April 29

"Ye should earnestly contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints."—Jude 3.

IN the early ages of Christianity, when there were such numerous efforts made for the overthrow of the Gospel, it became necessary for those who espoused the sacred cause, to show themselves to be bold champions for the truth, and go forth sword in hand against the enemy. The same opposition to the truth still exists, though displayed in a different way; and the same spirit of fortitude is still demanded in the follower of Christ.

LET US EXPLAIN THE TERM. "The faith;" it here denotes the system of the Gospel. See Romans 3:31. Galatians 3:23. It must be embraced in faith: there is nothing in it against the principles of reason, but much above its grasp. The misery of man proves the necessity of the Gospel; the work of Christ exhibits the substance of the Gospel; the influences of the Spirit secure the application of the Gospel; and the glories of heaven are the results of the Gospel.

LET US EXAMINE THE FACT. "This faith was once delivered unto the saints." This intimates

Its authority. It was delivered by a Divine hand; frequently in the promises, symbolically in the types, prophetically in the predictions, actually in the person of Christ, and supernaturally by the inspiration of the Spirit.

Its sufficiency. It was "once" delivered to the saints, that is, once for all. We are to expect no other revelation from God; the period of the Gospel dispensation is called "the last days." Christ was "once" offered, and "once" entered into the holy place.

LET US ENFORCE THE DUTY. "Ye should earnestly contend." Contemplate

Its nature. You must be ready to confess it, careful to evidence it, zealous to promote it, and willing to suffer for it.

Its spirit. It must be earnestly, with Christian zeal; charitably, with Christian love; and seasonably, with Christian prudence.

"Faith is the Christian's prop, Whereon his sorrows lean."