Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons Daniel 12:4 But you, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro… I. AN END TO BE ACCOMPLISHED. "Knowledge shall be increased." The prophetical parts of Scripture describe a happier state of the world than has yet been witnessed; and this shall be introduced by an increase of knowledge. 1. The faculty which man has for acquiring knowledge forms the most obvious distinction of our species. 2. It is to the credit of the Christian religion that it is founded on knowledge. 3. The knowledge of God shall be increased. God is partially known by His works, but fully described in His Word. Experimental knowledge is necessary. This will lead us to love God; it will produce confidence in Him, and also obedience. 4. The knowledge of God will lead to the acquisition of useful knowledge of every kind. Religion enlarges the mind, illuminates the understanding, rectifies the judgment, and teaches men to think more clearly and more comprehensively on subjects of general science. II. MEANS USED FOR ITS ACCOMPLISHMENT. "Many shall run to and fro." God works by agents and instruments. 1. The number of gospel ministers. In some periods of the world the advocates of truth have been reduced to a very small number; now they are many. 2. The prompt activity of ministers. Preaching is figured to us as running. 3. The sphere of ministers' operation. The world. Inferences: (1) The great end of public preaching is to increase knowledge. (2) How careful and diligent should ministers be in acquiring knowledge. (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. |
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