[Nov. 19th, 1865.]
I. The occasion of this remark was the manifestation of a desire of pre-eminence. As to this principle or desire, it is universal; it is powerful; it is productive of great good, apparently, as well as great evil; it is generally recognized as laudable, or at least, as lawful.
Nevertheless, it is evil. 1. Because it is selfish. Self, and not Christ, is the end.
- Because it is an inferior motive to the love of God. 3. Because Christ always condemns it. 4. Because we feel that it would degrade our idea of Christ, had he acted from this principle. 5. Because we instinctively exalt the man who is free from it, over the man who is governed by it.
It is to be distinguished; 1. from the desire of excellence; 2. from the desire of honor.
II. The nature of conversion.—It is evidently a change not of outward conduct merely, nor of mere acts of the mind, but of the character, i.e., of the inward principles which control the inward and outward life. This change is declared to be necessary.
III. The evidence of it is the disposition of a child.
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A disposition which is the opposite of an ambitious spirit. The children of the rich and poor, of bond and free, if left to themselves, play together as equals. The stronger, the brighter, the superior are recognized as such independently of their external distinctions. Children are humble.
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A child is confiding. It trusts its parents.
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A child is submissive. We must submit our understanding, our circumstances and destiny to the hands of God. A child led by the hand of its parent in the dark, follows him without hesitation or doubt.
IV. Why this change is necessary. Because the disposition of a child is the only one that agrees with our relation to God. This will apply, 1. to our ignorance, 2. to our weakness, 3. to our guilt and pollution.
V. The blessedness of this disposition.
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The peace it gives.
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The security it affords. God cares for us.
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It places us in our normal relation to God. 4. It secures our admission into the kingdom of God, of which Christ is the head and the centre.
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