WE turn our eyes to the infant in a manger in Bethlehem, and place them upon the child of promise, born according to the divine purpose, to whom God had been pointing from the beginning of time, who is to be the rise and fall of many nations, and the hope of the world, and find that all the divine prophets, and holy Seers of olden times, have been looking to him; that the attention of all heaven is directed to him, and, that the object now is, to engage the attention, enlist the hearts, and center the affections of the whole family of man in him who is called Jesus. Accordingly, wonders surround him of a stupendous character, when he is born. Angels of heaven appear, exclaiming, “We bring you good news of great joy, which shall be to all people. Unto you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior is born, which is Christ the Lord.” After a few incidents connected with his birth, and up till he is two years of age, he passes pretty much without observation, through the period of his minority, and the time comes for the Lord to make him known to Israel. We look and see him approach John the Baptist, demanding baptism at his hands. The good man knew him not as the Messiah, though he knew him as a kinsman, and, in humility says, “I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me.” The Lord replied, “Suffer it to be so now, for thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness.” With this righteous explanation, the Baptist walked by the side of his Lord, not knowing him to be his Savior, for he says, “I knew him not, but he who sent me to baptize, said, ‘On whomsoever you see the Holy Spirit descending and remaining, that is he.’” Down they enter, hand in hand, into the water. The immerser takes his Redeemer in his hands, and lowers him till his person is buried in the waters of Jordan, and then gently raises him up. As they ascend from the water, they lift their eyes and behold the opening heavens, and the descending Spirit as it forms a visible appearance, and rests upon him whom God would have revealed to Israel. At this moment, the Almighty Father spoke from heaven, in the audience of the people, announcing: “This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I am well pleased.”
A Book of Gems, or, Choice selections from the writings of Benjamin Franklin
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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.