanctification.2. We are dependent for sanctification upon the expiatory offering of Christ. Should my tears forever flow, Should my zeal no languor know, Thou must save, and thou alone: 30. And I beheld, and heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts [living ones] and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Rev. v. 11, 12. 1. The sentiment of heaven.-2. The spirit of heaven.-3. The employment of heaven. Hark! how the choirs above, There, too, may we be found, "Worthy the Lamb." |