October 16

PART II. — John 14:6.

IF Jesus be the truth, then how necessary it is that all religious ministers be found to harmonise with his revealed will. We need not walk in uncertainty and error, seeing that we possess so sure and infallible a directory in all truth. However plausible our views may be, if they will not bear this test, then are they not genuine, and it will be for our happiness and safety immediately to reject them. We must buy the truth, however much it may cost us, and we must sell it not, however great the price that may be offered for it. As Jesus is the truth, then we see, that to preach the gospel, is to preach Christ: and that is not gospel truth, which is not essentially connected with Christ. All its doctrines, duties, blessings, and privileges must have relation to Christ. He must be exhibited as the foundation, the centre, the Alpha and the Omega, the all in all. Whoever the Christian minister, wherever he goes, before whomsoever he stands, he must have one grand leading subject, and that must be Jesus as the truth. We give evidence of our practical regard to Jesus, as the truth, when we exhibit his spirit and imitate his example. When we speak as he spake; when we live, and walk, and act as he our great exemplar did; when we set him always before us, and follow him as dear children. Does not the Christian character involve in it, the diffusion of the truth? Every believer should shew forth Christ, and be employed in making his gospel known to those who are without. We should tell the perplexed and doubting, that certain happiness is to be found only in Christ. We should place before the enquiring, Jesus, as the only way to comfort and peace: and we should assiduously labour, in holding up the truth until all the errors of Paganism, Mahomedanism, Judaism, and Popery be excluded from our world, and all men know Jesus, as the only Saviour, and be blessed in him.