Pulpit Acts 16:8-12 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.… Consider — I. THE WANTS OF THE HEATHEN. Think of the millions of India ignorant of God, of Christ, and of the way of salvation; destitute of hope, victims of the most degrading superstition, Of their rites we may well say with St. Paul (Ephesians 5:12; Romans 1:29-32). II. THE CHARACTER OF THE BLESSING. 1. It offers a Divine atonement. 2. The Holy Spirit applies it and imparts the state of mind essentially necessary (Mark 16:16). III. OUR OBLIGATIONS. 1. It is the command of Christ, "Go ye," etc. (Mark 16:15). 2. Common humanity demands it. IV. THE MOTIVES WHICH URGE US. 1. The facilities offered for the propagation of the gospel. Multitudes are prepared for it. The Bible is translated into their tongues, there is a disposition to read it, prejudice is wearing away. God is pouring out His blessing on the means already employed. 2. Our abundant means. We have wealth, piety, influence, talent, all at our command. 3. The magnitude of the work calls forth our exertions. V. IMPROVEMENT. 1. The glory of the Redeemer is involved in the extension of His Church. Has not God given Him the heathen for His inheritance, etc. Every soul saved adds one gem to the Redeemer's crown. Is not this the object of our daily prayer, "Thy kingdom come," and can we consistently use the words without employing the means? 2. Gratitude, as enlightened Gentiles. Here God was once unknown. All the blessings we enjoy we owe to the labours of those holy men who left their peaceful homes to preach among us "the unsearchable riches of Christ." 3. Compassion to their deplorable state. The temporal salvation of millions of men is not equal to that of one soul. (Pulpit.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. |
    |