Luke 2:34-35 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel… We shall briefly consider in what respects Christianity proves itself the grand test of men's dispositions. 1. It puts to the proof whether or not men love truth. 2. The gospel is a test of men's hearts as affected with regard to God. 3. In respect to humility, the gospel tries and ascertains the state of the heart. 4. A fourth respect in which the gospel is a test of your character is whether you are true, or not, to your own interest; whether you have wisdom to choose the right relief for your misery, the proper supply for your wants. 5. Lastly, Christianity is a test of our obedience or disobedience to the will of God. "If God is a Master, where is His fear? If God is a Father, where is His honour?"A few words of improvement may appropriately conclude this important subject. 1. Wherever the gospel is propounded, it is a test of character to each individual who hears it: and whoever does not receive it will hereafter stand confessed to God as having "loved darkness rather than light, because his deeds were evil." 2. The rejection of Christianity is entirely voluntary: it arises from the spirit of pride, the preference of falsehood, the love of sin: but where shall we look for criminality, if not in an evil mind? 3. The trial of character here is only preparatory to the last trial hereafter. (R. Hall, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; |
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