GOD is unchangeable; the same yesterday, to-day and forever. Jesus, the manifestation of God in the flesh, and the exact representation of his person, in whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead, bodily; the concentration and embodiment of all divine benevolence, goodness and perfection, is unvaryingly the same—the constant, the ever blessed and merciful philanthropist. Christianity, as set forth upon the sacred pages of the New Testament, is but the revelation of the mystery from the beginning of the world, hid in God who created all things by Jesus Christ, but the development of the eternal purpose of God, the unfolding of the infinite benevolence, mercy and goodness, in a gracious system of pardon, restoration and final redemption, for all them who obey him, through the proclamation of the glorious gospel of the blessed God. It was the infinite goodness that prompted it, the infinite will that resolved it, the infinite wisdom that devised it, and infinite power that executed it. God first purposed the gracious scheme of benevolence. He then promised it to Abraham, saying, “In thee, and in thy seed, all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.” He succeeded this promise by many clear predictions of the prophets, and divine testimonies from their hallowed lips. Yet these things were not understood by mortal man. Great and good men believed the promise and the testimonies of the prophets, rested in hope and died in faith, without understanding; fully appreciating or comprehending the full import of the good things to come. Eye had not then seen, ear had not heard, nor had it entered into the heart of man to conceive the good things God had prepared for them that love him. The things now revealed in the gospel, had been hid for ages, and not made known to the sons of men. Christianity is now a mystery explained, a secret revealed—that which was hid in God, made known—the purpose of God developed—a promise fulfilled according to the Scriptures of the prophets, and the commandment of the everlasting God, made known among all nations for the obedience of faith.
A Book of Gems, or, Choice selections from the writings of Benjamin Franklin
Explore more books like this:
About This Book
A curated anthology of sermons, debates, tracts, and miscellaneous religious writings arranged by subject and indexed for quick reference. Selections treat biblical authority, church order and practices (such as baptism and communion), pastoral responsibilities and preaching, moral exhortation, repentance and salvation, missionary effort, and reflections on life’s brevity. Short homiletic pieces blend doctrinal argument with practical counsel and urgent appeals for immediate personal and communal reform, offering guidance for Christian conduct and for those engaged in ministry or church renewal.