how the doctrine of justification by faith is inseparably connected with holiness of life; that, in the ninth and two following chapters, he shews that the remedy, which has been in mercy provided for a sinful world, is of universal application: and that, in the last five chapters, he brings these truths home to the hearts of all believers, amidst all the various duties and relations of life, in the noblest strain of practical exhortation. I will now say a few words respecting the manner in which, in humble dependence upon Divine aid, I have endeavoured, in this as in other instances, to provide for the instruction of the flock committed to my charge. Ever since my first entrance upon the duties of the Christian ministry, my attention has been repeatedly drawn to the admirable manner in which the Church of England combines that study of the sacred word, which she recommends to all her children, with a reverential attention to catholic consent, or to that which has been believed IN ALL PLACES, AT ALL TIMES, BY ALL THE FAITHFUL. Feeling strongly the importance of the above principle, and desiring, therefore, according to my humble measure, to act in the same spirit, I have, in all my preparations for the pulpit, sought, in the first place, in meditation and in prayer, to enter into the depth and spirit, the scope and connexion, of any given 2 Quod ubique, quod semper, quod ab omnibus, creditum est.— passage. I have then consulted, as far as it has been in my power, such commentaries and other books as bear upon the interpretation of holy writ; and, whenever I have met with remarks well suited to illustrate the passage in hand, I have thankfully availed myself of such assistance, under the full conviction that it was my bounden duty to strengthen my own weak efforts by the wisdom and the piety of those, whether in the past or present age, who have laboured in the same sacred cause. When I have thus employed, in the following pages, either wholly or chiefly, the language of others, I have generally given my authorities in the margin. And if I have not made such references in all instances, in which I have been more or less indebted to the labours of those who have gone before me, I have only abstained from doing so, because I have felt unwilling to make a parade of the various authors, whom I have had occasion to consult in the preparation of my Lectures. But I desire to take this opportunity of acknowledging the benefit which I have derived from thus holding communion with the servants of God in every age. It is true that I have traced various shades of difference among them respecting some of the deep things of God; but I have invariably found that all who hold the Head," speak, as with one heart and one voice, upon those vital doctrines of the Gospel, which bear immediately upon the misery, and the salvation, of mankind! 3 Col. ii. 19. Having spoken of the deep things of God, I may add, that, for myself, I have always feared to tread where Scripture no longer seems to lead us by the hand, and where those who still press forward are too often found to contradict many decisive testimonies, or to oppose the general tenor, of the inspired writings. With respect to all points of this description, I would say, with the wise and holy martyr, Bishop Ridley: In these matters I am so fearful, that I dare not speak further, yea, almost none otherwise, than the very text doth, as it were, lead me by the hand.'4 6 The Christian knows, indeed, that it is his highest privilege to launch forth into the deep of the divine promises; to spread every sail that he may receive the blessed influences of the Holy Spirit; and to possess himself as much as possible of the fulness of God! But the Christian knows, also, that, instead of vainly attempting to explore those depths which are beyond the fathom line of the human understanding, he should look continually, with stedfast faith and joyful hope, to that "star of Jacob," which shines, in the spiritual firmament, to cheer and to direct his course towards the haven of rest! I have endeavoured, in the following Exposition, thus to point to Jesus, as "the bright and morning "6 who only can give light to them that sit star," 4 See Calvin on ch. xi. 34. 66 Note 66. 6 Rev. xxii. 16. 5 Numb. xxiv. 17. 66 in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace!" I humbly trust that I have done so "in simplicity and godly sincerity;" that I have studied to "shew myself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth ;"9 and that I have neither spoken peace," where there is 66 no peace," nor "made the heart of the righteous sad, whom God hath not made sad !” 1 And, in now sending this little volume forth into the world, I earnestly call upon Him, "who commanded the light to shine out of darkness," beseeching him to "shine in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ," 2 and to enable us 66 so to walk in the light of his truth, that at length we may attain to the light of everlasting life!" 3 9 2 Tim. ii. 15. 2 2 Cor. iv. 16. 1 Ezek. xiii. 10 and 22. 3 Collect for St. John the Evangelist's day. R. A. BRIGHTON, 1833. 1 |