They are esteemed, in great measure, as "cunningly devised fables""—] We ask then what effect they have produced on us? [Are we stimulated to diligence by a prospect of heaven?――― Does the thought of hell impress us with holy fear?Does a dread of the destroying angel induce us to keep our hearts sprinkled with the blood of Jesus?— How obdurate must we be if we be not thus influenced!-] II. What evidence have we that our faith is scriptural and saving? We are apt to mistake the nature of saving faith [Some suppose it to mean no more than an assent to the gospel Others imagine it to consist in an assurance of our interest in Christ But both of these are equally remote from the truth— The former may accord with the indulgence of every sin The latter is no where declared necessary to salvationIt is indeed an high privilege to know our sins forgiven P— But we must be pardoned before we can know that we are pardoned-] But the scripture account of faith is clear and precise [Faith, with respect to its nature, is a simple reliance on Christ In its origin, it is a free unmerited gift of God"—— And in its effects, it is invariably productive of good works3 Such was the faith of the first converts and the Jailor-] Let us then enquire whether we be really possessed of it [Have we ever found the difficulty of believing?And under a sense of our weakness cried to God for faith?" Has God in answer to our prayer wrought faith in our hearts? Are we enabled by it to overcome the maxims and habits of the world?" Are we filled by means of it with love to the brethren??— And are we purified by it from earthly, sensual, devilish affections? Let us thus examine ourselves whether we be in the faithb We may deceive ourselves; but we cannot deceive God-] ADDRESS 1. To those that are in unbelief [The gospel was to be "preached to every creature in the world" And a woe is denounced against the ministers who preach it notd What it is their duty to preach, it must be our duty to heare Know then that to you is the word of this salvation sent— Put it not from you, nor adjudge yourselves unworthy of eternal life A time will come when you will wish that you had received it "Consider this; and the Lord give you understanding in all things"-] ADDRESS 2. To those who are weak in faith [You greatly dishonour God by your doubts and fearsWhat could the Saviour have done more for you than he has done?i What reason can you have to doubt his power or willingness to save? Does the guilt of sin dismay, or its power oppress your soul? Christ will both expiate its guilt,k and subdue its power! Plead the promise in the text, and it shall be fulfilled to you-] ADDRESS 3. To those who are strong in faith [How glorious is the prospect opened to you by the Lord Jesus! Let it fill you with holy gratitude and joy And now shew a cocnern for the honour of your Lord and Saviour Shew what is the genuine scope and tendency of the gospelm Silence by your lives the calumnies of the ungodly Let the efficacy of faith be seen in the excellence of your works And the Lord grant that you may ever be able to say with the apostle c Gal. vi. 7. e Matt. x. 14, 15. 1 Thess. iv. 8. d 1 Cor. ix. 16. Ezek. xxxiv. 2. f Acts xiii. 26. g Ib. ver. 46. k 1 John ii. 1, 2. m Tit. iii. 8. as connected with the foregoing verses 4-7. MR. CLAUDE'S TOPICS, Referred to in the Skeleton, p. 229–233. I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. XII. Rise from species to genus. Descend from genus to species. Remark the divers characters of a vice, which is forbidden, or of a virtue which is commanded. Observe the relation of one subject to another. Observe whether some things be not supposed, which are not expressed. Reflect on the person speaking or acting. Reflect on the state of the person speaking or acting. Observe place. Consider the persons addressed. Examine the particular state of persons addressed. XIII. Consider consequences. XIV. XV. Reflect on the end proposed in an expression or an action. Consider whether there be any thing remarkable in the manner of the speech or action. XVI. Compare words and actions with similar words and actions. XVII. Remark the differences of words and actions on different occasions. XVIII. Contrast words and actions. XIX. Examine the grounds, or causes of an action or expression; and shew the truth or equity of it. XX. Remark the good and bad in expressions and actions. XXI. Suppose things. XXII. Guard against objections. XXIII. Consider Characters of-Majesty-Meanness-In firmity-Necessity-Utility-Evidence, &c. XXIV. Remark degrees. XXV. XXVI. Observe different interests. Distinguish-define-divide XXVII. Compare the different parts of the text together. SKELETONS. I. THE ONLY TRUE AND SUFFICIENT GROUND OF GLORYING. Jer. ix. 23, 24. Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might; let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord, which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. WE need no other introduction to our subject than that of the Prophet Bearing in mind therefore the Saviour's repeated admonitions, we shall J. Remove the false and insufficient grounds of glorying Wisdom, Power, and Riches, are highly esteemed amongst men And, if rightly improved, they certainly are valuable talents [Wisdom enables a man to conduct his own affairs with discretion It qualifies him also for instructing his fellow-creaturesIt may lead a person to make many valuable discoveriesThus it may profit individuals and the community at large Might also is useful for the preserving of order in societyAnd it may be improved to suppress vice, and encourage virtue Riches too may serve for the rewarding of industryOr they may be imployed in relieving the necessitousNone of these things therefore ought to be depreciated-] But they are by no means proper objects of glorying To glory in any thing, is, to value it highly, pursue it cagerly, and seek our happiness in it |