Christ-or rather, I should say, that he has enabled us to stand and suffer reproach for the most catholic and orthodox doctrine, that Christ took human nature in the fallen, and not in the unfallen, state; which, to my horror and amazement, I do find those theological babes of the religious world ready to renounce. Where will their renunciations end? They will end where it is expedient for them to stop; but so long as it will bring more reputation, more rank, and more money, they will renounce whatever displeaseth public opinion.Well, my beloved brethren, the time is come for every man to look unto the foundation he resteth on, as well as the superstructure he is rearing upon it. There is nothing safe. Every thing is sapped and undermined the first blast of fear, the first blow of violence, the first wave of commotion, will make it reel and totter. I have an exquisite pleasure in looking back upon the way by which we have been led; and how, as we took every new step in advance, the archers shot at us; but have not prevailed against us.-And now, finally, and above all, as the consummation of the whole, it pleased God to make known to us the coming of Christ in glory and in majesty, and his reign upon the earth for a thousand years, together with the resurrection of the saints, and the other mysteries of grace therewith connected. These have been God's special gifts unto us as a church; which ought never to be forgotten, and which I desire, as your mouth, devoutly to acknowledge unto Christ, the great Head of the church, and unto the God and Father of all the dispensations. While remembering, and recording, and devoutly acknowledging, these the gracious gifts of our God and Saviour, let us not forget the visible monument of our gratitude as a church, which we have these five years been labouring to build up, and which we have now almost finished. They who have laboured in this work for the Lord's sake, will not lose their reward. They who have given of their substance in its behalf, will know themselves no poorer. They who have given their time, and their counsels, will not find their own affairs less prosperous, or less wisely advised. Thankfully do I acknowledge the debt which my people owe to all such generous benefactors. My conviction is, dearly beloved brethren, that many trials and many sacrifices abide us. The spirit of the church, and the spirit of the nation, grows worse and worse. The times are both perilous and evil. This city is the place in which the church will have to abide a fearful struggle. We are not unknown, nor unnoticed, by the enemies of Christ. Satan owes us many a grudge; and he will come; and whatever he hath in us he will wrench away from us. Cleanse yourselves, therefore; purify yourselves; give yourselves wholly unto Christ; dwell in love one with another; abide in the truth; be stedfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour in the Lord shall not be in vain. I am, Dearly beloved Brethren, Your affectionate And dutiful Pastor, EDWARD IRVING. NATIONAL SCOTCH CHURCH, 8th July, 1828. |