June 22

"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." 1 John 2:3.

IN the context, Jesus is set forth as our Advocate. He pleads the sinner's cause in the court of heaven. But the subject for our present contemplation is Christian knowledge. Notice

ITS PROPERTIES. "We know him," that is, Christ.

It is glorious in its object. Paul speaks of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord. It surpasses all the learning of the world. It is the knowledge of Christ in the excellences of his character, the value of his atonement, the extent of his love, the treasures of his grace, and the reasonableness of his requirements.

It is peculiar in its nature. It is very different from that theoretical acquaintance with divine things that is possessed by nominal Christians. This knowledge is personal, and leads us to individualize ourselves, and view religion as a matter between God and our souls. It is experimental: while there is light in the mind, there is love in the heart; while the judgment is informed, the soul is impressed. It is spiritual and saving, and associates our ideas, desires, and reflections, with spiritual objects.

It is Divine in its communication. The Spirit alone chases away the dark clouds of ignorance and error from the benighted mind, and pours into it the rays of heavenly light. While he places before us the lessons we are to learn, he gives us a capacity to receive them, an understanding to know their richness, a heart to feel their influence, and a spirit to enjoy their sweetness.

It is delightful in its results. Oh! who can estimate the value of this knowledge? It is a tree whose fruits are delicious to the taste, and which thrives by the genial influence of the Sun of righteousness, and the heavenly dews of the Divine Spirit; and here the believer may come and regale himself, without fearing the flaming sword of the cherubim. To drop the metaphor, this knowledge affords pleasure to the mind, joy to the soul, and peace to the conscience. If its effects are so glorious even here, what will be its results in that world of light

"Where knowledge grows without decay, And love shall never die"!