EPC Australia

Does this mean the knowledge of which God is the author, or the knowledge of which he is the subject? In reality, this is the same thing. The Gospel contains the knowledge which God has communicated to the children of men, and this principally discovers himself; so that it is at once a revelation from God, and a revelation of him. All his works, the largest and the least, praise him. If we take up the telescope, or the microscope, we soon find reason alike to exclaim, "This is the finger of God." But we take up the Gospel and say, "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." Here we look into his very heart, and see that it is the dwelling-place of pity. Here we know the thoughts he thinks towards us, and find that they are thoughts of peace, and not of evil.

With regard to this knowledge, we may make out four classes:

• Some are destitute of this knowledge of God. Some! There are at present more than five hundred millions lying in darkness, and the shadow of death! These have never heard of the Name of Jesus, and know not that there is such a Being in the universe. Yet Christians have it in their power to inform them, and a few are exerting themselves. Prosper, O God, their endeavours. Let thy way be known on earth, thy saving health among all nations.
  
  
• Some reject it. This is one of the things we should deem incredible, but we have undeniable, as well as mortifying evidence of the fact. How many refuse to hear! How many never read the word of God! Others even sneer at its inspiration, and ridicule its contents. Whatever difficulties may attend the doom of the former class, justice admits of none with regard to the second: "How can we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?"
  
  
• Some hold it in unrighteousness. They profess to know God, but in works deny him. Not a few of these have clear views of the way of salvation, and even contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. The Gospel seems to have taught them every thing, except to deny themselves, and take up their cross, and follow the Saviour in the regeneration. They would be offended to be placed near the former class. "We are not unbelievers." No, you have denied the faith, and are "worse than an infidel."
  
  
• Some receive it in the love and the influence of it. Their faith is not a notion; their worship is not formality; their hope is not delusion. They live in the Spirit, and walk in the Spirit. Though these are still comparatively few, yet, blessed be God, their number is daily and greatly enlarging; and the Lord add to his people, how many soever they be, a hundred-fold!

Art thou, my reader, one of them? Remember four things:
   That thou hast any of this knowledge should make thee thankful.
   That thou hast so little, should make thee humble.
   That more is attainable,should encourage thy hope.
   That it is attainable only in the use of means, should awaken thy diligence.

"Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things."

Morning Exercises For Everyday In The Year
By Rev. William Jay