THE GRAND THEME OF THE CHRISTIAN PREACHER, SERMON DELIVERED AT THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH ~ IN BOSTON, AT THE ORDINATION OF THE REV. BENJAMIN B. WISNER FEB, 21, 1821, BY LEONARD WOODS, D. D. ABBOT PROF. OF CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY IN THEOL. SEM. ANDOVER. ANDOVER PUBLISHED BY FLAGG AND GOULD. 1821. Pamphlet Collection Duke Divinity School : The following sermon was preached at the Ordination of the Rev. Alonzo Phillips in Princeton, Mass. June 7, 1820, and at the Ordina- tion of the Rev. Samuel Green, in Reading, Sept. 20, 1820. In com- pliance with repeated requests from the church in both those places, the Author had promised to publish the sermon, and had just begun to pre- pare the copy for the press, when, through the ordering of divine provi- dence, vt unexpectedly fell to his lot to preach, with but a short previous notice, at the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Wisner. SERMON, 1 Cor. u. 2. FOR I DETERMINED NOT TO KNOW ANY THING AMONG YOU, SAVE JESUS CHRIST, AND BIM CRUCIFIED. Trese words disclose to us the very heart of the Apostle respecting his great work, as a minister of Christ. He had been familiarly acquainted with all the rites of the Jewish religion, and had shown them the respect of a constant and punctual observance. He had been acquainted with the doctrines of the Pharisees, and, by his own experience, had learned all that was salutary in their effects on the mind. He had been acquainted too with whatever was of any worth in the morality and theology of the Gentiles. But when he went to preach to the Corinthians, he determined to know nothing, but Jesus Christ and him crucified. We are not to suppose, brethren, that the Apostle, executing this determination, confined his preaching to the single fact, that Jesus of Nazareth died on the cross. Undoubtedly he preached the same system of religion in d one place, as in another; and taught the same doctrines, substantially, in his preaching, as in his writings. These two things being admitted, we can easily determine what he meant by confinng himself thus exclusively to Jesus Christ and him crucified. The doctrine of the cross was the basis of the religion he preached ; had an mseparable connexion with all its peculiar doctrines, and an mfluence upon all its precepts; and gave christianity its distinguish- ing character. Accordingly, the Apostle’s determination was, as we know his practice was, not only to announce the simple truth, that Christ was crucified, but, as connect- ed with this, to teach all the doctrines and all the duties of the christian religion. It is in obedience to an unexpected call of divme prov- idence, that I address you, my respected hearers, on this m- teresting and auspicious occasion. And I should think my- self happy indeed, could I address you in a manner worthy of the subject 1 have chosen, and of the solemnities in which we are here engaged. But I indulge the persuasion, that you will receive with candour, what I shall offer you im sincerity. I well know where I stand, and what distin- guished ministers of Christ, from generation to generation, have preached to this beloved church, that momentous, holy doctrine, which my text has mtroduced to your no- tice. I know too m whose name I speak, and to whom I must give account. Impressed with such considerations as these, I shall proceed to illustrate as justly as Iam able, the high obligation of all ministers of the gospel to adopt the same 5 resolution with the Apostle, as to the grand theme of’ their preaching. The Apostle lived indeed almost two thousand years ago, and the circumstances of the world are now, in many respects, very different from what they were then. But truth is always the same. Amid all the changes which have taken place in the world, God is the same ; and as to the principal traits of his character, as well as his most im- portant relations, man is the same. There must therefore be substantially the same reasons, why ministers should now adopt the determination of Paul, declared in the text, as there was in the first age of christianity. _ The general reason by which I shall evince the pro- priety of this determination, is, that the doctrine of Christ crucified is so important, that rt is justly entitled to be made the principal theme of the Christian preacher. My design is to show that this doctrme is highly im- portant, first, in itself; secondly, on account of its relation to the character and government of God, and to the ruin and recovery of man; and thirdly, on account of its moral influence. First. The doctrine is important and interesting in itself’ When the Apostles went forth from Judea, and told the wonderful story of the sufferings and death of the Son of God; it must have produced feelings of the high- 6 est astonishment. It is equally astonishing now. It has lost none of its importance, and none of its power to excite an interest in the human mind. It has mdeed been long known in the world. But to the man who begins to ap- prehend things aright, it is always new. And however long we may have heard it preached, and however well we may have understood it ; it is always interesting to us, —more and more interesting, the more it is known. While reading the history of Christ’s suffermgs ; while hearing the doctrine of the cross preached ; and while attending that holy ordinance, in which his death is set forth; Christians frequently feel an interest like what they would feel, if the gospel were now for the first time proclaimed, or if the scene of Christ’s suffermgs were actually before their eyes. I say, the simple truth, that the Son of God died on the cross, has a greatness which astonishes. For we are to consider, my brethren, who was that glorious personage, whom the Scriptures reveal as THE SON OF GOD; that it was he, who was before all things, by whom all things were made, and by whom all things consist ; he, whom all the angels worship; he who is over all, God blessed forever.* What could be more astonishing, than to see a being of such preemment dignity, in such a condition! The Sun in the firmament could not shine, when he who formed its light, was dying on the cross. * See Col.i. 16,17. Johni. 3. Heb, i.6. Rom, ix. 5. 7 The earth trembled to see him on whose power it rest- ed, suspended in disgrace. With these indications of the natural world agree the feelings of the human mind. Who can, without strong emotions, contemplate the scene on Calvary, where one, so exalted and glorious, descended so low, and where one, so innocent and holy, suffered so much, and suffered in such a manner! Be it so that we have heard of it and spoken of it a thousand times. Its importance remains the same. It is and al- ways must be, a great, astonishing event, that the son oF cop suffered and died. Is the death of a king or the fall of an empire thought to be a great event, and worthy of public notice? But how trifling and msignificant is such an event, compared with the crucifixion of the son oF cop, the savVIOUR OF THE WORLD. Seconpty. Our doctrine is highly important on ac- count of its relation to the character and government of God. and to the run and recovery of man. Its first and most interesting relation is to the divine char- acter. There can be nothing, my hearers, in the whole circle of knowledge, that is of any importance, compared with the knowledge of the everlasting Ged. To such creatures as we are, it is the most momentous of all inquiries; What 2s the character of Jenovan? What is the disposition of that Being, in whose hand our life is, and who has power to save and to destroy? And what are we to expect from the administration of his government 2 These Inquiries respecting 8 the moral perfections of God are answered far more clearly and perfectly by the Cross of Christ, than by all the creation. The heayens and the earth do indeed declare his glory. But they speak a language feeble and obscure, compared with what we hear from Calvary. “No man hath seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” The inyis- ible God has here revealed himself. He has chosen this method, above all others, to make known his spotless ho- Iness, his immutable justice, his abounding mercy. A world rebels against its Creator. A world is lost. A world is to be saved; and to be saved by God himself, who only has either a right to propose the salvation of smners, or power to effect it. But the world that is to be saved, must not be left in ignorance of the God who saves, or of. the manner in which he saves. It must be known what are the feelings of God respecting the law which has been bro- ken, the authority which has been disregarded, and the iniquity which has been committed. Anact of infinite mer- cy is to be accomplished m behalf of transgressors. But they must not be left to put a wrong construction upon that act of mercy, or to misrepresent or injure the char- acter of him who shows mercy. Preparatory to the ex- ercise of mercy towards a rebellious world, there must be a developement of Ged’s character ; such a developement, as will forever prevent the possibility of their supposing, that his pure eye can behold iniquity ; or that he can give any countenance to sin; or that he is wanting in justice, 9 or holiness, or truth, or any other attribute of a perfect moral Governour. All this was effected by the death of the Lord Jesus. When we behold him, who was holy, harmless, and un- defiled, wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our imiquities, and dymg on the cross for us; we see that the eternal God is just. We see that he perfectly hates sin, while he loves the immortal souls of sinners. O, what manner of love! And O, what manner of justice! A wise father may interpose in some case of disorder in his house, and exercise such a mixture of authority and ten- derness, of justice and benevolence, that his household will say, they never knew his character before. And in a time of rebellion in an empire, a king, who has betore been known by his subjects only at a distance, may exhib- it himself to them in such an act of wisdom and benevolence, —may evince such a regard to the public good, such jus- tice and equity, and yet such gentleness and forgiveness, as will produce higher esteem and admiration for him in the hearts of his people, than has been produced by any other act of his government. And in the history of his life, that act of wisdom and goodness will always be ad- verted to, as forming the prominent feature of his reign, and as illustrating what was before obscure, and adding new beauty to what was amiable, in his whole character.* * As the Author, just before writing this sermon, had read, with peculiar satisfaction, the Discourses of Chalmers, he was almost insen- sibly led, in a few places, to adopt something of that writer’s phrase- ology and mode of illustration. 2 10 In the work of redemption, the King eternal has ac- complished a work of such wisdom, and righteousness, and goodness. This work makes the clearest manifestation of what is in the heart of God, and so is in the highest de- gree glorious. But all the glory of redemption shines with its purest, brightest lustre, in the cross of Christ. So that, whoever would obtain the most exalted views of God’s moral glory, must fix his eyes on Calvary. And if any man undertakes to describe the ‘character of God, without a primary respect to the cross of Christ, he omits the grand display of that character; he conceals the principal feature of its excellence. These remarks rest not on abstract speculation, but on plain fact. ‘The humble Christian, who studies the doctrme of the cross, gets better views of the moral per- fection of God, than can be derived from the whole crea- tion. Though he may know but little else; he knows that which nothing can equal in excellence. He may in deed confine his attention to the region of Calvary. But Calvary is infinitely dear to angels and men. It is dlummn ated with more of the lustre of divine excellence, than all the earth beside; and .the knowledge, which can be had of God in every other way, is foolishness, compared with what is learned from the cross. In order to obtain an adequate view of this subject, we must consider too, that the grand movement of divine wisdom, exhibited on Calvary, though it occupied so short 11 a time, will be followed by everlasting consequences. It “stood in connexion with all the subsequent conduct of God respecting human beings. It gave a new aspect to his whole’administration toward this revolted province of his empire. It was the begmming of an endless series of di- vine acts, which will continually reflect new lustre on the divine character. Millions of ages hence, intelligent crea- tures will see, that the highest and most endearing mani- festations of the goodness of God have a reference to Christ crucified. From that event resulted measures in the divine government, before unknown. A glory un- speakable; a glory exceeding in splendour and endearment “all other glory; a glory, which will be viewed with in- creasing delight forever, began to shine forth in the cross of Christ. But we must consider, a little more particularly, the importance of this doctrine on account of its relation to the law and government of God. The law has been vi- olated. All men are transgressors. ‘The world heth in wickedness. The law pronounces a curse upon them, and dooms them to perpetual banishment from the pres- ence of God. The law is holy, and just, and good, and God is its almighty Vindicator and Guardian. Here we behold the device of infinite wisdom. God looks upon perishing sinners with compassion, and determines to pro- vide salvation for them. And that this may be done without degrading the honour of his law, and without yielding any one principle of his righteous government, he 12 sends his only begotten Son to die in their stead. By this wonderful expedient, he vindicates the law, without exe- cuting its penalty. By this he makes known his right- eousness as Lawgiver and Judge, while he shows all the tenderness of pity, and all the fulness of grace, as a father and friend to sinners. And now, when we look upon the transaction on Calvary, we see, that, while transgressors are pardoned, the divine law is supported. We see that the justice of God never bends, and knows no compromise. We are impressed with the majesty of that government, which is thus watchfully and effectually guarded, by an omniscient and almighty God. We behold the awful unchangeableness of that just penalty of the law, which cannot be given up, even in favour of God’s only begotten Son. In short the intelligent creation see it written in living characters on the cross of Christ, that the law is just and good; that God is its ommpotent friend, and wiil give eternal efficacy to its principles. And I must add, that this manifestation of the justice and immutability of the law, and this vindication of its honour, is greatly supe- riour to any other, which has come to the knowledge of man. It is superiour, because, though it has all the dread- ful severity of a direct execution, it is mingled with unpar- alleled kindness and grace. It invests the moral govern- ment of God, with an awful majesty, which makes _all its subjects tremble, and at the same time with a benignity and tenderness, which attract their highest love and con- fidence. From the memorable day, on which the Son of God was crucified, that holy government was established 13 on a basis never to be moved; all its principles were ren dered gloriously efficacious, and all its ends perfectly se- cured. Henceforth there can be no doubt m the unt verse, that the Lawgiver is just and good, and no expecta- tion of impunity msin. However the grace of God may abound im the salvation of rebels, no one can ever think that God’s grace, thus exercised, tarnishes the beauty or lessens the authority of his righteous law. The importance of our doctrine will appear also, from its relation to man—to his rum by sin, and his salyation by ‘grace. In the moral state of man, we find the only occa- sion of Christ’s suffermgs. The obvious conclusion is, that man must have been sunk low in guilt and ruin, to need such a movement in the divme admmistration, for his de- liverance ; that the barrier, which excluded him from heaven, was indeed a mighty barrier, to require such an effort of infinite compassion and infinite power to remove it. When we look to the cross, and see the blessed Im- manuel suffermg and dying for men, we are as well satisfi- ed what their character is, and what they deserve at the hand of justice, as if we should see them enduring, mn their own persons, the dreadful weight of divine wrath. Indeed, the evidence here given of our guilt and wretch- edness js stronger, than could be given, by the literal execution of the penalty of the law. He who looks to Calvary, beholds a mightier and more astonishing event in the divine government, an indication of deeper guilt in our race, and a clearer display of the abhorrence with which 14 God regards our conduct, than if he should look into the world of misery, where sinful men suffer their own just desert. Whatever difficulties may attend this subject, it is undoubtedly a matter of fact, that the most heart-affect- ing views, which men ever obtain, of their own woful apos- tacy, and of their criminal, wretched, helpless state, are derived from the contemplation of the cross of Christ. This doctrine has an mseparable:connexion with the salvation of smners; with their forgiveness, their sanctifi- cation, and their eternal happmess in heaven. When we behold Christ dying for sinners; we are at once sat- isfied, that they may obtain salvation. His death is an expression of God’s mercy towards them. And then the animating conclusion of the Apostle follows; “He who spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things ?” He who performed the greatest possible act of benevolence, must surely be willing to perform all other benevolent acts. We here see not only a public proof of the readi- ness of God to show mercy, but the manner in which that mercy can be exercised, consistently with the order and happmess of his moral kingdom. We see that God can be just, while he justifies those who believe; that a ecru- cified Saviour procured pardon, and the spirit of sanctifi- cation, and all needed blessings for time and eternity ; in a word, that the sacrifice of Christ has put salvation with- in the reach of all the world, and actually secures it to all who repent. 15 Tmmepty. Our doctrine is highly important on ac- count of its moral tendency. It plainly results from the nature of the doctrine, that it rust have a mighty influence upon the human mind. There is nothing which can produce actions of a moral nature in men, but motives, or rational considerations. If we would produce any affection or action in men, consider- ed as moral agents, we direct their views to moral objects. We tell them, that their glorious Creator has given them a law to regulate their actions; that he abhors sm, and will pour out his wrath upon those who commit it; that he loves holiness, and will reward it with eternal life; that he isa being of infinite benevolence, and by admmistermg a righteous government, will pro- mote the endless happmess of his kingdom. These, and similar considerations we always exhibit, to sway the conduct of men. These are the motives, which are suited to influence, and actually do influence moral agents. Now if these motives, as they are presented by a moral government in its simplest form, are suited to m- fluence moral agents; much more, when they are present- ed in the doctrine of the cross. It is no difficult task to convince men, by natural reason, that God is just and good, and that he will mamtam a righteous government by re- warding the obedient, and punishing the disobedient. They often are convinced of all this, and acknowledge it. And they ought to acknowledge it with deep veneration andlove. But in the minds of apostate men, no vener-. ¢ 16 ation or love can be found. ‘They contemplate the di- vine perfections and government without emotion. Their moral feelings are benumbed by sin; and not only the dis- plays of God in the natural world, but the blackness and darkness and tempest of Sinai leave them stupidly inatten- tive. But the justice and goodness of God, and the par- amount authority of his law, as exhibited in Christ’s death, acquire a new and irresistible power. They arrest the attention of sinners, and make them tremble at the pros- pect of a future retribution. But this is not all. The doctrine of the cross does more than awaken sinners, and make them tremble. It shows them the infinite compas- sion of God. It shows them that their sins may be par- doned ; that God is a kind, forgiving father, ready to em- brace them in the arms of his mercy, and notwithstanding all their rebellion, to make them heirs of glory. Sucha display of divine love melts the heart, and leads to re- pentance. This, brethren, I say, is not imagination or conjecture, but fact. In the various instances of repentance which - take place in this apostate world, it will be found, that the grand considerations, which the Holy Spirit usually employs, to mfluence sinners, are derived from the cross of Christ. The divine truths, which are made instrumen- tal i forming them to a new character, are those which are comprised in the doctrine of Christ crucified. And the same divine truths are the motives, which control the affections and lives of believers. When they look to 17 the cross of Christ, they behold those manifestations of the righteousness and benevolence of God, which most powerfully stimulate them to seek higher degrees of eve- ry christian grace. And so by the cross of Christ, the world is crucified to them, and they to the world. It is this, which frees them from the dominion ef sim, subdues their worldly spirit, kindles gratitude and zeal, gives them hope when they are ready to despond, fortifies them against temptation, and by degrees conforms their whole character to the perfect standard of God's law. Such is the practical influence, which the dectrme of the cross has possessed and ever will possess over the minds of men. Accordingly we should néver cease to employ the doctrine, as the grand mstrument of moving their affections, and guiding their conduct. There is re- ally no other view of divine things, which is suited to have any decisive influence upon the human mind, or is likely to be of any certain efficacy in promoting the cause of virtue and piety m the world. This is the grand secret of a spiritual, holy life. And let me say, brethren, this doc- trine has the greatest effect, when alone,—unincumbered by any means which human wisdom can devise. What- ever is to be accomplished mm the christian life, the cross of Christ is the means. If then I should behold any of my fellow christians ready to indulge the loveef the world, or pride, or any sinful feeling, or to do any sinful action; I would-not go about to dissuade them by argu- 3 18 ments, which unassisted reason suggests. No. I would di- rect them to something of more certain efficacy ; to some thing that affords a deeper remedy. I would say to them, look up and see the cross. There see the holiness, and justice, and love of God. There see the excellence of his law, the evil of sm, the worth of the soul. See every thing, that can affect, and melt, and purify the heart, and make sin, in all its forms, an object of detestation. This, christians, is the great argument I would employ, to check the power of temptation, and to strengthen and el- evate every christian virtue. And if this does not. prevail, nothing will. Brethren, if the human race are ever to be turned from their iniquities, and brought to love and obey their Creator, it must be by the influence of this doctrme. There is no other way. Every attempt we may make to impress the minds of men with real holiness, or to regulate their moral actions, will come to nothing, unless we present the doctrine of Christ crucified clearly _before them, and bring them to feel its transforming power. Here human reason and philosophy are of no account. He who uses them to save men from sin, uses them mm vain. Christ crucified is the power of God to salvation. But on this occasion I ought to show particularly, how ministers of the gospel are likely to be affected by the doctrine of the cross. What then was its influence upon the Apostle himself? This will appear, if you consider the difference between his character before he knew Christ, and his character after. Paul was once protid and 19 malignant, a persecutor, a murderer. But his knowledge of Christ crucified had a sovereign power to subdue his pride and malice, and to beget m him deep humility, ar- dent desire for the glory of God, and a willingness to endure all things for the salvation of men. F rom the happy hour that he first knew the doctrine of the cross, he lived another life. Under the animating, comforting influence of this doctrine, he endured labours and sufferings, not to be described, for the salyation of sinners. And has the cross of Christ lost that sovereign virtue, which it had in the primitive ages? Is it not able to produce the same effects now, as it did then? ‘There is not a single disor- der of our hearts, brethren which it cannot remedy. _ There is no christian or ministerial virtue, which it cannot help us to attain; and no duty, which it cannot strengthen us to perform. If we make Christ crucified the great subject of our faith, and of our preaching ;. if we hold it in such estimation, that we can say, we know nothing else ; it will fill us with the fruits of mghteousness. It will bring all the motives to love, and purity, and universal good- ness, to exert their highest energy upon us. It will adorn and elevate our character, and render us extensively use- ful to the church of Christ. If we adopt the determination to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified, it will fix our eye steadily upon an example of’ consummate excellence. And such an ex- ample must, in all respects, have the most salutary influ- ence. Can it be that christians will allow themselves * 20 in sin, while their eye is fixed on one who was holy, harmless, undefiled? Can we indulge pride in our hearts, while daily conversant with one so humble? Can we seek the world’s honour, while we behold the King of glory covered with shame ? What music can it be to our ears, to hear the praises of our worthless names mingle them- selves with the reproaches cast upon our blessed Lord ? While we have before our eyes that beloved Saviour, who became poor for our sakes, and counted all earthly pleas- ures as the dust under his feet, can we give ourselves up to the pursuit of riches and pleasures? With such anex- ample of patience and silent meekness before us,ean we indulge an impatient, resentful temper? or a spirit of anger and revenge, with an example of such compassion and forgiveness ? Can we foster a spirit of censoriousness, bitter- ness, and contention, when we behold in our Lord such quietness, and gentleness, and candour? Can we seek té gratify any grovelling desire, or pursue’any worthless inter- est, when we see our Saviour and Guide settmg his heart upon an object so excellent, as the eternal glory of God, and the salvation of a ruined world? And can we ever shrink back from sufferings, or be discouraged by dif- ficulties, when we behold an example of resolution, which yielded to no difficulties, but kept fast hold of its object, even amid the sufferings of the ~ and the cross ? Suppose a minister of the gospel were to be habitu- ally conversant by faith with the crucified Saviour, and Se 21 were to have before him, from day to day, the astomshing exhibition he made of the love, the holmess, and the jus- tice of God, the wretched condition of simners, and the divine grace which abounds in their salvation. Suppose he were to study, and preach, and visit his flock, and _per- form all his ministerial duties, with Christ crucified in live- ly view. What effect would it have upon hm? With what spirit would he pursue his studies? In what man- ner would he preach, and converse, and visit the people of his charge? How would he treat immortal souls, perishing in sm? and the church redeemed by precious blood ?—O! that we could see the power of the cross more © fully displayed in our own ministry, and in that of all who sustain the sacred office. I have now endeavoured to exhibit the vast import- ance of our doctrine, first, in itself; secondly, on account of its relation to the character and government of God, and to the ruin and recovery of man; and thirdly, on ac- count of its influence on the hearts and. lives of Christians. All this importance of the doctrme, to which you have for a short time turned your thoughts, but which is in truth above our highest conceptions, I have urged as a reason for our adopting the same determination with the Apostle, and making Christ crucified the grand theme of our preaching. The subject, on which I have now ventured to speak, has, I am sensible, «a depth, which the understanding of % 22 an apostle could not fathom—a length, and breadth, and height, surpassing the knowledge even of an angel. On this stupendous subject I have, with entire frankness, ex- pressed to you the best views I have been able to attain. Permit me now, brethren, with equal frankness, to exhibit some of those reflections, which the subject and the occa- sion naturally suggest. 1. It seems impossible to discuss such a subject as this, without reflecting on the great mistake of those min- isters, who substitute any thing whatever, for the doctrine of Christ crucified; who make it their business to inculcate a superficial morality, or a metaphysical theology, or some- thing else, which results from the light of mere human reason, and only subserves the welfare of human soci ety; or who put some part of christiamty in the place of Christ crucified, or at least, teach the Christian religion in such a mamner, that the doctrine of the cross is never made prominent, and no one would ever suppose from their mode of treating it, that it was a doctrine of any conse- quence in the system. Those to whom these remarks apply, never advert to the fact of Christ’s death, or to the atonement he made, or to any part of his great work, as being fundamental in the system of dive truth? ‘The death of Christ has never taken hold on their feelings, as a measure of preeminent glory in the divine admiistra- tion, They can say all they have to say, on the character of God and of man, on the principles of the divine law, on the mercy of God, and on all other subjects, which “<= 23 come within the compass of their preaching, without ever referring to the doctrine of the cross, as of any material consequence. Perhaps they may name the thing; but their views and their preaching are very nearly what they would be, if it were wholly left out, and wholly for- gotten. Now, brethren, would you turn away the eyes of men from the highest display; ever yet made, of the moral ex- cellence of God? Would you render them insensible to the clearest mamfestations of ther own. guilt and wretchedness, and hinder them from accepting the method, which the Sovereign of the world has cho- sen, to extend mercy to sinners? Would you blot out the distnguishing glory of the gospel, and deprive it of that which constitutes its chief worth in the eyes of angels and men ?—If you would do all this, then pass by the doctrine of the cross, and make up your system of religious instruction, both as to faith and practice, without regard to the blood of Christ. This will effectually blunt the edge of diye truth, so that it shall give no wound to the con- sciences of men. This will prevent the conviction and trembling fear of the wicked. This will make the gos- pel such, that men may hear it from year to year, and from age to age, and yet remain in the unbroken slum- ber of spiritual death. | But O brethren, partakers of this high and heayen- ly calling, if you have the holy desire of seeing the eter- 24 7 nal God glorified; then behold yourselves, and exhibit to others, the scene of Calvary, where the glory of all God's attributes shines forth with its purest lustre. If you cher- ish the feelings of loyal subjects, and desire that the law of God may be vindicated and honoured in the view of in- telligent creatures, and may be maintamed in all its author- ity and influence ; then exhibit the cross of Christ, which effectually ‘supports the law, and secures it from dishonour, while its penalty is remitted im behalf of the penitent When you behold that spectacle, which is so mteresting and moving to the true minister of Christ, the spectacle of a simner filled with shame and distress, ready to smk un- der the weight of his guilt, and struggling to get release from the bondage of corruption; if you would point him to the only source of hope, and deliverance, and joy, point him to the blood of Christ. If you would see men adorn- ed with holiness; exhibit that doctrine, which contains the most powerful motives to holiness. Exhibit all the truths and precepts of religion, in close alliance with the doctrine of the cross, and as deriving from it their princi- pal efficacy. This doctrine, if the apostle’s judgment may be relied upon, is the grand principle m the system of christianity. Leave out this, and the whole system, as to its character and tendency, is radically a different thing. Consider, then, Secondly, the essential loss, occasioned by that theology, which sets aside the doctrine of Christ crucified, and lays down the moral precepts of the Bible, or a part of them, as constituting the christian religion. 25 This lax system occasions great loss to those ministers who embrace it, by depriving them of the happmess of present success, and clouding their prospect of a future reward. It occasions great loss to immortal souls, by withholding that doctrme, which God has appointed to be the principal means of converting them from sm; by refus- ing to teach them the only way of life, and leaving them either to a guilty quiet, or a hopeless sorrow. It occa- sions great loss to the church, by obscuring its glory, and taking away the means of its increase. And it occasions loss to the christian religion, by expunging its characteris- tic excellence, and by distorting and deranging those fea- tures of truth which it may suffer to remain. Now is all this a matter of no moment? Can we look with indif- ference upon the prevalence of that theology, which would turn away our eyes from the cross of Christ? Can we think it a small evil, which should give us no uneasiness ? No, brethren; it is an evil of alarming magnitude ; an evil which threatens desolation to the church; an evil which extends its fatal mfluence into eternity. It robs our holy religion of its efficacy and _ glory. It dishonours God, by concealing or undervaluing the brightest display of his moral perfections. It hin- ders, or strives to hinder the salvation of smners. By taking away the only successful instrument of bringing men to obey the gospel, it cuts off all prospect of extend- ing the reign of Christ. Such, brethren, in my serious apprehension, is the eyil occasioned by the prevalence of 4 26 any scheme of religion, whatever may be its form, and whatever other truths it may seem to maintain, if it denies or omits the doctrine of Christ crucified. | Wherever any scheme of this character gets footing, the glory of the gospel is departed, and souls perish in their sins, because there is no one to lead them to the foot of the cross. If then we have hearts to feel for the glory of God; if we have any pity for the souls of men, or any desire for the welfare of the church, we should deplore the errours of the present day. And you will keep in mind, that the great effort of errour, at this day, is not to oppose the Christian religion by name, but to free it from those doc- trines, which offend the proud, alarm the impenitent, and forbid men to glory in the presence of God. This defec- tive, spurious system we ought, brethren, to deplore, not because it stands against our opinions, or our party ; but because it deceives and ruins immortal souls; and be- cause it undermines that system of truth, which honours God our Saviour, and is destined to renovate the world: Who that has learned his religion from the Bible, will ever tell us, that we overrate, or can overrate the doctrine of Christ crucified? Who will attempt to make us ashamed of this? Ashamed we may be of ourselyes, and of one another. But never can we be ashamed of the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. We em- brace it as our life. God forbid that we should glory in any thing else. Take away from us what you will; only leave us this holy, heavenly doctrme. It is the basis of ; 27 our eternal hopes, the spring of our joys, the glory of our religion. In the best days of New Encxanp, it was to all her ministers, the grand theme of preaching, and of all her churches, the chief’ corner stone. And so brethren it will be. We make no empty boast. The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it ; and the steady motion of the heavens is not more certain, than the accomplishment of his word. God will give us better days. His spirit will be copious- ly poured out upon our churches and Colleges, upon our cities, and our country. Christians will grow in grace. A host of faithful ministers will be raised up, whose ruling pas- sion shall be love to Christ,—who shall publish the glad t- dings, and extend far and wide the triumphs of the cross. Converts shall be numerous as the drops of morning dew. The everlasting gospel shall no more be a savour of death unto death. Hostility agamst its heavenly doctrines shall no more lift up its head. The glorious reign of Christ shall come. All the ends of the earth shall look to him and be saved, and a world of ransomed sinners join in songs of praise. The Lord will hasten it in his time. To you, my dear brother, this subject, and this ocea- - sion must be deeply interesting. You are now to be set apart to the most sacred, the most honourable, the most delightful office. And in this office, you are permitted of heaven to occupy the place of a long succession of able and faithful ministers, who now rest from their labours; particularly of our dear lamented brother, who recently finished his work, and whose name will long be precious 28 to his people, and to his brethren in the ministry. In this honourable station, and in connexion with this beloved soci- ety, you will, we doubt not, make it your great business to preach Christ crucified ; to make known his glorious char- acter, his atomng blood, and the unsearchable riches of his grace. What have you to do with the wisdom of this world, which cometh to nought? with the excellency of speech ? with the enticing words of human eloquence ? with the fineries of learning, or the arts of popularity ? Let your people see, and let all the churches see, that you determine to know nothing among them, save Jesus Chr'st and him crucified. Let them see that, while you teach all the truths and all the duties of religion, you teach them as Paul did, with your eye turned to the cross. The doctrine of Christ Crucified was a subject great enough for an Apostle; and why should any of us search for a greater? Christianity, my brother, is best alone,—pure from all mixture of human errour and human passion. Let its dive simplicity ever charm your heart, while its sublimity and glory fill you with astonishment and rapture. Even in this metropolis, where the splen- dours of wealth, the refinements of literature, and the en- chantments of fashionable errour present so many tempta- tions to those who bear the sacred office; show that a minister of the gospel, by the help of God, can preach and live, as the apostle did. Better be any thing, than a mi ister here, unless you preach affectionately, discreetly and boldly, the doctrine of the cross. And let me say, my* dear brother, that you need the influence of this doctrine 29 to subdue the evils of your own heart, and support you under the trials of the ministry. If at any time it fall to your lot to suffer injuries; look to Christ crucified, and learn to forgive. Be so imbued with the spirit of Christ, that whatever reproaches, or slanders, or personal abuses may come upon you from ungodly men, you will meditate no recompense but endeavours to do them good, and prayer to God that they may be saved. Should you begin to sink under affliction, to be weary of your labours, or to be discouraged for want of success; look to him who went about doing good, and was obedient and faithful unto death, and learn patience and perseverance. Should your heart ever tempt you to conceal the ‘truth, or to remit your efforts in the mmistry, for the sake of gaming the honours of the world, or shun- ning its reproaches; look to him, who counted worldly honours less than nothing, and willingly endured the cross, despisng the shame. Should you lose sight of God, and walk in darkness; look up and see the light of the knowl- edge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Should you ever be oppressed with the weight of your guilt, and begin to be distressed with the apprehension that your sins are too great to be forgiven, and that at last, af ter all your privileges, your hopes and labours, you may lose your own soul; behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. And whatever may be the condition of your flock, direct them to the same glo rious object. Teach them to forget you, and look to Je- sus. If you would enliven the graces of this church; if 30 you would excite its members to love one another, to be feryent in spirit, and to rejoice in hope; present before them in all its beauty, and in all its purifying, transforming power, the doctrme of the cross, Present the same be- fore impenitent sinners, to show them their guilt and their doom; and before convinced, penitent sinners, to show them the only way of salyation—This church rests on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. The Christians, to whom you are called to minister, love the doctrine of the cross. It is their refuge and their joy. They have built their hopes for etermty on Christ’s atoning blood, and received of his fulness. We trust they love him so sincerely and ardently, that they are willing to endure all things for his sake. Both in prosperity, and in adversity, they have been near our hearts. And in the happiness they this day experience, thousands participate. God grant — that you may. ever come to them in the fulness of the blessmg of the gospel of Christ. God grant, you may have the joy of seeing parents and children pressing to the cross. And may he, who stooped down from his throne to die for men, and who has all power in heayen and earth, graciously dwell in this place. Here may the doctrine of Christ crucified never be forgotten. Here may his grace abound, his church flourish, and his infinite glory shine forth, while the sun and the moon endure. Amen. Ait ye as pe Cae J tis at) ou Te ney (a it | ‘ ie by ies one , Mi 0 ay a : ; y) Seine ee