SERMON XXXIV.

THE GOSPEL A HIDDEN TREASURE.

The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which, when a man hath found, he hideth; and for joy thereof, goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. MATTHEW Xiii. 44.

THESE Words form one of our Lord's parables. A parable is a kind of fable or allegory, in which one thing is assumed, while another is spoken; much is said, but more is meant. The word, as used in the Old Testament, is synonymous with enigma; as David says, in the forty-ninth Psalm and fourth verse; 6. I will incline my ear to a parable; I will open my dark sayings upon the harp." Parables, especially those of our Lord, were a very agreeable method of conveying instruction. He frequently made use of them to teach, to

admonish, and to comfort. They certainly pay a compliment to the understanding of those to whom they are addressed; for, as it requires no small degrees of knowledge and discernment to compose them, so also some penetration is necessary, in order to comprehend their meaning. They not only appeal to the understanding, they also interest the heart. The similitude under which they are veiled arrests our attention, and probably the moral truth conveyed through that medium will long be remembered, which, had it been delivered as an abstract precept, would soon have been effaced from the mind.

The parable we are now to consider, is one of the shortest our Lord ever delivered; not like those of the sower, of the talents, of the prodigal son, or of the ten virgins, but com-prised in one short sentence; and, when three centuries ago, the New Testament was divided into chapters and verses, it formed but one verse. The chapter from which it is taken, contains many very striking parables. It is useful early in life to treasure up in the mind the subjects of particular chapters in the New Testament.

The subject of the fifth, and two following chapters of St. Matthew's Gospel, are well known; the thirteenth is wholly devoted to parables; the twenty-third, to the several

woes denounced against hypocrites; the twenty-fourth contains the prediction concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, delivered in language more like a history than a prophecy. It is pleasant, and it is profitable, thus to recall the events related in each chapter, as it tends to assist memory with regard to the facts and doctrines of Scripture. The kingdom of heaven, as it is here called, is intended to prefigure the gospel of Christ. It is represented under the similitude of "treasure hid in a field." Some commentators have given two distinct ideas to this expression, and have supposed the field to mean Christ himself, and the treasure the gospel he promulgated; but I view the passage as descriptive merely of a single object. I would not separate what appears so closely united; the dignity and importance of Christ would be lessened by divesting it of the religion he taught; and that religion would be little worth, when separated from its Founder.

I shall consider the words as alluding exclusively to the gospel; and shall,

I. Endeavour to show that the gospel is a treasure.

II. That it is a hidden treasure.

III. That the man of true wisdom discovers, values, and is ready to part with all his possessions to obtain it.

I. This gospel may truly be denominated a treasure, as it imparts knowledge, confers pardon, secures holiness, and promises salvation.

It imparts knowledge. It discovers to us, as far as our cloudy understandings can attain unto it, the Great Eternal; his perfections, his attributes, and his designs. It makes known to us the various dispensations he has given to mankind; and more especially, the last and brightest display of his mercy to our world. It teaches us the nature of man; the innocence in which he was created, and his fall from that holy state into sin; it shows us the punishment to which we are liable, by the guilt we have contracted; and points out the mercy displayed in the gift of a Saviour, through whom we may obtain forgiveness and access to the Father.

Again; the gospel is a treasure, as it confers pardon. Socrates may teach; Confucius may instruct; but it is Christ alone who can bestow pardon on the penitent offender: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall

be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." "God spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all;" and, with him, he will “ freely give us all things."-" I will hear what God the Lord will speak. He will speak peace to his people, but let them not turn again to folly."

Farther; the gospel not only imparts knowledge, and confers pardon; it also promotes holiness. And here the example of our Lord may be brought forward. We are not called upon to follow a fallible creature, but a perfect model of rectitude; an exact pattern of practical godliness. Every action of his life was in strict conformity to the precepts he delivered; and formed the best comment on his instructions. There was not a duty to God, to his fellow-creatures, or to himself, which was not fully exemplified in his conduct.

Once more; the gospel may be considered a treasure, as it promises salvation: " I give unto my sheep," says our Lord, when adopting the similitude of a shepherd, "I give unto my sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any be able to pluck them out of my hand." We have at present but very faint conceptions of the glory which awaits our entrance into the heavenly world,