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Taylor, Rev. J.

Thurlow, Rev. E. S. Norwich

Thurlow, Rev. E.

Turner, Dawson, Esq. Great Yarmouth, 2 copies

Tyssen, S. Esq.

Valpy, Mrs. Gorlestone, Norfolk, 2 copies

Upcher, Mrs. Sherringham Hall, Norfolk

Utting, J. Esq. Long Stratton

Waddington, Rev. G. Northwold, Norfolk
Warmoll, Mr. J. Topcroft, Norfolk

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Wodehouse, Admiral, Hingham, Norfolk, 2 copies

Wodehouse, Rev. C. N. Norwich

Wodehouse, Miss

Woolley, S. T. Esq. Birchwood Cottage, Derbyshire

Wright, Rev. T.

Wright, Rev. C.

Yelloly, Dr. Woodton Hall, Norfolk

Yonge, Rev. William, Chancellor of Norwich

Zouche, Baroness de la

SERMON I.

THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.

1 SAMUEL, iii. 7.

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord.

THIS was spoken of the prophet Samuel in his infancy. Is it less true of many who, in a Christian country, have grown up to manhood amidst the means of grace? Yet rightly to know the Lord, if we may not call it religion itself, is at least its foundation and groundwork. "He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of those that diligently seek him." a This, the truest wisdom, was long hidden from all the nations of the world but one. The Lord made choice

a Heb. xi. 6.

B

of the people of Israel, to keep safe and undefiled the knowledge of himself, until the coming of the Messiah should spread it over the whole earth. Even yet, however, there are nations unacquainted with the true God, and therefore lying in wickedness. Upon our much-favoured land the sun of righteousness has risen; the light has long shined, "the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” If then we yet walk in darkness, "how great is that darkness!" If we know not the Lord, how much greater is our wickedness than that of the heathen! How much more fearful will be our condemnation! It is my purpose therefore to collect, and place before you in one view, the information respecting God most High which abounds in scripture; that those who from youthfulness, from carelessness, or want of instruction, have not, as yet, known the Lord, may be able to say, henceforward, "this is the true God and everlasting life."

To this end, I will first describe the divine nature, or the manner in which our Maker has his being then, the divine

character, or qualities; by which, I mean the perfections belonging to his nature.

With respect to the nature of God, the scriptures teach that he is invisible, infinite, eternal, one, yet consisting of three

persons.

Each of these descriptions shall be separately considered.

I. God is invisible. "No man hath seen God at any time." We often read in seripture that the Lord appeared unto his people; on those occasions a voice was heard, or their attention was drawn to some visible object; as when Moses saw the burning bush, and Jacob wrestled with a human figure; yet they never supposed that their Maker was really present in that shape. Thus also when it is said, in the language of the Bible, Thy right hand shall hold me;" "the eye of the Lord is in every place beholding the evil and the good" it is merely a striking way of expressing his power and knowledge. imagine that he has a bodily form and members like our own, would be to con

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b 1 John, iv. 12.

To

fine his presence to a certain spot, and so to liken him to the vain and worthless idols of the heathen. How highly this dishonours God, he has shown in his terrible vengeance against those who presumed to "make to themselves any graven image. And Moses carefully reminded the Israelites, that, though God often condescended to visit them, yet, they "saw no manner of similitude." We must therefore take heed never, even in our thoughts, to represent God to ourselves as present in one place more than another; or as clothed in any particular shape. "God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."

II. He is eternal. As all things were made by him, he must at one time have been alone and as it is absurd to think of any being whatsoever that it has made itself, God must have been that which he now is from all eternity. David accordingly sings, "before the mountains were brought forth, or ever the earth and the world were made, thou art God from c St. John, iv. 24.

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