September 23

PART II.—John xiv. 6.

Jesus is the only way to eternal glory. There is but one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. He is the one immutable foundation, the rock of ages, and other foundation can no man lay, than that is laid, which is Christ. To him as the way, all the prophets testified; and John, as his illustrious harbinger and herald, proclaimed him as the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. It is the especial work of the ministry, to point inquiring penitent souls to Jesus, as the only refuge and saviour from the wrath to come. And in doing this, the distinguishing features of this way must be specified. Its freeness must be proclaimed, that it is not restricted to a select few of mankind, but that Christ is the Saviour of all men, especially of them that believe. That there is no condition, natural or moral, which can exclude from Jesus and his salvation, but the self-willed and persevering exercise of unbelief. He hath declared that whosoever cometh unto him, he will in no wise cast out. Then its gratuitousness must be announced. As it is free to all, so it is free to all on the most gracious terms; there is no moral fitness required. No meritorious service is demanded. Unworthy, wretched, and truly despicable, rebellious sinners, may approach Jesus as they are, for

"All the fitness he requireth,

Is to feel their need of him."

Then it is a way of sure and certain blessedness. All who have received Jesus, and walk in him, possess peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Their course infallibly tends to eternal life. No evil can come near them, no mischief can befall them; abiding in him they cannot perish, neither can any pluck them out of his hands. They go from strength to strength, every one of them at last, appears before God in the celestial Zion.

Jesus my Lord thou only art,

Salvation's blessed way,

Oh, cheer my heart, and keep my feet

Unto eternal day.