The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-01-30
FIFTH AVENUE BAPTIST eHyRCH.
Orr Relationship with God Under the New
Observation-Disclosures by the Rev. Thomr
APmleMge.

Our Relationship with God Under the New
Observation-Disclosures by the Rev. Thomas
APmitage.
DR.. Armtage preached yesterday morning to
slim but earnest congregation He took for the text
Of his discourse the passage, "John was the great
est OF the prophets yet the least in the kingdom OF
God was greater than he" After commenting at
considerable length on the dignity with which,
under the cid law. God invested the prophets, and
especially In making known to them His direct reve-
lation and entrustinG them with the great duty Of
enhgbtening and directing the Jewish people in
spiritual AFFAIRS he proceeds:-But so far as direc.
revelation Is concerned, we are
EQUAL TO THE GREATEST OF THE PRorRETs;
nay, greater; for has not Christ himself said the
least in the kingdom Of Heaven is greater than
John, "who was the greatest OF all the prophets
We must distinguish between natural force and
greatness Of character and spiritual holiness. We
cannot but admire the magnificent force OF Isaiah,
she genius OF David and the stately dignity OF
Abraham. But these qualities which we admire IN
them do not constitute holiness. The least in the
Kingdom OF Heaven is greater than they were. The
spirit did not with them as II did with ron, bear
testimony that they were partakers Of the Divine
nature This WAS the
SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE TESTAMENT.
What is The teaching OF the New Testament
URder the old law men had hope from the promises
which had been made to them; but we have the
promises and their fruition. In the invisible world
The prophets have perhaps been made enc with us:
but until God had assumed human nature they
could not be made perfect through that human
nature The lives that We lead spring from our
unity with God through Christ. Prophets and
kings desired the things that you see and have
not seen them. No doubt In the old days the saints
c0mprebended that they were servants OF 0od, but
not some OF GOD. Christ came that we might be
made sons OF God and the title has been given u.s.
and this marks the greater dignity we occupy. The
prophets were from the nrat Adam but we nom the
second. John was
THE GREATEST OF MEN
born OF woman; but he was only born OF woman
not OF God, through water and blood, as you are
Why do you despise yourselves and think yourselves
as mere walls Instead Of regarding yourselves In
your real character as sons OF GodY God WAS not
everywhere present TO the prophets as he Is with u.s.
AZ rule every special manifestation was given in
Jerusalem. John wanted to leave the desert in
order to be nearer to God. We need not go to
Jerusalem with bullock, or the ashes OF heller or
turtle dove.
THE GOOD TINE COME.
Does not this truth so impress you that you can 60
home and thank God you did not live In the days Of
S9nn The ap Son Man, Ghr sa in
neber inspiration than ever lsah had. "You know
all things say the pages OF the New Testament.
Christ Ofers Jon greater sanctlty than that Of
Daniel and more intimate and dIgBined relation
one villa God through Christ It Is because there
~ not access enough.
NOT IAD WORLD AFTER ALL.
do not think so lightly Of this world as some do.
0fner In this universe. You hear
MEN 0RuMBLIEG AND GROWING
ana saving they are tired OF life and OF this world,
iorgeuul that they are such favored beings. think
This delicious world. aud
MEAN TO STAND BY IT
tn ] md o better one.