Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

braces are of the utmost importance, and such as the mind is naturally led to, from a consideration of the grace of the gospel, on the one hand, and of its practical obligations, on the other. Both these are remarkably combined in this passage, which occured in the second lesson for the Sunday following that on which the last sermon on the covenant was delivered. An examination of it appeared, therefore, to be peculiarly appropriate, as a conclusion of the whole subject. For this reason the consideration of it is introduced here.

Some apology may perhaps be necessary for an occasional reference to the originals of the Old and New Testament. I believe I have not made it, except where it has seemed to throw light upon the point in hand: and, in this case, such as understand the originals will be pleased to meet with it; while, to others, the general sense will, in most places be found sufficiently plain. I confess, I think we are losers, in the present day, from not having followed the example of our old divines more closely, in this respect; though some of them carried their liberty

to excess.

I have thrown into the shape of notes a few remarks on the topics, either of some difficulty, or of particular interest, arising out of the subject. On some of these points I cannot expect that all will take exactly the view which I have done but I trust that any difference of sentiment herein will not affect the general usefulness of the work itself. I have advanced nothing but what I am deeply persuaded is the truth of God; and, in this conviction, compromise would be sinful. Such as it is, I commend it, humbly, to the divine blessings. May it be the means of refreshing the people of the Lord in their warfare, of establishing their faith and hope in Christ, and of leading them into larger enjoyment of the "fulness of blessing" of THE EVERLASTING COVENANT, ORDERED IN ALL THINGS AND SURE!”

CLAPHAM, May 14, 1833.

14

CONTENTS.

The persons to whom this grace is offered, to wit, all members of the visible
church, 69-74; The condition in which it supposes them to be, utterly sin-
ful and wretched,-men indisposed to regard this as the state to which

CHAPTER VII.

MAN WORKING, AND GOD ENABLING, 208.

How we should be impressed in view of salvation by the new covenant, 208-209;

Dependence upon God, and diligence on our part, required in the spiritual

world-this illustrated by other things, 209-212; The important duty

of our working enforced, 212-213; Begun by renouncing all self-confidence,

and by being engrossed with desires to find peace with God, 213-216;

Believers must work for salvation from sin and from low attainments in

grace, and from imperfect enjoyment of God, 216-220; Three reasons for

this working, (1) The majesty and holiness of God, 220-223; (2) The im-

mensity of Gospel grace, 223-224; (3) The dangers to which the Christian

is exposed, 224-226; God's working in the believer a great encouragement

to diligence, 226-228; God works in us to will, 228-230; also to do, 230;

Mode of God's inward working illustrated, 231; The truth here considered

humbling, 231-232; also encouraging, 232-233; It is God's sovereign plea.

sure to carry on this work-this a source of confidence and praise, 233–236.

THE BETTER COVENANT CONSIDERED AS THE NATIONAL COVENANT OF ISRAEL IN

THE LATTER DAY 238.

The establishment of this covenant with the Jews as a national one, 239;

Common, but untenable views in opposition, 239-242; These views dis-

proved by showing the way in which they torture the language of the pro-

mises, 242-244; The author's doctrine maintained by reference to the text,

and other passages of Scripture, 244-253; The promises of the covenant in

their application to the Jews considered, 253—they will be justified as a

nation, 253-258; they will also be sanctified in a body-all being renewed,

258-262-admitted to a blessed relationship to God, 258-265-and divinely

illuminated, 265-267; The character of this future dispensation-the na-

tions witnessing it, affected by it, and the whole race of men regener-

ated 267-271.

NOTES.-1, The advantages which man derives from being in covenant rela-

tionship to God, 273;-2, Man's obligation to accept whatever covenant

God proposes, 273;-3, Difference between a covenant and law of God,

275;-4, the character of the Jewish covenant, 275;-5, Distinction be-

tween the covenant of works, and that of grace, 281;-6, Nature and ex-

tent of the atonement, 282;-7, Preference of the word Covenant in this

connexion to Testament, 294;-8, Christ's sympathy with believers, 297;—

9. The time in which this covenant is to be established with the Jews, 303;

-10, The righteousness of Christ, 304;-11, The ground of God's eternal

decree of election, 305;-12, Exegesis of Gen. vi. 2, 310;-13, Danger of

following our own systems instead of God's word, 311;-14, The covenant

to be established with the Jewish nation, 312.

« AnteriorContinuar »