EPC Australia

This is a representation of the Gospel, and it well deserves our notice. All life is valuable; but there are several kinds of it, rising above each other. There is vegetable life. This is superior to mere matter, as a tree is more excellent than a stone. There is animal life. This is superior to vegetable, as a bird excels a tree. There is rational life. This is superior to animal, as a man excels a bird; for man was made a little lower only than the angels. "There is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth him understanding." Yet there is a life superior to rational. It is called the life of God, a life from which we are naturally alienated, but to which all the subjects of divine grace are restored by the Saviour, who came, not only that we might have life, but have it more abundantly. It will be completed in heaven, but it is begun here. The case is this. Man, by transgression, is dead in state, for cursed is every one that continueth not in all things written in the book of the law to do them. He is also dead in nature, or, as the apostle expresses it, dead in trespasses and sins. But He is no longer exposed to condemnation, for he is justified by faith, and has peace with God. And he is no longer under the power of moral death, for he is quickened, and made to walk in newness of life. "I compare," says he, "my present with my former experience. I was once dead to divine things, for they no more impressed me than sensible things affect a dead corpse. But now, for the very same reason, I hope I am alive, for these very things do affect me, do interest me, do excite in me hope and fear. I am susceptible of spiritual joy and sorrow. I live, for I breathe the breath of prayer. I feel the pulse of sacred passions; I love, and I hate. I have appetite, for I hunger and thirst after righteousness. I walk, and I work, and though all my efforts betray weakness, they evince life."

But what will this life be, when there shall be no more death; when the body shall partake of the immortality of the soul; when both shall be glorified together in a perpetual duration of knowledge, purity, friendship, riches, and glory? This is life eternal.

Now the gospel is called the word of this life, and it has four relations to it. A relation of discovery, for it reveals the reality and excellency of this life, the way in which it is obtained, the source from which it flows, and every particle of information we have concerning it. A relation of conveyance, for it communicates and produces this life. A relation of support, for it is the means not only of begetting this life, but of maintaining and increasing it. Therefore it is considered as its food, adapted to all stages of its being: milk if we are babes; strong meat if we are men. A relation of order, it is the rule by which this life is governed as to doctrine, worship, experience, exertion. To this rule all our religion must be brought; and as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

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