milk that little ones are so fond of. The twelve apostles first trusted in Christ, and therefore have their names lowest in the twelve foundations. Christ is the basis, the tried stone, and sure foundation; and he is to the coming soul a living one, "to whom coming as unto a living stone;" and every soul united to Him is called a lively stone, cemented to the foundation in love: and by means of prayer, hearing the word, reading and meditating, he communicates life to all the materials in mercy's fabric, and keeps the whole building in motion and growing up. Now and then there are lets and hindrances to let us know that it is not by an arm of flesh, or by human laws and authority, but by my Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts. And this building is to go on till the last chosen vessel appears. Adam seems to have been the first, but God only knows who will be the last; but as soon as he appears, and he is called, the top-stone will be brought forth with shoutings, crying,

Grace, grace unto it." Two cries, Grace, Grace. Grace in the foundation, grace in all the building. Saving grace in time, and glorifying grace in eternity. The first is the pledge and the earnest of the other; the first is given to us in hand, the other secured to us in hope: and out of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

This, M- is the city. Love is the first bond or cord that lined it out;

salvation is its bulwarks; the gate of righteousness, the gate of life, and the door of hope are the three entrances-which three are on the east, west, north and south sides; that many may come from the four points, and set down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, &c. When this covenant is full, and its number complete, then comes the marriage of the Lamb; then shall the Bridegroom appear in all his ornaments, and the Bride in her jewels. The Bridegroom will appear with all his friends, the

angels from the highest heavens; and the Bride shall go forth from the house appointed for all living, and the virgins, her companions that follow her, shall come with her as her bridemaids: with joy and rejoicing shall they be brought, and shall enter into the King's palace, And at last, like Bathsheba on the right-hand of Solomon, she shall stand at the righthand of the King in gold of Ophir (Psalm xlv: 9).

May God bless you.

W. H. S. S.

SERMONS ON THE EPISTLES TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA.

BY THE LATE REV. SAMUEL EYLES PIERCE.

(Never Before Published.)

SERMON III.

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna: and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."-Rev. ii. 17.

THE exceeding great care and concern of our Lord Jesus Christ towards his church, which he has bought with his most precious blood, is most clearly discovered in these seven letters or epistles sent by him from heaven unto the seven churches in Asia. In which we may observe, what a most faithful reprover our Lord is, and how he likewise divinely comforts all his dear people. Here is in this a manifest difference between our Lord's acting for us in heaven, and in his acting towards us upon earth. heaven he mentions nothing against us, but puts his divine Father in remembrance of his love towards us, saying, Thou hast loved them as thou hast loved me.' There he mentions none of their failings nor infirmities, but presents them complete before the Father in the robe of his everlasting righteousness, and as everlastingly cleansed from every spot and

66

In

atain of sin in his own blood. But while they are here below, the love of Christ towards them is often manitested towards them by the several reproofs and admonitions which he gives them. Here is an instance of it in this very epistle now before us; and which, whether we consider it as prophetical, or in a practical point of view, will, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, yield us much real profit. The church to which this epistle is sent, is the church in Pergamos; and the epistle is directed unto the angel or minister of it. And the sender of this epistle takes unto himself this title, These things, saith he, which hath the sharp sword with two edges." According to that excellent and truly great man, Dr. Gill, "This church, as prophetical, represents the state of Christ's church from the time of Constantine, and onwards, rising up to and enjoying great power, riches and honour." The title Christ takes unto himself, deserves our notice. By the sharp sword is meant the word of the gospel. Christ's word is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and with it he does great execution. By his word the heavens and the earth were created, by it they are preserved. And by his word he raises those who are spiritually dead, and makes them spiritually alive unto God. All his work done upon earth is by means of his word, and he will finish all by his word. And his word is compared to a sword with two edges, because where it does not cut off the sinner from his old stock, Adam, and from his sins and sinful state, it will cut such off from God and bliss to all eternity. And here Christ takes this title unto him self, to put ministers and people in mind of the powerful effects his word has, and ought to have upon the hearts of his people. By it their consciences are wounded, their hearts searched, their spiritual maladies discovered; and the blessings and benefits of his great salvation is by the word made September, 1840.]

known unto them, and by it the Holy Spirit is pleased to comfort them. And it may be this title is made use of, to put them upon considering what powerful effects the Lord's word had upon them, and whether they experienced its efficacy working in and upon them. For it is truly awful with professors, yea, even with the children of the Most High, when they do not find the word of Christ quickening unto them.

Our Lord proceeds to inform his church, that his eye was upon her; that he was attentive to watch her conduct, and mark her whole deportment. "I know thy works." A full proof this is of Christ's being present with his churches, by his omniscience and omnipresence, aad likewise with his special presence. And, "where thou dwellest," Christ takes notice of the situation his church is in, and considers distinctly and particularly the case, condition, and circumstances of each and every one of his people. And as our Lord has a watchful eye over his church and people, so he is graciously pleased to take notice of and acknowledge every good thing in her, even at the same time which he does reprove her. For though her place of abode was most uncomfortable and trying, for Satan had his seat here," I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is;" yet Christ has this to say for her, " and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days when Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth." The church receives this commendation from Jesus Christ, that she held fast his name; by which we are to understand his gospel, by which his name, and nature, love and grace is made known. And this the church had done in face of danger, and in spite of all the opposition which she had been tried with. It was in perilous times. A trial had been made of the faith of the church, martyrdom had

D D

been endured for Christ's sake; and yet they had not, did not deny or renounce the doctrine, profession, nor practice of faith, though at the hazard of their lives. So far all was right. They were taken notice of and praised by Christ for this. But yet in other respects they were faulty, for which they are reproved by Jesus Christ. "But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication." It seems from hence that corrupt doctrines and practices were creeping into the church, and were too much connived at. And if we consider the church in a prophetical view, we are then to consider that here was at this time a secret inundation of errors both in doctrine and worship, which gave great influence to the man of sin-the pope of Rome-who, according to Dr. Gill, took upon him in that interval to be the universal bishop, and lorded it over both church and state in a most haughty and tyrannical manner. Nor was this all, his church was faulty in conniving at these false worshippers, and not renouncing all communion with them, which it was their duty to have done. But says our Lord,

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate." And what Christ hates, his church ought likewise to hate, renounce, and abhor. Now whatever errors or doctrines these were, it is most certain they were opposite and contrary unto Christ. And though the church had not given in to these practices and doctrines, yet they had held in communion with such persons as either taught these doctrines or were led away with them. And such persons, according to the rule of Christ's word, ought to have been rejected and excluded.

The Lord Jesus proceeds to call upon his church to repent herself for

such conduct and practice: "Repent, or else I will come unto thee quickly." He calls upon all the living members of his church to repent, and express their godly sorrow for all that was amiss; for their coldness, supineness, and indifference in their zeal for the Lord's cause and interest. And he adds a threatening unto the command, or else I will come unto thee quickly," in a providential way, to rebuke and chastise for such remissness and indifference: and adds, “ and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth." If the church ceases to reprove for errors, Christ will not. If the church has not strength to withstand erroneous persons, Christ will. And here in the midst of his expressing his displeasure with his church, and his command and calling upon her to repent, and his threatening her in case of no repentance to come quickly by his providential dispensations upon her, to express his disapprobation with her; he speaks of what he will do for his church against her enemies," and will fight against them," that is, against the Balaamites and Nicolaitans, with the sword of my mouth;" that is, by his word, called by the prophet Isaiah the breath of his mouth, whereby he slays the wicked; as it discovers truth from error, and is indeed the word whereby we are to be tried at the last day, and by which at last all false and will-worship will be destroyed, for the apostle Paul, speaking and foretelling the ruin of Antichrist, says, " Whom the Lord will consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming," 2 Thess. ii. 3. Now as whatsoever is written in the scriptures is written for our instruction; so, however applicable this epistle might be to any particular state or period of the church, yet it is not to be so confined, as if it had not a use of direction, command, reproof, and instruction unto us.

Here is contained in it, First, a commendation of the church for her

holding fast the faith of Christ, and professing his name, notwithstanding difficulties and dangers wherewith she was encompassed. And here is, Secondly, a reproof for a supineness and negligence in not coming out and separating from such persons, whose doctrines and practices were contrary unto the word. And, Thirdly, here is a command given by Christ unto the living members of his church, to repent of the evils they were reproved for, to which a threatening is added. And, Fourthly, here is a promise given by Christ, that he will avenge his church of her enemies, I will fight against them with the sword of my mouth." From all which we may, by a serious pondering upon what Christ has hereby revealed, gather some blessed fruit and profit unto our souls.

Having given you a brief survey of the epistle, we come to the words of our text, which contains a promise of Christ unto the church, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna; and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." This promise is exceeding large and copious, and comprehends and contains great grace, and many rich blessings of grace in it. in it. Our blessed Lord, in these epistles, is pleased to command and direct his church what she is to do, and what she is to avoid. He reproves for what is amiss, and then encourages his dear people to go on in the way to heaven, looking unto and leaning upon him. And then promises his dear people that he will be to them in heaven the Tree of Life, the crown of life, and the bread of everlasting life.

It must not be forgotten in our discourses upon these epistles, that Christ is addressing himself unto such as had received him as their life and light, in whose hearts he dwelt by faith, and who had embraced him as

their Prophet, Priest, and King, and were dependent upon him as their lite-giving Head. And though there is in each epistle a general address unto all the visible members of the church, yet our Lord has his eye principally upon his own truly believing people. And this I think is very evident from the promise which Christ makes, and with which he closes each of these epistles-they are all made to the overcomer. Now Christ is not promising the overcomer the everlasting fruition and enjoyment of himself in glory, as the reward of his obedience, and as the fruit of his perseverance; for heaven and eternal glory are the free-gift of God's grace, and believers are entitled unto it by the righteousness of Christ. They that out of the free and sovereign grace of God have received abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by one Jesus Christ, "for grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord." But our Lord is hereby eucouraging real believers in their march heaven-wards, and in their spiritual conflicts with the world, the flesh, and the devil, by the reminding them of, and promising them the blessed enjoyment of himself within the vail. That as they will evidently appear to be his chosen ones, by their persevering to the end of their days in his blessed ways and service; so he will immediately, as soon as their race is finished, and they are by death released from the burden of the flesh, and from their spiritual warfare, admit them into his blessed presence in glory, and make them everlastingly glad with the joy of his countenance, and in the full and perfect enjoyment of himself. The church of Christ is one with him, and is made a partaker of the Spirit of Christ, whereby every real mystic member of Christ's body is quickened, strengthened, and comforted. And as soon as spiritual life is begun in the soul, and manifested by believing in Christ as the Lord our

righteousness and strength, from that moment a battle begins between flesh and spirit, between nature and grace, between the old man and the new. No sooner has the soul received Christ by faith, but Satan will and does from that moment attack that person, nor will he ever cease, either secretly or openly, until the believer is taken to glory.

In our discoursing upon the words before us, there are the following things to be observed. First, the very solemn manner with which our attention is bespoke: "He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." Secondly, to whom the promise is directed; "to him that overcometh." Thirdly, what is promised: Christ says, To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna; and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." Of these, as the Lord shall be pleased to assist, in their order.

First, let us take notice of, and observe the very solemn manner in which our attention is bespoke: I He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." What is delivered in this epistle, and especially in this promise, is of the last importance, and of eternal weight and moment; and therefore it deserves our most serious and devoutest attention. With what reverence ought we to attend the courts of the house of our God. .With what solemn awe and reverence should we at all times approach the Lord in acts of religious worship. Sirs, in matters of religion our business is immediately with God. And when we consider how jealous the Lord is in his worship; and that his eye is upon us to watch our deportment, to take notice of our frame, and to view our whole end and design in his worship; it should put us upon endeavouring to come before him with a holy and reverential fear, and to rejoice before him with trembling. We

should, when we come to hear the word, consider ourselves as more especially in his presence; and we should consider the Lord as speaking imme diately by his holy word unto us. The word, when beard in faith, and mixed with faith, yields us much profit, and produces much fruit to the praise and glory of God. When we hear God speaking in his word, and speaking by his word unto our souls, we then hear so as our souls livelive by the power of God put forth in his word, which reaches our hearts, quickens our consciences, increases our hatred against sin, draws forth our love towards the Lord Jesus, makes him more known unto us, and his salvation more precious unto us; and we hereby have most blessed fellowship with him. And as every mistake we make in religion, is to be ascribed to our neglect of God's word; so all our coldness, deadness, and formality in God's ways, is owing to our want of attending unto the Lord's voice in the word, and in the ministry of it. Oh, that the Spirit of God may cause these words to sink down into our hearts. He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit-the Holy and Eternal Spirit, the Lord and Giver of spiritual life-hath to say in his word, and what he saith unto the churches, by way of command, reproof, caution, and direction; and particularly what he has to say unto us, and lays before us in this most blessed psasage now before us.

He speaks in and by his word to all the members of the visible churches, both unto saints and sinners. For there is no sinner but is reproved in and by the word. Their case and awful state is described, and the damnation which will be the portion of unbelievers is declared. And every believer is spoken unto in the word, and this is exactly suited to their va. rious cases. And there is no support they need but it is held forth unto them in the Lord's word.

Let us, Secondly, consider unto