clear up, that they generally "marvelled, “ and left him, and went their way. Not "one amongst them was able to answer “him; neither durst any man, from that day forth, ask him any more questions." 66 6. It is evident to reason, and it is confirmed by invariable experience, that the purest and the sublimest precepts, if not enforced by a correspondent example in the teacher, will avail but little with the generality of mankind. It is equally certain, that there scarce ever existed a public instructor, whose practice, however laudable in general, did not fall far below the rules he prescribed to others, and to himself. Here our blessed Lord stood unrivalled and alone: he, and he only, of all the sons of men, acted up in every the minutest instance to what he taught; and exhibited, in his own person, a perfect model of every virtue he inculcated. He commanded, for instance, his disciples "to love God with all "their heart, and soul, and mind, and "strength*;" and in conformity to this law, * Mark xii. 30. 7. and lastly. To the influence of example, he added the authority of A DIVINE TEACHER. The best and wisest of the ancient philosophers could do nothing more than give good advice to their followers; and we all know from sad experience, what mere advice will do against strong passions, established habits, and inveterate corruptions. But our great Lawgiver, on the contrary, delivered all his doctrines, and all his precepts, in the name of God. He spoke in a tone of superiority and command, which no one before him had the courage or the right to assume. He called himself the SON OF GOD; and he constantly supported, in his words, as well as in his actions, the dignity and the divinity of that high character. Not to mention all his astonishing miracles, he showed even in his discourses, that "all power in "heaven and in earth was given unto him, ❝and that he and his Father were one."* * Matt. xxviii. 18. John x. 30. "deny themselves and take up their cross." But it was to follow him who had denied himself almost every comfort and convenience of life; and for the joy that was set before him, "endured the cross, and despised "the shame" of an ignominious death. † He required them " to love their enemies, "to bless those that cursed them, and pray "for those that despitefully used and per"secuted them." A hard saying this, + and, of all others, perhaps, the most revolting to human nature. But how could they refuse to give even this last and most painful proof of their obedience, who saw that their Divine Master, when he was reviled, reviled not again; but in the very midst of his agony, prayed for his enemies and per secutors. No wonder that every word from such a teacher as this should sink deep into the hearts of all who heard them, and engage their affections, as well as convince their understandings. *Matt. xvi. 24. 251 ighty Soveof his glory, earth stand e distributes sting punishrts.* Well, that his word taught them d not as the ncipal causes access to our mpelled even that "never The conseght him," and not blinded by their sins, and dently our duty he causes which aviour's preachill subsist in the roduce the same + Matt. vii. 29. In the very beginning of his Sermon on the Mount, to the poor in spirit, to the merciful, to the pure in heart, to the peacemakers, and many other descriptions of men, he took upon him to promise the kingdom of heaven.* When he was exposing the vain traditions of the elders, he opposed to their feeble reasonings, and miserable casuistry, his own authoritative edict: " But I say unto you, swear not at all; I say unto 66 66 66 you, resist not evil; I say unto you, love your enemies." When the Pharisees † rebuked his disciples for plucking the ears of corn on the Sabbath, he silenced them with declaring, "that the Son of man was Lord "also of the Sabbath." When he healed diseases, his language was, "I will; be thou "clean." || When he forgave sins, " Be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. 66 66 66 Thy faith hath made thee whole. Go in peace, and sin no more." And when he gives a description of the last day, he *Matt. v. 3. 12. Mark ii. 28. + Matt. v. 34. 39. 44. § Matt. ix. 2. Mark v. 34. |