Sermons on Various Important Subjects | Page 4

reputed
wise, considered the gospel scheme as foolishness; and the instrument
which were chosen to propagate it were thought to be weak and
contemptible. It was also observed to spread chiefly among the lower
order of men, who had not the advantages of literature, nor been
initiated in the mysteries of Judaism, all which served to inspire its
enemies with confidence, that it would soon come to nought.
The apostle takes notice, in the context, of the contempt then so
generally poured on Christianity, and declares the wisdom of God in
the permission of it. He also predicts the triumph of the cross;
especially over the powers then combined against it--predictions which
afterwards fulfilled: For those powers were all subdued and humbled,
and Christ and the gospel exalted. The Christian religion was openly
professed, and became the most reputable religion in many countries;
particularly in Syria and at Rome and its numerous provinces; and by
the means then ordered of God. This is the spirit of the text--_God hath
chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and the
weak things of the world to confound the mighty, &c_.
In discussing the subject, we shall _consider the means used to
propagate the gospel--the opposition made against it--and the wisdom
of God in the choice of the means_; which will bring up to view some
of the objections which have been made against the truth of the gospel.
In treating of the means used to propagate the gospel, we pass over the
preaching and miracles of Christ, and the wonders which took place at
his inexcuseable in neglecting so great salvation; but they preceded
sending the gospel to the gentiles, and the means used to spread it
among them. The apostle had no reference to Christ, or any thing done
or suffered by him, when he spake of _the foolish and weak, and base
things, used of God, to confound those which are wise and mighty_. He
spake only with reference to the instruments which were chosen to
carry the gospel abroad and persuade the nations of the earth to receive

it.
God hath all creatures at his command; he hath power to press the most
reluctant into his service, and to compel them to bear his messages and
execute his orders; as we see in the case of Balaam and Jonah. God can
make use of man to this end, either by reconciling them to himself, and
attaching them to his interest or by overruling their corrupt and vicious
designs to effect his holy purposes, without their consent or knowledge.
Most of the prophets were brought into his view, and made desirous to
honor him. Many pagan princes, and others, who knew him not were
yet made instrumental in doing his pleasure and executing his designs.
The divine sovereign never wants for agents to accomplish his purposes.
He sitteth on the circle of the heavens, and orders the affairs of the
universe in such a manner as to do his pleasure. "None can stay his
hand." Whether the agents which he employs are willing or unwilling,
mean so, or not, is of no importance relative to the event. "His purposes
stand, and the thoughts of His heart to all generations." The attempts of
creatures to reverse his orders, and defeat his decree only help to their
accomplishment. This was particularly the case respecting the measures
adopted by the enemies of Christianity to prevent its spreading in the
world.
The persons chosen of God and sent forth to propagate the religion of
Christ, were such as human wisdom would have judged very unsuitable.
Twelve poor, despised, illiterate men, were called to be apostles; --most
of them were fishermen. One was a publican; a collector of the Roman
tribute, which had been imposed on the Jews as a conquered people. An
employment so odious, that vile persons, regardless of character, would
only accept it. Such men we should judge exceedingly unfit for
ministers of religion, and not likely to succeed in making converts to it.
Yet such were those who were appointed of God, to be prime ministers
in the Christian church! Such the men who were sent forth to change
the form and administration of Judaism, and overthrew the systems of
Paganism, rendered venerable by a general establishment, and the
religious reverence of ages. The Jews' religion was from God, who had
given abundant evidence of its divine origin. This Christ came not to
destroy. But its external administration was to be changed; and in

apprehension of most of those who professed it, it was less opposed to
the gospel scheme, than Paganism. No others had greater enmity to
Christianity than the Jews, or entered into the opposition position with
warmer zeal. They commonly stood foremost, and stirred up the