Here is an outline of the ninth sermon in Volume 5 of the sermons. It is 9 pages.
Acts 14:3 The Lord gave testimony unto the word of his grace.
When Christ came into the World, God brought testimony to him by a voice from heaven, This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased. And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life and this life is in his Son. He has also repeatedly borne testimony to his saints, which are in the earth, by the most remarkable interpositions of his providence; and he will do it still more signally in the last day by the most decisive proofs of his approbation. The Lord is here said to give testimony to the word of his grace, a particular instance of which is mentioned in the context. But instead of confining our attention to the precise point which the sacred historian had in view, it may be more profitable to consider the passage as intending to convey to us this important truth - that God does and ever will give testimony to the word of his grace.
I. We shall notice the propriety of this appellation: the word of his grace
1. The gospel is so-called because it originated in unmerited mercy and was sent to us as a matter of free favour.
2. The gospel is a proclamation of grace and mercy and therefore very properly called the word of his grace.
3. It is likewise so-called because it is grace alone that renders it effectual.
II. Consider the way in which God bears testimony to the gospel or to the word of his grace
1. By miracles wrought in confirmation of it, hence it is added, he granted signs and wonders to be done by the apostles' hand.
2. By raising up a constant succession of ministers to propagate and defend it the Lord is still giving testimony to the word of his grace.
3. The awel impressed upon the consciences even of wicked men by means of the gospel is another instance of the testimony that is born to it.
4. The Lord gives testimony to the word of his grace by rendering it effectual to the Salvation of all them that believe and its influence on the heart is to them one of the most satisfactory evidences of its divine authority.
5. Additional testimony is given in the life and conversation of such as walk worthy of the gospel and who are called with a holy calling.
6. God also gives testimony to the word of his grace by the triumphant deaths of his saints as well as by their useful and holy lives.
How well are these truths adapted to increase our attachment to the gospel and our admiration of that mercy which is continually adding fresh testimonies in its favour. Its evidence is accumulating as its power is felt; and to the bright display of signs and wonders and mighty deeds wrought by the hands of the Apostles have succeeded ages of miraculous grace, in the conversion and salvation of multitudes which no man can number. Let it be our great concern that by exemplifying the purity and efficacy of the gospel we may add our individual testimony to its reality and importance and help to increase its prevalence in the world.
When earthly streams are passed away
And creature comforts gone
The Lord's my helper and my stay
Sufficient and alone.
My friend art thou where'er I go
The object of my love
My kind protector here below
And my reward above
When foes intrude or tyrants frown
Thou art my sure relief
To thee I make my sorrows known
And tell thee all my grief
This world would be a wilderness
If banished, Lord, from thee
And heaven without thy smiling face
Would be no heaven to me
(156)
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