IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES

IN TWO VOLUMES.

BY ALEXANDER MACWHORTER, D. D.

SENIOR PASTOR OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN

CHURCH IN NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

Christ the Power of God and the Wisdom of God. Paul

1803

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Reprint and digital September 23, 2004.

Alexander MacWhorter, D.D., ( 1734-1807 ) received schooling at the West-Nottingham Academy under Samuel Finley ( later President of Princeton College). Thereafter, MacWhorter at age 22 joined the junior class at the College of New Jersey with Rev. Aaron Burr, which later moved to Princeton, graduating in the first commencement there in 1757. Afterwards, he entered upon the study of Divinity, under the instruction of the Rev. William Tennent, the pious and justly celebrated minister of Freehold, in New Jersey. He was an active Pastor, and in 1772 was elected a Trustee of the College of New Jersey at Princeton. Yale honored him with a Doctorate of Divinity in 1776, which followed with his active involvement in the Revolutionary War, as an advisor to Washington, and as chaplain under General Knox at White Plains, where again he was a frequent guest of Washington's. The Newark Presbyterian Church extended a call to the pastorate to him in 1781, which was accepted.

"He was one of those great and good men, who, in 1788, had principal influence in settling The Confession of Faith, and framing the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States; and in transferring the authority, of the highest judicatory from the Synod to a General Assembly, which met first in May, 1789.—Ten years afterwards, when a board of trustees for the General Assembly was incorporated by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, at their session in the winter of 1798- 9, he was named in the charter as one, of the board, and continued to hold this trust, until the growing infirmities of age induced him, in 1803, to resign it."

The biographical summary is taken from Edward Dorr Griffin's Funeral Sermon for Dr. Macwhorter ( 1807). This title may be found at The Willison Center http://willisoncenter.com/

On the Princeton Page, Link 13. And 16---Willison Ed.

Alexander MacWorter published a two volume collection of sermons in 1803, from which the following title was selected.

Page numbers in the original are shown as: ( 474 )

The following begins the original text:

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SERMON XXIII.

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JESUS CHRIST is represented in the sacred oracles as sustaining the greatest variety of characters. There is no office or relation which implies any advantage to the object of it, but Christ is described as sustaining and discharging every branch of duty belonging to it. He is stiled a prophet, ordained a priest forever, and is exalted as a king. The Saviour is his appropriate and exclusive character. An husband, an head, a brother and a friend are familiar titles of Immanuel. In our text and many other passages he is held forth to view under the vigilant, careful and tender image of a shepherd.

Here is a striking accumulation of offices, wherein ambition has no influence, neither can envy find a ground of imputation. He did not assume these offices, nor does he execute them for his own benefit. It was inconceivable condescension in him to suffer the most exalted of them; and be executes them for

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the advantage, the sole advantage of those who are in themselves, and in their own opinion among the vilest and most unworthy creatures. Who is a God like unto our God ?—He is exalted above all blessings and praise.—he humbles himself to behold things done in heaven, and yet he stoops to perform the part of the most condescending friend—to every act and every service of the most endearing and compassionate name. Be astonished, O ye heavenly hosts, at this ! Ye inhabitants of the earth, stand amazed and wonder! Bless the Lord, all ye his saints; bless the Lord O my soul. The flock, his sheep, are the objects of all these offices, of every tender and affectionate part he performs, in all the variety of relations he bears. For them he left his fathers bosom, the adoration of angels, and all the celestial glories; for them he assumed human nature—suffered poverty and reproach—laid down his life for them, and endured the excruciating pains of the cross.

Christ every where spoken of as the shepherd In the Old Testament he was abundantly prophecied of under this title, and in the New he is the great shepherd, the shepherd and bishop of souls ; and here in our text, he calls himself the good shepherd. " I am the good shepherd." And in evidence of his worthiness of this character and in proof of his goodness, he gave his invaluable life for the sheep. All that your attention can be invited to in a contracted discourse will only be,

First, to consider what this character, when ascribed to Christ, implies in it with respect to his flock.

Secondly, what are the important acts denoted by it, which he performs towards his sheep. In regard to the

First, many things are involved and comprehended herein. It implies that Christ’s flock are the object of his peculiar care

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and attention. The office or character of a shepherd evidently comprehends this in it. These are some of his essential duties. A shepherd without care or concern for the flock is an absurdity. Such an one our Lord declares is not the shepherd, but an hireling, a thief and a robber, that careth not for the sheep, and when the wolf cometh, he fleeth. But the true shepherd hath a genuine concern for the interest and welfare of the flock. This is the design of his character, and the object of his highest attention.

When Christ is stiled a shepherd, it denotes that the interest of the flock lies near his heart. Its welfare is the object of his incessant attention. There are no moments in which he feels indifferent to its safety, or in which his agency is not employed for its happiness.

Jesus Christ has the heart and temper of a Shepherd, the most careful and tender feelings towards his sheep. All this proceeds from the kindest affection. Love is the source of every branch and instance of it. No other principle can influence him in the part which he performs. "He is the shepherd of Israel, who never slumbers nor sleeps" He can derive no advantages here from, no accession to his glory, nor addition to his bliss. The benefits and advantages in this case are all in favour of the sheep. He loves them with the most ardent affection, so that he gave up his life for them.

The love of Christ to his people is two fold, commonly called a love of benevolence and a love of complacency. They are the objects of the one or the other according to the differ ent conditions in which they are, in a state of nature or in a stare of grace. His love in the latter sense is exercised only towards believers, to those who are his actual members by a true and living faith hence they are described as those who hear his voice and follow him. They respect, love and

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admire him as their shepherd, and they will not follow another. None can be the objects of this kind of love, only those, who have some amiable qualities and principles in them, or something in a spiritual sense lovely belonging to them. Now none of the sons of men have any thing of this kind in them, until they are converted and have put on Christ and his righteousness by faith; for it is grace and holiness which is the reason of their loveliness. Hereby they become subjects of what is amiable, and thus objects- of divine complacency.

But a love of benevolence is extended to all. Hence says our Lord in the context, " Other sheep I have which are not of this fold, them also will I bring and they shall hear my voice.; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd." These also in the proper time shall be brought unto me, believe on my name, and be taught of the father. Therefore he prays not only for those who have believed already but for all such who should come unto him in future. "Neither, says he, pray I for these alone, but for them also who shall believe on me through their word." Now while they are his people in this general sense, remaining in stupidity, security, impenitency and unbelief, they can only be objects of his love of benevolence. And this love, induced him to lay down his life for all, even for those who were enemies. "While we were yet enemies Christ died for us."

Again, the care of Jesus Christ, the great and good shepherd, extends to all his sheep without exception; his love is without partiality. His regard to them is not regulated by the figure they make in the eyes of the world. His affection is built on a very different ground. Nay, it appears from the holy scriptures, that the consideration which gives things value in the sight of men, often renders them contemptible in the sight of God. This seems to be the amount of a general observation of our Lord, "What is highly esteemed among

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men is an abomination in the sight of God. Jesus Christ seeth not as men see. They look on outward appearances and professions, but he looketh at the heart. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision with him availeth any thing, but the new creature, faith, and keeping the commandments of God. All who are of this spirit and character, are the objects of Christ's affection and care, because these are of the father, from whom cometh down every good and perfect gift. Every such person pertains to Christ and is a part of his pastoral charge, however hated by the world, or loathsome in their own eyes.

Some true saints who belong to the sheep-fold of Christ, are full of doubts, hesitations, and misgivings of soul. Divers circumstances and reflections conspire to make them draw the gloomy conclusion, that they appertain not to Jesus, nor are they subjects of his special care as the shepherd of Israel. They are sometimes in such a situation from fears within and troubles without, that astonishment lays hold upon them, and the painful suspicions gather strength from every view they take of their heart and life, that they are not christians, that they have no interest in his distinguishing love. If I had, says the soul, how comes it to pass that things are thus with me ? Deep calleth unto deep; Inward darkness joined with outward afflictions. They are often bemoaning themselves with such bitter lamentations as these; alas ! for this day is great, it is the time of sore and complicated troubles. They are frequently adopting the mournful language of Job, " Be hold, we go forward but he is not there, and backward, but we cannot perceive him ; on the left hand. where he doth work, but we cannot behold him, he hideth himself on the right hand, that we cannot see him." " O that we knew where we could find him, that we might come even to his seat." Thus many a time their distress is eminent, and their anguish poignant. When their melancholy circumstances would seem to call for some token of his favour, some

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smile of his loving kindness, he maketh clouds his covering, and darkness his pavilion. This is a state of infelicity beyond description. The sheep beset with dangers, assaulted with temptations, and surrounded with distresses, the shepherd absent and none to help or comfort. Suspicions and fears respecting Christ's affection are painful and afflictive to the saint beyond measure. The spouse perhaps alludes to this case when she pours forth this most earnest petition and fervent request, "Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thy arm, for love is stronger than death and jealousy more cruel than the grave."

But amidst all this discouragement, darkness diffidence and dread, the good shepherd is at hand, and’ whispers to them, "Son be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven." His care is extended to his sheep, and his agency exerted for their support. He interposes and disperses every cloud, in such a way as shall display to them the good pleasure of his goodness.

If a tender shepherd shuts up a particular sheep for a season, and secludes it from the privileges of the flock, yet in this case it is always an act of care, to preserve it from some evil, or to heal it of some disease.

The care which Christ's exercises toward his people is peculiar; it is different from that common providence which be exerciseth toward the world in general. The acts and instances of it are peculiar, and the fruits and effects of it are so also. They are the subjects of his common providence as well as others, but they are moreover the subjects of those special acts of gracious tenderness and affectionate care, which he performs as the shepherd of his sheep.

This leads,

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Second1y, to consider what those important acts denote, which he performs toward his sheep. And they maybe reduced to these three, feeding, leading, and protecting them.

First, Jesus Christ, as the good shepherd of his flock, feeds them. It is one of the chief and principal branches of a shepherd’s office, to feed the flock committed to him. In this respect Christ act the part of a liberal and beneficent shepherd. It is true he does not now feed it in person. His person is in heaven, which must contain him till the restoration of all things. He appears not in person to any on earth, neither are any admitted here to behold his personal glory, any other-wise than by faith in the representations of it given in his word. It is herein and hereby his people,. as in a glass, behold his glory. In the future world they shall behold it in his person, as, in believing, they now do in the sacred scriptures.

The way in which Christ feeds his sheep here, is by providing pastures and food convenient for them. These pastures. are his word and ordinances. They are adapted and designed to answer this purpose; they are intended as the means for the support and nourishment of the new creature, until, it shall arrive at the stature of a perfect man in Christ Jesus.

The end of pasture is not answered unless it strengthens and promotes the growth of the creature, so the intention of the word and ordinances will not be accomplished, unless they comfort, edify, and strengthen christians; and if they produce not this nourishing effect, it forms a strong presumption that they are not Christ’s sheep. The word and ordinances are not in themselves thus nutritious, or the mere use of them would be sufficient; but as we find this effect doth not follow of course, we must therefore consider them in another point of view. It is not in them, nor in those who administer them, as

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some have fondly and delusively imagined; but the blessings of God accompanying them which renders them efficacious. They are only the means and not the nourishment itself. It is the gracious influences of the holy spirit in and by the means which are strictly and truly the nourishment. The powerful application of these are of a spiritually strengthening nature, and they go from strength to strength. Thus the spirit takes the things of Christ, and by the sacred institutions shews them to the believer; hence he grows by the sincere milk of the word, and in this way he is said to grow in grace.

Jefus Christ feeds his sheep, by giving his spirit to dwell in them. By his agency he opens their understandings to perceive the glorious things of religion., By his agency, the word and ordinances become effectual means of the conviction, conversion, sanctification and salvation of sinners. Hence our Lord prays, "Sanctify them by thy truth, for thy word is truth." From this arises the difference which christians experience at different seasons, respecting the same truths and ordinances. At one time their hearts are filled with holy affections, and burn within them, as the hearts of the disciples and when they conversed with our Lord on the toad to Emaus, while they pray, read or hear the word, or attend upon a sacrament. At other times, under the same means, and employed in the same duties, all is coldness, darkness and stupidity. The reason of this difference is, that the spirit is present by his agency at one season and not at another. Sometimes divine institutions feed their souls as with marrow and fatness, and refreshes them with the richest wines; at others they are weak and feeble, destitute of power and authority. The various frames of christians frequently arise from the presence or absence of the spirit, when they are attending the means of grace.

Secondly, the good shepherd leads, guides and directs his sheep. This is a great and distinguishing blessing. Tho’ his government is over all, yet he performs no such acts in respect

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to the rest of our guilty race. Thus speaks the psalmist from his own experience, "He leadeth besides the still waters,; he restoreth my soul ; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake." Thus he leads, his people by his Word, his spirit and his ordinances. He guideth Joseph, as a flock. This is his conduct not only toward his church in general, but towards every believer in particular. The still waters by which they are led afford them pleasant prospects, many comfortable views of divine things, many a cooling and refreshing draught when they are thirsty or weary. The consolations of religion which flow from those living springs of water, are gladness, joy, and pleasure to their souls. Those who are led in the paths of righteousness, that is, in the way of duty, enjoy sweet peace, tranquility and hope.

Thirdly, protection another thing which Christ, as a shepherd renders his sheep. It is an essential part of the office of a shepherd, to protect the flock. Its need of a shepherd arises from its weakness, exposedness, and danger. As beasts of prey are ever seeking the destruction of sheep, so there are numerous enemies continually lying in wait to devour the flock of Christ. As sheep are the most impotent and defenceless tribe of animals, so when our Lord sustains the character of a shepherd, it must imply his defence and protection of his people. The eyes of Jesus observe from afar every difficulty and every danger which threatens them in all the variety of conditions and circumstances in which they may be. Satan, their grand enemy, is watchful of every opportunity, and skilful to improve it to their injury. He employs various ways with unsusprsected art to tempt their feet astray, and betray them into his snare and were it not for the protecting interposition of the good shepherd, total ruin would be the allotment of every saint. He guards them against the devil, the world, and the flesh, that tho’ they may suffer from them, they shall not be destroyed. He is their protector against the pestilence that’ walketh in darkness, and the

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plague that smiteth at noon day. If the earth be removed out of her place, if it reel to and fro like a drunken man, and became an uninhabitable wreck, their almighty shepherd has another mansion prepared for their reception, he has another, even an eternal kingdom for them which cannot be moved.

A brief reflection or two must close the subject.

First, how kind and condescending does Jesus Christ appear while he exhibits himself to us in the gentle and tender image of a shepherd Are we not overcome with wonder and astonishment, that he should descend to act this humble, tho’ most friendly part. Let us call to mind his native dignity, his uncreated glory, that he is and ever will be God over all, and can we avoid adopting the extatic emotion of the apostle, when he cries out, behold, what manner of love is this! O how meek and lowly does the Saviour appear! how amiable in his humiliation as well as majestic in his intercessory character, at the right hand of his father! Who does not feel with pleasure the power and force of such inimitable friendship, gentleness, goodness and condescension?

Secondly, how happy and blessed are nil they who have Jesus Christ for their shepherd? They are not to be appalled tho’ the earth be removed and the mountains cast into the midst of the sea, tho’ the waters thereof roar and be troubled. The Lord of hosts is with them and puts underneath them his everlasting arms. Jesus is their shield and refuge, and a present help in every time of trouble. "Fear not little flock it is your father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Altho’ the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls, yet rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the God of your salvation. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee

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is mighty, he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy" Who will not be a real christian, one of Christ's sheep, in preference to the highest happiness this world can raise its favorites to? Consider the preferableness of the poorest and meanest believer, to greatest, highest and most dignified sinner.

Thirdly, how awful and melancholy is the situation of those who have no interest in the care, protection, and love of this good shepherd? Are there not many who have the greatest reason to be assured that this is their true state ? Pray, my dear hearers, consider the danger and terribleness of your situation. You run the risk every moment of sinking into the horrible pit of eternal destruction. Your life is a vapour, and you live by the mere forbearance and sufferance of that God, who is angry with you every day. Consider what you will do it death should arrest you while you are in this condition. The thought is painful and dreadful, and it had been good for you, you had never been born.

Wherefore, awake and arise, flee to the arms of the good shepherd; escape for your lives to the city of refuge, to the hope set before in the gospel, ere it be forever too late. Remember the Lord will shake this earth to pieces, and the elements will melt with fervent heat. "Wherefore give all diligence to make your calling and election sure."