May 18

PART III.—Acts 3:23.

JESUS, although he is removed from our world, and is exalted far above all principalities and powers, still discharges his prophetical office. He ever lives the great and mighty prophet of his church. In effecting his prophetical work, he employs the ministry of his servants, and the influences of his Spirit. By the ambassadors of his word, the truths of the gospel are conveyed to men, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. He, as the head of the church, and King of Zion, appoints and calls those forth, who are to be the preachers of his gospel, and the expounders of his word. For this solemn and highly responsible work, he alone qualifies them and sends them into their appointed spheres of labour. He furnishes them with the truths they shall declare, the only doctrines they shall preach. And thus by this divinely appointed instrumentality, does Jesus still abide in the discharge of his prophetic office. To render this instrumentality effective, he also employs the influences of his Spirit. By this holy agent, the word is made quick and powerful. By this, it becomes a polished two-edged sword. A mighty hammer breaking the rocky heart. A consuming fire, burning up the stubble of sin. While Jesus by his ministers, conveys the letter of the word to the ear, by his Spirit, he conveys the life of the word to the heart: thus making the gospel, "the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth." In this way, the heart is disposed, either being gently opened, as was Lydia's, or suddenly broken, as in the case of the three thousand Jerusalem sinners. By this same holy agency, does he lead his people into all truth, and teach them all things. In this way, does he fill them with all wisdom, and perfect them in all the knowledge of his will. Yes, Jesus still abides the prophet of his church. Let us imitate the happy and deeply interested Mary, who sat at his feet, hearing all his words. Thus shall we possess the one thing needful, the good part that shall never be taken from us.