Sermons Preached in the African Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Thomas', Philadelphia/Sermon 1
SERMON I
THE GOD OF HOPE.
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."
In how many consoling aspects do the inspired writings represent the great Sovereign of the Universe, at whose dread tribunal mankind are destined to appear, to render an account of the deeds done in the body. Conscious as we all are of guilt and condemnation, had we no other point of view to contemplate our Creator, than, as All-wise, Just and Omnipotent, what an accumulation of bitterness would be mixed in that cup of sorrow, of which, all more or less are forced to partake, in their pilgrimage through mortality There would then be on the ocean of life, no haven of calm repose to the troubled heart—it would be perpetually tossed between the surging billows of faint hopes and alarming fears. From the general goodnes of God as displayed in his Providence, providing all things plentifully both for man and beast—"giving us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness"[1]—from this single point of view of God's Providence, we might solace ourselves with some faint hopes of his kind regards towards his erring and sinful creatures. But how soon would this hope be succeeded by the most gloomy apprehensions in beholding different aspects of the same Providence. In view of the lightnings of heaven desolating the habitations of man, and fearful earthquakes ingulfing towns and cities with their inhabitants—"the pestilence that walketh in darkness" and "the destruction that wasteth at noon-day"[2]—the variety of diseases and disasters to which man is subject from the cradle to the grave; in view of these awful indications of punitive justice, hope, in the clemency of God would give way to agonizing fear. The observing of our moral duties (at best but very defective) could not restore solid peace to our anxious hearts. The consciousness of personal guilt and transgression, with its attendant forebodings of the wrath to come, would forbid it. Upon our destiny in the future world, would hang an impenetrable cloud. If we anticipated any thing at the eventful close of our mortal career, it could be nothing but the righteous vengeance of Heaven, upon our repeated violations of his laws. This would be our wretched state, had we no grounds to regard our Maker in any other aspect than as All-wise, Just and Omnipotent. But the great Father of the Universe has not thus hid from his church and people the smilings of his countenance. He has made a further revelation of his divine character in the inspired volume. The representations he has there made of himself, so far from being repulsive, are the most pleasing and attractive. They are calculated to excite hope and confidence, and thereby win our affections. For while we therein learn that he "will not at all acquit the wicked"[3] we are also informed from the same divine oracles, that he is "the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, abundant in goodness[4]—the God of all comfort,[5] the God of all grace[6], the God of peace."[7] These titles, with others of a similar character that might be mentioned, are indicative, of not only what our Creator is in himself, but also what he is to us. In the words of the text, he is presented under the endearing title of the God of hope. He is thus represented, because that "lively hope" which can sustain the soul amidst the various trials of life comes from God, and finally leads us on to the enjoyment of his beatifick presence.
There is a hope which man derives from the constitution of his nature. It shows itself in early childhood. At mature age, he clings to it as a cheerful companion in his multiplied pursuits in life, and too often, never relaxes his grasp upon the airy phantom, until compelled to do so by the irresistible arm of death. What is it that gives the most buoyancy and light-heartedness to the smiling youth? Is it the survey of the wondrous works of nature, and the great achievements of human skill that present themselves to their senses? Or, will the novelty of these scenes account for their wonted hilarity and glee? No. It is hope in the future of joys to be realized in the acquisition of this, that, or the other prize which earth imparts to a few of her devoted followers. What is it that buoys up the mariner as he leaves his friends, kindred and home, to brave the perils of the deep, but hope, that he will safely return with the fruits of his hard toil and labor. What but hope that sustains the soldier as he leaves his domestic comforts, to engage in the strife and dangers of the battle field? It is true, that patriotism, a sense of duty to his country, may strengthen his heart and give energy to his arm; but the hope that he may escape death and return to his native land to share the honors of successful war, is the secret spring that nerves him up to the terrible encounter. What is it that has inspired so many for the past few years, to suspend their business and leave their homes for the gold regions of Australia and California; but the hope of returning richly repaid for all the hard drudgery to which they submitted. What is it that cheers the sick man upon his bed of languishing but the hope, that through medical aid and good attendance, he will again renew his wonted strength and vigor, and be thus prepared to resume his daily avocation. This hope as we before said is natural to us; and seems to be a merciful provision to keep man from sinking under the various difficulties and trials of his probationary state. It is the spring that gives him life and activity in all his movements.
But, as all the faculties, powers and affections of the soul, have so far suffered by the sad fall of our fore-parents, that they incline to things that are "earthly, sensual and devilish,"[8] rather than to those things that are pure, spiritual and godlike, hope therefore, unrenewed by divine grace, proves to be a deceitful guide. The object of pursuit is far from being attained in every case. In those instances where it is attained, this hope is sure to be disappointed in the enjoyment of the happiness fondly anticipated. The young and sprightly may not realize their airy dreams of future joys and pleasures. The stern realities of life will ever and anon admonish them of the vanity of their pursuits. The soldier, who hopes to return from the battle and receive the plaudit and honors of his countrymen, may leave his carcass among heaps of the slain, to be devoured by the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air. The sick man may be forced to resign hope, and yield to despair of recovery, as death approaches with his cold and icy hand upon his vitals.
The hope referred to in the text, grows not in nature's garden. It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The endearing object of its regard is God, the inexhaustible fountain of blessedness. It therefore never fails—it never disappoints us—it "maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."[9] This holy hope is "an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the vail."[10] Hence it buoys up the Christian under all the trials, troubles and afflictions of life. It will sustain him when "flesh and heart faileth."[11] It will lead him with sweet serenity and peace over Jordan's river, and convey him safely to Canaan's happy land. This heavenly guide will as infallibly lead the regenerate soul into the beatifick presence of the King of saints and angels, as did the miraculous star in the east, which unerringly guided the wise men to the consecrated spot, where their astonished and adoring eyes beheld "God, manifest in the flesh."[12]The hope now referred to can have no place where there is an absence of a true living faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as the only Saviour of sinners. Faith lies at the foundation, and sustains hope. It is the property of faith to lay hold of the precious declarations and promises of God as contained in his written word, and to apply and appropriate them. Hope, desires and expects to realize all what God has thus promised. In the exercise of faith in the promises, joy and peace spring up in the soul: and as hope follows upon faith, so faith, as it increases, causes hope to 'abound' more and more. Hence the prayer of the Apostle in behalf of his Christian brethren at Rome:—that, "the God of hope would fill" them "with all joy and peace in believing that" they "may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost."
They, therefore, who live in the enjoyment of this hope are the sincere and humble followers of Christ, who are born again of the Spirit, and exalted to the high dignity of "the sons of God."[13] They "in time past walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience"[14] "being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world"[15] But through the rich mercy and grace of God, the eyes of their understanding were enlightened to perceive and feel their wretched state and condition as sinners before God. They saw themselves utterly cut off from all hope of pardon and reconciliation with their Maker, "by the deeds of the law" they had so often violated. All hope of working out a righteousness of their own, was immediately crushed, upon meditating the startling declaration: "Cursed is every one that continued not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them"[16] But, on beholding that "new and living way" opened up for us by the blood of Jesus, they "fled for refuge to lay hold upon" that "blessed hope," which is "set before us" in the gospel. They found shelter from the wrath of God, the curse of the law, under the protection of the all-sufficient sacrifice of Christ. From his inexhaustible fulness, they receive fresh supplies of grace to enable them to "live soberly, righteously and godly, in this present world"—"to use the world as not abusing it"—"to pass through things temporal, so as not to lose those things that are eternal."
My brethren,—the experience of a goodly number of you, I trust, has thus been briefly sketched. Some among you have been timely awakened to see the vanity of all that here dazzle and delude the thoughtless and impenitent. You have been enabled, through grace, to loosen your attachment to them, and to prefer those joys that are pure, spiritual and heavenly Your happy condition here does not exempt you from pain, sorrow, and trials of various kinds. These you have to meet, as they come in their turn. But in the midst of them all, you may sympathize with the Psalmist when he said, "I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope."[17] Let me exhort you therefore, to "hold fast the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end." Let your tribulations, trials and afflictions be what they may, "press" onward "toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" increasing and abounding in hope. Are you walking in darkness and have no light? Hear what your Almighty friend and father says to his afflicted Church, and hope on. "In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee saith the Lord thy Redeemer. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee."[18] Are you struggling against the fierce winds of adversity? Listen to the cheering voice of your Redeemer and lift up your hearts.—"The very hairs of your head," says he, "are all numbered."[19] There is no such thing as chance in the history of God's people. Every event of their life, however afflictive in its character, is a link in that golden chain, which is to raise them progressively, from earth to heaven. Are you bowed down with the weight of years and their increasing infirmities? Hope in God and rejoice, that the time is so near at hand, when angels at the gate of Paradise, shall hail you as an immortal born; born "to an inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time."[20]
A word of admonition and entreaty to that class of our hearers, whose hopes are all centered in this lower world. It is true my deluded friends, that this earth has its peculiar attractions. The innumerable multitude, that in every land, throng the "broad way that leadeth to destruction," is proof positive, that some strong enchantments are beguiling their devious pathway to the unknown future. But bear in mind, do not forget, in your silly chase after a phantom, that this planet, with all its fine furniture, is to be dissolved. "The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in the which, the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the ivories that are therein shall be burned up. Nevertheless, we according to his promise look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."[21] Very precious, indeed, to the Christian, is this promise. But it can afford no ground of hope to characters which you now sustain. In these new heavens and new earth spoken of, you can have no portion. "There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."[22] As your hopes were placed upon the idols of earth, with the idols of a burning earth, you will then be left to perish. The lot of all who shall then sustain the characters that you now do, must be with hypocrites, unbelievers, and all the abominable in the region of hopeless misery and despair. We turn aside from this awful picture to urge you to seek, for, you may yet obtain the Christian's hope. You are yet within the reach of mercy. The gospel with its inviting voice, still calls.—Conscience, in clamorous tones, still warns.—The Holy Spirit, though as still in his influences as the dew of the morning, yet powerfully strives with you.—The great High Priest who has passed into the heavens, still pleads in your behalf. Your condition, therefore, wretched though it be, is not desperate. However, there is something to be done on your part, before you can attain this inestimable prize. You must be up and doing, cooperating with God. While he worketh in you to will and to do of his good pleasure, you are to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." This hope is not attained by a few lazy wishes and half-hearted endeavors. It is attained only by an earnest, diligent and persevering use of all the appointed means of grace. There are difficulties to be surmounted: hence, you are called upon in the strength of divine grace, to renounce the hidden works of darkness; to "strive to enter in at the straight gate" to "labor to enter into rest." It is treasured up in Christ; therefore, your longing eye must be constantly fixed upon him. In his all-prevailiug name alone, you must approach the throne of heavenly grace, and ask, if you would receive, seek, if you would find, and knock, knock, and knock again, if you would have the door opened unto you. You have the divine assurance, that every one that thus "asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."[23] Oh, let me entreat you to begin this struggle in good earnest. It is a noble and magnanimous struggle—a battle against self, against "flesh and blood; against principalities and powers; against spiritual wickedness in high places." It is therefore, a formidable struggle. Apparently, the odds are against you. Not so. Greater is He that is for you, than all that can be against you in this greatest of all battles. Angels look on with the most intense interest, to see the issue. And whenever they recognize the cry of a soul newly born of the Spirit, they immediately raise the loud shout in heaven:—"the dead is alive, the lost is found." God the Father, who gave his only begotten Son to atone for your sins—God the Son, who redeemed you by his blood—God the Holy Ghost, who sanctifieth the people of God, are all on your side in this noble warfare. Then desert the camp of Satan. You know that he has often deceived you, and but for the Lord's mercy would have long since led you onward to the pit of endless woe. Escape then for your life: flee for refuge to lay hold upon that hope which comes from God, and will lead you to those ineffable joys which He has laid up for those who love him.
- ↑ Acts xiv., 17.
- ↑ Ps. xci.; 6.
- ↑ Nahum. i., 3.
- ↑ Ex. xxxiv., 6.
- ↑ 2 Cor. i., 3.
- ↑ 2 Peter v., 10.
- ↑ Horn, xv., 33.
- ↑ James iii., 15.
- ↑ Rom. v., 5.
- ↑ Hebrews, vi., 19.
- ↑ Psa. lxxiii., 26.
- ↑ 1 Tim. ii., 16.
- ↑ 1 John, iii., 22.
- ↑ Eph. i., 2.
- ↑ Eph. ii., 12.
- ↑ Gal iil., 10.
- ↑ Psa. cxxx.; 5.
- ↑ Isa. liv., 8-10.
- ↑ Luke, xii., 7
- ↑ 1 Peter, i., 4.
- ↑ 2nd Peter, iii., 10-13.
- ↑ Rev. xxi., 27
- ↑ Matt, vii., 8.