V. THE SACRIFICE OF ABEL.

The evil consequences of sin soon apparent-The signification of the two

names-The way in which Abel's sacrifice was accepted-The universal

prevalence of sacrifice-The truth which underlies the sacrifices of the

heathen-Sacrifice of Divine appointment-Meaning and purpose some-

what obscure-Substitution a principle in the Divine economy-Mosaic

sacrifices cleansed from ceremonial, not from moral guilt-Ceremonial

impurity and cleansing symbolical of spiritual truth-Showed that sin will

and must be destroyed in order to union between man and God-

Earlier sacrifices impressed this on the worshipper-The spirit in which

Abel approached God-Our only way of approaching is in a similar

spirit, looking to the better sacrifice of Christ...

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...

55

VI.

ENOCH-HIS LIFE AND CHARACTER.

Monotony of the history from Adam downwards, broken by Enoch's character

and translation-Likeness to Abel in faith-Contrast in termination of

earthly course-Brevity of biographical record honourable to Enoch-

Two things implied in his walk with God-Reconciliation-How his faith

produced it-Habitual recognition of God's presence leading to close and

friendly intercourse-This, too, dependent on and fostered by his faith...

73

VII. THE TRANSLATION OF ENOCH.

This translation not surprising in view of his character-How and when it

took place-Significant-To himself, a dispensation of mercy, and a mark

of honour-To his neighbours, a corroboration of his instructions and

warnings-To ourselves, a commendation of his faith

...

VIII. NOAH-THE DELUGE.

The event with which his name is associated-Difficulties physical and moral

-The theory of partial Deluge not at variance with Scripture-The

extreme wickedness of the race-Mercy as well as judgment in the

catastrophe-In spite of difficulties, no alternative but to believe in the

event-Testimony of Scripture explicit-Corroborated by other evidence

- Geology History Tradition - Mercy shown in what preceded the

Deluge-And in the gradual manner in which it took place-Supplemental

Note

1

His exemption from the universal catastrophe a testimony to his character-

His faith-Tried by the building of the ark-In having to commit him-

self exclusively to the Divine keeping-His justice-"Perfect in his

generation"-His character fostered by his devotional habits-His fall-

"Heir of the righteousness which is by faith"

...

93

103

121

Contents.

X. THE CALL OF ABRAHAM.

Introduction of a new era-Outer conditions of his life resemble those which

still exist-History minutely traced-Commended to our contemplation

by his influence on the history of the world-His call-Rendered neces-

sary by the evil tendencies of mankind-The Father of the faithful-His

faith tried not only by separation from his kindred, but by his ignorance

of the country to which he was required to go-Further tried by his

receiving no possession there-Sustained by his hope of a "better

country, even an heavenly"-Resemblance between the demand on his

faith and ours

vii

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145

XI. THE TRIAL OF ABRAHAM'S FAITH.

Abraham-The Father of the faithful-The severest trial of Abraham's faith

comes after it has been prepared for it by previous exercise-Isaac the

child of promise-Faith exercised in receiving him-Fearfully tried by

the command to offer him in sacrifice-Trial nobly borne-Prompt

obedience-Painful journey-Thoughts by the way-Isaac's question-

Abraham's answer expressive of his perfect acquiescence in the Divine

will-The climax of his course-Faith sufficiently tried-Emotions when

Isaac is spared-Objections to the narrative of little moment-How far

the sacrifice of Isaac resembles the sacrifice of Christ

...

163

XII. ABRAHAM, THE FRIEND OF GOD.

The manner in which God appears to him, and condescends to hold inter-

course with him-His marvellous pleading for Sodom-Character not

faultless-Scripture records with strict veracity the failures of his faith,

his impatience, and untruthfulness-The testimony borne to his excel-

lence all the more valuable-His greatness-Courtesy-Fidelity and

Principle-Meekness-Magnanimity- Philanthropy

XIII. ISAAC AND HIS FAMILY.

177

Variety in the Apostle's illustrations-Isaac differs both from Abraham and

Jacob-Isaac's love of quiet-Passive style of character shown in

willingness to be offered in sacrifice, and arrangements for his marriage

-Yet, even in him, faith asserts its power-Jacob as active and am-

bitious as his father is passive-Not much to attract us in his early life

-Makes manifest the necessity of faith-The consequences of his early

sin following him show that no one can sin with impunity-Another side

of his character, fitting him to be the progenitor of the chosen people.

XIV. JACOB.

...

The decisive change in his character-Bethel-Misgivings-The vision-

Henceforth more of God in his life-But faith still weak-His return

from Haran-Mahanaim-Solitude most favourable for spiritual visita-

tions-Wrestling with the angel-Complete transformation of character

indicated by change of name

205

...

221

His general excellence of character-Remarkable freedom from fault-Yet

not deficient in force-Treatment by his brethren not unprovoked-

Over-ruling Providence displayed in the events of his life-Resistance of

temptation-Deportment towards his brethren-Faith the root of all his

The grandeur of his character-His birth and training premonitory of his

future greatness-His grand decision-Trial severe because of what he

parted with-Social degradation of the Israelites-Similar decision must

be made by us all-Evil effects of an unwise choice-Good effects of a

wise choice-Moses' decision the result of faith

259

Sojourn in Horeb a preparation for his work as leader and lawgiver-Solitude

and silence fitting for great works-The wilderness a training-school-

His call-His appearance in Pharaoh's court-A spectacle of moral sub-

limity-His meekness and courage-Communion with God-The Israelites

also prepared by their bondage and deliverance for their lofty mission-

The difficulty of the task imposed on Moses-His supernatural endow-

ments do not detract from his heroism-Contrast between him and

Pharaoh-The plagues-The exodus

...

...

...

XVIII. MOSES.

275

At Sinai-Grandeur of the scene-His ascent of the mountain-Intercourse

with the Almighty-The material glory has passed-But the moral

remains in the decalogue and the revelation of the Divine character-

These the best credentials of the prophet of Sinai-Pisgah-His sin at

Meribah visited with chastisement-Not in severity but in mercy-Much

to reconcile him to the thought of death-The manner of his death most

enviable-The Canaan below not to compare with that above

297

OF

B

"Be followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Heb. vi. 12.

"One comfort is, that great men taken up in any way are profitable company. We cannot look, however imperfectly, on a great man without gaining something by him."

"Invaluable is the influence which such men exert. They are the true benefactors of their species. They are the men who lead the world up higher. Coming in contact with so much goodness--such patient endurance of suffering-such perfect submission to the Divine will-such constant and earnest endeavour after the right and true- we are made ashamed of our littleness and meanness. Our spiritual system is subjected to a bracing influence-every holy principle receives a new impulse-we are constrained to attempt the performance of nobler deeds."