The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-08-16
The Old Goapel and the New.

The Ola anu III" A'e"s
This is an age Of novelties. Science multi
niles its revelations of Nature, Art It's lnyen-
fions. Commerce its methods. Industry ITS
machinories. Philosophy It's theories, Hohtics
its plals. Many are eager for novelties IN
rehgion-modern thought new light theol-
ory adapted to the present day. They are
weary of the old Gospel OF Luther and Cal.
win. Of Leighton and Baxter, OF Wesley ana
Whitfield. Perhaps in many cases tins may
arise from lack of personal experience OF the
Old Gospel. dislike of its claims, indifference
10 its privileges. and a worldly restlessness,
which ever is saying: Who will show us any
good" But it may also simply mean wearl-
ness Of the methods of former generation;
not of the truth itself. but of the mode OF
stating il. On the other hand, there are null
titudes who more and more cling to the old
Gospein and demand il as the chief essential
in Christian preachers.
Thera can be but one Gospel. Ia not this
both old and new st. John in bis old age
said: Brethren, write no new command
ment unto you. but an ola com ma
which We had from the beginning" Il John Il,
H. In the preceding part of this letter he
bad stated the fundamental truths Of the Old
GOspel-the Incarnation, universal depraylty,
the PropitiatiOn for the sins OF the world, de-
hverance from the guilt and power OF sin by
the blood Of Christ, who is our Advocate
with the Father" and walking In the light. as
the test Of possessing the light. This Is the
Gospel of which be says: Brethren, write
no new commandment unto you" DO not
in my old age announce any new discovery
after many years of contemplation. / have
no fresh development Of the faith once deliv-
cred TO the saints. 1T is the old truth taught
by Christ himself, and by the Holy Ghost
through the Apostles on the day Of Psntecost.
1.-The word which ye have heard from the be-
ginning"
Yet he adds Again a new commandment
| write UNTO YOU Again. O., viewed III
another aspect, not something different but
the old word otherwise contemplated. The
old, with which you are familiar, Is newly
stated, is again enforced, with new experience
OF its value. new proofs of its power.
The old Gospel is ever new to every soul to
whom il is first proclaimed; new both to him
who thus announces it and to him who thus
receives it. How new II IS TO the heather
world and equally new 10 the ungodY around
us when revealed by the Spirit of God What
a wondrous revelation, what new existence
From darkness TO light, from the power Of
Satan unto God" They who may be tempted
20 weary of it as old have only to urge it on
the attention of some one who Is ignorant Of
it. and it will become new as he teaches it and
watches the blind eye opening TO behold it.
The old truth becomes new 10y fresh recep-
ton and experience The Gospel presented
is old, received is new: looked at outside is
effectively old, received within 10 subject
lively new: old as the storehouse. new as my
daily supplies. old as the ancient fountain
gushing from the rock as 1t did mlllenums
ago, new Rs the particular water which fills
my empty cup to slske my returning thilst
old as the sun. new as the beams that each
morning stream through my windows to
rouse me from slumber and heNaune in the
new work of the new day The xEee of Life
is the same which grew IN Paradise, but 1t
ever produces new fruit old in nature and
20 IN 1,n rfol, ant
yields. in the life it sustains. 1t will still be
both old and new in the Paradise above. 1T
y1eldeth its fruit every month, and its leaves
are for the healing of the nations"
We have no other gospel than the old, which
Christ and the Apostles taught. But as St.
Paul became AL things to all men, so new
circumstances may require new adaptations
new modes Of speech. new methods of work,
additional evidences. We need no new
Theology. but ever new power from the Holy
Ghost in new efforts TO enforce the old.
There is danger of young preachers thinking
that TO satisfy the demand for other novelty
is the best evidence of intellectual power
Bnt is il not easier to attract and please by
novelties than so TO preach the old truth that
il is felt to be ever new Is there not enough
In the old Bible III passing events and exist
ing conditions to furnish new illustrations
and endorsements Of old truths? Would not
tho soundest learning and the strongest in
tellect, sanctItied by the Divine Spirit. be
better employed and manifested IN holding
up 10 view, 80 that men must be arrested and
interested, the reality Of the old Gospel. than
in multiplying CANDY pictures of our own
fancy. lighted up by fashy squibsf
In following the example of the Apostles in
preaching this old and new Gospel we are
their true SUCCESSORS We are more, st. John
says That which We have seen and heard
declare we unto you that We also may have
fellowship with us" Fellowship is more than
fellowship it is partnership more than sue
Censorship We have their Gospel. their
Christ their Holy Spirit. We work their
higher miracles Christ said: Greater works
than these shall ye do" IT is greater work
to raise soul from spiritual death 10 life
eternal than to raise from the grave dead
body which will soon return to it, III thus we
are actual partners with the Apostles and in
preaching their old Gospel are daily witness
ing such miracles. God forbid that we
should glory save in the cross of the Lord
Jesus Christ Newman Hall, LII. b., ID. ID.
iopdon, England.