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THE GOOD EFFECTS OF A CANDID ATTENTION TO THE GOSPEL
THE clamour often raised against the Gospel is no argument against the Gospel itself. God’s messengers have in all ages been opposed by the ungodly. Even our Lord himself, who spake as never man spake, was credited by very few; but there will always be found some who will give the truth a favourable reception. Different hearers are differently affected with the word they hear in these days. This however only shews that human nature is the same now that it was in St. Paul’s time.
I. Wherein the Ber æ ans excelled the Thessalonians—
The Jews in Ber æ a had been educated in the same prejudices as those in Thessalonica: yet their conduct was in perfect contrast with that of the Thessalonians.
They excelled,
1. In candour—
[The Thessalonians would not so much as consider what they heard from the Apostle: but the Ber æ ans “inquired whether these things were so.” They did not conclude every thing to be false which did not accord with their preconceived opinions. This was a noble spirit, because it shewed that they were not in subjection to their prejudices.]
2. In equity—
[The Thessalonians, not satisfied with rejecting the word, were filled with wrath against those who delivered it unto them [Note: They misrepresented the principles of the Apostle, stirred up a tumult against him, assaulted his friends under colour of justice, obliged him to flee for his life, followed him with unrelenting animosity to Ber æ a, and, notwithstanding the acceptance he met with there, drove him from thence also.]. Nothing could be more contrary to equity than thus to calumniate the innocent, and persecute the messengers of heaven. The Ber æ ans, on the contrary, made a diligent use of the means afforded them for solving their doubts: they “searched the Scriptures,” which they considered as the only standard of truth, and to which the Apostle himself had appealed; they “searched them daily,” that they might form their judgment upon the surest grounds: they would neither receive nor reject any thing which they had not maturely weighed.]
3. In a regard for truth—
[Truth was neither sought for, nor desired by, the Thessalonian Jews. Loving darkness rather than light, they strove to extinguish the light which shone around them. But the Ber æ ans “received the word with all readiness of mind:” they were glad to get instruction in matters of such moment: their hearts were prepared for it, as melted wax for the seal [Note: See Rom_6:17. which, in the Greek conveys the idea of being cast into a mould.]. Thus they acted as beings endowed with reason, while the Thessalonians resembled irrational and ferocious beasts.]
Suited to their noble disposition [Note: Even a heathen saw that such a virtuous disposition constituted the only true nobility. “Nobilitas sola est, atque unica, virtus.” Juv. Sat. 8.] was,
II. The benefit which accrued to them by means of it—
Many at Ber æ a became obedient to the faith—
[While the Thessalonians rejected the overtures of mercy, the Ber æ ans thankfully embraced them. By believing in Christ they became partakers of his salvation; and now are they rejoicing before the throne of God, while the contemners of the Gospel are gnashing their teeth in hell. Who can duly appreciate the greatness of this benefit?]
This benefit resulted from the noble disposition which they exercised—
[Faith is certainly the gift of God [Note: Eph_2:8. Php_1:29.]: nor can any disposition that is in us merit that gift. But there is a preparation of mind requisite for a due reception of the Gospel; and where that state of mind is, there truth will make its way. This arises from the very structure of the human mind, which, like the eye, beholds things imperfectly when diseased, but clearly when free from blemish [Note: Mat_6:22-23. with Pro_2:10-11.]; and it is both illustrated and confirmed by various examples in Holy Writ [Note: Nicodemus; Joh_3:2. Cornelius; Act_10:33. And Lydia; Act_16:14.]. Where the “honest and good heart” is, there the seed will spring up, and bring forth fruit [Note: Luk_8:15.].]
Address—
1. Those who never have believed—
[Guard against the illiberal conduct of the Thessalonians. Avoid a captious, envious, persecuting spirit: cultivate the more noble spirit of the Ber æ ans: take the Scriptures as the test of truth [Note: Isa_8:20.]: search them with care and diligence [Note: Joh_5:39.]: compare what you hear with them [Note: 1Th_5:21.]: pray for wisdom, that you may discern aright [Note: Jam_1:5.]: rest assured that you shall not use these means in vain [Note: Pro_2:1-6.].]
2. Those who have believed—
[Love instruction, and improve all opportunities of gaining it [Note: Pro_4:5-9.]. Seek to be more established in the faith [Note: Col_2:6-8.], but weigh every sentiment in the balance of the sanctuary [Note: 1Jn_4:1.], and let the Scripture be your study and delight [Note: 1 Psa_1:2-3.].]