never knew you." In this then were they to rejoice, that their names were written in heaven: that they were known to God, and accepted of him. The expression is figurative. Men are accustomed to record certain names in their books, of those who have a claim upon them, or whom they design to favour or reward. Speaking after the manner of men, God is said to do the same. Moses speaks of being enrolled in the book which God had written. Isaiah speaks of being "written in the book of the living." Daniel speaks of the people of God being "written in a book." St. Paul speaks of his fellow-labourers, "whose names are in the book of life:" speaks of "the assembly and church of the first-born, whose names are written in heaven." And in the Revelation a book is mentioned, which is "the Lamb's book of life.

"3

The important question is, WHOSE names are there written? The names of all who believe in Christ Jesus. Such was the case with those, of whom it is here said, that their names are written in heaven. When Jesus went through the country of Judea, calling men to repent and believe the gospel, these had attended to him, and "come to him, that they might have life." Many had turned a deaf ear to his invitation. These had accepted it. These were induced to listen to the call, which so many heard in vain. The Lord had opened their hearts, that they attended unto the things spoken

2 Matt. vii. 22.

3 Exod. xxxii. 32; Isa. iv. 3; Dan. xii. 1; Phil. iv. 3; Heb. xii. 23; Rev. xxi. 27.

of Jesus.

every heart.

And the same Lord is ready to open His offer is universal. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." None who accept his offer, and do come unto him, are rejected. "Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out."

The inquiry, therefore, which all are bound to make, whether their own names are written in heaven,-is not an inquiry into God's counsels, but into the state of their hearts. Do we believe in Christ? For "as many as believe in him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life." Have we received him? "To as many as receive him, to them gives he power to become the sons of God." Do we belong to his flock? "His sheep hear his voice, and he knows them, and they follow him : and he gives unto them eternal life, and none shall pluck them out of his hand." Do we "mind the things of the Spirit?" For "as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." And there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

How great the comfort, to know that there is "a book of life," and that there are "names written in heaven," and that nothing except our own fault or negligence, can prevent our name from being included there!

But if ye have reasonable hopes that your names are written in that book, be careful that they be not blotted out. Watch and pray, that ye may be accounted worthy to attain that world, and the resurrection from the dead: not as though ye had

already attained, either were already perfect. Remember that "the foundation of the Lord standeth sure, having his seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." This is your caution, that if ye regard iniquity in your heart, ye have no right to name the name of Christ. "For not every one that saith unto him, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of his Father who is in heaven." On the other hand, this is your comfort, your security, "The Lord knoweth them that are his," and will " pray that their faith fail not," and "will perform unto the end the good work which he has begun in them.”

LECTURE XXXVII.

MYSTERIES OF THE GOSPEL.-A LAWYER INQUIRES CONCERNING ETERNAL LIFE.

LUKE X. 21-29.

(Mark xi. 25-27.)

21. In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

22. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and

4 2 Tim. ii. 19.

who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.

No man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father. The Father alone understands the mysterious union which exists between himself and the Son; the Father alone understands the mysterious union which exists between the Son's divine nature, and that nature which he took upon him when he consented to be born as man. Nay, there are mysteries in that redemption which are known to the Father alone. What knowledge of it is needful for man, he communicates, through the Spirit, to those who ask him but there are heights and depths connected with it which we should vainly attempt to reach. So, again, the Father is known to us only through the Son; "He dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto." The philosophers of old, the wise and prudent of the East, sought after him, “if haply they might find him :" and even still his attributes are mistaken, his will perverted, his counsels misrepresented, by all except those to whom the Son sees fit to reveal him.1 Nay, they who have learnt most concerning him, will be the first to exclaim, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?"

Great, indeed, is the privilege of the meek and simple hearts, the babes in spirit, though not in understanding, to whom those things are revealed. He that is instructed in the gospel has a knowledge of the Father through the Son, of the attributes of

1 αν βουληται ἀποκαλυψαι.

God through this wonderful manifestation of them, which many prophets and kings may have desired in vain.2

23. And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:

24. For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

25. And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Though the question here was prompted by no good motive, it is a question for all to ask most seriously, What shall I do to inherit eternal life? Let none take it for granted that everlasting happiness will be theirs of course. We must provide for the next day, for the next year, that it may go well with us and must not we provide for the world which is to be hereafter?

We cannot now apply to the Author of eternal life in person; but his word is a living oracle, and shall not deceive us. No man ever entered upon the inquiry with an honest, simple heart, and was disappointed: for it is a clear promise, "If any man will do the will of God, he shall know of the doctrine that it be of God." "Blessed are they

that do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled."

Jesus intimates to this inquirer that he was not without a revelation of God's will.

2 See 1 Pet. i. 10-12.