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SERMON I.

THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.

1 SAMUEL, iii. 7.

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord.

THIS was spoken of the prophet Samuel in his infancy. Is it less true of many who, in a Christian country, have grown up to manhood amidst the means of grace? Yet rightly to know the Lord, if we may not call it religion itself, is at least its foundation and groundwork. "He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of those that diligently seek him." a This, the truest wisdom, was long hidden from all the nations of the world but one. The Lord made choice

a Heb. xi. 6.

B

of the people of Israel, to keep safe and undefiled the knowledge of himself, until the coming of the Messiah should spread it over the whole earth. Even yet, however, there are nations unacquainted with the true God, and therefore lying in wickedness. Upon our much-favoured land the sun of righteousness has risen; the light has long shined, "the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world." If then we yet walk in darkness, "how great is that darkness!" If we know not

the Lord, how much greater is our wickedness than that of the heathen! How much more fearful will be our condemnation! It is my purpose therefore to collect, and place before you in one view, the information respecting God most High which abounds in scripture; that those who from youthfulness, from carelessness, or want of instruction, have not, as yet, known the Lord, may be able to say, henceforward, "this is the true God and everlasting life."

To this end, I will first describe the divine nature, or the manner in which our Maker has his being: then, the divine

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