Sermons of John Newton - M - Booklet Fifteen 33. Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable, 34. Opposition to Messiah in Vain and 35. Opposition to Messiah Ruin
By John Newton
Extract
Sermons of John Newton
Booklet Fifteen
33. Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable,
34. Opposition to Messiah in Vain and
35. Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
33. Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His Anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us” Psalm 2:1-3.
It is generally admitted, that the institutes of Christianity, as contained in the New Testament, do at least exhibit a beautiful and salutary system of morals; and that a sincere compliance with the precepts of our Lord and His apostles, would have a good effect upon society. Few infidels have ventured to contradict the common sense of mankind, so far as to deny this. Nor can it be denied that the Author of this institution [referring to Christianity], (if we judge by the history and character given of Him by the evangelists), exemplified, in the highest perfection by His own conduct, the precepts which He enjoined to His followers. While He lived as a man amongst men, the tenor of His behaviour was such as became the Friend of mankind. Though He submitted to a low estate, and often suffered hunger, thirst, and weariness, we do not read of His having wrought a single miracle merely for His own relief. But the wants and calamities of others continually excited His compassion, and engaged His assistance. He gave sight to the blind, health to the sick, and sometimes wiped away the tears of mourners by restoring their dead to life. He endured hunger Himself; but, once and again, provided food for multitudes, lest they, having nothing to eat, should faint by the way. Nor did He confine His acts of benevolence to His followers, but was easy of access, and granted the requests of all indiscriminately, who applied to Him. “He went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), and …