LV.

Acts, iv. 32.

And they were of one heart and one soul.

THE New Testament was composed by eight persons-Matthew Mark Luke JohnPaul Peter-James-and Jude. All these persons wrote at different times and in different places. Their writings consist of various subjects - of historical narratives of accounts of the early establishment of the Christian churchof explanations of the religion they taught and of the several rules it inculcated. And yet, notwithstanding they all treat, more or less, on the same subjects, and under such a variety of circumstances; yet both in the historical and doctrinal parts, they all agree so faithfully, as to constitute one history, and one system of religion.

What

What little variations we find among them, are of no consequence in themselves; but of great consequence in proving the authenticity of the whole. They plainly show the several writers did not write in concert.

If all this do not amount to a full evidence of the truth of Scripture, I know not what can. Where shall we find eight persons coming forward from different places, and at different times, uniting so circumstantially in a falsehood? Falsehood always falters, and is continually shifting its ground, and labouring to make out a consistent story. One lying witness, on being closely questioned in many particulars, can hardly escape detection. But when eight lying witnesses are examined separately on the several pretended facts of a falsehood, it is impossible they should all agree.

LVI.

James, ii. 23.

He was called the friend of God.

THIS was spoken of Abraham. But as we all

may have the same access to God which Abraham had, we may all, in a degree, be, as he was, the friends of God- or rather (to express ourselves in more modest language,) we may hope to make God our friend. If we can fix this hope on good grounds in our minds, we want nothing more to secure our happiness both in this world and the next. The friendship and protection of an Almighty God are so great, that every thing in the world must appear as nothing in the comparison.

He who

Are our circumstances straitened? has a reversion of infinite value in view, cannot, or ought not, to be much depressed on the trifling circumstances of a journey to receive it.

Are

Are we sick, or perhaps approaching our latter end? But should not we be cheered on arriving at the very threshold of our Friend's door? Let us not then think of the storm without; but of the kind reception and comfort we shall receive within.

Are our services less requited than we think they should be?-Let us think the more of that potent Friend, who will not suffer the least of our good actions to pass unrewarded.

Or do we think ourselves neglected by our friends, and less respected in general than we hoped to have been?-Alas! let not our minds run on such trifles. Have we the consolation to think our great Friend looks favourably upon us? Then let us turn round with complacency, and smile at the neglect of the world.

or

Thus too, when we have received an injurywhen our characters have been maligned when we have met with ingratitude from those we have assisted let us recollect we have a Friend, to whom we may bring all our complaints, and who will, in due time, redress all our patient sufferings. -It may, therefore, be our constant consolation, on every occasion, If God be with us, what matters it who is against us?

LVII.

I conferred not with flesh and blood.-Gal. i. 16.

THE Apostle particularly means, that he held no conference with flesh and blood in religious matters. He attended only to the revelation of God. And indeed it is in religious matters, in which flesh and blood are chiefly the most miserable advisers. But they are vile counsellors on all subjects, as well as in religion. There are very few actions of our lives which they do not, in some degree govern, and, in general, mislead. With all the pleasures of the world they go hand in hand. They easily silence the voice of temperance; and if not severely checked, soon lead us into sensuality. A man under the influence of flesh and blood, is, in fact, a brute.