re om A ert Suearer ae tao a Osa) wer nia eg ohirte ate sor rn oi seat” aad 4" . Ae =! Phe steigsstasrn te tet esc Fe : ete hy te fe! temruemenet 9. babe htels te tee saree tela on Folate Satoh ssfaratiabstat es my ie iho en tite Beek 8 Pe ene pinceldege tote tet ee Spar ics Car to Rd 90 - apenas tt o fetta eat ated P ar mabe me eer maa that 40" atigtyt paw tote! oo oo ewarat DUKE UNIVERSITY DIVINITY SCHOOL LIBRARY in 2022 with litter i br: has ae ae a a Ee ee ih Si ee a ae iat rf £ ‘ LLG HT SERMONS, PREACHED OCCASIONALLY, TO WHICH ARE ADDED, ’ MISCELLANIES in VERSE. By the Rev. JAMES CREI GHTON,A.B, HOLDING FAST THE FAITHFUL WORD, ASHE HATH BEEN TAUGHT 3 THAT HE MAY BE ARLE BY SOUND DOCTRINE, BOTH TO EXHORT, AND TO CONY.NCE GAINSAYERS. , Titus i. 9. THESE THINGS 1 WILL THAT THOU AFFIRM CONSTANTLY, THAT THEY WHO HAVZ BELIEVED IN GOD MIGHT BE CAREFUL TO MAIN- TAIN GOOD WORKS. . Titus iii, &. ———_—___. LONDON: 5 8 PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR. 4 MDCCXC. ’ 2 a = ah, a ¢ S “ Se, 46 A he ter cigar A fA UT 1.0. .N AGAINST FALSE PROPHETS: ADDRESSED TO Tue INHABITANTS or KINAWLY, IN THE DIOCESE or KILMORE. By the Rev. JAMES CREIGHTON, A.B. aaa "TO THE LAW AND TO THE TESTIMONY; IF THEY SPEAK NOT ACCORDING TO THIS WORD, IT 1S BECAUSE THERE 1S NO e . LIGHT IN .THEM. [faiah, viii. 20. PROVE ALL THINGS: HOLD FAST THAT WHICH IS GOOD. 1 Theff. v. 21, DUBLIN, PRINTED ; AND LONDON REPRINTED, FOR THE AUTHOR: AND SOLD BY MESSRS MATTHEWS IN THE STRAND, AND KENT, No 116. HIGH HOLBORN, MDCCXCI. To th READER. oe following Difcourfe was written chiefly for the ufe of a plain People ; it was therefore neceflary to adapt the Phra- feology of it to the comprehenfion of fuch. If it tends in any wife to inftrué the Igno- rant, or confirm the Wavering ; to eftablifh and fettle them in the Truth, left they fhould be toffed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of Doéirine; or, if it exhibits the Wolfin his proper colours, fo that the Flock may be timely apprized of their Dan- ger; it will anfwer the End which the Authcr had in view, and will be a fufficient Apology for his making it public. That he does not point at Minifters of any particular Church, Sect, or Party, will be evidently clear to every difcerning and unpre- judiced Reader. He only endeavours to draw his portrait of a fal/e Prophet from the ori- ginal delineation given in the Scriptures of Truth: If the reader thinks that the cap fits him, he is at liberty to wear it. Perhaps, if he lets his confcience fpeak, it will declare, “© Thou art the Man.” ra ; i? ee ee oe oe PEGE (as 4 ‘ oN re NT S. , 1 A CAUTION AGAINST FALSE PROPHETS. . ASermon on Marr. vii. 15, 16. II. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. A Sermon on 2 TIM. ii. 3. Ill. RECIPROCAL DUTY OF MINISTERS AND - PEOPLE: A Sermon on 1 THgss. v. 12,13. lV. GROWTH IN GRACE. d A Sermon on 1 Per. ii. 2, 3 i . V- JESUS THE WAY. A Sermon on Pfalm ii, 12. VI. SOLEMNITY IN DIVINE WORSHIP. A Sermon on PsawM xciii. 5. VII. CHRIST THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A Sermonon Mat, iv. 2. VIII. DOMESTIC DUTIES ENFORCED. A Sermon on Deut. iv. g. a CONTENTS OF THE POETRY. Stanzas on the Death of the Rev. CHARLES WESLEY, A Dialogue on the Death of the Rev, Joun WESLEY. The Messian’s Kingdom, Soliloquy .of a Perfon near Death. Stanzas on the Death of Mrs. Percy. ‘The Parting Scene, An Epithalamium. An Epiftle to Mrs. Stubbs. A Meditation at the Foundery. An Epitaph. A Soliloquy of Mrs. C. An Expoftulation with R. C. The Profpect of Lough Erne An Epiftle from a Citizen of London Lines addreffed to Mifs A. C. A Father’s Advice to his Daughter. The Soul’s Triumph. A pei y:,. E, deOo.N, KC. - MatTTHEw Vil. 15, 16. BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS, WHICH COME TO YOU IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING, BUT INWARDLY THEY ARE RAVENING WOLVES. YE SHALL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS. HE Creator of the Univerfe being incompre- : henfible, even by the higheft Arch-Angel ; and his Will alfo being known only fo far as he himfelf is pleafed to impart it ; he hath gracioufly condefcended to reveal the knowledge of Himfelf in part, and alfo the knowledge of his Will, not only to thofe miniftring Spirits who wait on him continually to execute his commands ; but alfo to many of the children of men, in every age, _ whom he employs as Inftruments of conveying it to others. And he caufed his Will to be promulged by the mouth of thofe men, whom he employed on this occafion ; and alfo to be written for the learning and inftruétion of all who | fhould follow after in every fucceeding age. 2 Thefe men fometimes are ftyled PropHETs, fometimes | AposTies, fometimes Teacuers, fometimes AMBAS-~ sapors for Curist, fom@imes Ministers of Curist, B and CHS and Stewarps of the Myfteries of Gop. There is a two-fold fignification, in which the term PRoPHer is _ takenin Holy Scripture. Fir/, this title is given to one, who, being enlightened by him who knoweth all Things paft, prefent, and to come; is enabled to foretel future events, or what fhall happen to particular Perfons, Fami- lies, Nations, or Kingdoms in fucceeding times. Secondly, it is given to one, who fpeaks in the Name of God, who teaches, expounds, or interprets the Word of God to others ; in which fenfe it is moft commonly ufed in the New Teftament; and to this particular notion I mean to confine the term in the following difcourfe. 5 3- It hath been the bufinefs of the grand Deceiver, ever — fince he was caft out of the realms of Blifs, to endeavour to counteract the gracious defigns of Providence, in order the more effectually to fruftrate the Work of God, who willeth all men to be faved. He fometimes puts on the ap- pearance of an angel of light :. fometimes ** fows tares a- mong the wheat ;’’ and fometimes fends his emiflaries, his minifiers, his falfe apofiles, his deceitful workers, who transform themfelves into, or rather put on the appearance of, <“* the Apoftles of Chrift.” As Satan had numbers - of thefe agents difperfed, not only among the heathen nations, but alfo among the Jews of old, in order to draw them to idolatry ; fo has he many now, in the times of the Gofpel, who, like an iguis fatuus, lead men aftray, faying, *“* Lo! Chrift is here, and Lo! he is there;” who, tho’ they have undertaken “ to be Teachers of the Law,” and alfo to preach Chrift, ‘* yet underftand neither what they fay, nor whereof they affirm.” I would not be under- ftood to affert, that a// thofe alluded to, do knowingly and willingly lead Men afiray ; but as Sin hath blinded their Eyes, that they cannot fee, they aremade inftrumental by Satan 6.521) Satan im deceiving or leading their fellow-mortals aftray ; for if “* the Blind lead the Blind,” the inevitable con- fequence is, that doth he that leads, and he that is led s* will fall into the Ditch,” 4. It is undoubtedly neceffary, for thofe who fpeak in the Name of God, to know affuredly that they are fent and commiffioned by him; left they meet the Judgments denounced againft thofe who ran and prophefied, though ‘head not fpoken to them. However, I fhall leave this point to be confidered ferioufly by the Prophets, and pro- ceed tomy purpofe; which is, to point out to you, who _ are Hearers, fome Marks whereby ye may diftinguith falfe Prophets from the true Ones. And this I do out of fincere affetion and regard for your Souls, fearing, left ** after my departure, grievous Wolves” fhould ‘* enter in among you, mot fiparing,” nor “ feeding the Flock.” Ano- ther Reafon is, becaufe many of you defire an Anfwer to this Queftion ;—** We are told that falfe Prophets fhall arife and deceive many ; how then fhall we know or diftin- guifh them?” 5- It would, indeed, be inconfiftent with the Wifdom of our Divine Lord, to caution his Difeiples and Hearers _ againft falfe Prophets or falfe Teachers ; and not at the | fame time to lay down fome Rule whereby they fhould be _ known, or point out fome Teft or Standard whereby they fhould be tried. In vain would it have been alfo for his _ Apofiles to forewarn the Chriftians, that falfe Prophets fhould arife in after-times, unlefs they had pointed out - fome Marks whereby to diftinguifh them. There are many of thofe Marks to be found in the Writings of the Apof- tles ; -but the Criterion, or diftinguifhing one, mentioned >y our bleffed Lord in the latter part of the Text, feems ae the plaineft and moft eafy imaginable; “* Ye fhall zis Az know ~ : C288 know them by their fruits.” Here isan infallible Token whereby the meaneft Mechanic, the moft illiterate Herds- man, People of the weakeft capacity, may be able tojudge for themfclves. It-is eafy to difcern whether a Tree is good or bad by examining its Fruit; for, as our. Lord elfewhere obferves, ‘‘ Every Tree is known by his own Fruit;” and here in the Context he faith, ‘** every good Tree bringeth forth good Fruit: but a corrupt Tree bringeth forth evil Fruit. Wherefore by their Fruits ye fhall know them.” 6. The falfe Prophets, or fome of their Adherents may be ready to objeét to this Mode of Procedure, of -** judg- ing men,” asthey termit; and will ground their objec- tion on the Words of our Lord, in the beginning of this Chapter ;—‘* Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Thefe Words are frequently in their Mouths, and they quote them, as they do many other Paflages of Scripture, with- out confidering the Context. Our Lord, indeed, forbids here the pafling a rafh Cenfure upon others, left we provoke God to ufe Severity towards us; but that he allows us to judge of the Lives and Ations of others, when we have amended and reformed our own, appears from the 5th Verfe ; ** Then fhalt thou fee clearly to caft the Mote out of thy Brother’s Eye.” How could he fee the Mote, that is, the leffer Crimes of which his Neighbour was” guilty, unlefs he was allowed to difcern, to judge, and examine his Life and Actions? Again, when he fays, << ye fhall know the Tree by its Fruits ;”’ or, ** every Tree is known by its own Fruits ;” does he not evidently allow ~ us to examine the Fruits ; andthen to give our Opinion, declare our Judgment, or, if you pleafe, pafs Sentence accordingly? If this be not allowed, we make Jefus Chiift, the all-wife God, to contradi&t himfelf twice in this de ea this Chapter. Although then we are not to pafs a haftv, rafh Cenfure upon any Man; yet, we muft be allowed to form an Opinion, not only of Prophets, but of every perfon according to this plain, eafy, candid way of judg- ing; namely by their Fruits. I. Firft let us examine the Fruits of the Prophets, with refpect to their own Lives and Aétions; that is, examine them as men, before we confider them as Perfons commif- fioned by Gop to declare his Will to others. II. Let us examine the Effeéts .of their Miniftry on their Hearers; And, lil. Let us clofely attend to their Do&trines, and com- pare them with the written Word of Gop. Let us bring them ‘to the Law and to the Teftimony,” by which every Teacher and his Do@trine fhould be tried. I. 1, What are the Fruits apparent in their Lives? Do they live ** a godly, righteous, and fober Life?” Do they frame their Lives according to the tenor of our Lord’s Sermon.on the Mount, of which the Text makes apart? Arethey meek, humble, lowly, patient under fufferings; refigned to the Difpenfations of Providence ; endeavouring tobe daily more and more conformed to the Image of their Lorp? Are they ‘* Patterns of good Works?” Are they ‘ Patterns to the Believers in Word, in Converfation, in Love, in Spirit, in Faith, in Purity ?” Are they “ temperate in all things?” Do they * give themfelves wholly to Reading, to Exhortation, to Doc- trine ?” Does it appear that they have the Glory of God in view, in all their Thoughts, Words, and AGi- ons? Do they feem willing to /pend and be /pent for the Children of God ; endeavouring, as much as in them lies, to help them on in the Road’ of Salvation? Do they reprove or exhort the Wicked, inftru&t the Ignorant, and feem { 10 ) feem defirous that all fhould come to the Knowledge of the Truth ?—Where thefe Fruits appeaty .ye may conclude that the Tree is good. 2. Onthe contrary, are they, upon impartial obferva- tion, found to have the following Marks? Are they *$ proud, heady, high-minded? Boafters; covetous, greedy of gain, or filthy lucre?” Are they ** Strikers, Brawlers, or foon angry ?” are they ** given to Wine or ftrong drink?” do they ‘* tarry long at the Wine!” Are they ‘* blafphemers ?”” Do they fwear in common converfation? Are they ‘* difobedient to Parents, un= thankful, unholy, without natural Affection, Truce- breakers, falfe Accufers, Incontinent, Adulterers, For- nicators, unclean Perfons, Sodomites, lafcivious,’”’ and obfcene, ‘* fierce, Defpifers of thofe that are good, Lovers of Pleafure more than Lovers of God?” The Perfons, in whom all, or any of thefe Marks are found, are fo far from being the true Prophets of the Lord, that they are not Chriftians, They are not the A/iniflers of Fefus Chrift; neither did he fend them, as Ambaffadors in his flead, to befeech others to be reconciled to God. Therefore beware of all fuch ; they are falfe Prophets. 3. How do they fpend their Time? Is it in /Jeeping, lying down, loving to flumber 2? Is it in Idlenefs, Sloth,’ Inactivity ; in ufelefs or trifling Amufements; in what is ufually termed by them,—‘‘ doing no harm ;”—being negatively good? Do they fpend their Time at Play- Houfes, Gaming-Houfes, or Drinking-Houfes? At luxurious Entertainments, at Drums, Balls, or Affemblies ; at Cards, Dice, or Tables; at Horfe-Races, Cock- Matches, Hunts, Sports, and places of public Diverfion? If ye find that they fpend their time thus, ye may, without paffing any rafh cenfure, conclude they are falfe Prophets, and Cs ex <5) and that God never fent fuch to fpeak in his Name: For, the true Minifter of Chrift fpends his Time after the ex- ample of his bleffed Lord, in ‘* going about doing good,” endeavouring to fave the Souls of Men; or like St. Paul, in teaching not only publickly, but alfo from Houfe to Houfe ; in vifiting the fick, and relieving the needy ; and gives himfelf wholly to Reading, Exhortation, and DoCirine. He has ‘* always imprinted on hismind the great Treafure committed tohis charge; namely, the Sheep of Chrifft, which he bought with his Death, and for whom he fhed his Blood. He knows the greatnefs of the Fault, and the horrible punifhment that will enfue, in cafe any Member of Chrift’s Body fhall take hurt or hindrance by reafon of his Negligence. And confidering the end of his Miniftry, he never ceafes his Labour, his Care and Di- ligence ; but does all that in him lieth to bring all fuch as are, or fhall be committed tohis charge, unto that Agree-- ment inthe Faith and Knowledge of God; and to that Ripenefs and Perfeétnefs of Age in Chrift, that there may be no place left for Error in Religion, or Vicioufnefs of Life. *¢ Alfo, confidering how ftudious he ought to be in reading and learning the Scriptures, he for/akes and fets afide (as much as may be) all worldly Cares and Studies. He weighs well and ponders thefe things, and determines by God’s grace, to give himfelf wholly to this Office; and as much as lieth in him, applies himfelf whclly to this one Thing, and draws all his Cares and Studies this way}.” If then he does all that in him lies, to bring thofe who ‘are committed to his charge, toan Agreement in the Faith and + See the Ordination Service of our Church. (129 and Knowledge of God, fo that mo Place is left for Error in Religion, or Vicioufnefs of Life: If he gives himfelf wholly to this one Thing, and draws all his cares and /tudies this way; it is evident he will have xe Time to throw away at Sports and idle Diverfions. . 4. With refpeét to their Converfation, ye may examine whether itis Holy, and fuch as becometh the Gofpel ? Whether it turns chiefly upon topics that tend to Edification? Whether it be chiefly of Heaven and heavenly Things ; Whether it favours of the Language of Canaan, or is expreflive of the Felicity of the New Ferufalem, the pro- per Home, the Country of a Chriftian? Whether it appears by their Converfation, that they have the vital Principle of Religion in the Heart, which is ready upon all occafions, both in Seafon, and out of Seafon, to burft forth at the Lips; becaufe ‘* out of the abundance of the Heart the Mouth fpeaketh ?” I would not, however, be underftood to infinuate, that a Minifter of Chrift is not at any time to {peak of temporal affairs, and matters which concern Individuals and the Public in general ; for, ** then muft he needs go out of the world.” And altho’ St. Paul faid ** his Converfation was in Heaven” ; yet as he followed his Trade, there can be no doubt but he often converfed not only with thofe of like Occupation, but alfo with many others, concerning their temporal affairs. I would only point out this as another Mark, whereby ye may diftinguifh the falfe Prophets from the true ones; by obferving whether their Converfation has chiefly a godly Tendency, or whether it turns moftly upon thofe idle Amufements, “Sports, and Diverfions already fpecified. If they fpeak, chiefly of the latter, then ye may look upon them as falfe Prophets; mot the Minifters of Jefus Chrift. Thus Crs’) Thus far ye may be able, evéri the moft illiterate _ amongft you, to judge of thefe men by their Fruits, in their own Lives, Ations, and Converfation. However, always remember not to judge rafhly or precipitately ; but candidly, impartially, and deliberately. I]. t. Ye may judge of their Miffion, by obferving the Effects of their miniftry on their Hearers. The Commiffion of St. Paul, and of every true Minifter of Chrift, runs in thefe Words, or Words to the fame pur- port: ‘ alreadyit is in the World}.” Of thefe alfo St. Peter makes mention in the fecond chapter of his fecond Epiftle ; ** As there were falfe Prophets among the People, fo there will be falfe Teachers among you, who will bring in damnable Herefies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themfelves fwift Deftru€tion; whofe Judg- ment now of a long time lingereth not, and their Damna- tion flumbereth not.” Ofallthe falfe Prophets, whofe Marks I have endeavoured to point out to you, I caution and befeech you chiefly to beware of thefe, and from fuch turn away. -7. Perhaps ye defire now to be informed whether it be right for you to hear any of thofe falfe Prophets alluded to in this Difcourfe ?. Tothis Query I anfwer, that in juftice ye mutt hear every man, before ye can form an opinion or judge of his Doctrine; but in the Words of our Lord, I fay unto you, ‘* Take heed how ye hear.” He cauti- oned hi les and Followers, indeed, to beware of the © leaven of the Pharifees; yet did not forbid to hear them; nay, he feems to allow them to hear, faying, ** The Scribes and Pharifees fit in the Seat of Mofes, (the Seat of Inftruction,) whatfoever they bid you do, (he muft mean, whatever they bid you do agreeable to the Law, and enforce therefrom,) that obferve and do; but do not ye after their Works ; for they fay and de not,” * Even fo I fay unto you, Beware of the Leaven, the falfe Doétrine of our modern Pharifees, which tends to infeé&t the Soul, as the leaven fpreads in Meal ; but if they at any time exhor you to ** ceafe to do evi], and learn to do well ;” to repen and turn from all your tranfgreffions, left Iniquity be you final Ruin; be fure you obferve this exhortation. No Ya John iva € 29 ) Now I befeech you to join with me in praying the Lord of the Harveft, that he would fend forth more truly enlightened and active Labourers into his Harveft; that he would open the Eyes of all ‘* blind aders of the blind,” that he would fhew them that broad and dangerous way in which they are walking themfelves, and encouraging others to perfevere ; left they ‘* both fall into the Ditch,” even the Pit, out of which there is no return, May he enlighten their Underftanding, difpel the clouds of Error, fcatter the mifts of Ignorance and Superftition ; and may a Ray ofhis Gofpel-Truth fhine into their in- moft Soul; and fhine more and more to the perfeé& day ! May he rouze all thofe who are afleep, faft afleep _ in Sin, carelefs and fecure, /tupidly fecure, though they are juft at the very brink ofthe precipice, within one ftep of everlafting Perdition! May that Voice which wakes the Dead, that Thunder which rends the Rocks, now pierce into, and melt down every finty,Aaalined heart ; and may all Mankind foon feel, and experimentally know that ** Peacc, which paffeth all Underftanding,” which no human Language can fufficiently exprefs! Amen. O&: ath. 1778. HE EN D. a ele Ok VE pyeAPO BP Ts S ve nigenepiotes ous 44 este ek m H are’ fetaat Gil Sc. ' ts A ae v ‘ ni ia : ' = fit, thy | 3 * i ; beets} Wa Od. 402 ; > f . ue 99) » Tee 12: ; s . wi fr 4 = ead Aree (elite Fe gaan deste 25850 san 42 Siew aA) £3 ; a be b a 2 eas WO Pri « ‘ aa of oer Ble ; A : eye nas me By “sas ¢ 5 } s haul . » “ r ‘ . , 4 ‘ ie vaph ek Cee > tele ya THE Chriftian iiities : SERMON, ADDRESSED TO THe VOLUNTEERS or IRELAND. By the Rev. JAMES CREIGHTON, A.B. BE NOT AFRAID NOR DISMAYED BY REASON OF THi$ GREAT MULTITUDE; FOR THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS, BUT GOD’s. 2 Chron. XX» 15. FIGHT THE GooD FIGHTOF FAITH: LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE. 4 Tim. vi. 32. DUBLIN, PRINTED 3 AND LONDON REPRINTED, iE AUTHORS AND SOLD BY MESSRS MATTHEWS IN THE STRAND, - AND KENT, N° 116, HIGH HOLBORN. MDCCXCI. ae. v f a" ae 4 - | \ in s e y vs v 2 ty \/ , a os oe “ mn ut ¥ *e ‘ ‘ Re | ee ae eo a , *—_ ee oe ted eee te te re ere eB ? , 4 % ‘ . Al > RA ¢ z “. Poh & BATIAG WS y \ sun De ae 7 ae i - » ee ee ee r J é * RAR ey WoT a ee mah - tA aAay "WG 4 To th READER. ] N the Year 1780, when many Volunteer Companies were fornied in Ireland, and dif- ciplined for the defence of the kingdom ; feve- ral Sermons were preached before them, fome of which were afterwards printed. The Au- thor of the following difcourfe, having olsferv- ed, that, though thefe were good in other re- fpects, yet they contained very little that was {piritual ; little that’tended to illuminate the underftanding, or to fhew the depravity of ah nature: He thought that fomething of this kind might be ufeful at prefent ; and therefore contributes his mite to the good of the community in general, and of the “Yolun- teer Companies in particular. THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER, &c. 2 Dun. ae Je ENDURE HARDNESS, AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST. Phyfician fhould be well acquainted with the con- ftitution of the human frame, and with the Dif- orders of his patients, in. order to make out a proper prefcription. It is not lefs neceflary, that whoever would prefcribe medicines for the Soul, fhould be thoroughly fkilled in the maladies to which it is liable ; efpecially that inherent infection, which is the fource of all the reft ; that he may be qualified to give proper inftruction, and offer each perfon his portion in due feafon. Left I fhould be guilty of delivering precepts pro- ‘mifcuoufly, which belong only to thofe who have enlifted under the banner of Chrift, and are determined to ‘* fol- low him witherfoever he goeth :” or, left fome one fhould apply to himfelf an exhortation, which by no means bee Jongs to him ; it may be neceffary to fhew, I. What is implied in that term— a Soldier of Chrift :” vand how a perfon becomes fuch. II, What (6:39) II. What isimplied in ‘* enduring hardnefs as a good Soldier of Jefus Chrift.” Having attempted to fpeak to thefe two points, I fhall, ; III. Beg leave to offer a few plain practical precepts, not altogether unneceflary, I believe, nor unfuitable to the prefent pofture of affairs in Ireland. I, What is implied in being a Soldier of Chrift ? The life of 2 Chriftian is frequently reprefented by Chrift and his Apoftles, under various figures; fuch as ‘ labouring in a vineyard, working, wrefiling, running, fight- ing; and when they ufe thefe figures, they ufe terms fuitable to fuch actions. By this term a@ Soldier of Chrij?, T underftand briefly, and in plain Engii/h, a Chriftian. A Chriftian, not merely in name, but in deed and in truth. One, who does not content himfelf with faying to Chrift Lord, Lord; but who is entirely devoted to his Service. One who, not refting fatisfied in * naming the name of Chrift,”’ departs alfo from all iniquity: Who not only profeffes to know Chrift ; but alfo does the things that he faid. Thefe terms, a Soldier of Chrift, and a| Chrifiian, being, as | apprehend, fynonymous, I {hall ufe them as fuch ; and in defining one, it may be eafily feen what is implied in the other. Christian, was probably a term of reproach given in the apoftolic age, to the followers of Chrift; to fuch, who| denyed themfelves, renounced all the hidden works of darknefs, and believed ‘* in the Lord Jefus Chrift, with the heart unto righteoufnefs ;” who being united to him, the True Vine, by living faith, and deriving from him a, conftant fupply of fpiritual ftrength, were enabled t bring forth fruit unto holine/s But in our-times, how ig thi hy hy this name moft fhamefully and fcandaloufly abufed ! Ma- ny have the effrontery to call themfelves Christians ; yet live in open, barefaced rebellion againft the Sovereign of the univerfe; in dire&t oppofition to all the rules and precepts of Chriftianity. They call Curist their Saviour, their High-Priefi, their Advocate, and their Lord; but in works they moft fhamefully deny him; as if he came to be the minilter of fin; not to deftroy the works of the Devil. Are not moft of our nominal Chriftians at this day guilty of the moft heinous and abominable crimes : crimes which aconfcientious Turk, or Pagan, would even blufh to mention ? When therefore, the term is fo fcandaloufly abufed, is it not ufeful to have the outlines of the Chriftian chz- racter drawn fo that we may be able at one view to fee whether it belongs to us or not?) Whilft I endeavour to exhibit a {ketch of the Chriftian picture; let me entreat the reader to afk his confcience in the prefence of God, ‘© Am I the perfon, or amI not?” And, may the SEARCHER oF Hearts, who /éeth, not as man fecth, enable him to make an impartial application ! Let me obferve, firft, that no man isa Chriftian by na- ture. By nature we are all the children of wrath*. We are s¢ fhapen in iniquity, and in fin did our mothers conceive us}.” Weare corrupt by nature; ‘* there is none that doth good, no not onelj.” ** Every imagination of the na- tural man is only evil, and that continually§.” ‘* The imagination of his heart is evil from his youtht.” ‘* Man is born like a wild afs’s colt,” (in a ftate of alienation, or feparation from his Godt.) ‘* All have finned and come E fhore *Ephef. ii. 3. f Pfal. li. g. |] Pfal. iii 3. Rom. ii, 12. § Gen. vi. 5. + Gen. vill, 21. 4 Job xi, 12. C8 > fhort of the Glory of God}. All have fin, that is, this inherent corruption of nature, and ‘* are very far gone from original righteoufnefs;” and all thofe who have grown to maturity, have tranfgrefled the Jaw, in their own perfons, and have thereby incurred the divine dif- pleafure. It is neceflary then for all thofe, who have forfeited the favour of their heavenly King, to recover that loft bleffing, or to get their Monarch reconciled to them again. Man, in his fallen nature, cannot effe& this by his own ftrength. He can neither make any fatisfaétion to God for the breach of his Law; nor extricate himfelf from that depth of mifery to which he is fallen. In this fituation, therefore, he needsa Mediator; one to make up the breach, and reconcile the offended to the offender. He ftands in need of one to difcharge that debt, which he is of himfelf unable to pay ; to cancel the hand-writing that is againft him, by paying down the price, and fully difcharging all the demands of the creditor. Where then is one to be found, who will effe& this great work? Who will make a fufficient fatisfa€tion to God for the breach of his Law? Who will pay down a proper price, to redeem from mifery the fallen creature, and refcue from flavery him that was fold underSin? ‘* Who is worthy to open the Book, and loofe the Seals thereof ?” Who is fufficient to avert the wrath of an offended God * Will any of the angelic Hofts undertake it ? «© Say, heavenly powers, where fhall we find fuch love? Which of you will be mortal, to redeem Man’s mortal crime? and die the dead to fave? He afk’d, but all the heav aul choir ftood mute; And filence was in Heay’nv’ MILTON. ¢ Rom. ii. 23. ib. v. 12. Ce J Not one of thefe would undertake it ; nor indeed were they capable; for, ‘* without fhedding of blood,” and blood of the pureft kind, ‘* there could be no remiffion” ofthe guilt®*. ‘* No man in heaven, nor in earth, nei- ther under the earth, was able to open the Book, nor to look thereon.” But, “* behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, is found worthy to take the Book, and to open the Seals thereof ; for he was flain, and has redeemed us to God by his own blood, out of every kindred and tongue, and people and nation{.” Curist, the Lams of God, the ** only begotten of the Father, and the exprefs Image of his perfon ;” he, and he only, takes upon him this amazing bufinefs to avert his Father’s wrath; voluntarily confents to lay down his own Life as a price, or ranfom 3; not for his friends, but for his bittereft enemies. Amaz- ing love ! Aftonifhing goodnefs ! Myfterious condefcen- fion! For, as St. Paul faith, ‘¢ Peradventure for a good man, fome would even dare to die; but God commend- _ eth his love towards us, in that whilft we were yet finners, Curist died for us*.” ‘* Now herein is love, (faith the Apoftle John,) not that weloved God, but that he loved us, and gave his Son a Propitiation for our fins§.” But left fome fhould miftake the Terms of Salvation, or fink into that vulgar opinion, ‘* Becaufe the Son of i i H God hath fuffered, therefore no man will go to hell ;” it may be neceflary to obferve, that though Curist, by fhedding his blood, has made a fufficient atonement for the fins of all mankind ; though he has paid down a full price to redeem the debtor, and to cancel thebonds; ftill Man muft appropriate to himfelf the blefling intended for him; till there are Conditions required on his part, which if é E2 not * Heb, ix, 22, 3 Rev. v. 3.9. * Rom. v.7, 8. § 1 Johniv, 10, a ¢ wr) not complied with, he fhall reap no advantage by what Curist hathdone. Though Curist died to fave fallen man, to reftore him again to the favour of God; ftill it is neceflary that each individual, at leaft under the Gofpel Difpenfation, fhou'd be made fenfible of his fallen, o1 loft eftate; that he fhould fee the neceffity, the ab/olute neceffiry of recovering this fall. Untill this is the cafe, he will not enquire after, or goto Him, who alone is able to raife him up. Though Curist came to be a phyfician to every fin-fick Soul; yet he that does not feel his ficknefs, will not fend for a phyfician, will not endeavour to procure the Balm of Gilead for his deadly wound ; and, confequently, may die of the diforder. Though Curist came to give siberty to the captives; to make thofe free, who were willing flaves to fin and Sa- tan; yet it is neceflary they fhould be deeply convinced of their flavery ; very fenfibly feel themfelves “* tied and bound with thechain of fin,” before they can get loofe, or be brought into the true Jiberty of the children of God. Though Curist invites a// to come to him; yet, ’tis only to the weary and heavy laden that he will give refi; "tis only the broken-hearted that he wil] bind up ; ’tis only the mourner ia Zion, that he will comfort. In oider to become a Chriftian, Man muft feel the want of Cukust in his prieftly and mediatorial office, to inter- cede and make an atonement for his paft tranfgreffions. He mutt feel the want of him in his prophetic office, to en- lighten his dark underftanding, and guide bim into all Truth, He muft alfo feel the want of him in his kingly office, to fubdue his unruly tempers, paffions, and carnal appe- tices. He muit very fenfibly feel, and deplore the want of Curist in thefe feveral refpects, before he can derive any bencfit from him. Being thus made fenfible of his wants ; being ' Ce being ftript of his dependance on any thing independent of Jesus CuristT ; being ftript of his Pharifaic robes, of his moral honefty, his good humour, good nature, and a thoufand other props by which too many fupport. their vain hopes; being ftript of thefe, I mean, as to any de- pendance on them, he muft “ believe onthe Lord Jesus CuristT,” with that ‘* faith which juftifieth the ungod- ly ;” that faith which is ‘¢ the operation of God’s Spirit ;” that faith which is ** the evidence of things not feen?” that faith, which is attended with the peace of God, and with a joy unfpeakable ond full of Glory. ~~ Man muft rely on Curist, and him only for Salvation ; a Salvation from the guilt, fromthe power, the in-being, and the dominion of fin; a Salvation from evil tempers, evil habits, evil thoughts, and evil inclinations. In a word, he muft depend upon CuristT, and him only for a fupply of all his wants. He muft build upon him as the only foundation, as the eternal rock of ages ; and rely upon the Name of Jesus, as the only ‘* Name under heaven where~ by he can be faved.” He that cometh thus to the Father by the Son, ‘will in no wife be caft out.” He that was arebel, becomes thus an adopted child. He that was “¢ alienated from the commonwealth of Ifrael, is now become an “ heir of God and a joint heir with Curist.” - He is enlifted under the banner of CuristT, and enters the field of battle againft all his fpiritual foes, under the con- _ duct of this his Prince, his Leader, and his King. Being _ enlifted under the ftandard of the Lord of Hofts, he is clad ] | with.a full fuit of armour, even ‘ the whole armour of God.” ‘* His Loins are girt about with Truth;” his breaft fortified with ‘* the breaft-plate of righteoufnefs :” his “* feet fhod with the preparation of the gofpel of peace ;” his head covered with ‘* the helmet of Salvati- on; ( mm ) on:” he takes alfo the ‘¢ fhield of faith, with the {word of the Spirit, which is the Word of God ;” and to all thef he adds conftant prayer, with unremitting watchfulne/s Being thus equipt for the confli&t, he muft keep this ar- mour in conftant exercife; for the enemies he has to en- counter are very crafty, and exceeding numerous. He muft by no means rely on his natural ftrength, no not fo amoment ; but look to: “the Captain of his Salvation. who will not fend him a warfare at his own charges ;” whe will, in every trial, provide a-way for his efeape, and wil bring him off more than conqueror. II. Having endeavoured to fhew how aman muft be conftituted a Chriftian, or a Soldier of Chri; I fhall, in the next place, endeavour to point out from Scripture what we are to underftand by enduring bardne/s, in the chriftian fenfe of the word, fo as to become a good Soldien of Jesus CuristT. Enduring hardnefs confifis chiefly in taking up the crofs, and following Jefus whitherfoever he goeth. *¢ if any man,” faith Chrift, ‘* will come after me, let him deny himfelf, and take up his crofs daily and follow me]|”, ‘cs He that taketh not his crofs, and followeth after me is not worthy of me, or, cannot be my difciple}.” It confifts in fuffering perfecution for righteoufnefs fake; for, ‘all that will live godly in Curist Jesus, mutt fuffer perfecution.§” This is the undoubted confe- quence of following Jefus. He was rejected, defpifed, {coffed, mocked, and hated by the world; fo have all his members been, and fo they are treatéd to this very day. << If the world hate you,” faid Chritt to his followers, 6c ye || Luke ix. 23. ¢~ Matt. x. 38. Luke xiv. 27. § Mat. v. 10. 2 Tim iii, 12. Cig ** ye know that it hated me before it hated you. Re- -member the word that I faid unto you. The fervant is not greater than his Lord. If they have perfecuted me, they will alfo perfecute you*.” If then you become a fol~ lower, a difciple of Curist, marvel not, if the world hate yout. The Soldier of Chrift muft ‘* go without the camp, bearing his reproach ;” fuffering fhame for his fake; for, *¢ whofoever, faith CurisT, fhall be afhamed of me and of my words, of him fhall theSon of man be afhamed, when he cometh in his glory with the holy angels{.””. He muft with his mafter, go through evil report, as well as good report ; and rejoice when men speak all manner of evil of him falfely, for Chrif’s faket. He muft avoid all effeminacy, idlenefs, or floth; he muft deny himfelf in thofe things which are moft pleafing to flefh and blood; he muft “<¢ keep under the body by temperance, and not make pro- vifion for the flefh to fulfil the lufts thereof.” This lef- fon, St. Paul, that veteran Soldier of CHRIST, not only taught, but practifed. Therefore, when “ the time of his departure was at hand,” he could fay in triumph, «¢ T have fought a good fight, I have finifhed my courfe, Ihave kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteoufnefs, which the Lord, the right- cous Judge, fhall give me at that day; and not to me only, but untoallthem alfo that love his appearing]].” And he exhorts Timothy in thefe folemn words: ‘* But thou, O man of God, follow after righteoufnefs, godli- nefs, faith, love, patience, mecknefs. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art . alfo * John xv. 18. 20. ¥ Luke ix. 26. + Matt. v. 11, 12. | 2 Tim. iv.7,8. § 2 Cor. xi. 23. &c. ( 4 ) 7 alfo called: I give thee charge in the fight of God, thai thou keep this commandment without fpot, unrebukable. until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Curist*.” But fome one will be ready to fay,—** St. Paul was an apoftle, employed as an extraordinary perfon to plant the gofpel in barbarous, uncivilized countries; he wa: therefore more expofed to dangers, perfecutions, and hard- fhips, than the common chriftians of his day; but ’ti - not required that we, who live ina chriftian country and ata time when chriftianity is eftablifhed, thould fol. low his example, in fuffering fuch feverity and hardnefs. or, that we fhould obferve fuch ftrié& difcipline as was re. quired of the primitive chriftian foldier.”— In order to obviate fuch objeétion, let me obferve, that though we may not be circumftanced in every re: fpeé&t as St. Paul was; though we may not be fent on an extraordinary embafly to our fellow-mortals; yet it i incumbent on each of us to live up to the tenor of th Gofpel ; to obferve al/ the Law of Gop, as well as Paul Peter, ‘fobn, or any of the apoftles, confidered in thei private capacity; or as any other of the followers o Chrift in the apoftolic age: And that for thefe plain rea- fons; becaufe Gop is the fame UNCHANGEABLE Bein; To-day, that he was in any other age ;—becaufe he’i a God of purity, and detefts the leaft degree of fin a this day, as he ever did; becaufe his Law is the fame, anc the fanétion the fame; becaufe human nature is the fame not worfe than in former times ;—becaufe the apoftles and primitive chriftians, nay, Noah, Mofes, David, Fob Daniel and ohn the Baptifi were not better by nature thai we are, but were ‘* born in fin, and the children of wratl eve! ° ° \ * 1 Tim. vi. 11, &Cs Co ED even as others; * becaufe Jesus Curist is the fame yefterday, to-day, and for ever; and therefore is able to fave to the uttermoft all in every age that come to God by him ;—becaufe, without him no man can do any thing acceptable to God ; but with him /trengthening and affift- ing, every man can keep the commandments. With refpect to that other phrafe,--‘** We live ina Chriftian country, and in a land where Chriftianity is eftablifhed ;’—et me obferve, that names and phrafes do not alter the nature of things; that Chriftianity does not confift in opinions, or fpeculative notions; neither does it confift in any outward thing, in particular modes or forms of worfhip ; that a man’s calling himfelf a Chrif- tian, does not conftitute him a Chriftian, any more than calling himfelf a king, makes him one; and that the calling this a “¢ chriftian country,’ does not make it fuch, any more than calling the earth a fun ora fixed ftar, would impart to it the properties peculiar to thefe lumi- nous bodies. 4 If any man, faith St. Paul, ‘* have not the Spirit of Carist, he is none of his ¢;” he doth not belong to his flock. Andif he hath not ‘* put onthe Lord Jesus Curist ;” and is not endued, in part at leaft, with that €¢ mind that was in CHRIST,” or is not in fome fort conformable to the image of Curist, and poffefled of . meek and heavenly tempers, he deferves not the name of adifciple, a follower, or a Soldicr of Curist, neither will Curist own him as fuch either here. or hereafter. "If then, after confidering thefe things, ye are convinced that ye are not yet true Scldiers of Chrift, let me exhort you to enlift this day under his banner; repair to his FE ftandard * Ephef. ii. 3. $ Rom, viii. 9. ( 16 ) ftandard, and never defert it; fear no dangers, fhrink from no trials, follow the ‘“* Captain of your Salvation ; put onthe whole armour of God; ftand in the evil day,” the day of trial, that ye may have the honour to ftand at his right-hand in the great Day, and receive a crown, the brightnefs of which not eternity itfelf can tarnifh. I have been thus particular in fketching out the chriftian character ; becaufe I apprehend that no man can have true fortitude or courage, but a real Chriftian; that no mancan, upon well-grounded principles, act as a valiant foldier, except he is a Soldier of Jesus Curis; that he cannot, confiftently with reafon or Scripture, enter the field of battle, and meet death with calmnefs, and un- daunted ae ah fin, the fing of death, is firf removed, As to the behaviour of many modern duellifts at the fight of approaching death, it deferves, I think, the name of rafhnefs, or fool-hardinefs, rather than true courage or greatncfs of mind. ** It is a fearful thing to fall int the hands of the living God,” and to dare him to do hi: worft; which that man does, who enters the field o} battle, and rufhes upon death, without a well-grounded confidence, and ‘* a hope full of Immortality.” However, Jet me not be underftood as if I would dame the ardour of our gallant youths, who have ftepped forth with a refolution to defend their country from imminent ruin :—far be the idea from me ! I would rather commenc fuch; butI would exhort them firft to become Cbrifiia Soldiers; then, though the fons of Belial fhould lead fortk their armed hofts againft us, ye fhould meet them calm. ly and undifmayed, and falling upon them, hew them te pieces. ] ( 17 ) I now beg leave, in the laft place, to delivera few Precepts, fuitable, I truft, to the prefent fituation of affairs, and eafy to be underftood by perfons of the mean- eft capacity. And having premifed, that what I am about to offer, I deliver with the utmoft deference and refpeét to the VoLunTEERs of Jreland in general ; Ill. I firft addrefs you, Gentlemen, who bear fome rank in the prefent United Companies. As ye are diftinguifhed by rank and ftation, let me entreat you to diffingui/h your- {elves alfo by fetting a good example to thofe of a lower order. Example, “tis allowed, has great influence in every ftate and ftation of life; when, therefore, we fee a bright example in a high ftation, our hearts are animated ‘with a generous emulation to copy after it. As ye have been chofen by the affociated Volunteers, to lead them on againft the enemies of our country ; fo be careful alfo to take the /ead in every ation that is noble, generous, ‘manly, laudable, or worthy of imitation. In the next place, I addrefs you, who, though of a lower rank, are as capable of being pofiefled of greatnefs of mind, courage, and true fortitude, as the greateft : general, prince, or potentate on earth. Yeare capable, I fay, of poffeffing thefe amiable, thefe laudable qualities 5 but take efpecial care that ye be really poffefled of them. Take heed that ye diftinguifh between pride, and true | greatnefs of mind. As ftyles or titles given to noblemen | do not add to their real worth, or make them #ruly noble; fo the putting on a red coat, and military accoutrements * not make you real foldiers, or infpire you with true cdurage, magnanimity, or fortitude. Greatnefs of mind is ever accompanied with the profoundeft humility, and he that truly “* humbleth himfelf fhall be exalted.” Do not imagine, that upon putting on the military drefs, ye es are ' G 1.9 are immediately metamorphofed into other kind of beings than ye were before. Remember ye are the fons of fallen Adam; keep your eye fixed upon the depravity of the human heart; look conftantly inward, and ye will there find enough to humble you. Whilft ye fight againft enemies without, take care to fubdue thefe enemies within, the paffions that war againft the foul ; and never ceafe, till ye get pride entirely rooted out of your nature. A the foundation of all that is great, noble, or com~ mendable in man, let me recommend to you an awful reverence for the Deity, with every thing that relates to him. ‘ Reverence his holy name, and his Word.” De ‘Notevenmention his Name without the greateft awe, the moft humiliating refpe€t, and a fenfe of the divine Ma- jefty. Take not his Name in vain upon every trivial oc- cafion. Is not the ufe of oaths, curfes, and imprecations, fo frequent amongft the military, and indeed amongft all ranks and orders, to be confidered as an evident token of the want of fenfe, or underftanding? Thefe iffuing from. the mouth may evince a vacuity, or the deficiency of brains in the head, and prove, that the perfon, who ufes them, however he may feem in his own eyes, is in reality little better than an idiot. Djifdain then all fuch expreflions, as ferve only to affront the Deity, and expofe you to his wrathful difpleafure. Ad like men, like rati- onal beings, and pay the profoundeft regard to the Name of Him who fupports the univerfe; who, as he fpoke it into being, could as eafily reduce it into nothing again. Next to honouring the holy Name and Word of God, let me perfuade you to obferve his Day alfo with the Rrid- eft fcrupulocity ; and by your example influence others to do the fame. How can ye expeét to obtain aid or pro- teGtion from the Almighty ; if ye do not reverence Him, and Cp > and the Day fet apart for his fervice? Is there, I would afk, any neceflity for difciplining the troops onthe Sab- bath-day, (as I have heard is the cafe in fome places) _ except our enemies were actually in the field, and juft ready to rufh in upon us? -Isnot this then a wanton profana- tion of the Sabbath, that might, in the mean time, be very well avoided ? Pay the ftricteft regard to Truth atai/ times. This is ‘apart ofthe chriftian armour mentioned by St, Paul, *¢ Stand,” fays he, addreffing the chriftian foldiers of that day, ‘¢ having your loins girt about with Truth.” As ‘if he had faid, ye profefs to fight for Gop, who is ‘‘ the Gop of Truth,” and for ‘*the Truth as it in Jee - sus;” therefore take heed that ye be really poffeffed of this excellent accomplifhment, this noble piece of. fpiri- tual armour; otherwife, ye will not be looked upon as Curist’s Joldiers, neither will he acknowledge you for his in, ** the day when he maketh up his jewels.” To this agree the words of David, where, after having afked the queftion, ‘* Lord, who fhall dwell in thy tabernacle, or who fhall reft upon thy holy hill?” He anfwers, ‘* He that leadeth an uncorrupt life; that doeth the thing which isright, and fpeaketh the truth from his heart*.” But, even laying afide Scripture; is it not the part of aman of honour to adhere ftriftly to his word? And fhould not a foldier be a man of honour? Should he not &* fpeak the truth from his heart;” nay, fhould he not have the word VERACITY written in capitals on his breait-plate?—Be ye, my friends, conftantly girded with this honourable girdle, the girdle of Truth; and whilft ye “are pofleffed of it yourfelves, ye may with more boldnefs fand ® .Pfal. xv. 1. 20 ( 20 ) fland forth and contend for the Truth, or the ‘¢ Faith that was once delivered to the faints.” Contend earnett- ly for the truth of the Proteftant religion, which is no other than the Chriftian religion. But contend in a pro- per, inachriftian manner; not by fire and burning fag- got, not by racks and torture, not by the hell-devifed means ufed by the Inquifition, that Houfe of Mercy, fo called ;—no,—but compel the gainfayers to comein, and join with you ina reafonable fervice to the Deity, by your example, by your lives, by your aétions, by your con- verfation. Demonftrate to'them thus, that Protestanti/m is no other than the Religion of Jesus Curist, the reli- gion of harmony, unanimity, and love. And, whilft ye proteft againft a voluntary humility in wore Shipping of angels, and faints departed; or in paying your ad- dreffes to lifelefs pieces of wood or ftone, under the plaufible pretence of putting you in mind of the perfons they repre- fent; whilft ye difdain to be hood-winked, fettered and bound, and compelled, contrary to common fenfe, to hear prayers offered to a God of decency and order by the prieft alone, and that in a kind of gibberifh as unintelligible by moft of the hearers as the language of geefe, or the bray- ing of an afs; whilft ye fpurn the idea of tranfubftantia- tion, and refufe to adore a wafér-god ; whilft ye proteft, I fay, againft thefe, together with all the trumpery, mysteries, and errors. broached by the mother of bariots ; take heed that ye protest againft all kinds of fin, vice, and immorality. Let Hotiness be your motto. Let RrGHTEOUSNEss be the moft confpicuous part of your armour; then may ye advance with courage; then may ye ftand forth with in- trepid boldnefs, and dare the father of lies, or any of his fervants to fay and do their worft; but being devoid of this, ye expofe yourfelves to the enemies darts, and leave ** your breaft unguarded to the foe.” Avoid ; fer 4 Avoid the unmanly, fcandalous vices of drunkennefs and debauchery. Thefe enervate and enfeeble the body. They alfo contaminate the mind, and degrade man to a ftate more defpicable than the meaneft of the brute crea- tion. They expofe him to the contempt both of friends and enemies 5 nay, to the everlafting torments of hell-fire. Need I remind you of the well-known ftory of Uh/fes’ companions, who, by the intoxicating cups of Circe, were transformed into fwine? What was it that put a ftop to Hannibal’s conquefts, and in the end compelled him to leave Italy? Was it not effeminacy, floth, idlenefs, and debauchery, in which he indulged himfelf at Capua ? What caufed Alexander to ftab his faithful friend, and afterwards lofe his life, together with a conquered world ? Was it not Drunkennefs, intemperance, and pride? If then ye wifh to be prepared for the enemy inthe field, and to put them’to flight, even by looking them in the face, avoid, /tudiou/ly avoid, all kinds of intemperance, ‘¢ En- dure hardnefs,” both in achriftian, and in a military fenfe. s¢ Be temperate in all things.” Come with well-braced ‘nerves to encounter the foe; fo fhall ye ‘* put to flight | the army of the Aliens.” _ Take care that ye weigh and confider maturely for what vend ye have affociated yourfelves together :— not only to | } ‘thofe who are enemies to her internal peace and fafety ; defend your country from a foreign enemy, but from all ‘to fupprefs all riots and inteftine commotions; to appre- vhend robbers, vagabonds, and every other peft of fociety. Whilft then yehave affociated for fuch laudable purpofes ; 'whilft ye profefs to condemn the vices of others, take heed that ye be not partakers, or in fome wife guilty of ‘the like yourfelves. Endeavour, both by example, and every exertion of your mental and bodily powers, to clear the ( 22 ) the land of vice and immorality, thofe venomous ferpents, that fting and lurk in every corner ; which, if ye effedt, ye will deferve to be recorded in the Jri/h annals, anc have your names tranfmitted to the lateft pofterity. Endeavour to get right notions of Liberty. “This, like many other terms, is much abufed, and little underftood. Take heed that ye do not ufe Jiberty as a cloak for licenti- oufnefs. Seek firft the ‘* liberty of the children of God 5” feek to become Curist’s freemen, and then ye fhall be free indeed.” Labour after the liberty of the mind. the liberty of confcience, and contend for thefe with al) your might. Labour to fupport that conftitution anc government, which fupports and allows the liberty o confcience ; and never fubmit your necks to the popi/ yoke, which is the moft galling and fervile bondage. Underftand firft what your rights and privileges are | then contend for them in a proper manner. Obferve order, regularity, and ftritdifcipline; and let all you motions be the refult of unanimity and mature delibera: tion ; fo fhall ye keep peace and enjoy it at home; whilf your very name will ftrike terror into your enemie: abroad. There is another advice, which, I believe, is not alto. together unfeafonable ; and therefore, I fhall beg leave’ t offer it, not as an affront to the INDEPENDENTSs of Ire: Jand; but in order to prevent, as far as may be, a feem- ingly growing evil. Contraé no debts (I fpeak it -with the greateft refpect, ) which'ye have no vifible or probable means of difcharging fhortly. A foldier fhould be an ho- neft man: but I apprehend he cannot be deemed fuch, who contracts debts without a probability of paying them ; or runs himlfef headlong into a noofe, without confider- ing how he fhall get out of it again. Beware of doing this, of € 23 ) | or any other thing, which would bring a bluth in your | face, and fhame your fellow-foldiers, nay, would fix an indelible ftain on the Vorunteers of Ireland. Again, whilft ye contend for Life, Liberty, and Property, take heed that ye join with thefe Loyalty alfo, Whilft ye aim at redrefs of grievances, beware of taking inconfiderate, and unjuftifiable iteps, in order to procure it. Proceed with coolnefs, wifdom, prudence, and deliberation; and feek this wifdem conftantly from the true Fountain *¢ who giveth liberally to every man, and upbraideth not.” There have been ambitious and defigning men in every _ age and nation, who, under pretence of redreffing griev~ ances, or refcuing their country from flavery, fo cajoled the people, as to perfuade them to fubmit their necks to a heavier yoke; and did, in theend, become more tyrans nical and overbearing than thofe, againft whom they had fpirited up the people, Beware of de/pifing ‘dominion, and ‘* feeatine evil of dignities, Join not in the common cant with thofe, who fpeak of things they know little of ; who endeavour to point out this man, or that man, as the caufe of our nati- onal calamities; not confidering that they themfelves are partly, nay, perhaps equally the caufe of thofe griev- ances whereof they complain. Beware of rafhly cenfuring any man, or fixing the blame of our calamities on any individual whatfoever, without having very good reafon for fo doing, ‘* Our diftrefs, our calamities, our griev- ances,” fill the mouths of each individual throughout the kingdom; who are pointing out fome objegt withoue themfelves, as the caufe of our national diftrefs; where- as, | apprehend, each individual both male and female, has contributed to bring down thefe calamities on our | guilty land. Would ye Igok for the true caufe of our- gtievances, look within Yourfelves: Examine carefully G your #3 your lives, your converfation, and your hearts ; com- pare them with the chriftian pi€ture, which ye will find drawn at full length in the written word of God : bring them to this teft and ftandard, and then, I am perfuaded, ye will fee plainly where the real caufe of our diftrefs lies. yan Is not Idolatry, drunkennefs, debauchery, idlenefs, adultery, fornication, uncleannefs, fodomy, lying, curfing, fwearing, fabbath-breaking, theft, murder, robbery, co- vetoufnefs, malice, envy, revenge, ambition, luxury, pride, hypocrify, immorality, and vice of every kind; is not each and all of thefe the true caufe of our calamities? Is not the offended Deity vifting, and about to vi/t-for thefe things? * Will not his foul be avenged on fuch a nation as this ?”? Is he not fcourging, and about to fcourge thefe guilty, thefe once favoured nations, with his up-lifted rod ? Undoubtedly he is.—For, what is fpoken of the pofterity and kingdom of David, is equally applicable to us: * If he commit iniquity, I will chaften him with the rod of men, and with the ftripes of the children of ment: If his children forfake my law, and walk not in my judgments ; if they break my ftatutes, and keep not my command- ments; then will [ vific their tranfgreffion with the rod, and their iniquity with ftripes*.” Here is the true caufe of your calamities ; the real fol tain, from which your grievances flow. If then ye would ftem the torrent of grievances, put a ftopto the torrent of vice in yourselves; and endeavour, as much as in you lies, that othersmay do the fame. Whilft ve arm your- felves azainft your external enemies, bend your whole force againft thofe vices already mentioned; hew them down, fpare not one 4ag ; for, until this be done, in vain can ye expect the protection of the Almighty, or hope ’ for a redrefs of grievances. Think not that the remaving of t 2 Sam. vil. 14. * Pfal, Ixxxix. 30 3 33s (2 ) of men, or minifters, will effect this. The caufe ftill remaining, the effect will be the fame. A particular re= formation muft be begun in order to a general reformation : and a zational reformation muft take place, if ye would reafonably look for any favour from the Almighty. Un- til ye firft lay down the arms of rebellion which ye have taken up againft your heavenly King, ye cannot reafon- ably expect that he will go forth with your armies, or deliver you out of the hands of your enemies. Go not forth to battle, neither enter upon any expedi- on without confulting Him, who fuperintends all events, and giveth the victory to whomfoever he will. Be not afhamed to ufe this unfafhionable piece of artillery. Fole low the precedent fet you by that great and good king Fehofbaphat, who, with his people ‘* afked help of the Lord,” and had an immediate anfwer to their prayers ; for God caufed their enemies, who were come out againft them, namely, the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Scir, to rife up againft, and utterly deftroy one another ; fo that Febo/haphat and his people had nothing elfe to do but to carry away the fpoilt. Whereas we read that they who prefumed to go up to fight with the Amalckites, and Canaanites, contrary to the exprefs command of God by his fervant. Mo/es, were defeated and difcomfited before their enemiest+. Even the ancient Heathens generally confulted their gods by. facrifice before any expedition; and if at any time they were defeated, or the enterpize proved abortive, it was thought to be owing to a nezledt in this point. St. Paul, having enumerated the feveral. pieces of ar- mour, which he exhorts the followers of CHRIST to take unto them ; adds ‘* Pray always with all prayer and fup- plication inthe Spirit, and watch. thereunto with all perfeverance.” ‘To the other precepts then, which J have ventured $ 2 Chron, xx. 25. + Num, xiv. 42. 45. ( 26 ) ventured to deliver on this occafion, let me add this of tha great apoftle ; as likewife that of Feho/haphat to his peopl when he was leading them forth to battle :—* Believe is the Lord your God, fo fhall ye be eftablithed ; believe hi: prophets, fo fhall ye profper.” Having pointed out to you what I apprehend to be thi rea! caufe of our calamities; and alfo what I leok upon t be the fpeedieft and moft effectual remedy, in order to hav them removed: having endeavoured to point out to you wherein I think true Fortitude confifts, and what it i: that conftitutes a valiant Soldier: having endeavoured t deliver my fentiments in the plaineft terms, and withou referve; Ihave, in fo doing, contributed my mite to: wards refcuing a nation from deftru€tion. If ye are con. vinced that what I have delivered upon this occafion bi agreeable to fcripture, to reafon, and to common fenfe, ye will need, I hope, no other argument to induce rene t practife accordingly. Arife then and fhew yourfelves men; a& like rationa beings, like beings who thirft for glory, the glory of at immortal crown. Enlift under the Banner of Curist and follow his bright Example through the whole conti nuance of your warfare. Keep your eye fixed on him ai the pole-fiar, to guide and direct you in all your movement expeditions, and enterprizes. Let nothing attra you: attention from him, or make you look either to the right or left, until ye come to ‘* fee him as he is,” and to re. ceive that welcome plaudit, _** Well done, good ane faithful fervants; ye have fought agood fight, ye have finifhed your courfe; now enter into my joy; receive this never-fading crown; partake of the Tree of Life thai is in the ai of my God ; and reign as kings ang priefts for ever.” Amen, ; June, 1780. y F iN | eH & RECIPROCAL DUTY Oo Fr (rT HB MINISTERS or CHRIST, AND” OF’ Tf HE a. On. Pci &, RESPECTING EACH OTHER, Box A PRESBYTER OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. e kindly affettioned one to another; with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another. RoMANS, xii, 10. ——————— ee LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR ; ND SOLD BY M&. MATHEWS, BOOKSELLER, IN THE STRAND. M DCC XC. ¢ - ~ ~ ca : ad 4 - y e - + ee de a ees a " a eR 1 oer f hy 6 ee Vs Bite SORA Bo YRS i Te om a i ee hah bf Sty AX “3 we — Le he art o Fa AN po dee Lys, ABA MO ~ + gaggia: oie To tHe READER. RITIN G, to pleafe-a party, or to de- fend the tenets and modes of worfhip of any particular denomination of men, has too much of {elf conneéted with it to fuffer the mind fo be totally unbiafled, and the thoughts to be ruly liberal and unconfined. Perhaps one rea- fon why “Truth itfelf does not always make its way to the reader’s heart or underftanding is, becaufe he is prejudiced before he begins to read ; and he fufpeéts that the writer was fo too before he began to write. The author of the following pages begs leave to affure the reader, that a nd- — bler motive than that of gratifying any par- ticular party prompted him, fome years ago to write, and now to publifh them to the world. He faw, with regret, a jealoufy or mutual diftcut likely to fpread more and more between | 2 the Ine. + (iv ) the Clergy of every denomination and the laity ; and that the confequence would be dangerous tc the Church ; he therefore contributes his mite towards a clofer union of the Teachers and th« People. And he reminds them, that, as love is the diftinguifhing characteriftic of the difciples of Chrift, fo this, and this alone is the cement which muft bind, and keep both Teachers and Hearers clofely united to each other. He would obferve further, that the evil he guards againtt is not confined to any denomination of people what- foever. Human nature is the fame in all and the fame caufe will always produce the fame effect. His motive then being an attempt to remove or prevent acommon evil; he may with the greater confidence claim the attention of every ferious reader. THE AT a Lact ath hell he j fa: ee hes et err © ate eelee - re eZ , / oy, Pre 7, gut. Ss ie i AA Lhe! Lush dria ved haiLon, Fh Ora, oY ef ms my Py pein nm # i, 4 s f Ae aly Gs i tard Racons < Na fay Ne : EPP eg gr ee = MUTUAL DUTY, &e, Viral ij a LA ‘ y' td ral whe ta Fen wes & nee MOL Pum 1 Theflalonians, .V4 12, 13. WE BESEECH YOU, BRETHREN, TO KNOW THEM WHO LABOUR AMONG YOU, AND ARE OVER YOU IN THE LORD, AND ADMONISH YOU; AND TO ESTEEM THEM VERY HIGHLY IN LOVE FOR THEIR WORK’S SAKE, HERE are few, if any, at this day, who are’ fo foolifh or audacious as to deny the Being of a Gop ; for, that there is fuch a Supreme, Self. sxiftent, and Intelligent Being, whom we call GOD, «© Nature cries aloud through all her works :” Therefore the heathens, in St. Paul’s opinion, are left without excufe, if they do not come to the knowledge of him ; becaufe his eternal power and godhead may be clearly feen, or demonftrated from his works ; from thofe great bodies that hang or revolve in liquid ether, as alfo from the curious ftructure of all organ- ized bodies, particularly the human frame ; nay, from every tree, plant, flower, and fpire of grafs that fprings from the furface of this habitable globe, Now, as the Being who formed thefe things muft be all-wife, and all knowing ; fo he knoweth beft and has a right alfo to prefcribe what Laws or Rules he pleafeth whereby to regulate them. If then he hath prefcribed a Law tothe Sun, Moon, and Planets, (as it is generally allowed) by which they move, or | ; are * he ae ( 6 ) are retained in their various orbits ; fhall we de that -he hath given to'man, the | telligent creature in this nether world, a rule or law, by which he is to fteer, and regulate his aétions 3 a Again, if he hath given fuch a law, he muft have promulged, or made it knowa to man; otherwife it would not be coercive or binding. “And -fhall we find this law more clearly revealed than in the written word, the Scriptures of Truth? For, the Scripture, which i$ given “by Tappirati GOD, ; profitable fcr doftrine, for reproof, for or tom, an for infiruéfion in righteoufnefsi|. And word or law came not by the will of wan ; ; (was not man’s tt invention) bxr Aoly men of God fpake it, and pen et down, as they were moved by the Holy Ghof? : ay it is neceflary that they who expound and enforce it in eve- ry age, fhould be inftructed, enlightened, or taught re yea, and commiffioned alfo, by the Su ver Lawgi himtelf for this weighty purpofe. o think. ot a man’s running upon this errand without bein aes of acting as an Ambaffador c— soos OF without | being commiffioned, ery ste by him, is en ugh to make a thin udder, and the v ery blood run cold or king Sip his dena. 5 But, waving this confideration for the prefent my purpofe being an attempt to point out the mutua duty of thofe who are rea‘ly fent of Ged “to pt the terms of reconciliation toa Iry world 5° that of the people to whom they Be with eta walls Fe ipect to each cther: I thall I. Confider the duty of a chriftian the people. = II. The return which is to be made by the Dec 3] to him, who faithfully difcharges this duty, Ill. The good effet or advantages that will arif from the mutual and’ due perfor of thefe du ties, between the minifters and the people. I. Th ra S a fim’:"s; 6. * 2 Ya 1. ee 33 Ceve:) I. The Apoftle Paul, having planted a Church amongft the Theffalonians, and being driven from them by perfecution, and hindered from coming to fevifitthem, according to his purpofe, writes to com- fort, ftrengthen, and confirm them ; at the fame time giving them many precepts, refpecting the private duties which they owed to one another. But, left they _ fhould think the miniftry needlefs, from what he had faid at the ninth verfe of the former chapter, and the eleventh of this, he, in the words of the text, reminds them of their duty towards their Paftors or Teachers (for it feems they were not without fuch, even at his time ; Gop having perhaps raifed up fome from among themfelves) and to this he exhorts them, in a noft loving and pathetic manner. And at the fame ime that he points out the duty of the people to- watds their Teachers, he indirectly fhews the duty of shriftian minifters alfo ; defcribing them, not by the lame of their Office, as Paftors, Elders, or Minifters, ut by the work of it. ; _ He. feems to point out this work or duty in three Jatticular branches of it in the words of the text ; that if labouring, which includes preaching the word, with 1 kinds of inftruction : that of ruling over or govern- nent, which takes in all kinds of difcipline: and hat of adMoni/bing, which implies all forts of godly xhortation, and the leffer duties of the minifterial unction. _1. Thofe, who are employed by Gop in calling fin- . to repentance, are frequently called Jadourers in eripture, particularly by our Lord hinifelf. (Mat. % 37, 38. Luke x. 1, 2.) And indeed their bufinefs, Men properly confidered, may well be term€d labour, nd that both of body and mind. The word here fed by the apoftle, in the original fignifies to labour ard, diligently, and patiently, even to laffitude. And a this fenfe it is ufed again by the Apoftle, (1 Tim: ~ 17.) Let the Elders, who rule well, be counted wor- by of double honour ; efpecially thofe who labour in the a word - Gah * Co | word and doctrine. Which fhews both the nature o the work of the miniftry, that it is laborious; anx the duty of minifters therein, not to feck the honou and profit of the office, whilft they refufe the labou of it. They have the work of teaching, and over fight or government, and admonition; and all thef require labour. So the Apoftle charges Timothy to b inftant in feafon, and out of feafon, in preaching tht word. And he tells the Corinthians, that he woulc gladly fpend and be fpent for their fouls. Certainly the duty of preaching is a labour very irkfome to flefh and blood; by no means calculatec for eafe, floth, or felf-indulgence. It implies no only declaring the terms of Salvation to fallen mor tals, and expounding the fcriptures at large; but. fince they who are to be inftruéted are for the mof part dull in hearing, it requires line upon line, precepi upon precept, herea little and there alittle. It is ne- ceffary to enter frequently into clofe converfation with perfons in private concerning the ftate of theit fouls ; to enquire what Ideas they have of the nature of true religion; to open their umderftanding, and to lead them to a more clear knowledge of divine things. He, who is converfant in this bufinefs, knows well that it is a labour which no language can fuffi- ciently deferibe. He knows what grofsgdarknefs finhath brought upon the human mind; and that men, though otherwife very keen and knowing in temporal-concerns, are ftupid as the wild afs’s colt, re{pecting things of the laft importance. He feels the truth of thofe words—‘‘ The heart is deceitful and defperately wicked, who can know it??—— And, when added to this he finds the perfon’s natural fa- culties impaired by age or infirmity, alas! how does he travail in birth, and groan in {pirit for thofe, whom he fees on the brink of eternity, and ready to perith through lack of knowledge ! 1.9 Indeed the reading or delivering a Difcourfe once or twice a week, which is fubftituted by fome at oo ay ceo. A) day in the place of preaching, may very well com- port with luxurious eafe and felf-indulgence ; but bears very little refemblance to the method of preach- ing ufed by Pazl and Timothy, which it behoves every preacher of the Gofpel to-ufe as wellasthey. He that labours in the word, delights in the law of the Lord; meditates therein day and night; and there- fore is ready upon all occafions to bring out of his treafury things new and old. We doth not confine his Difcourfes to fet times or places, but will preach from houfe to houfe ; yea, even in private converfation en- deavours to fet forth Jefus Chrift, and him crucified. Nor does he contentedly wait till fome ignorant per- fon comes to feck the law at his mouth ; or till fome Mourning fin-fick foul knocks at his gate enquiring the way to Zion ; but, like his divine Mafter, he goes into the wildernefs, and endeavours to bring wan- derers back to the fold, and to the fhepherd of fouls from whom they had ftrayed. Another thing, which much encreafes the labour, and adds to the anxiety of the Teacher, is, that fre- quently, after he hath made fome progrefs in the work, the Enemy of fouls comes and tumbles down what he hath built. That fubtle Enemy is conftantly fowing tares among the wheat. He throws out frefh tures to work upon the paffions, to entangle men, and lead them into captivity. Often he makes them prefumptuous, carelefs and fecure; at other times drives them to defpair. He will endeavour to raife ‘them on fome pinnacle, that he may caft them down ‘with more violence ; or overwhelmthem with gloomy thoughts, till he finks them in the lake of perdition. ‘He will attack every avenue of the human heart, and ‘draw it either to fenfual pleafures, or to love riches, honours, or worldly magnificence. The Minifter therefore muft not be ignorant of fatan’s devices ; and as a faithful fhepherd muft watch and guard his ack againft this prowling wolf. He mutt frequently go about the fold to fee that none of the tender lambs receive é : (¥. 10% 2 a me receive any hurt. Oh! what tears doth he fhed ; what prayers doth he pour out; what fleeplefs nights doth he {pend in thoughts about his flock ! i Now it is evident that all this muft fll the mind with folicitude and anxious care, the effet of which upon the body few can be ignorant of. Indeed he that labours in the word and doctrine needeth much of the wifdom from above, feeing he is to inftruét per- fons of various capacities, various tempers, and va- rious purfuits : therefore be shat winneth fouls is wifes and they that be thus wife, (ball fhine as the bright- nefs of the firmament, and they that turn many to righte- oufne[s, as the fiars for ever and ever. (Dan: Xil. 3.) 2. The next branch of the minifterial office al- luded to by the Apoftle in the words of the Text, 1s that of Rulizg, Superintendency, or Church-Difci= pline. This is a point of the utmoft importance, and requires the ferious attention both of the Minifters and the People. But, as the form or modeof Church- Government has long been a fubje& of difpute among Chriftians, I fhall not pretend to fettle the conteft, It is allowed by all that jome kind of difcipline is neceffary ; and I fhall content myfelf at*this time with offering a few things in a general way. at Ir feems pretty clear thar Gop defigned man fhoule be a fociable being ; that he fhould live in amity an friendihip with his fpecies. It feems* equally cle that in every community fome regalations or kind o Government fhould take place, refpecting men’s in- tercourfe with each other, both im temporals and if things pertaining to Gop. _ a 2 Among the antediluvians, even from Adam, the head of each family acted both as King and Prieft confequently exercifed government or difcipline bor with refpect to civil polity, and alfo the worthip of Gop. This, no doubt, was prattifed by Noah, and handed down by him to his pofterity after the flood And when Gop chofe Abraham aad his pofterity tob - Cat 9 his peculiar people, feparate from thereft of mankind ; he exprefily appointed and regulated their whole ceconomy, both in civil and ecclefiaftical affairs. When our Lord Jefus Chrift abrogated the Mo/aic ‘ceremonies, becaufe the types muft ofnecefflity ceafe, when he the antetype was offered up ; he did not by any means repeal the moral law ; nor did he (when he reproved the high priefts and pharifees, and condemn- ed many irregularities in their temple) mean todeftroy what exifts in the nature of things, namely, fome kind ‘of difcipline and order in his church. But he feems to have left a latitude as tothe mode in fmaller points, and in regard to different cuftoms in different places andin different ages, provided the effentials were adhered to among his followers*. When our Lord fent forth his difciples, the extent of the power which he committed to them feems to be this; a power to preach the gofpel, or to declare the terms of pardon to condemned finners, and to receive into his church fuch as they thought fit to admit. Secondly a power to exclude diforderly members, when they faw occafion, or readmit fuch as fhewed figns of true repentance,and a defire of being reftored ‘to the privileges of the Church. The former part of this power Peter began to exercife om the day of Pentecoft ; but not to the exclufion of his brethren, asappears from John xx. 22,23. He preached Jefus Chrift, and remiffion of fins through his name, to thofe who enquired of him and the reft of the Apoftles, faying—‘ Brethren, what fhall we do?”— Peter does not make any new terms of his own, or add’ to thofe which his Lord had given, (Mark xvi. 16.) nor does he ufe any compulfive power over their will, nore than barely exhorting them to fave themfelves rom this untoward generation. Another part of this power we find St. Paul exer- ling (1 Cor. v. 3, 4, -5.) with refpect to the inceftu- ae B 2 ous * Vide 1 Cor. xi, 16. PRE ous Corinthian ; at leaft exhorting the Church at Co. rinth to exercife it, and declaring that he would be prefent with them in fpirit, whilft they were exclu- ding that diforderly member from their communion Perhaps they have fome truth on their fide, who con- tend that the word Church here referred to, as well a: that in Matt. xviii. 17. includes fome of the principal lay-members, as well as the Apoftles or Preachers of the word : and that the difcipline or power exercifed belonged to them conjointly: that they acted a: Judge and Jury dowithus. The Jury hear the caufe in the prefence of the Judge; then acquit or con. demn. The Judge does not make, but declare the laws; and pronounces fentence according to the de- cifion of the Jury. I fhall not determine this quef- tion, nor does it affect the chief point which I have in view. When any were awakened or converted by the miniftry of the Apoftles, they voluntarily put ee felves under their care and inftruction, and efteemed them as Angels of Gop. Stillthe Teachers did no exercife any power over their confcience ; but praye them, in Chrift’s ftead, to be reconciled to Gop and when reconciled, they endeavoured to build the up in their moft holy faith. When the Apoftles Elders came together to confider of that queftion. recorded in the xvth chapter of the Acts, and ha _ agreed concerning it, they wrote fo the Church a Antioch, in the mildeft terms, fimply declaring thei judgment, and recommending to refrain from fu and fuch things; but ufing no threatning or compul five power. The Church-power which Chrift gave was defigne by him to be, like himfelf, of a peaceable nature To make of twain one, and to reconcile fuch as wer at enmity before. ‘The Officers, who were to bea rule in his Church, and to act by his authority, we to be meek and humble, like their mafter ; and thei Fel govern imee ment alfo was to be mild, and not conduéted by policy and worldly prudence. When he commands his fervants to compel thofe who were without to come in, andto become fubjects of his kingdom, he does not mean they fhould do it by the fword, by burn- ing faggots, and a fiery zeal. And when he grants his officers a difpenfation to expel diforderly mem- bers, he does not allow them to ufe wantonnefs, or to lord it over his heritage. They fhould remember that they themfelves are but fervants, and may be turned out of office whenever he pleafes. - Whoever is in the leaft acquainted with mankind will allow, that it is as natural for man to aim at power, as itis for him to breathe. He, who hath purfued the human heart through all her various mazes and windings, fo as to fee the fecret fprings that actuate her, will confefs, with the wife man, that he who trufteth in bis own heartisa fool. A writer of the laft century obferves, ‘© Whenever any fet or fynod of Minifters take upon them a delegated power in or over the Church, to act as Chrift’s under- agents, and not as fervants only, they never did, nor ever will know how to fet any limits to fuch a power.” And whenever they begin to folace themfelves with the thoughts of Security, and confequently of their Own importance; when they are ready to ufe that language—I fit asa Queen, or ** We have got the Power into our own hands, and who fhall gainfay us ?” —they are very near a fall; for, they gradually and imperceptibly leave Gop out of the queftion, and fo come to a fhameful end. _ The Apoftle gives us to underftand in the Text, that the government or difcipline he alludes to fhould be in the Lord; either to diftinguifh it from civil government, or to fhew theorigin and end of it. It is from the Lord by inftitution; and fhould be ma- haged by his laws, and in his Spirit, and directed to his fervice and glory as the chief end. ‘ ots ( 14 ) As the Church of Chrift is frequently in feriptui termed a vineyard ; fo the epithet of vine-dreffer ma not unfitly be given to a Minifter who labours in it and as fuch it is his bufinefs to lop off the unfruitfi _ branches, at leaft fuch as bring forth wild grapes. Hi muft fever the precious from the vile} : mutt exclud from Chriftian privileges thofe who walk diforderly, an bring a fcandal upon the name of Chrift. He mu rebuke before all, them that fin; and rebuke with authority, that others alfo may fear§. : A Minifter of Chrift,like a fkilful and faithful fur geon, muft not only probe deep till he finds the bot tom of the wound ; but, when occafion requires, muf ufe corrofives and defperate expedients for his patient’ health. He will not fkin the wound flightly befor the unfound flefh is cut away, knowing the dangerou confequence that may enfue, if it fhould break ou again. Though this may be painful to the patient and alfo irkfome to himfelf (for it is furely an unpleaf. ing, but a neceflary part of the minifterial office) yer ftill he goes on with his work, knowing that lenity here would be miftaken kindnefs, and hoping that the patient, when he comes to refle&t ferioufly, will be thankful to him for the faithful difcharge of his duty. But fhould he meet only with injurious and reproachful returns mingled with refentment, he ftill preferves an unruffled fuperiority of mind. — Indeed this part of the minifterial function requires the greateft refolution (yet mixed with proper pru.- dence) to accept no man’s perfou; boldly to reprove the vices of the great; to denounce the awful thun- ders of God’s word even againft a Herod, as well as the meaneft peafant ; and to fet the mark of infamy upon dignified adulterers : Not to court the fmiles, or fear the frowns of potentates or nobles; but to act towards all with an equal impartiality. 3- The third part of the minifterial office here al- luded to by the Apoftle, is that of admonif/hing, warn- ing } Jer. xv. 19. § 1 Tim. vy, 20. Tita. 1 CORSF bg, Or exhorting. ‘The word frequently occurs in he New Teftament, though fometimes differently ranflated ; and fignifies putting into the mind by way finftruction, or upon the mind by way of council, hreatning or reproof, and that either publickly. or rivately. ‘This bufinefs, indeed, is not confined to Minifters iy ; but may, and ought tobe ufed by every perfon wards his neighbour, according to his capacity, bility, or opportunity ; provided he does it with rudence and brotherly love. This is evident from ie following pafiages of {cripture: Lev. xix. 17.— om : xil, 8.—and xv.14,—Col. iii, 16.—1 Thef: - 18.—v. 11.—2 Thef. iii. 15,—Heb.—iil. 13. Yet ill it is more peculiarly the province of thofe, who ‘¢ commiffioned of Gop to call finners to repentance, ad to warn them to fly from the wrath to come : nd there is large fcope for the exercife of this duty -all times, and in all places, fo that it can f{carce- be faid to be unfeafonable at any time, when we ynfider the value of immortal fouls, and the numbers at are rufhing forward in the broad road that lead- h to deftruction. Il. Having given this fhort fketch of the duty of chriftian Minifter; I come in the next place to point it the duty of the People, towards thofe who are yer them in the Lord; and who faithfully difcharge eir duty. 1. And firtt, they areto know them; to mark and Ke cognizance of them and their work ; toown them their office, to have regard to their teaching, and ‘fubmit totheir government. To know them, may fo fignify to diftinguifh them from others who are ere Airelings, or who have taken this office upon them ithout divine authority, or merely for the fake of thy lucre. The one mayeafily be diftinguifhed from e other by the fruits which they bear: a good tree anot bring forth evil fruit, neither cana cere Ving ( 16 ) bring forth good fruit. To know, alfo, in fcriptu language, is put for a mark of approbation, or | exprefs the will and affections: fo itis faid, the Lor knoweth the way of the righteous||, that is, knows it ' as to approve : and David faith, I will not know wicked perfon*. 2. When the people are acquainted with fuc faithful Teachers as have been already defcribed, ar can diftinguifh them by their zeal, their dilig and their labour of love ; then it is their duty to «¢ teem them very bighly in love for their works fake. ‘I pay them all due refpeét for the pains they take | promote their fpiritual good. The word here. uf by the Apoftle, in the greek carries fuch an einpha: as cannot well be exprefiled in Englifh, importit love and efteem even to an Hyperbole. Their lo was to be joined with efteem, and efteem with lov and both thefe to abound and fuperabound towar them. Love begets efteem, and efteem alfo produc love. Let the Elders who rule well (faith the Apoft to Timothy) be counted worthy of double honou efpecially they who labour in the word and doétrine Here is contained the whole duty of the people towar their minifters, on account of their work, wheth it be that of teaching, ruling, or admonition. The work is in itfelf honourable, as tending to the people falvation : and though their perfons may be mea yet efteem, reverence, and love are due to them ! their work : or, if they deferve it on any other accour yet their work is to be the chief reafon or princi ground of the great re{pect which is due to them. Refpect and efteem is their due alfo upon the accov of Him in whofe name they come ; as Ambaffadot when they come to deliver their credentials, ufua receive peculiar refpect and honour on account their Mafter. \ So faith our Lord, He that receive wehomfoever I fend, receiveth me, and he that receiv Pid. 6. * Phil cig. § 1 Timeverzy, ; (Pay 7) we receiveth him that fent me. He that defpifeth you pieifer me, and he that defpifeth me, defpifeth Him that ent me* The Ambaffadors of Chrift are to be diftinguithed with peculiar honour and refpeét, not only on account d the great Perfonage in whofe name they come ; ut in regard to the great Embafly wherewith they ire entrulted; namely to offer an eternal oblivion of paft offences, and everlafting peace and happinefs to rel]. deferving rebels ; and that upon the eafieft terms hat ever could, or ever can be offered to the-fons of Adam. Nay, moreover to offer them an eternal crown, and a place in the heavenly manfions, where. they may bafk amidft unfullied blifs, in the prefence of their Monarch for ever and ever. What, are the embaflies or commiffions from the greateft earthly potentates, when compared to this! Therefore the Chureh is taught to receive the Heralds or Mefiengers of Gop with fuch acclamations as thefe :— How dcau-’ iful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth te tidings, that publifheth Peace and Salvation ! 3. Again, the honour which is due from the People 0 the Elders who rule well, implies alfo a competent provifion or maintenance. ‘This is undoubtedly the pre of the word hosour in Matt. xv. 6. and Tim. v. 3, 16.—That a proper maintenance is due 0 the Minitters of Chriftis plain from many paflages of Scripture. Sz. Paul having declared that they who labour in teaching the word fhould be counted worthy of double honour, adds in the next verfe,—zrbe abourer is worthy of bis reward. And to the Corin- hians he faith, If we have fowun unto you fpiritual bings, isit agreat thing if we fhall reap your carnal | ge” thingst 2? Our Lord alfo faith—The Workman, or labourer, is worthy of his bire+-. | This is not only plain from Scripture, but evident rom the very reafon of the thing, that they, who C devote John xiii 20. Luke %. 16. § Tfaiah hii. 7, i % % BCOn ims its + Matt, x. 10. Luke x. 7. (J devote their whole time, labour, and ftudy to th fervice of others, fhould have a maintenance from them. Therefore, even among the heathen nations whenever we read of a Temple erected and Prieft aypointed to officiate in it, there was alfoa prope provifion made for their Subfiftence. Let the Deif then and the Free-thinker vent all their wit, anc fneer at the whole work of the Miniftry, calling it % Trade, Prieft-craft, or a trick of State-policy ; ye the great and the wife, in every age and nation, have paid deference to thofe employed in it, and have re warded them with peculiar honour and . re{pect. As to what may be deemed a competent mainte nance for thofe who labour in the word and doctrine I will not pretend to define it, or to fix the ftandard. It may alter according to the circumftances of time and plsce. But I think it thould be far beneath any thing that would promote luxury, vain pomp, d feit indulgence. Having food and raiment, faith St Paul, let us therewith be content. They that will rich, fall into temptation and a faare, and into mat foolifa and hurtful dejires, which drown men in defirue tion and perdition. But thou, O man of God ( Timothy) free thefe things*. Having briefly mentioned the love, efteem, ho; nour, and maintenance that. is due from the People Ss their {piritual Teachers and Guides ; I would have it always remembered, that this is due to thofe only who are diligent, faithful labourers in the vineyard ; who feed Chrift’s flock : who are over them in the Lor but do not lord it over Goa’s heritage. Who are real ly feat, or appointed of God to this important work} and who undertake the arduous tafk at his command with fear and trembling, not for filthy vg or with an eye to temporal promotion; but with a Single ey to promote the glory of Gop, in the falvation of im} mortal fouls. *y Tim, Vie 8, 9. 13. (3%; J _If any have prefumed to run.upon this. errand, without being fent by Him who has authority to fend; I have his written word to fupport me, when I fay. they fhall, not profit the people||. And though they have prophefied in bis name, and in bis name have done many wonderful works ; perhaps wrote books, and delivered many excellent difcourfes ; yet he will declare unto them, J never knew you, (there never was atime that I approved of you) Depart from me. And, if they had an eye only to the good things of this life, then, after they have enjoyed them for a fhort feafon, their final portion will be to lift up their eyes, with the rich man, in everlafting tor- ments. “TIT. I come now, in the third place, to point out the Advantages which will arife from the mutual and lue performance of. thefe duties between the Minif- ters and the People. x. When the Minifters are faithful i in the difcharge of their duty, .do labour hard in teaching the word, hot {paring themfelves : when they are zealous in promoting godlinefs, boldly admonifh the people, d cenfure vice impartially in every rank and ordet ; bis will be the beft means to convince the people t they have nothing elfe in view but the good of & fouls. They will therefore pay the more at- tion to their. word, receiving it in love as the word of Gop ; they will efteem them very highly for their ork 's fake, and they willthe more readily fubmit emia to their difcipline, astomen who watch for their fouls, and mult give an account. 2. “Again, whilft the People love, reverence, and efteem thefe godly, zealous, and fabotigus Minifters, fubmitting to thelr godlv admonitions, and adminif- ing to their neceflities in) tempor ‘als, according to heir power; this kind reception will ferve to hold C2 up ‘a a | Jer. xxiii, 32 ( 20 ) up the Teacher’s hands, will render their heavy bur- den more tolerable, and will make them go on more chearfully in their work and labour of love. Har- mony, concord, and reciprocal confidence will take place between the People and their Minifters ; and the people alfo will-be at peace amongfi themfelves. Thus, by the mutual performance of their refpective duties, they would help each other forward in the high-way of holinefs; the kingdom of Satan would daily fuffer:lofs, and the kingdom of Crist be more and more enlarged, till Ferusalem would be- come the praise of the “whole earth. If, on the contrary, thefe duties are negleéted by either party, the confequences may be highly dan. gerous tothe Church. For, thus faith the Lord unto the fbepherds ; ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool; but ye feed not the flock. The difeafed have ye not [tr engthened, neither have yé healed that whicl was fick, neither have ye bound up that which was bro: ken, neitherhave ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye fought that which was loft; bai with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were fcattered becaufe there is no shepherd: ana they became meat to all the beafts of the field, when they were featter ed. My fheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high bill: yea my flock w feattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did fearc. or feck after them*. And now, O ye priefts, thus fait, the Lord of Hojis, ye are departed out of the way; yi have caufed many 10 fumble at the law; ye have corrip. ed the covencat of Levi. Therefore have I alfo mad you contemptible and bafe before all the people, accordi as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial it the lawl. 4 From thefe paflages it appears that the pps the Shepherds is highly prejudicial both to themfely and to the people ; “and that both in refpect to t prefent, anda future life. : % ® Ezek, xuxiv. 893.4, 5 i Mal. ii. 8.9. teese) On the other hand, if the people have been duly varned, and yet have rejected the godly admonitions épeatedly given them by their faithful watchmen; then heir blood fhall be upon their own heads, the watch- nen have delivered their own fouls. And Gop will uftify Himfelf in fuch words as thefe :-—What could ave been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done nit © I have fent unto you all my fervants the prophets, fing up early and fending them; rifing up early and aking, but ye heard not: I called you, but ye anfwer- dnot. Therefore becaufe I have called, and ye refufed ; have ftretched out my hand, and no man regarded ; but @ have fet at nought all my counsel, and would none of ay reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity, I wilt bock when your fear cometh. hen fhall ye call upon me, tI will not anfwer; ye foall feck me, but ye foall not ad me. O Ifrael thou haft deftroyed thyfelf <. h er ~ I beg leave now to conclude with a word of exhor- ation, firftto thofe Minifters who are really fent of Sop; Secondly to the People. And let me intreat ie candid reader to confider, not who itis that yrites 5. but what it is that is written. » Ye that bear the veffels of the Lord, be ye clean fourfelves; then the Lord will go before you, and he God of Ifrael will be your rereward. Cry aloud ind {pare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet, ind fhew the people their tranfgreffion, and their ins. Dividethe word of truth aright: give each ok his portion in due feafon. Feed the flock of thrift, which he has purchafed with his own blood. ae forth the precious. from the vile, and the Lard will fave thee and deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and out of the hand of the terrible. Be not difcouraged in the arduous tafk, for, in a fhort time ye fhallreap, if ye faint not. Let malice rail, envy aiperfe, wit ridicule, do ye look down upon them as idle, impotent noife.- And though ye may pe “a wit § Is:v.e4.—Jer. vii 13, 26.—Prov. ip 24—28,—Hof xiii, g. C2, | with taunts, gibes, and cruel mockings from th hardened unthinking many ; yet even in the worft times, a faithful fervant of Gop will find fome, wh will love and efteem him for his work’s fake. Yeal éven the wicked (if they are not — el ee) r divine life: and ip this he fully coincides both ith , % Ms a3 diviy < 1 #® x John, iv. rp aa Kare ‘divine Manes, and with his fellow -apoftles Paul, Jamesy and John. — “ If. The exhortation is contained in. thefe words—~ As new-born babes, defive the fincere milk ofthe word, that ye “may grow thereby. Thefe alfo I fall beg leave to tranfpofe a little in the following manner. Firft, I fhall confider the thing tobe défred: 2ly. the manner how: 3ly. the end for which we fhould defire it. 1. The thing to be defired is here termed the fincere milk of the word. Inthe clofe of the foregoing chapter, St. Peter col *¥ ‘reminds thofe to whom he writes, that they had been Lorn ‘ again, through the inftrumentality of the word of Ged, or the ‘Gofpel, which had been preached untothem; that word which, faith he, abideta for ever. This word of God, whichis but a tranfcript of his own mind; moft be eternal like himfelf. ‘Yes, the truths, which he hath declared, or caufed to be written for our ufe, fhall remain the fame, after the general ‘conflagration, and when the leaves on which they have been written, or the materialson which they have been engraved; 2 confumed in the common mafs. \ When they were born of God, they had a tafte for, and could digeft fpiritwal food, This food the Apoftle calls [royiner yeas) the milkof the word, (literally, the milky word) a e. the milk or nourifhment conveyed to the foul by Means of the word preached or expounded, God makes ple of this word; as achannel to convey life and- ftrength tothe foul, not only when it is firft quickened, but ever afterwards. St. Paul faith, Faith cometh by hearing, and bearing by the Word of God. God can ufe anys means; bet his \ ord is the moft frequent inftrument in awakening, © conv Ags | and building up fouls in their mof sholy faith. As the has its appetites, and food fuitable to them ; io Ne B e hath ba : ‘ ™% & apes a vi » food ofa fpiritual nature ah foe aee to thefe defires. : nig Cory. 7 hi i inten. oi leffen its fweetnefs, or hinder its efficacy.” Our ftrengt a (i igo> hie hath the foul its defires, its tafte, its relifh 5. and there is The Apoftle ueth another adjedtive | here (Bdener) fi cere, pure, without’ mixture, or adulteration : ‘Intimating that wheh the foul is taking in its food,, it fhould be cau. tious and take nothing but what may contribute to its, yea ‘ftrength and nqurithineat, Some render the word reafonab milk; i.e. fuch as is fit for the foul, in contradiftinctio tothe body; fuch as may nourifh and ftrengthen the mince and is agreeable to Reafon, to the general tenor of siti ture, ‘and to the analogy of Faith. St. Paul, fpeaking himfelf, and of his faithfal fellow-labourers, ‘faith, We ar not as many who corrupt the [Vord of God: who adulterate, ot mix it with falfe doftrines and human fictions, as vintner do their wine with water, or fome other compound : we do not fail to declare unto you the whole counfel of God ; 3 and as in the ficht of God, so [peak we ve eee a =a.t 27. 2 ioe tie 17. uate’ 4 Infants love the fweetnefs of their mother’s k, an defire it pure as itis: So Believers aes the wor pure, as itis in itfelf, not mixed with any thing that no depends on what we make our daily food. If we feed on what is according to our nature, we grow: if not, we ‘pine away, and dic. The Soul, deriving its mau front God, can thrive on nothing but what is according to holinefs > Sin, of every kind, -ftarves it, and takes it con- fume away. But it is'not merely fin, in the commiffio of it, which caufes the foul to be fickly and to die falfe SoGurine has the fame tendency: and as noxious thie ed with our food or drink, ‘may prove! deftrudti T- Ps at i¢att caufe it to be in a very fickly tha, rupt, or falfe doctrine, mingled with the We may tend tof ruin the foul, or at leaft keep it Me ing (ar Yo ce weak, and Janguifhing ‘condition. “Indeed, Truth and Ertor oftentimes come very near. each other; and they may be fo artfully blended together, that-it requires.a nice” tafte or judgment to diftinguifh them. Therefore the Apeftle faith—Defire the facere milk of the Word. Defire it, long’ for it, thirft for it, pray for it; and pray for iteeHinicn ei in order to diftinguifh it. But, “3. Hé’ reminds thofe who are regenerate, ef the manner, how'they fhould defire this milk’: as babes ; or as when they wete new-lorn babes, Children, when they come into the world, begin to long for the breaft, which is their natural food. So the Believer, when he has tafted the fweetnefs of redeeming Love, the comforts and *confolations which are found:in and through Chrift, who is now become precious unto him, longs to know more of him, to hear often of him, and therefore is earneft in the ufe of all means; efpe- cially, he eagerly attends on the Word preached, and drinks in all that is faid about. the. Friend and Lover of Souls. He can ufe thofewords: *< Tnfatiate, to this Spring I fly, ” I drink, and yet am ever dry.” ” He waits in the temple, or houfe of Gon, and fits under the droppings of the Sanétuary with great delight. He does not regard the inclemency of the weather, or the va- ious Wb dbs which may be thrown in his way, but ftrug- ales through all; and he counts all things but as dung or drofs, in comparifon of the knowledge of Chrift Jefus his rd. As the hart panteth after the water-brooks (faith the almift) so panteth my foul after thie, O God. At) oul thirfi- for God, for the living Ged. (Pialm xiii. 1,2.) And in: My foul thirfieth for thee, my fish longeth for thee, in a F rts, bed land, where no water ix.’ To fee thy power and glory, } ee Seen thee in the Sqheliary. Ay foul fhal m be +a ¥,, ‘ed. It is nota little thing to retain our fir ty, aswe in. i Nn eee 7%, SLES. £2, >) be fatisfied as with marrow and fatnef:.: and my mouth alt praife, thee with joyful lips. (Pfa. \xiii, det, 5+) Hay, every, one, that thirfieth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money 5, come yey buy and cat: yea, come, buy. wine and. milk, without, money and without - peice. (Lfai. lv; 14). And Chrift. faiths Let bim that is atin fl come, and take of the water of, life, freely, (Rev. xxii. 17. ) And again, Bleffed ¢ are they that hunger. and thirft after righteoufnefs,. Sar. they fhall, be fillede, (Matt. vy. 6.) From all which, we fee how the Believer as top thins, to hunger, and eagerly long. for the food that will I neurite i FRR, ar | 5 tatopmal:o3 ged mt " mei he is to defire this ‘eat child-like; pica : fend godly fincerity; being willing to be-taught, by the. meaneft of thofe whom Chrift has commiffioned to go! into his vineyard. Children are ufually» inguifitive, and afking queflions for information: fo fhould the- believer 5 but lee him do it in fimplicity and fincerity, not with» adefign to cavilor difpute. ' The Scribes and? Pharifees often put cap+ tious queftions to Chrift, to fee if they could entangle him) in his talk: but Nicodemus, being divefted of .pr ice, propofed queftions with a fincere. defire to be truly inform safe in knowledge: but it is the believer’ s true wifde recolle&t how he received the truths of God’s word, is -he was born again: with what fimplicity, what -candour. what earneftnefs; and to ftrive always to do the. ame, an to lie low in the duft before God. ‘ he 3. The great end and defign of taking food, is to grow, to acquire health and ftrength : therefore the apoftle faith defive the fincere milk. of the word, thatye may grow thereby In order to be healthy and ftrong, and to stapes, | in th divine life; they muft ufe fuch food, and fuch means.as may contribute to that end: and he concludes wi q a ¥ lecond ep pre Boa tee 1 )) hie th thefe words: growin grace, and.in the knowledge af our rd Fefus,Chrif An, the firft chap. of the 2d, Ep.. he faysy . se, given exceeding great and ‘precious promifes, that, ye ede, ad partakers, of the divine nature, This St. ; Paul being made partakers of bis hoiinefs (Heb. xii. 10.) and John dwelling in God, and Ged dwelling in ys. . The mo- ita foul is born of Gop, he is made partaker of the di- ae nature in a degree : he receives out of the fulnefs of | Chrift ace for Grace. ise. he is made like unto .Chrift in fome eafure, in his meeknefs, patience, refignation, and all s holy tempers: but he is to grow in thefe, and ftill to sreafe with all the increafe of Gop. Our Lord "repre. : its the growth or increafe of the divine life under vz 2r1OUS pilitudes : fometimes as the corn advancing from. the ade to the ear, and then to the full corn in the ear. At ner times, as the leaven which diffufes itfelf through the mp of dough till the whole i is leavened; 3 and again, as the anch deriving fap from the root, and growing and bring- g forth fruit unto perfection. ‘ The divine life, or the kingdom of Gop within us, is fet fth every where in fcripture as fomething aétive, lively, Bice and powerful, It is compared to a well of water ringing up, as contradiftinguifhed froma flagnate pool. geprings up into eyerlafting life, it is reprefented by expreffions as imply the production of anew mature; lickening (Eph. ii.1.) paffing from death unto life (John v. »)And as fin or wickednefs is defcribed by fie/h, and death ; this holy principle in the foul is called fpirit, the /pirit power, and the fpirit of life, (2 Tim. i. 7. Rom, viii. 2.) 4 Paul feems to defcribe this principle in the foul by aéti- and motion itfelf, (Phil. iii, 12, 13, 14.) I follow after, I may apprehend, &c. Alfo thofe phrafes /abouring, Jecing, iving, j fehting, running, wreiling, panting, longing, bungering, | ing, tatching, and many others, all exprefs the actives induftrious jj ~~ oe eel te induftrious, vigibe and powerful nature of this di : principle.© The ftreams: of divine gtace flow from God i to the fouls of men, and there become a well of water, ¢ tinually /pringing up, of working” * ane and fendi aie out rivers of living water. ‘ ih ete: The active nature of he saptes when planted the foul, fhews itfelf i in a continued ‘¢ care and ftudy t to good, to conform more and more to the nature of the h 1y'God, who is the glorious’ pariéta® of all perfeétio He alone'is abfolutely ‘perfect, and’ therefore the only ru of an to the creatures. If we fpeak of goodnel _ our Saviour tells us, that God alone is good: of wifdo that he alone is wife: of power, he is omnipotent : mercy, and kindnefs, he is love itfelf. Men are or good by way of participation from’ God, and in a way affimilation to him. So that, tho” good men “may imitated and followed ; yet it muft be with this limitati as far as they are followers of Chrift. ( Cor.” xi But the nature of God being abfolutely perfect, “i is to i imitated fingly, entirely, and univerfally, in all: thi wherein the creature is capable of. bag and Sir like unto Him, gy { .. A godly man having the rebellious fpirit™ caft out being once reconciled to the nature of God, is daily! i to be more intimately united thereunto, and to all that which God is, as far as he is capable. * This principle being a participation of life ‘from Hin who is life itfelf ; muft needs be an aétive principle fpreae ing itfelf in the foul, and caufing the foul to fpread itfe in God. -St. John ufes the terms, babes, young men, an fathers, which imply a growth or advancement in the di vine life. And this continual growing up of a holy for ht * a Ae 15 ) . 3 o God, is excellently defcribed by the Apoftle St. Pauls an elegant metaphor: (2 Cor. iii, 18.) We all, with 1 face, bebolding asin a glas, the glory of the. Lord, are nged into the fame image from glory to ‘glory ; ; i.e. from one ree of refemblance to another’ of the ‘divine nature. The gracious foul, not being content with ‘its prefent ainments, and having.in its eye a perfect and abfolute od, forgets that which i is behind, and labours, prays, ves, and ftudies to get the divine perfeétions more arly delineated upon THEME, and to be {wallowed up, as ch as may be, in the divinity. «It covets earneftly fe beft things, to be perfected in holinefs, to have the ine characters more fair and legible, divine impreffions te deep and lively, divine life more firong and powerful, | the communicable properties of the bleffed God fpread te over it, and thro” it. A godly foul is not content to receive out of Chrift’s nefs ; but labours to be filled with the fulnefs, with the fulnefs of God. He rejoices that he hath received Chrift, grace for grace, asa child hath limb for limb s father : But! he is not fatisfied, except he finds him- adding daily to his infant ftature, yea, and growing up © the meafure of the ftature of his Lord in all things. Preckons that the i image of God is the luftre, the bright- , the beauty, the ornament of the fou! ; that holinefs is higheft honour and dignity that any created being is able of; therefore he purfues after it, as after his full Proper perfection. “he Chriftian being implanted into the true Vine, de- s fpiritual fap from Him who is the Root; therefore he. ws, and brings forth the fruitsof love, meeknefs, gentle- » Kindnefs and uprightnefs, and every godlike difpe- GRR oa ts a sa fition ee ¢ Oo ‘) io - ition. For Wefan Pare he Res spies th into a refemblance of the Supreme Good, : and to drink divine perfeétions into the very inmoft “of his foul. 5, ep ANS ‘WA : But, he is not content with a ‘participation « of. Abs of municative ‘Divine Nature,. himfelf ; he endeavours be commiunicative too. He is ‘not “content to be hay alone, and to poffefs Heaven in ‘his own ‘foul ; He endeavo alfo, by prayer, counfel, and holy example, to draw other men heaven-ward. He is not only active i in what called religious performances: but his heart is ‘fill ¢ triving to promote the glory of God. He imitates, ‘acco ing to his abilities, his diyine Mafter, who’ went ab doing good: and hath left us an example; that we tho follow his fteps. . ital 7 Itis a fign of a fickly conftitution, when men have li appetite, or do not relifh their food. But hungring j thirfting after God, are fure figns of fpiritual health. healthy foul is a thirfty foul, always gafping after, the] ing {prings of divine grace, even as the parched defart ga on el the dew of ee Religion pis an ‘infa " more impreffions of eee more dixine affitance, 1 powerful and ravifhing confolation: and is, as it were, facred fire kept burning in the temple of the foul conti ally. Religion is active, quick, and powerful / t expa and enlarges the foul, which fin, felf, and t e world. contraéted and sek It caufes him in whom it dwe to fpread and grow up into God: to grow great in H to be filled with his fulnefs; and to be perfe&tly ravi with his pure love. The Chriftian longs to drink deeper the river of pure pleafure, the river that makes lad the 67 God. Be taltes and fees God; but he defires to be f ay nore fatisfied with the God whom he taftes. He is ravifh- d, indeed, with the infinite fweetnefs and goodnefs of God 5 gut ftill he bewails his diftance from him, and cries, €Oh! when fhall I come and appear before God ! €Oh ! that I had wings like a dove, that I might fly away ‘and be at_reft !” From what hath been faid upon this head, it is plain hat Religion is not merely a notion or opinion, an idea in he head; but a new nature, fomething incorporated into he very conititution of the foul; a principle implanted by JoD, refining and fpiritualizing all the faculties thereof, nd rendering man like himfelf, fo far as fuch a crea- ure is capable of refembling its Creator. ‘¢ Nothing can nake the Soul truly happy, but what is wrought into its ature, and is more excellent than itfelf ; and this can be othing lefs than the image of the ever-blefled God.”’ It only remains now, to enforce the exhortation in the [ext upon all who have tafted that the Lord is gracious. set fuch always lie low at the feet of Chrift, feeling that hey ftil! need him as a conftant Interceflor, by reafon of heir fhort-comings. Let them ever remember that they a nothing good in them, but what they have received rom this bountiful donor, Let them ufe all the means of race, and highly value all the ordinances of God; but jot meafure their happinefs or fpiritual life by thefe. They hould attend upon and ufe theie, in order to increafe rea! ellowfhip with God ; becaufe they are the ufual channels hrough which he is pleafed to convey it. Let them drink he fincere milk of the word, with a defign of growing nore holy thereby, of growing up into God, and a divine ife. Let them be ambitious to be as like God as they can: ind let nothing fet bounds to their loving, longing fouls, ut a real fruition of Gon himfelf: and to be filled with IW his communicabie failnefs. ; bs Though is - papeminadic. 7 se ue a (8) Sees Though this difcourfe is chiefly intended for Believer thofe who have. ta/fed, or experimentally “known that tl Lord is gracious; to remind them of their privileges, ai to'exhort them to their duty; yetthe finner alfo may fi inftruction in the former part of it, how he may obta peace with God, by believing in the Mediator, and con . ing, through him, to the Father fora full and free pardon ’ all his paft offences, The felf-righteous pharifee alfo is reminded that Sa vation is all of Grace, and not of works. His boafti is excluded ; inafmuch as all have finned and come fhe ‘of the glory of God; and therefore he muft plead guil equally with the truly humbled publican, and acknoy ledge that he is corrupt by nature, yea, that ¢¢ there is: s* health in him,” butthat he is liableto, and defervir of the wrath of a fin-avenging God. Again: Left the antinomian, or the backflider fhould ma a wrong ufe of the doétrine of grace, or juftification | faith and not by the works of the law; they are here t minded of the neceffity of holinefs and an increafe’ thereir for, tho’ works of righteoufnefs cannot precede faith, fo to deferve the favour of God; yet they muft follow it, if is a true and lively faith, or fuch‘a faith as unites them the Deity. St. Paul, who infifts fo ftrongly upon juttific tion by faith in the day of converfion, exhorts Titus, affirm confiantly that they who have believed in God, fhould careful to maintain good works, And he concludes his fu lime difcourfe on the Refurrection, with thefe word - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye fiedfafi, unmoveab always abounding in the work of the Lord, forafmuch as ye kn that your labour is not in vainin the Lord. A SERMO * = | i, THE WAY. i eo 2 | SERMON, PREACHED AT THE CHAPEL IN WEST-STREET, On Sunday, February 3d 1793. By the Rev. JAMES CREIGHTON, A. B. he , SUS SAITH, I AM THE WAY, AND THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE? “NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME—WE THAT HATH SEEN ME, HATH SEEN THE FATHERs John 14. 6, 9. SERMON, &. PSALM ii. 22. Kiss THE SON, LEST HE\BE ANGRY, AND YE PERISH FROM THE RIGHT WAY. HE Jews apply this Pfalm to David, and to the - | eftablifhment of his throne in Judah: but, though it may in fome fenfe relate to David, and the advancement of his government; yet it feems manifeftly to refer to the Messran’ s kingdom, which fhall be univerfal, and eftab- lifhed, notwithftanding all the oppofition from principali- ties and powers, whether in earth or hell. Itis a pro- phecy of the rife, progrefs, and eftablifhment of Curtst’s kingdom upon earth, including the whole duration of his Mediatorial office from the beginning to the end of tim i but more efpecially from the time of his appearance in the fiefh and preaching the kingdom of God, to the time when he fhall deliver it up to God the Father, and ‘hall have. putall enemies under his feet*. * It is quoted by the Apoftles, and applied by them to thofe who perfecuted Chrift and his followers in the firft ages of Chriftianity. But we need not confine it to thefe: It feems alfo to point out the moral, religious and politica! diforders and confufions which fhall immediately precede the grand cataftrophe, or the appcarance of our Lord’s gto- tious reign upon earth. ; " This A **: Cor. xv, 24, 25. et beeee |. s an, i wi ee Be ns pe ») *.. This Philm j is re the dramatic kind, in which, differer eharafters are introduced as fpeakers. ‘The writer is fup pofed as ftanding and furveying the world in great confu fion : all its princes and great men in motion, very. daly i 1 their counfels, and big with ambitious defigns to exten their dominions by the oppreffion or deftru€tion of thei neighbours: and this at a time, when perhaps the Meffia 3s about to appear, to eftablifh his univerfal Monarchy which God hath fworn to give him, and to which all th prophets have borne witnefs. The Prophet here atks, why do the nations fo furioufly rag together, and why do the people imagine a vain thing? What i the meaning of all this tumult and confufiom among th Nations of the earth? What vain imaginations have pof ‘feffed the people? All the counfels and purpofes of Go. are immediatly holy, juft, and good; being the effects o infinite wifdom, and infinite power: but the whole worl eftranged from the light and love of God, lies in wickednefé immerfed in fin and forrow; andall its eounfels and con trivances arifing purely from the corruption of their hearts the ignorance of their minds, and the violence of their paf fions, are vain, trifling, and infignificant. ; iz ‘The Kings and Princes of the earth ftand up in an of. fenfive pofture, and confult together how to oppofe tht counfels of God in the exaltation of his fon Jesus Curist whom he hath anointed to be King, Prieft, and Proph for ever, and hath chofen to the Univerfal Monarchy the world, tobe fupreme King of Kings, and Lord Lords. By taking counfel againf? the Lord, and againfi bis anoint. may be underftood every kind or degree of” oppofition contradition to the Gofpel and kingdom of Chrift. Thi ts Pry “« em 6.3) ot to be confined to the heathens, who endeavoured by all le arts of cruelty to obftruct the courfe of the Gofpel: the ume may be faid, in a lower fenfe, of all perfons whatfoever, ho, though they profefs themfelves the difciples of Chrift, et a&t in dire& defiance, or at leaft a negle& and difregard ) the real intereft of his kingdom. Thefe perfons are either rofly ignorant of the nature of this kingdom, or impatient f thofe reftraints which religion impofes on them; and verefore they are refolutely determined to reject them all, ithout any regard tothe precepts of Chriftianity, the in- reft of Truth, the good of mankind, or the glory of God. But the moft High God, whoruleth over all the king- oms of the earth, fhall laugh at their infatuation, hall efeat their ftratagems, fhall break their fchemes, and ifappoint alltheircounfels. He fhall teftify his difpleafure penly, and put them to the utmoft confufion. In fpite of Ii their defigns to govern the world without him; he wiil ablith akingdom that fhall rule over all the nations of. ’ earth, even the kingdom of his fon Jesus, who fhall sign upon mount Sion, or in Jerufalem, by a glorious janifeftation of his divine prefence and power, and a plen- ul effufion of all the gifts and graces of his Holy Spirit, pon his faithful children and fervants in this world. ‘The hill of Zion, or Jerufalem, and the temple built rhere- m, were illuftrious types and figures of that glorious king- lom of Chrift which fhall be eftablifhed upon this very arth. All the kingdoms of the world fhall become tite ingdoms of our Lorn, and of his Curist, and he fhall sign for ever and ever{. p This i is his birthright, by a lindtof divibe compact be- veen the Father and him, before the foundation of the world. t Rev. xi. 15. Dan, il. 44. ( 24 ) . world. And he will affert his title to this fupreme auth rity and univerfal Empire, be the people ever fo impatiet or the earth ever fo unquiet *; for he is in his divine n ture effentially and truly God. The Father declares t decree to be made on that fingle confideration, becaufe — is his Son: Zhou art my Jon, this day have I begotien thee ; 1. from all eternity ; for with God all things are eternal prefent. He is yefterday, to-day, and for-ever unchang ably the fame. He is the very fame Perfon who was pr claimed by a voice from heaven: and again at his trans guration§: and who declares himfelf to St. John to be t Alpha and Omega, the firft and the laft; who was de and yet is alive for evermore, | Therefore they who deny this eternal gencration the Son of God, not only make him a liar, but de his very title to this fupreme fovereignty or univerfal er pire of the world, which is his birthright as the- only b gotten Son of God. They are guilty of rebellion and tre fon againft the fupreme Lord of heaven and earth; a may therefore juftly expect to fuffer the fevere fente which he has denounced againft {uch contumacious offe ders—As for thofe mine enemies who would not that I fhould re over them, bring them and flay them before me||. This donation of univerfal empire is farther confirmed she Father in thefe moft explicit terms: [will give thee uttermof} parts of the earth for thy poffeffion. This cannot | applied to David, Solomon, Alexander the great, or a potentate that has ever yet appeared upon theearth. Bu is repeated, with a little variety of expreffion, and c fined to Chrift, in many places of Scripture. See Pfal, lxx 8, 9, 10, 11.—Zech, ix, 10. * Plal. xcix. r. § Matt. iii. 17. § Luke. ix. 35. |! Luke. xix. 27. -€ 25 ) -*But, though this original title is fufficiently confirmed, that all the kingdoms of the earth fhall become the king- doms of Chrift, and that all tbe ends of the earth fhall fee the vation of God*: yet this cannot be fully executed, till here fhall be an entire fubmiffion to his authority and laws. ankind in general, live in dire& oppofition to the laws of Chrift; therefore he humbles and mortifies their proud rebellious fpirits by a variety of afflictions, to fhew them the folly and madnefs of infidelity and difobedience; and the vanity of trufting in any thing but God for favour and protection. _ Sometimes he vifits with an immediate ftroke from hea- ven, as he did Sadom, and Gomorrah, and theland of Egypt. He often fends fires, earthquakes, inundations, the fword, peftilence and famine; to punifh unbelieving and impious nations. At other times he fuffers them to fall-into civil difcord, and confufion; he infatuates their councils, and fuffers them to fall into abfurd and ridiculous meafures into poverty and contempt, diftruft from friends and con- tempt from enemies; fo as to dwindle away by flow de- or s, and pine by a lingering confumption. When it a God by fuch methods as thefe to punifh wicked Nations, or to {yffer them by their own wickednefs and folly to ruin themfelves; he may be faid to bruife them with a rod of Iron, and break them in pieces like a potier’s veffil. : The Pfalmift clofes this Pfalm with an exhortation, hich, though it is primarily addreffed to Kings and to all perfons in authority ; yet may be very fitly applied to per- fons of all ranks and denominations whatfoever. It behoves jot only princes and vicegerents, but all perfons whatfoe- fer, to pay a willing and chearful obedience to the King of -, D - kings, * Pfalm xcviii, 3. ( 26 ) . kings, and Lord of lords; fuch as dutiful children do & an affeétionate father, who rejoice ina fenfe of his good nefs and compaffion, and have a jo dependance on hi fatherly protection. F ' The whole duty of both Princes and their fubjects i fummed up in this fhort but comprehenfive fentence : ha i the fon, left be be angry, and fo ye perifh from the right way. - In confidering thefe words, we may enquire, 1. Whi this Perfonage is, whom we are defired to kifs: 2. Wha is meant or implied in kiffing him: and 3. The dangerou confequence of not attending to this exhortation. | I, Who is this Perfonage here alluded to? It muft ma nifeftly mean the fame that was mentioned at the 7th verfe who is emphatically and eminently ftiled the Son of Gon He is the Son by eternal generation. As to the manner bot this is, no created being can explamm : but, with refpeé& ti God, Eternity may be called this day, becaule there is m ‘fucceffion, no yefterday, no to-morrow, but itis all o continued moment, without flux or change. This phr may alfo refer to his manifeftation in time, when he wi declared to be the Son of God, by the teftimony of Angel at his birth: and afterwards by God the Father b voice from heaven}. He isthe fame who is called by various other name: ‘and has different titles given to him; viz: the Redeeme the Saviour, the Light of the world, the faithful Witn the Prince of the Kings of the earth, the blefled and onl Potentate, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords: who was in the beginning with God, who was God, yé over all God blefled for ever; who made all things, a by whom all things confift: the fame felf-exiftent being wh ¢ Luke e 322 Mat. iiie 17; . G27") who is ftiled Jenova in the old Teftament, and Lorp in the new, and by various other names, according: as he ftands related to us. He that is God of God, Light of light : equal to the Father, as touching his God-head; but infe-. rior tothe Father, astouching his manhood. ‘He whom the Prophet ftiles the Child, the Son, Wonderful, Coun- fellor, Prince of peace, the everlafting Father, or Father of eternity. II. What is meant by kiffing the Son ? The expreffion is very emphatical and fignificant, im- plying every aét of affeGtion, gratitude, obedience and du- ty. But we may confider this in a negative, and in a pofi- tive fenfe, 1. Negatively. It is not the traiterous or betraying kifs, as was that of ‘Joab when he flew Amafa*: and that of Judas when he betrayed his mafter. Nor is it the diffem- bling or defigning kifs, fuch as that of Abfolom, when he ftood befide the gate and kifled every man that came near him to do him obeifance; but this he did with a defign to en- tice away his father’s fubjects§. Nor-is it the kifs of hypo- crites, who pretend to honour him, but in reality affront’ him; who draw nigh with their lips, whilft their hearts are far from him; who fay, Lord, Lord, but do not the things which he faid. WNoris it the idolatrous kifs ufed by the worfhippers of Baal, and other heathens of oldt: or what is fomewhat fimilar, ufed by the members of the Church of Rome, who pretend to worfhip Chrift, by kiffing the crofs. D2 But | * 2 Sam. xx.g. § Sam. ii. xv.. ¢. a t 1. Kings, xix. 18, Hos. xiii, 2, ( 28 ) : But 2. Pofitively. It isthe believing kifs, whereby we: fpiritually receive Curist for our Prieft and Prophet, our Lord and Saviour, our King and our God. And this isy frfi, a kifs of agreement or ecutisabien As if we fhould. fay, let the quarrel between God and us be madeup; let all acts of hoftility ceafe. We are both by mature and ‘practice up in arms againft God. And God is faid tobe angry with the wicked every day. ‘Fhere is. no peace to the wicked. Therefore we hear fuch exhortations as thefe ; Acquaint now thyfelf with him and be at peace: ceafe to do evil, and learn to do well: We befcech you in Chrif’s ficad, be ye res conciled ts God. And this is to be, obtained in or through Chrift, who is therefore called our Peace, our Days-man, Mediator, Peace-maker, the Prince of Peace, : _ More particularly, our peace is made, or pardon obtain- ed, when we believe in the Lord Jefus Chrift, and that with the heart unto righteoufnefs. Therefore the Apoftle faith, being juftified by faith, wehave peace with God, through our Lord Fefus Chrifi. And again; If thou fhalt confefs with thy mouth the Lord Fefus, and fhalt believe in thine heart, thou fhalt be faved. And St. John faith, Jf we confe/s our fins, he is faithful and juft to forgive us our Jins, and to cleanfe us from all unrightcou/ne/s. Our fins have_feparated between us and our God: we are therefore aliens from his family; -and under his wrath: but when we believe in the Lord Jefus Chrift, we become his adopted children; we are heirs of God, and joint heirs with Pefus Chrifl: we are brought nigh by the blood of Chrift : and entitled through him to great and precious privileges ; yea, are inheritors of the kingdom of heaven. Secondly. This kifs is a kifs of adoration and religious worfhip ; (not fuch as was given to idols or images, of even SS a, >. & a9), > a in that plaufible manner to Chrift, through his ge.) Give Jesus the glory due unto his name: He is Lord, and-worfhip thou bimt. We muft not only wor- ) Him that fits upon the throne; but the Lamb alfo. d this was reprefented to St. John, as being done by yercature in heaven, on the earth, and under the earth, and be fea*. And in St. John’s Gofpel it is exprefily faid, t all men fhould honour the Son, even as they honour the Fa- §. Now, this honour muft imply all kinds and rees of religious worfhip and adoration, to be paid ally tothe Son as to the Father. Chrift is alfo the fon nan, to whom the Father hath committed authority to cute judgmentt; and upon that account alfo he is to be eived and fubmitted to. [bircly, This kifs means the kifs of affe€&tion and fincere e. He is reprefented as a hufband to his Church; there- e¢ fhe is to love him above all things: tolove him in serity: to fet her afieCtions uponhim, and not to go er other lovers. He is the Bridegroom, and his fpoufe reprefented in the Canticles as ardently wifhing that he y hifs ber with the kiffés of his mouth : that is, that he may mmunicate and manifeft his love and favour to her, by the gracious influences of his fpirit; which are f{weeter in honey or the honey-comb; yea, more precious than r: or ointment poured forth. love him (faith St. John) becaufe he frrft loved us. He loved us, as to give himfelf aranfom to refcue us from etry. He laid down his life, to deliver us from endlefs h. And in this is his love to us the more manifeft and picuous, in that he died for us, when we were finners. uffered, to reconcile us to God: He was afflicted and acquainted + Pfalmxly, 11. * Rev. v. 13. § John v. 23. {7 John v. 27. \ 2 acquainted with grief, that we might be made partakers everlafting joy. He bore our fins in his own body on | tree, that by his ftripes we might be healed. Oh! wi wonderful love was this! and fhall we not render him lc for love, as far as we are capable! Mary Magdalene had m forgiven, therefore fhe loved much, and fhewed her love kiffing even his feet. Let us love him with a pure he fervently. Let us give him the whole heart, our entire ; fections ; for he isjealous, and will not bear arival. Fourthly. This kifs means the kifs of allegiance, fe or loyalty. So Samuel, afterhe had anointed Saul, k fed him : thereby owning him to be his Sovereign}. ‘T! was a cuftom among the eaftern mations, and is retain with fome variation, even to this day. When any gr Officer was admitted into office ; or when any of the fe jets paid their duty to their King, or acknowledged th homage, they did it by a kifs; fome kiffing his chee others his hands, others his feet, or the hem of his garmei The exhortation therefore here is given to all kings a princes, as well as to their fubjeéts, to pay abfolute ot dience and fubmiffion to Chrift, as the fupreme Lord a Law-giver, as King of Kings, and Head of his churel on whofe favour alone all their hopes of happinefs bo here and hereafter depend. It is their wifdom to fubmit | his government; to take his eafy yoke upon them; to i themfelves up to be governed by his laws; difpofed of | his Providence, and entirely devoted to his fervic Therefore, the Pfalmift adds, Bleféd are all they that ik th truft in him. ITI. Let us confider fome of the dangerous confequeng in not attending to this exhortation. ‘Thefe are implied) + Same. Za Gia 7 © expreffions, Jef? he be angry, and ye perifh from the ways od the Father is angry already, becaufe man has rebelled; d the {word of juftice is lifted up, and ready to inflict ndign punifhment upon the-delinquent: but the Son of- 's himfelf as a Mediator between the parties. If then the nm alfobe angry, by our rejecting -him, who fhall plead intercede for us? There remains no more Sacrifice for fin: ere isne other name, by which we can be faved. Unbelief is e worft of all fins: itis a fin againft the remedy. It I] provoke him to be negleéted or flighted by us. Slighted ye generally turns to hatred. To thofe who defpife him , will prove a confuming fire. And though he is ftiled a ymb ; yet heisalfo called a Lion, and will drive even ighty men and chief Captains to feek in vain for fhelter rocks and mountains, in the great day of bis wrath. (Rev. , 16.) Whenhis wrath is kindled but a iittl, we might aw near: but the longer wekeep off, our hearts grow ¢ harder and more callous, and his wrath grows the fierc- : He will one day pour out of the vials of this wrath on thofe who would not obey his Gofpel, or would not ve him toreign over them. “The Apoftles, Peter, John, and Jude, have forewarfied of perfons who fhall arife, even in the church, denying e Lord who bought them with his blood; but they fhall ing upon themfelves condemnation, and fwift deftruction. nd is not this falling away or apoftacy manifeft at this ry time ; when fome boldly and openly deny and oppofe e Divinity of the Son of God, and are fetting up Rea/on, Ifly focalled, and natural Religion, miferably perverted id mifunderftood, as the only rule of our religious con- ut? If then we fee fuch perfons promoted to the high- t offices in Church or State, who laugh at the religion of hrift, deny his Divinity, and put him to an open fhame: ¥ \ we t : € 32 we have too much reafon to ae that the fevere vi tation, pointed out here, is at hand, when God will pun an apoftate, impious nation, by bruifing it with a rod of ir and breaking it in picces like a potter's veffél. f Let all Governors remember, and be affured, that I delity, in whatever fhape or form it may appear, is the cu and bane even of civil Society: that they who are enem to the great Lord of heaven and earth, will nevér be : _{Lubjects or friends of his vicegerents here below. Lett therefore make the ftri€teft fcrutiny into the religious ¢ racter and conduct ef thofe who feck for any office as tenfions to their favour. For, can there be any depend upon the oath of a man that does not believe a tittle of Go/pel on which he fwears ; and fears no punifhment after for the moft fhameful violation of the moft fold cath? And fhall a wretch, that lives in dire defi: of God, in contempt of every religious duty, the difbeli every article of revealed religion, and the prattice of ev. vice, be trufted with the exercife of power in the m important offices of Government ? Curist is King, and will be fo, in fpite of all opp tion from menor devils. Thofe princes and nations the fore, who fuffer his title to be wantonly and rudely cal in queftion, his authority infolently difputed, and his I violated with impunity, may expeétto feel the fevere | nunciation of being broken in pieces like a potter’s veffel. God will proteé and blefs all fuch kings, princes, and vernors, who with an humble and ftedfaft faith recogn his Son’s title, reverence his laws, defend the purity his faith, protest and encourage his faithful fervants, k his commandments, and are zealous to promote his hon and glory. w 3 Ag fi At 3 yi Again, The dangerous confequences ofrejecting the Son, are implied in that exprefhion—lef? ye peri/h from ibe way. Chrift is the way, and the only way to the Father ; therefore, _if we reject that way of being faved, which God himfelf has found out, we muft inevitably perifp. He is the door of admittance into the fheepfold; and the only entrance ‘into’Heaven. He is the way to Heaven by his doéirine, by hisdeath, by his life and converfation, by his example, and by the influence of his Spirit, whereby we are made meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the faints in light. But the words may be rendered, left ye perith ix the way. Many aréin the way of profeffion ; but they do not _ walk in the way of obedience and humble love. “And this * will aggravate their ruin, that they go to hell from the way to heaven; that they are not far from the kingdom of God, and yet never come thither. They fay often, Lord, Lord ! but do not perform what Chrift hath enjoined ; there- fore he will fay unto them in the great day—T know you not, . Depart from me, ye workers of iniquity. God led the children . _of Ifrael forth out of Egypt, by a right way; but they foon - deviated into crooked paths. He made mankind wpright at — firft ; but they have fought out many inventions. Some perfons, indeed, fit by the way begging ; but they do not arife, and pre/s to Jefus, as the woman with the bloody iffue did. They /cck to enter in; but they do not | firive: they do not wrefle and agonize ; for the kingdom of God fuffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. There are others, who pray; but ftill retain fome idol, or fome- thing offenfive to God, which they will not part with ; therefore they cannot enter in. And not a few, who have _ walked in the way awhile, are grown weary and languid: or, being confcious of their backilidings, are now afraid E fa Cre, Dy | i to draw nigh to: Him whom they have flighted. But let all {uch remember that they muft get into the way again, or perifh everlaftingly : and for their encouragement to come tohim, if they come as at firft; it is written that .He.re- cerveth finners flill: yea, be will beal their back/lidings ; be wilt love them freely. Come then, ye rich and poor, noble and ignoble, prin ces and peafants, young and old: whatever your condition and ftation in life may be; ifs the fon left be be angry: bend . to his Sceptre and acknowledge his fway: take his yoke upon you. Submit to his government, and obey his laws: acknowledge him to be the fupreme Monareh, the Creator, the Governor of the Univerfe, and God over all — for ever. t And, O ye Gnofticks of the age, who boaft of your wif . dom and fuperior iniderftandins 2, who enter into falfe rea- foning, and ftumble at the idea of a crucified God: let me tell you that the natural man receivéth not the things of the [pi- rit of God: they feem fooli/huefs unto him; becaufe they mutt be /piritually difcerned. But God hath made Soolifh the wifdom of this world, and hath chofen foolifh and weak things, te sonfound the mighty and toe wife; that no flefh fhould glory in his prefence. ‘Therefore ye muft come as fimple children, for of fuch is the Kingdom of heaven. Ye muft believe in, and receive Chrift in all his offices: otherwife he will reject you in the day when he comes in fplendor, majefty, and power, to take vengeance upon all who would not fubmit to | his Government, and have audacioufly ees, see on his jaws, ' Oh! what will all your Wicdain, and vain philofophy avail you, when God is angry, and arifeth to fhake terribly the nations? But, is he not beginning to pour out the vi- als of his wrath even already? We read of ole, how the Lord { Ge Sa) | Lord difeomfited the children of Ammon, Moab, and _ Mount Sier, and caufed them to deftroy each other: whilft the Ifraelites had nothing to do but to ftand ftill, and fee the falvation of Jehovah ; becaufe the battle was not theirs, ‘but God’s, And is there not fomething very fimilar to it to be feen at this day among our neighbours on the Conti- nent? View the effeéts of the philofophy of Defcartes, Roffiau, and Voltaire! Tis true, their Difciples not only Jaugh at the fuperftitious mummery of the Mother of Har- lots; but endeavour to difcard and. banifh all worfhip of the Deity from the earth! therefore he has given them up to butcher and extirpate one another. O ye /imple ones, bow long will ye love fimplicity 2 and foorners delight in feorning, and fools hate knowledge ? ‘This is true knowledge, to know Fefus Chrift, and him crucified, This is life eternal. He that hath the Son, hath life: and be that abideth in Chrifi, hath the Father and the Son; for thefe are one. Turn ye, therefore, at God's reproof, and he will pour out-upon you of bis Spirit: But if ye refufe and rebel, ye fhall be defiroyed by the fword; me the mouth of the Lorn hath fpoken it, Ea A SERMON i, borat ff oh deh ow sisted ot aNiiag? oY Wide’ Rieckh Gav gation a 1 eae KS ay ie ~ pelea ae at avis?) Ohk te # vine au? eulagko we ede ah ome} Word! M MM yi te (gemaan ) Yio f oft ow ihe Abe Pt an gis geal. if anal 2 saf's WRITS viv’ oe 4 Atign 0. otf odie hey, er “eX, whys Daal a eh ated “et ghinennte su} Sind sud SER te ery ys W gees ‘a - " ’ al . x, { } > Y +4 e), ¢ ae e ' 4 i : SOLEMNITY IN DIVINE WORSHIP, RECOMMENDED. | A r } : ‘ SERMON; EACHED AT THE CHAPEL IN THE CITY-ROAD, On Sunday, July 28th, 1793° — Seenmmenmenee a ae aaa By the Rev. JAMES CREIGHTON, A. B. —— ee REVERENCE MY SANCTUARY? ‘ Lev. xix. 30. eee *% - ADVERTISEMENT. » THE following Difcourfe was delivered extempore . as the Author had no intention to publifh it, he kept not but [poke in a plain mauner what had impreffed his for a confiderable time before. He gives it t heres as as his memory. Serves him, with fome e varialions, perl in the phrafe, and with a few additions in fome pl He had obferved, with grief, Jome irregularities, ‘what he looks on as indecency, in the worfhip and Hou God, creeping in among thofe who affemble in the City-1 Chapel: and from a godly jealoufy left thefe things J) increafe, he thought.it his duty, as @ watchman, to prize the people of their danger, and to exhort them t medy what has been amifs. So far as he can learn, nineteen in ¢wenty of tha heard it, approved of the Difcourfe; and if two or t were offended with a few expreffions, becaufe the caf ted them, he cannot help it; as he felt a necefity to I plain, both for their benefit, and for the glory of God. now leaves this his teftimony behind -him, and dedicate _ 10 thofe who heard it ; hoping that it may be of fome y otters -alfo, when he is moulderi ing in the dup. . “London, Auguf 10th, —— I7Q3e6 A SERMON, &c, PSALM xéiii. 5. ILINESS BECOMETH THINE ;HOUSE, O- LORD, FOR EVER. ‘ F [E fubje&t matter of this Pfalm demands the atten- tion of every ferious mind, at all times, and in all }: namely, to.contemplate the Majefty, the Power, he Purity of that Being, whofe name is JeHovau. Pfalmitt’s own mind muft have been deeply impreffed a fenfe of thefe things, when'he wrote. He breaks gruptly, faying, JEHovAH reigneth: he is clothed with ty and Strength. ‘Then he declares that his Throne, ingdom, or government) is from cverlafting, of an il nature like himfelf. And this kingdom or throne be eftablifhed, maugre all the oppofition from earth 1: Notwithftanding all the confufion, divifions and a excited by the Prince of darknefs, or earthly tates and their agents, who are pointed out under metaphorical expreffions, floods, waters, and mighty of the fea. e Pralmitt having thus declared the eternity and fta- _of this kingdom, intimates that all the Jaws, or pre relating to it, are like Gop himfelf, equitable in ature; and that his promifes, refpecting it, fhall all- filled in due feafon. He then fums up, as it were, 5 the ( 40 ) A: the whole of what he had. faid, refpeéting the nate Gon, of his kindom, and of every thing relating th in this very laconic but comprehenfive fentence : E _Lecometh thine houfes O Lord, for ever. Houfe of God, is taken*in three ‘diftin€& and part fenfes in fcripture : In each of which [I fhall attei thew, that-holinefs becometh, or belongeth thereto. ¥. Houfe of God, is aterm applied to the Taber the Temple, and Synagogues, among the Jews: 4 Churches, Chapels, and other places of divine w among us. In this fenfe, it means a place confecrate fet apart more immediately for the fervice of Ala Gop. There is a relative holinefs and refpeét due t places,. both on account of the Deity who is there we ed, and the Duty which is there performed. Gon amore peculiar right in them, over and above th verfal right which he has in all creatures, and in all p becaufe they are fet apart for his fervice, and he is jn them in a more peculiar manner, than in any place. It is true, that Heaven is his throne, and the earth his ft and that no building, how magnificent foever, is wo receive his incomprehenfible Majefty: He dwelleth “Temples made with hands (fo as to be confined ‘withia walls like the heathen gods :) yet men have been | fsom the firft ages of the world, to worfhip God in fet apart for his feryice: he has approved of the Di thofe perfons who have built and dedicated them f purpofes: and the contempt which hath been fhe} the profane ufe which they have been put to, he looked upon by him as done to himfelf, and as 2 2 offered to his divine Majefty. 4 (oar) Tt is alfo true, «that God is a Spirit, and they who worfhip — dim, mult worfbip him in fpirit and in truth: but this is not fpoken in derogation of public worthip, or of God’s houfe, where fpiritual worfhip may be performed as fitly, or perhaps more fo, than inany other place; feeing God hath promifed to be more immediately and’ eminently pre- fent where twe or three are aflembled imhis name, to grant them affiftance for this purpofe. Chrift taught daily in the Temple, he went into the Synagogues on the Sabbath, and there fat with profound reverence and refpeét, whilft the L aw was reading : and he never fhewed fuch refentment and indignation, ashe did when he obferved a kind of trade to be. carried on in the Temple. He that was meek and lowly, and upon other occafions fhewed the moft abfolute patience ; was fo provoked at this difhonour done to his Fa- ther, that he drove out the profaners with a fcourge. A holy reverence then and awe belongeth to fuch places, on account of the Majefty to whom they are dedicated: on account of the holy Angels who are attending there, and ready to minifier to thofe, who are heirs of falvetion: and on account of the worfhip which is there to be performed. _ David was well acquainted with the Attributes of God, is Immenfity, Omniprefence, &c. and knewit was impoflible to confine Him to any building, who fills heaven and earth ‘ith the majefty of his glory: yet he ardently wifhed to Bata. him a houfe, and fet his affections much upon it. xod was not difpleafed with his intention; but forbad him 10 build it, becaufe he had beena man ofwar, and bad (bed lood: and then he gave direétions to Solomon his fon to guild it. And when Solomon comes to dedicate it, he y ns that heaven, and the heaven of heavens cannot con- ain the majefty of God; how much lefs the houfe which : i? he to Bae a yan I yer his glory fi led 19.ut It appears that. the reverence due to the fies a Goce was no part of Jewifh typical worthi: > otherwife it would shave been abolifhed together with sneer Hoa but we-read that the Apoftles:and Difciples of Chrift refort- .ed to the Temple and the Synagogues, after the L ioe abolithed ; and in the A&ts of the: Apoftles it is faid): they c n4 tinue 10 daily with one accord in the Temples. Hence it appears ,) from the example of our Saviour and ea from the practice of all holy men invall va dif tin€tion ought to be made between ‘places : worfhip of God, and thofe whieh 4 : dg, 4 My, “¢ 63. } duet an + ftill more at large. It is true, they haye a flavif fear, which is the confequence and con- a of guilt. And tho’ they may endeavour to lull ence afleep, and appear outwardly calm and ferene; ther i is no internal peace, faith God, to the wicked, But car of God mentioned in the text, implies duty and o- nce 5 a filial regard, anda fear to. ‘offend a kind and ent parent. It he: love and obedience from right ciples. It comprehends in it faith, that faith whereby F enabled to pleafe God, or to keep his command- s: that faith whereby we know that we are the chil- of God; are adopted into his family thro’ the merits ur Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift; and therefore we im becaufe he fir rft loved us, e perfons then who arc here chara¢terized as fearing name of the Lord, are the fame as are elfewhere called SS eee ol or juftified perfons; who are righteous, not by nature, iconftituted fuch by faith in Chrift. ‘Thefe fear God, work righteoufnefs ; they keep the commandments, and lin the fteps of their divine Mafter, and follow him herfoever he goeth. Unto fuch this promife is made: un of righteoufne/s fhall arife upon them with healing in his true penitent ; ene who is of a broken heart and of a tite {pirit; ene who is truly humbled and mourning, fe he has tranfgrefled the divine law, and deeply of- ed a juit and holy God. Hehas now a fear of God, but Bifear of being punifhed: yet he refolves to offend no 2a Ry To fach an one Chri fays he will give ra.” te Cy on, peace, joy, comfort, and confolation; when he comes _. the great light that makes and rules the da |. ‘material fun, moon, and ftars to fhine. Tn the beginni Said, Let there be light, and there was light. Heis thi: light of , ae -I fee: once I was darknefs, but now I have light i () 64 >) comes to him with a believing heart. faid then to arife in bis beart,~ or the fin 9 arife” upon him with healing in bis wings. To them th lieve, a virtue’ ifflues from Chrift to heal their Soul, ‘did to her body who touched his garment in the days ficfh. And asthe light of the material Sun is pleafi one who has been: benighted « or involved in darknefi like “manner, but in a much greater degree, does jo: light @pring up in ‘the foul of him who fees Chrift as bi Viour,, and beholds God now geconciled to him thr Mediator» Then he can fay, ‘* once I was blind, b Lord.” .The antient heathens attributed a healing q to thefun’s rays: and Apollo (one of the Sun’s na was accounted the God of medicine and ‘ph; cians. Chrift is the true and great Phyfician, who | aad derftands our Spiritual difeafe; and wok blood is : fectual remiedy to heal our deadly wound. But, having already confidered; the promife as m thofe page siete, or conftituted righteous ; wh ) God witha filial fear;. who love and obey him: 1 m prefent to confine my obfervations to that view one ject. ve. By the Sun. of righteoufnc/s all interpreters unde Chrift to be meant. He is the light of the world: the true J, f is to their Souls what the Sun is to the vifible world, é withoutit would be involved in darknefs. ts would Kind bein total darknefs, without tbe light . afi gh Ged fhining in the face of Fefus Chri. He _is the S ( 65 ) as light in himéelf, is the fountain of light; and iz bim is 9 darknefs at ail. He is called the day-/pring from on high, thoin due time vifited, and fhed his benign rays upon a ark benighted world: who gave light to them who had /at | darknefs and the fhadow of death: who came to open the blind es, and to bring them that fit in darknefs out of the prifon-hou/e ; be alight to Highien the gentiles, and the glary of bis people If- el. ‘Tho’ thefe laft mentioned people were highly favoured, “comparifon of other nations around them; yet when we nfider the vatt number of ceremonies and ritual obfervan- s with which their duty was cloyed, and the types and adows of their Difpenfation: we muft fee the necefiity ere was for the Antitype to appear, and to ufher in the 3 of a brighter day. But when we take a view of the gentile world, » “ a dark and gloomy piéture does it afford! The mp of reafon within them burnt dim. For, though i. might, by the contemplation of his works, have come know God, and to offer him a rational worfhip; yet y glorified him not as God; but became vain in their imagina- s, and their foolt{h heart was darkened : profeffing themfetves to ‘wife, they became fools: they did violence to their own fon, by worfhipping the creatures inftead of the Crea- *; nay, not only fo, but by deifying their very paffions fs, how great muft that darknefs be! Butlo! Chrift, 10 is the brightne/s of his Father’s glory, comes to difperfe sdarknefs and error of Gentile Superftition, as well asto eg the alow; af the Mefaic Hee and to in- ( 66 ) He is rifen indeed, and his body hath afcended into th higheft heavens, where he fits enthroned in glorious M; jefty; but his Spirit [according to his promife] abide with thofe who receive and believe in him, in order guide them into all Truth: to illuminate their mind, to r gulate their affections, and to fanétify their natures: fhort, to heal them completely of that univerfal difeat which has defiled the whole human race; and to refto them to the image of God, to make them partakers of the a vine nature, fo as to become one [pirit with the Lord. "This is effeéted by various operations of that bleff Spirit; the gracious influences of which may be implied or by the term wings. Theearth, which is of itfelf ce _ and inaétive, muft receive a fupply of heat from the beat of the material Sun, in order to make it fruitful :+in li manner muft the believer’s heart be enlivened and warm by the Spirit of Chrift, to make it bring forth the fruits righteoufnefs. And asin April we often fee a fhower of ra defcending, at the fame'time that the fun is fhining, by whi the earth is refrefhed and warmed ; in like manner God fei the dew of his bleffing and light of his Holy Spirit upon thirfty Soul; whereby it is refrefhed and invigorated, a| made capable of bringing forth fruit ftill more abundan GOD, by the prophet Ifaiah, promifes to pour w upon bim that is thirfly, and floods upon the dry ground: to pi the Spirit upon bis Sced, and a bleffing upon bis offspring: 7 they fhall [pring up as willows by the water-courfes. Again, | Hofea he faith, Iwill be as the Dew unto Ifrael. © And Bride (the Church) in the Canticles, under the figure a Garden, calls upon her Bridegroom to be unto her a fe tain of living waters, and to breathe upon her the breath his Holy Spirit, that fhe may bring forth the fruits of | Guise , and true obedience. Inthe great doy of the Feaf? (of Taber- nacles) Jesus flood and cried, faying, If any man thir fi, let him ome unto me and drink. He that believeth on mes out of bis - belly fhall flow rivers of living Vater. But this Jpake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him, Jrould receive. » The meaning is, if any one ftand in need of any fpiritual rood, ftrength, or comfort, which is to be found in me; et him come, by faith acknowledging, receiving, and em- Dracing me, as the Mediator and Saviour of the world, and ve fhall have from me whatfoever fpiritual influence he tands in need of. The condition on our parts is expreffed under the notion of thirfling; which is the natural appe-~ ite craving fome liquid to refrefh a man under his drought : tis expreflive of an exceeding great paffion, and is ufed roth in the Old and New Teftament, to fignify a Soul’s ehement defire of fpititual things. The term wings may alfo, in a metaphorical fenfe, be xpreflive of defence or protection. Thus the Pfalmift faith, Hide me under the fhadow of thy wings, from the wicked that ppre/s me, my deadly enemies, who compafs me about. And gain he faith ; Lhe Lord Godis a fun and fhield: the chil- Tren of men fhall put themfelves under the fhadow of thy wings. The name of the Lord, faith Solomon, is a@ férong tower: the ighteous run into it and are fafe. Gov, by his fervant Mofes, leminds the Ifraelites of what he had done for them, fay- 2, Ye have feen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bore ou on eagles wings: that is, how I defended you, and de- ivered you from their oppreffion. Andin that Song which ofes compofed at the clofe of his life,’ he faith: As an gle fiuttereth over her young, taketh them, and beareth them n her wings: fo did the Lorn lead the children of Facob, bis heritance: that is, he brought them out of bondage into-a i ate of liberty, and a place of fafety. As God provides i ' 12 for : ( 6 ) for the fafety and protection of his church; fo ke can ut what means or inftruments he pleafeth: therefore it is fai in the Revelations, that God prepared a place for the womar in the wilderne/s: and to her were given two wings of a gre eagle, that fhe might fly into ber place: where fhe is nouri/h for a time, times, and half atime, from the face of the Serpen That paffage in Ifaiah is generally underftood as prophetic of Chrift : 4 man fhall be as an hiding place from the wind, at acovert from the tempefi, as rivers of water ina dry place, , the fhadow of a great rockin a weary land. | Whofoever, therefore, fhall enlift under the banner ¢ Chrift, and fhall ‘* fight manfully under his banner again fin, the world, and the devil;”’ fhall affuredly find aid ain protection, Though they may meet with tribulation ar perfecution; yet who fhall harm them, if they are followers that which is good? Chrift, having told his followers th they fhould have tribulation, but them be of good cheer, f he had overcome the world: intimating that they, throug him, fhould overcome in like manner. And his belovs Apoftle John, in his firft Epiftle faith, this is the vil that overcometh the world; even cur faith: that is, by cor ftantly looking unto Chrift as our fhield and buckler in d day of battle; as our light in the dark and cloudy day; ar as our Mediator, Friend, and Advocate before the throa But, as Chrift in the text here is called a Sun by tl Prophet; we may endeavour to illuftrate the fubje& a lit farther, by confidering the material Sun, with the plane and other orbs which revolve round, or are influenced © him. According to the Copernican Syftem, the Sun occu the central place; and the planets revolve round him in d ferent orbits, and in different periods; and with .a grea or lefler degree of velocity, according as they are*nea ARO mote remote from him. They are all attracted and in- enced by him, receiving the benefit of both his light and at, and are thereby rendered ufeful in the Creation. In like manner, Chrift is to his Church the centre of stion : without (Separate from) him we can do nothing od: without faith in him, it is impoffible to pleafe or retain fon with God. The believer may fay to Chrift at all nes, all my /prings are in thee. He muft quicken, invigo- "e, and actuate us every moment, in order to enable us to ! ¢ h the race fet before us. And we move fwifter or flower | the circle of duty, according as we live near to, or re- rte from him, and feel the fire of his love in our hearts: 6¢ Tis love that makes our piling feet , In fwift obedience move:”’ And the lefs of this love we feel, the more flowly do we ve, and are at a greater diftance from our centre. he planets are dark bodies, but fhine with reflected light: (Chriftians, who are dark by nature, derive all their light im the fun of righteou[ne/s; and are commanded to Jet their pt fhine, for the benefit of others. Again, each planet has in it two oppofite forces, called > centripetal and centrifugal; the one tending to, the other ling from the centre. How ftrikingly fimilar to thefe are ture and grace in the believer’s heart. . By grace we are igo out of the way; becaufe they move in otbits whofe anes lie obliquely on either fide of the Ecliptic. In like spaer, even, the fincere believer may adopt a language « Prone to wander, Lord, T feel it; ** Prone to leave the God i love!” But | (49629 But in one refpeé& the fimile will not, or fhould not. h good; for the believer fhould yield more and more to attraétions of grace, or the drawings of God’s Spirit, » til he cleaves to his centre, finks into the Deity, or comes one /pirit with the Lord. Whereas itis feppofed, by the above mentioned forces a€ting equally and in o fite directions upon the planet, it is kept im its orbit, performs its gyrations round the Sun. ; The planets, though they move in different orbits perform their circuits in different periods; are all regul by one general law: fo Chriftians have the law of God, which they fhould meditate day and night, that it may pr alamp unto their feet, anda light unto their paths; and t thereby they may*be led in the way of ‘peace, and fina may arrive at the goal, where they fhall receive the p for which they run. ) And inthe new Jerufalem, which fhall be enlighte with the glery of God; and where the Lamb fhall fhine w aftonifhing fplendor ; the righteous, who walked with ; followed him here, fhallfurround the throne; though itn be at different diftances, or as it were, in various cir according as they walked humbly and clofely with him h below. They fhall all derive their light from him, ; fhall fhine with ineffable luftre: but as the Stars di from one another in glory ; fo fhall it be at the refarrea of the dead. Another part of the promife made to thofe who fear G is, they fall go forth and grow up as calves of the flall. So who fuppofe the paflage refers to the deftruction of Fert lem, underftand thefe words, ye fhall go forth, to mean, fhall go out of harm's way, or make your efcape out of rufa ( 71.) alem when it is befieged by armies ; according to Chrift’s ion, Mat. xxiv. 15, 16. The Chriftians did retire toa le place called Pe//a, and thus avoided the dreadful ca- ities of the Siege by the Romans. But, if we extend our views to another world, then the bteous fhall go forth in triumph and in fplendor, being ed from all the evils and calamities to which they were vofed, in conjunction with the wicked, whilft here below. en : -*¢ No horrid alarm of war ~ © Shall break their eternal repofe :” y fhall ftand boldly in the prefence of their Enemies, Perfecutors, who once counted their lives madnefs, but at length convinced that they were truly wife, and that felves were fools. They thal! go forth in proceffion with sir Captain, when he treads down his and their Enemiesy. configns them to everlafting darknefs, mifery, and woe. ut it is faid alfo, «hey foall grow up as Calves of the fiall. ey fhall increafe in ftrength and fpiritual ftature; they 1 be vigorous, and aétive: and this growth fhall be ck as well as ftrong. They feel the benign influences e Sun of righteoufnefs: his beams warm and enliven m: the dew of his bleflinz defcends upon them; and his tit refrefhes them, fo that they grow. Jwill [faith by Hofea] be as the dew unto Ifrael: be fhall grow as the 5» and caft forth bis roots as Lebanon: (i. ¢. the trees of Lee ) His branches fhall {pread: he fhail revive as the corn, igrow as the vine. As herbs and plants grow by the pow- ul influence of the Sun; fo the righteous are made wifer better thro’ the grace of Chrift imparted to them : and path, like that of the rifing Sun, fbines more and more 0 the perfeci day. ‘They grow up into Chrift, their living Head 3 C78 32 Flead ; or into a likenefs of his divine image. They ceive out of his fulnefs grace for grace: (or grace anfwerin grace) and are changed from glory to glory, by the Spirit of Lord. And as they grow in grace, advance in holi anda likenefs in the temper of their mind to that of Chr fo they increafe in knowledge alfo: and this they do only in this world, but in that which is to come. ~ Having, in a former Difcourfe, fpoken pretty larg concerning a growth in grace, or that advancement in divine life, which a Believer in Chrift ought to make, will make, if he cleaves: clofe unto him; I fhall at time confine myfelf more particularly to his Increafe knowledge, both in this, and in a future life, CurisT is the Fountain of Lightand Wifdom ; and t he freely communicates to thofe who afk, and look u him for it. He enlighteneth every man that cometh into world; but more efpecially thofe who have believed in k and who walk in the light of his facg. There are vari degrees as wellas fpecies of Knowledge, all which ma ufeful: but the Knowledge which is abfolutely necef for us to attain, and without which we cannot be hay is to know Gop as a reconciled Father, and Jesus Cur whom he hath fent: This is life eternal, It is our bounden duty to improve our underftandir and to occupy every talent committed to our truft. muft endeavour to comprehend Gop, fo far as he as c prehenfible by finite beings like us; to ftudy his work _ Creation, but more efpecially the wonderful work Redemption. Here, indeed, whilft we are confined tabernacle of clay, we fee through a dark Medium; know but tn part 3 we fee through a glafs dai tps but hereaft we fhall know, even as we are known}. ¥ 1 Cor, xii. 14. aa. 2 Our bodies fhall be raifed incorruptible, and fafhioned like unto Chrift’s glorious body : But whether they will be advanced to the higheft poffible degree of glory and perfec- tion all at once; or whether they will attain their fplen- dor and dignity by a progreffive improvement, we cannot determine. But we may reafonably conclude, that the foul will ftill advance to higher degrees of dignity, glory, and felicity, through all eternity. Indeed, even whilit it is in the body, it has a tendency towards perfection ; yet it is greatly retarded in its progrefs, by reafon of its connec- ion with the body. But let us trace its progrefs beyond Jeath. Immediately on its leaving the body, thofe clouds of ignorance which formerly confufed and perplexed the roubled mind, for ever fly away. Darknefs, confufion, nd error are nowno more! Celeftial light and ineffable ey break in upon the heaven-born foul; which fhines ith tranfcendant, though derived luftre, and fhall fhine nr and more thro’ the countlefs ages of Eternity. _ The brain, by an accidental blow, or raging fever, or he injury, may be fo difordered, that the fpark of reafon ften feems to be quite extinguifhed: and the frailties of he body, as well as the diftempers of the brain may ob- truct the nobleft efforts of reafon or judgment. But, in he morning of the refurrection, the foul fhall be reunited, ot toa frail corruptible body ; but to one fo thoroughly efined and fpiritualized inits nature, that it cannot in the raft retard the motion, or fully the glory of the immortal foul. Then it will goon from glory to glory, from one egree of light, life, and perfection to another; being ill more and more affimilated to its great exemplar, the jon of Righteoufnefs. j That the rational and intellectual faculties of the foul nnot lie dormant or inaétive, feems clear 5 confequently, , K that “ ( 74 ) that there will be an increafe of knowledge among th glorified Saints, as well as Angels, through all eternit A power of knowing and acting, however clear and qui “the underftanding may be, without exercifing thefe fac ties in a proper manner, can never conftitute the dignity a felicity of a glorified faint: but divine exercife tends fpiritual improvement and perfeétion. Infinite wifdom d nothing in vain; and hath appointed means of improve ment; fuch means as the felicity of the foul requires, i dignity demands, and God himfelf will render effeétual. ; Were the inhabitants of heaven to have the fame ne ledge, the fame notions of things, without any additi or variation ; how foon would heaven itfelf become burden fome tothem! The nobleft intelletual entertainment, th language of paradife, and celeftial eloquence itfelf, woul foon pall and fatiate the immortal foul. A defire of know ledge is a noble paffion implanted in the human _breaft : is natural to man; and without the gratification of it, I cannot be happy. If then God delights to communica happinefs to man, and hath originally implanted in him a appetite for happinefs, he will certainly gratify that af petite. P We muft indeed obferve, that there are many things the divine adminiftration, which none but God himfelf ca know ; or only fo far as he is pleafed to reveal them to hi creatures ; confequently, the angelsare ftill imperfect 1 knowledge, and therefore in a progrefhive ftate in this fpeét.. At the creation of this earth, and of man upon i the angels knew more than they did when themfelves wel created. Zhen the morning -fiars fang together, and all the fa of God fhoutcd for joy. At the incarnation of Chrift the knew more; and ftill more at his afcenfion. And at general judgment, when the fecrets of all hearts. fhall | difelofe ( 75 ) clofed, and the intricacies of Providence are unravelled ; ey will certainly know fti!l more than they can do at efent. Hence thefe pure fpirits, who ftand in the divine efence, and execute his commands, do ftill acquire more tenfive views, and clearer conceptions of the wifdom and wer exerted and manifefted in the divine adminiftration ; d confequently, are in a progreffive ftate of improvement. If this were not fo; we muft fuppofe either that they had gerfect foreknowledge of every future event from the be- ining ; and at their own creation diftin@ly knew. every ing that could poffibly happen in the boundlefs univerfe : elfe they muft have been created with capacities capable Knowing and underftanding all things at one comprehen- e glance. But this belongs only to Deity. That the agels do not foreknow all future events, is manifeft from at. xxiv. 36. And thisis doubtlefs the cafe with refpe& many things, which lie concealed in the eternal mind, til the proper time of their manifeftatiowto the fons of Fully to comprehend an immenfe Deity, or the divine nce, exceeds the power of the moft enlightened and ex— led Cherubim or Seraphim in heaven, or any created be- - But they are till knowing more and more of God, and his divine perfeétions ftill more illuftrioufly difplayed: >refore they increafe in knowledge, and confequently perfection and felicity thro’ all eternity. hat is faid of Angels, will alfo hold good with refpe& he glorified Saints. They will enjoy the fame privile- and advantages, and be under the fame aufpicious go- mment, as the native fons of Heaven. What a glori- Pprofpect is this! What an inexhautftible fund of happi- S! The material Sun may grow dim: the fparkling s may lofe their light : and mighty fyftems may fink in- to ( 76 ) to oblivion: but the happinefs and knowledge of the cere chriftian will increafe and be eternal! the {pring o blifs for ever frefh, for ever flowing: and the delight his enraptured foul for ever increafing, How tranfporting the confideration, that in fome fu period of our exiftence, we fhall arrive at more wifd knowledge, and excellence than the Angels poffefs at | fent. But as we improve in thefe things; fo the ang Order will advance before us. ; The whole rational and intellectual world are in mo towards higher degrees of attainment: and the nobler t are intheir nature, their progrefs will ftill be the {wil They will for ever be approaching to, but can never pC bly arrive at abfolute perfection. God will ever dwel light inacceffible : he will be for ever infinitely fupe to all created beings. : Let us then be encouraged! However deep we inay hi fallen, we are ftill capable of attaining great things. — us confider that the Second Adam has purchafed and prepa for us a paradife far excelling that from which our firft rents were expelled ; and that we may through Him ai a higher degree of knowledge and felicity, than Adam joyed even before his fall. Let us be fired with a ambition to attain all that we are capable of: not on increafe in knowledge, and grow in grace, whilft in the dy; but for ever and ever. It is a groveling thought, be content with barely creeping into heaven; or bei it were, Scarcely faved: Let us ftrive to be as near to Centre as we poffibly can. Let us afpire to fhine; no | ly as the brightne/s of the firmament; but as ftars of the magnitude, to bafk in the rays of unfullied blifs, and filled with all the fulnefs of God? Amen! DOMESTIC DUTIES ENFORCED, SERMOVN,.. PREACHED At WEST-STREET CHAPEL SEVEN-DIALS, ®N SUNDAY NOVEMBER OTH, MDCCXCIy, By theRev. J AMES CREIGHTON,AB, Vv ¥ 2 ————————————— EEE. BET US FEAR, LEST A PROMISE BEING LEPT US OF ENTER- He ING INTO HIS REST, ANY SHOULD COME SHORT OF IT. LET WS LABOUR TO ENTER [NTO THAT REST. HER IV, 2. Lig ! Ge ee LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, MDGCXCVE I. ‘ x re) ee 2 f fe sy a y s4eebg cam . rt ; ss i aA Lie OPM rad 4 oh y Ba pV che Me ak NOP, AE wha) et Ne. ah Hy : tig the ee oc ra Poe 2 , iw Vey ¢ ‘ i “ My @ Ae 4 y } ~ i SCM. 44 ROE ea ei! Ss rs ai} “an et I ie wae hat Ky od a | ae + iss cae S a oO y oie) eit Neti bY a Ai ett wih Jguroana ? btwwe. 3 r =a. Wle A * + ep yad sh tat 8 “og mod - ~ ? Deut. iv. 9. ‘AKE HEED TO THYSELF, AND KEEP THY SOUL DILIGENT - LY, LEST THOU FORGET THE THINGS WHICH THINE _ EYES HAVE SEEN, AND LEST THEY DEPART FROM THY HEART ALL THE DAYS OF THY LIFE: BUT TEACH THEM THY SONS AND THY SONS SONS. HE Book from whence I have chofen this text, is called DEUTERONOMY, which fignifies a repetition the Law: becaufe herein, Mofes, a little before his th, and at the end of the fortieth year from the coming tof Egypt, having affembled the Ifraelites in the plains ‘Moab on the eaftern fide of Jordan, recapitulates to em all the laws, both moral and ceremonial, refpeCting polity; and commits them to writing for the infor- ition and inftruction of every fucceeding generation. In like manner Jofhua, juft at the-clofe of his life, af. bled, and delivered his laft charge to, this people; by Elders, Judges, and chief Officers, And both thete ms * ; experienced (4) aXpericneed faithful men; Having’ retounted ” thep tes - things which Gop Kad done: for them as ‘a’ people, then warn and charge them not to have too intimate’or wntie- ceflary connection with the Canaanitesy or with the’ns- tions around 3 efpecially not to intermarry with them, ef they fhould be led into idolatry, and fo provoke the Lord toanger. A fad inftance of which had very. lately. hap. pened, when Gop deftroyed twenty-four thoufand of them ; becaufe they had committed fornication with the daughters of Moab, and by their means were induced to worfhig their Gods. ~Balak, by the advice of Balgam,’ ufed this dtratagem to corrupt and deftroy the Ifraclites, when he could not curfe or hurt them by anyother means. Jofua, indeed, goes fo far in his injuntion, refpecting . this matter; as to forbid them even to mention the names y their gods; left by fo doing they might be brought infen- fibly and gradually to approve and worfhip them. . Here, “Tet us refle& on the progrefs which fin makes! «Thin not fimply and in themfelves evil, are forbidden, b ' they are occafions and introdu@tions to fin: Whem she - people of the world are civil to usy and we contract: axfz miliar intercourfe with them, we are in extreme danger, They prove, as it is expreffed by Jofhua, /nares and tra to us 3 Scourges in cur fides, and thorns in our eyes. There fore he exhorts the Ifraelites to take good heed to themfelves left thé Lord’s anger fhould be kindled againft them, they at laft be expelled from’ that fertile land, Sei bse BES, This earneft and pathetic exhortation of Mofes, in the Text is very comprehenfive, and deferves cur moft: fer ou Kg 5 pous attention. _ Ir takes i in our duty ‘quence pay 2 proper and peculiar attention to his Seuly “S which ‘is the principal part of bim/e/f: but,-as Mofes hath “wed both in ve: text; we may confiderthem: in a fomte~ ~ what diftinet point of view. vi - 4. Take heed to thyfelf. This may refer to the outward- “condu@, refpe&ting the nations around them ; and particu- \ larly the Canaanites, who were the old inhabitants of the “Yand. Ifthey fhould obferve all thefe ftatutes and laws ©which God had enjoined ; this would be a mark of their. © wifdem and undstflanding in the fight of the nations and Mepéople around; who would thence be compelled to reve- Scrence afd ftand in awe of them; and would fay, Surely ~abis ‘great nation 1s awife and underflanding people ! for, “qohat nation is there fo great, who bath GOD fo nigh unio _ them? or what nation hath judgments and fatutes fe | righteous, as all this Law Jet before thim this day 7 The Jews were fele&ted frora among the other nations ; us 6 not becaufe their anceftors were better by nature than others: but Gop appointed, or f2t them apart to be his 5 ‘peculiar people, to put his name among them, that by their ~ means others might be led to ajore and reverenee the Gon of ee ae of Heaven: and by obferving their circum{pect- walking} | might be induced alfo to imitate them, inthe practice! of true religion, By their outward conduct, therefore, they might bring honour and refpect not only to themfelves. as a people anda nation; but ‘they would bring» glory to | Gop, and caufe his name to be magnified throughout the | earth. To this purport Carist exhorts his followers, faying, Let your light fo fhine before men, that they may. fee your good reins and glorify your saae. who | is in F heaven. a 1 ah, a ae But, they were likewife to take heed, left, jn their inter- . courfe with the people around, they thould be contaminat~. - ed er corrupted by them. As they muft neceflarily have ‘, fome intercourfe with them, in traffic and exchanging com-. modities; here they were in very great danger of becom-, 5 ing too familiar. They might learn their weys, their, | manners, and cuftoms, ‘their fubtlety and cheating in the, | matter of bargain and fale: for, as a@ nail Ricketh fa yf. be- tween hed joining of the Stones; fa doth fin ftick f4 aft between ij buying and felling*. They’ were in danger of catching their fpirit in many refpeéts: efpecially by familiar, PPTs 4 verfe, and intermarriages, they might be drawn away to, idolatry: therefore Mofes repeats the injunétion three times inthis chapter; Fake good heed to yourfelves, left ye, corrupt yourfelves, and make you a graven image, or the i likenefs of any thing which God hath forbidden : for he is a jealous God, yea, Fehouah is a confuming fire. ‘And Jothua repeats the fame charge in thefe emphatical words ; E :; : ae Tahe ’ a Ecclus. xxvii, 2y e €°7 2) - a2 Fake good heed therefore to Laois that ye oe _— your God. “Again, they were to take hee to their outward deport+ ment and conduct among themfelves. They muft not only walk wifely towards them that are without; but to- wards each other, and more efpecially before: their houfe- holds. They muft be ftrict in the obfervance of all the relative duties ; and each in his particular ftation endeavour, by his example and conduct, to promote the good of the community at large, as well asof thofe more intimately conneéted withhim. This takes in a large field, compre- hending all their moral and av obligations, refpecting ‘theit worfhip, and their adherence to juftice; mercy and. truth : in fhort, their whole duty to their neighbour; in- cluding not only their intimate friends and acquaintance 5 __ ‘put the people of other nations and languages ; yea, all the human rece. ba. Keep thy foul diligently. This may imply their in fercourfe with Gop ; their walking as /eeing Him that is invifi able. It includes both their public and private walk: cir manner of conducting themfelves, whilft tranfating bufinefs with men, and in public worfhip in the great con- gregation : efpecially their conduct before the Searcher of. (hearts, who fees them in their private retirements, and jin the darkelt recefs, even as in the noon-day. It is not feoush to tranfa& bufinefs with integrity and uprightnefs,, ‘and gain a goo reputation among men: we muft not ‘only do juftly, and love mercy; but we muft walk hum- Py with our Gop. It is not enough to call Gop our | | e bs Father’ (3) Father and Lord, and worfhip him in the great congres gation: we muft do it in fecret: we mut wor/hip bim m Spirit and in Truth; and do the things which he hath en joined. Men may carry themfelves with outward decen- ‘cy> and gain a reputable name among their neighbours g and yet be guilty of fuch things in fecret, as are an abos mination in the fight of Gop. _ Oh! what horrid fcenes are tranfaéted both by nen -and by day ; and that even by fome who are called men a fair charaéter, and yery good fort of people; which will caufe their acquaintance to ftand amazed in that day, when the fecrets of all hearts fhall be difclofed ! What diaboli- cal practices are perpetratedin this great city every night ; fach 2s might caufe even the material Sun to fhroud him; f:'f in darknefs, were he to behold them ! --- 7 be adulterer, faith Job, waiteth for the twilight, faying, no eye Shall see me: and disguiseth his face. Fool that he is! Doth not the Omniprefent and Omnifcient Jenovan fee him? What faith David upon this fubje&! >? Whither fhall ] £6 from thy Spirit; or whither fhali J free from thy presente? Lf I ascend into heaven, thou art there: if T go down inte bell, thou art there also: If I take the wings of the morn ings and dwell in the utmoft parts of the sea; 3 even there t band fhall lead me, and thy right hand hall hold me. ‘He then concludes, praying, Search me, O God, try my heart, and examine my thoughts: See tf there be any wickedness 7 me, and lead me in the way everlasting I Again: Keep thy Soul diligently ; it is a pearl of inefti- mable value, committed to thy care: See that thou pre ferve it unfpotted and unpollucdiaye that thou catch n “¢ ite (9°) iifeGion from “the people of the world with whom thon raft to do: watch over thy thoughts, for “thoughts are heard'in heaven :” take care left thy affections be entang- Ted with the things or perfons around you. Set your of= feltions upon the things above, faith the Apoftle ; not upon things on the earth. Keep thy heart with all diligence, faith Solomon: _ Be not partaker of other men’s fins: Keep thyfelf pure: faith St, Paul to Timothy. Be diligent, faith St. Peter, that ye may be found of Him in peace, without pot, and blamelefs. Bieffed is he, faith Chrift, that watch- ath and keepeth his garments, left he walk naked, and they fee bis fame! F vit rom all thefe expreffions it appears, how neceflary it is fo-keep a ftri@ and conftant watch, to fee what pafies within us; to know how matters ftand between Gop and cour Soul: and fince the heart is deceitful above ail things, and defper ately wicked ; to keep a jealous eye over it (if may fo fpeak) left it fhould at.any time betray us to the foe. This is neceflary at all times; -but never more fo han i in our intercourfe with the people ofthe world, when | they are very civil.to us: weare then in danger of being off our guard, and lulled into a pleafing but fatal fecurity. Here we ftand on flippery ground 5 where, if we make a a ftep, it not sony proves ‘hurtful to ourfelves, ‘but we Keep thy foul Heenth aa look not back. to the fleth- |pots of Ecypt: Wifh not for the eafe, the indolence, the fuxtry, the carnal pleafures, the fleeting enjoyments and lempty thow of what the world calls great or excellent: Seck not the applaufe or bation-of your old companions Malice : Lf ye are made free, Stand folt in that liberty, and be ap. be ( 10 ) be not entungled again in the yoke of bondage. Acquit yourfelves like men: follow them, who through faith and patience inherit the promifes: Endure hardnefs as good Soldiers of Fefus Chrifi: Take his eafy yoke upon you ; and “ manfully fight under his banner, againft fin, the “ world, and the devil;” till He crown you with victory in the end. Take unto you the whole armour of God; and add thereto prayer, waichfulnefs, and perfeverance, Pray that Gop would cleanfz your heart, and keep it clean: that he would * cleanfe the thoughts of your heart, that you ‘© may perfectly love him, and worthily magnify his holy “ name.” And, whilft Mofes points out here our duty to Gop, to our neighbour, and'to ourfelves ; and exhorts the Ifraelites to the performance thereof ; he tells them in this book that Gop will enable them to perform it; and de~ clares that God would circumcife their heart, and the heart of their feed, to love the Lord their God with all their heart, and with all their foul. Indeed, we may lay it down as a rule in the interpreting of Scripture ; that where there is 2 command, there is a promife implied; and where there is a promife, a condition is implied, though, Tt not always expreffed. IT. Mofes having pointed out their duty, both in : public and private capacity, as a people and as individuals : and, having exhorted them to the performance thereof; adds a cauticn, or reminds them of what is worth the at- tention of every man and woman upon earth. He calls them to remember the Providence and the avenging juftice of Gon: to recollect both what Gop had done for them and performed in their fight ; ae them never t forget it: How he had brought thempout of Egypt with mig cyirrts). mighty hand, and an outftretched arm: how he had open- eda paflage for them through the Red Sea, fo that they went as on dry land; whilft at the fame time Pharaoh and his hofts were overwhelmed in the waves: how he after- - wards caatee water to gufh out of the rock, to afford them drink ; and then fed them with manna in the wildernefs for forty years. He reminds them of the awful fight which they had feen, at the delivery of the Law from Mount Sinai; when there were thunders and lightnings, and the whole mount was enveloped with fire and {moke ; afight fo terrible, that all the people, yea Mofes himfelf, exceedingly trembled. ) © He reminds them, not only of the many wonderful de- liverances which Gop had wrought out for them, in pu- nifhing their enemies who oppofed their progrefs: but of the awful judgments which he had inflicted upon fome of themfelves, in caufing the earth to open, and {wallow up Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, together with their families and all their fubftance, becaufe they murmured againft Gop, and againft Mofes and Aaron his fervants.. And he ‘reminds eet particularly, in the context, of what their ayes had feen becaufe of Baalpeor : how twenty-four thou- fand had been deftroyed by a plague; becaufe they had commited whoredom and idolatry with the Moabites, very near to the fpot where they now ftood. ~ Having reminded them of all thefe things ; OF Gon’s rovidential care over them ; of his many and extraordi- nary deliverances ; of his anger and deteftation againft fin, - d his fevere and awful punifhment, infli@ed even in is world upon thofe that tranfgrefs his Jaws: he then ex~ ports. them never to Wize thefe things, nor let them pert. from their heart all the days of their life. St. Paul Ba {peaks T (m2) fpeaks in fimilar language to the Chriftian. Hebrew ».con- verts in his day, faying, Take heed, brethren, left there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing fromthe Viving God. Mofes and Paul were well acquainted with human nature. They knew how prone mankind are. to forget the mercies or benefits of Providence; and how lia- Ble to depart from the living Gop. _ Forgetfulne(S leads to ingratitude: but ingratitude is fo horrible a crime, that even the antient heathens ufed this kind of proverb,- nen Pe U you fay a man is- ungrateful, you fay all: i.e. it, com: prehends in it all other crimes. b-boe ‘ Ts Yet, notwithftanding all thefé exhortations and _warn- ings ; we find, by the fubfequent part of their hiftory, tha they foon forgat Gop, who had faved them: they forga his works, and the wonders which he had wrought. for them in Egypt: yea, in the very generation that fucceed. ed Jofhua, and the Elders who were with him, their, chil. dren intermarried with the people of the lad, and ferve their gods. And, if we trace them through the fucceedin ages, we fhall find little elfe but one continued fcene, o idolatry with its comcomitant vices, anda provoking of,th Lord God to anger; ’till at length, according to the pre diétion of Mofes in this very chapter, he expelled the from this fertile land, and fcattered them among the nati ons around, Thefe things, my brethren, are written for our infipua tion and admonition, as well as for thofe to whom the were immediately and primarily delivered. It is our bou den duty, frequently to recollect what God hath done fe us as a nation, for us as a people, and for each of us incividuals. To recollect, I fay, both the temporal ‘al fpiritual mercies He has beftowed upon us; and not fume (43°) --fuffer'them to depart from our hearts all the days of our lives | And, if we call them properly to mind ; it will furely excite _ -gfatitude in us, and this gratitude will fhew itfelf in. obe- _sdience to his laws, and a ftrict adherence to all that He ‘has enjoined. Every individwal will, if he thinks at all, _-recolleé&t many wonderful deliverancesy and ten thoufand _sinftances of God’s providential care. . Particularly they, "who have been brought out of fpiritual Egypt, fhould often * refle& on the time when they ferved very bad and: hard ~ mafters ; their own lufts and carnal appetites : and think how God delivered them, and brought their fouls into a peace= “able habitation, and a ftate of reft. Then let them join with David, and fay, Ble/s the Lord, O my Soul, and forget not. all bis benefits : who hath forgiven thine iniquitics, and heal~ ed thy difeafes: who hath redeemed thy life from deftrudtion, ' and crowned thee with loving-kindne/s and tender mercy | From hiftory we may learn the events of paftages: but “*facred hiftory more efpecially claims our attention; as it ‘informs us of Gon’s dealings with the children of men, he particularly the Ifraelites his favourite people. Here alfo * we have a true, though a very concife account of fome Hs things which came to pafs before the flood*. In reading cn thefe things, we fhould reflect and confider who. it is that “ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomfoever be will: who raifeth up one, and putteth down another. ~ Tracing the events of antient times, and turning over ; the reLYs “® The Patriarchs before the flood could readily recite to many ™ generations, fuch remarkable events as had happened in their days: and thus they fupplied the place of hiftory. Adam was .-243-years cotemporary with Methufelah, who lived till the flood. Methufelah with Noah 600, and with Shem near 100, Shem _ with Abraham 150, and died when Maac was $0 years old, ‘ (-™4 ) the pages'of hiftory is, indeed, a tedious work, which have leifure for: but every one, methinks, fhould have a fhort {ketch of the hiftory of his own country fixed in his mind: I mean of events, wherein the hand of Gop was, moft manifeft, either by infli€ting judgments, ‘or deliver=| ing from impending dangers. ‘The prefent) opportunity | will not allow me time to enumerate many things, to which | I would call your attention: I fhall, therefore, leave you | to refle& at your leifure. ivbied But I with more particularly to imprefs your minds with a fenfe of what Gop hath done for you as a Body of reli gious people; of what your eyes have feen, and many of your hearts have felt of the power of Almighty Gon. Hath he not called you to be his people, who were not a _‘apeople? Recollect the Signs and the wonders, which the High Ged hath wrought towards you: and let’ them not ‘depart from your hearts all the days of your lives. Beware of ingratitude, and Zaodicean luke warmnels. Remember the day of your efpoufals : ej Na «“ The gladnefs of that happy day, | cs seal <¢Oh! may it ever, ever ftay, ‘fg “ Nor let your Faith forfake its hold, “ Nor hope decline, nor love grow cold 1” al But, befides the things which your eyes have icc with, you to recollect and retain what your ears have heard,» Be not as children, toffed to and fro with every wind of con=, trary dofirine: If any man preach any other Gofpel to you than that which hath been preached to you, reje& it and him. The perilous times, foretold by St. Paul and the other Apofties, feem to be now come 5 wherein Jome Jbould depart fram the faith, giving heed to jeder Spirits, and / dofirines Ee) do&rines of devils, fpeaking lies in bypocrify: and others fhould deny the Lord that bought them*. Maintain the dodétrine of juftification by faith, and of good works or holinefs, confequent to faith ; agreeable to St. Paul’s advice to Titus. (Tit. iii. 8.) We muft judge ofa tree’s goodnefs by its fruits: we muft evidence our faithtin our life and conduét; as Abraham did when he offered up his fon Ifaac. St. Paul and St. James may be eafily reconciled, refpeting faith and works, which muft ” alwars go together. This is the do&rine of the Church of England in the 11th, 12th, and 13th Articles, and in- deed throughout the whole tenor of her Liturgy, Collects, Homilies, and Articles. Let not thefe things depart from your hearts or minds a/l the days of your lives. ~ But, do not confine thefe things to yourfelves ; have regard to pofterity. Teach them to your children ; and, through them, impart them to other generations yet un- born. This is the advice of Mofes, delivered to the I raclites in the latter part of the text; which he enforces again at the fixth verfe, in the fixth chapter, faying---- “Thefe words which I command thee this day, fhall be in thy beart : and thou fhalt teach them diligently to thy children, and foalt talk of them when thou fitteft in thine houfe, and when thou walke? by the way, and when thou lie/t downy and when thou rifeff up. As this opens a very wide and extenfive field, I can only touch upon a few particulars at prefent; and that chiefly refpe€ting the training up of children in the ways of the Lord. ae IIL. The . om 1 Tim. iv. 1.—2 Tim. iii. r.—2 Pet, ii, tn— Johniv, ve iat —Jude 4. Bsase 4 (my III. The inftruction of youth is allowed to be a dung of the utmoft importance, both to individuals, and to the community at large. But, who is fufficient rightly to difcharge or undertake fo great, fo arduous an office ! The moft experienced are more and more convinced of the dif-, ficulties that occur therein: and were one to live to the! age of Methufelah, he might ftill learn more and more of | this fcience, and yet be confcious that he was but a novice after all. Men may eafily lay down general rules, in this | as well as in other things; but great difficulties occur ‘in the practical part. A young lad who has learned the | theory of Navigation, may readily point out the method to | be ufed in fteering a hip through the ocean: but he little, knows the difficulties the poor mariner encounters from winds,. currents, and tides; and the numberlefs dangers: arifing from rocks, fhoals, whirlpools, and quickfands. One might draw up a code of laws and ftatutes for fome. very remote nation; but then he fhould be intimately ac~ quainted with the nature of the inhabitants, their difpofi- tions, manners and cuftoms, and a thoufand circumftances relating to the country itfelf; otherwile his labour is to little purpofe. He that is acquainted with human rature, is fenf ble that it is in a depraved ftate: that tho’ mankind ere at firft created upright and good; yet they are now corrupt and ‘very far gone from original righteoufnefs.” He is convinced that Aan is born like a wild afi’s, colt, and drinks in iniquity like water. But though this it true, re{pecting the whole human race ; and in this fenfe we are all alike; yet there is an almoft infinite variety, as to dif- pofitions, conftitutions, and tempers. And this difference ts not only apparent in the inhabitants of nations, fat diftant er 2 sdliffant from éath other ; but in thofe Of the fame nation, sthe fame family, yea children of the fame parents. » Hence arife ‘many difficulties in the education and in- Merutiion of childrens not only in ufeful feience and intel- AeGtual knowledge ; but refpecting morals, and turning the _ Sias of nature into a right channel ; or in training them up \to anfwer the end of their being, whichis the glory of God. At is therefore‘one principal bufinefs of the Parent or In~ AMrudor, to mark and ftudy the different tempers and dif- pofitions of ‘children as they grow up, and to fuit their, ufermdtion and difcipline accordingly. Hufbandmen care- fully confider the nature of the ground to be planted or fown; that they may fuit the feed to the foil: fo muft we itudy the tempers, in order to conduct nature the way it | will moft eafily go. Each man’s mind has fome peculiari - ty, as well as his f.ce, that diftinguifhes him from others = and there are fcarcely two children who can be conduéted ‘exadtly by the fame method. Every temper may afford “fome handie, whereby we may, as it were, take hol of them, and fteer them the more eafily : whereas, by taking a contrary method, we fhall find great difficulty and reluctance, This knowledge of their temper, difpofition, and capacitys is not acquired in a week, a month, or evena year: and therefore it requires a very penetrating difcernment, and a perlevering < attention, But, be it ever remember ed, that tho’ much may be done by early culture and attention of this kind; yet God muft Blefs our endeavours to cure and rectify a crooked difpo- | fition. We may plant and water, trim and prune the tree, yea and dig about the root too; and yet when the fruit ap- pears and is tafted, it may ftill be found tobe only a crab, | To ail our oth er endeavours, therefore, we muft add im- in q Cc portunate | | (18 y portunate prayer to God, faying, “ Lord, I feel my weak nefs in this, as well as in other refpects:. Icannot change: my own nature ; much lefs that of others : I cannot add one inch to my ftature, neither can I make. one hair. white oF black: I can not bring a clean thing out of an unclean 5 but THov canft do it: therefore I befeeeh thee to open the underftanding, and feal inftru€tion upon the mind of thofe: whom thou haft given me, and intrufted to my care! Give them wifdom from above, and direst their, hearts in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments !’” The Apoftle Paul, in his Epiftle to the Ephefians, among. other relative duties, exhorts parents to bring up their children in the inftruétion and.difcipline of the Lord. _ The | two words ufed by the Apoftle heref, are very emphatical: and comprehenfive. The former fignifies inftruéction, or | erudition, and is often tranflated cha/tifement Or corredtion*. | God chafiifeth or correéteth his children for their profits For whom the Lord loveth he correéteth, even as a father doth his fon in whom-he: délighteth. Now no chaftening (waidia) for the prefent is joyous, but grievous ; neverthele/s,. afterwards it yields the peaceable fruit of righteoufne/s to them who are exercifed therebyt. Hence it appears,. that a degree of correction mult be. - mingled with inftruction; but it muft be ufed, with love and bowels of compaffion; in» like manner as God cor- reéts thofe whom he loves, and doth not willingly afflict the children of men. In correction, it is highly neceflary to. obferye a medium between feverity and morofenefs on the one hand ; and too much lenity and remiffnefs.on the other. Oh! what need of wifdom and experience, to fteer the veflel: Ho wadele and ye2beota. Me * Derived from the verb rasdevu, erudio, docco, caltigoe ¢ Prov, iii, 12,—-Heb, xil, ia, sake tp véffel committed to wus, thro’ this critical paffage! It's like failing between Seylla and Charybdis. But by looking to our great Pilot, we fhall get through this difficulty alfo, and condué our charge to the haven where we would be. ? « fF the other word { points out more clearly the kind of inftruGtion or difcipline to be ufed, which the Apoftle here alludes to. It means the difpofing, training up, or the difciplining of the mind: the leading it to its proper objects or difpofing it to its proper end. Some confider education as little more than the fitting young perfons for fome pro- feffion or employment. And to this they add fome refine- ment of manners; give them an addrefs to qualify them toenter an affembly-room with gracefulnefs, or to appear at Court on aLevee-day, But, though thefe things may be proper in their place, when kept within due bounds, and ina certain degree: yet there is within us an immortal Spirit, which we fhould chiefly cultivate, and fee that it be adorned with white raiment, and fitted to mingle with the general affembly of the firf-born whofe names are written in Heaven. It behoves us to cultivate the mind in fuch a os. that the Soul may be united to’ God, and dwell fwith him for ever, Therefore the Apoftle faith, éring them up in the difcipline of the Lord: that is, in fuch a manner, as to qualify them to enter into the royal prefences to ftand before JeHovan, the fupreme Monarch of the U niverfe, emphatically .called the Lorp; becaufe he is King of kings, and Lord of lords. | The time we live in has been called by fome the age of “ Reafon’: but I fear it may with truth be faid, that Infidelity dacontempt for religion at the fame time very much abound. I am jealous with a godly jealoufy over the rifing Ce generation ; 1 \ webeoia, derived from yer, mens, and Ons pono, difpono, 1) ar) generation; and more particularly the children of religiow parents. It has been faid that thefe are commonly worf and more hardened than others. I hope it is not a genera ‘€ale ; but is probably very often too much fo. -“Phis ‘ob fervation may lead to ferious Beeman <0 to confider wha _ may be the caufe, ~ ret ei ape faculty of Reafon in man has been accounted» th characteriftic which diftinguifhes him from the brittes i but it feems that Devotion more properly makes ‘the di " ference. For, fome brutes difcover, in many inftances great acutenefs and fagacity; but never the leaft fymp tom of devotion. Whereas the moft rude and uncultivate of the human race, that have yet been difcovered in an nation, have fhewn /fome figns of devotion 5 tho” in tan of them it is exceeding grofs and abfurdy From hene appears the ufefulnefs and neceffity of infufing” good'prin , ciples into the mind, and of forming it to eatly habits’ c ¢ devotion and religion. Ido not admit that man’com into the world (tabula rafa) like a fheet of fair and u written paper ; for, alas! whoever has ftudied human n _ ture, and confidered infants, even when at their mother breaft, muft confefs, that they have a fttong bias’to: evi to paffion, to anger, and revenge. reTI RS But here, fome pious and well meaning parents, w had more zeal than knowledge, in attempting to turn th bias of nature into a right channel, have taken a wro method. Like young converts, who think to convert the relations and old acquaintance all at once; thefe® parent want to make their children pure and holy in atrice: a they keep them fo much at religious duty both at “hom and abroad, and caufe them to read fo'much, that they ge an averfion to it, and efteem that a mere drudgery, whi (ar) vis, and’always fhould be the moft pleafing employment in life. “As they grow up, the averfion increafes ; and tho’ ‘eethey may have acted the hypocrite for a time, thro’ fear of » the parents; by and by they throw off the mafk, and pro- . +fefs themfelves open Infidels. Perhaps improper conduct in their parents or other profefling Chriftians, may have contributed to this infidelity ; and they at length concluded - there was no reality in religion. "+ + Parents fhould remember, that!whilft the tree is unchang- - ed, they muft not expect good fruit from it; at leaft not _- val] that they with’ for, until He that made their chil- dren, creates them*anew. In devotion, as well as in _- other things, it would be well to mix the pleafing and the _ ufeful together, as far as may be; and convince them that wifdom’s ways are ways of pleafantne/s, and all her paths are peace. It is true, that difcipline and fome coercive -meafures muft be ufed; but then, as was hinted before, det it be done in moderation : let mildnefs and gentlenefs ko _ win their affetions, whilft you enlighten their reafon: s¢ And never take the harfher way, ets: «© When love will do the deed.” ‘ On the other hand, fome parents verge to the oppofite - extreme. They ufe no reftraint, nor check the luxuriant i> growth of vice in theirchildren. Hence their paffions get +, ftrength ; habit confirms them, and makes a reformation > every day more dificult. Then their reafon being lulled _. intoa fatal fecurity, and the foul left without its rudder, _ they glide down the ftream with others, ’till they are dafhed 3 againft the rocks, or fwallowed up in the whirlpool of > -everlafting deftructior. ~ What fhall we fay of fuch parents ? Surely they are defti- tute of natural affection, fecing they entail vice and mifery ‘ . upen (22) upon thofe who fhould be moft dear to them. As they ate unnatural, fo they are void of love ; for be that fpareth the vod, hateth his fon: but he that loveth him, chafteneth him be= times. ‘They are likewife moft imprudent, laying up in. ‘the profligacy and difobedience of their children, the fharp- eft pangs of gricf and fhame for their own grey hairs. They are alfo bad citizens, breeding up a wicked race to” corrupt Society. - __ But, to this their negligence, perhaps they have adit a. bad example ; and thus become doubly guilty in the fight of God and man. Example has great influence; but the » misfortune is, we are more inclined to follow the. evil than. , the good. What an account will fuch patents have to give in the day of judgment! They will not only have to.an- \ wer for their own fins; but, in a great degree, for thofe of ” others alfo. And they will not only feel remorfe from their own felf-condemniny confcience; but will be upbraided by thofe who fprung from their own bowels, in fuch "pungent. . Janguage as this. “* I was ignorant, and you inftruéted me not. I made myfelf vile, and you reftrained me not. You did not train me up to the exercife ‘of piety and devotion 5 and therefore I lived without God in the world. Nay, you fhewed me a bad example; and I am now configned to everlafting burnings !” . Perhaps the fault may lie more in one of the parents than the other: an/ that, either refpeCting example, or the man= ner of inftruction, Itis of the utmoft importance that the parents fhould agree in their judgment, concerfing the manner and method of inftruction: becaufe if they difagree, the child will be materially injured. If they differ in any sefpe@, they fhould talk of it in private 5 and let the child know a ; _Enow nothing about it; but agree to enforce cach others precepts. ’ I thall now conclude, by addreffing myfelf, firft, to thofe -who are young; who are come, in fome degree, to the _exercife of their reafon, Let me exhort and intreat you to honour your parents: attend to their precepts and in- ftruGtion: reverence their grey hairs, and ftrive to fupport them in declining nature. Refle&t what anxiety and la- bour they sn dciaicis for you, when ye were incapable of helping yourfelves: feel for them in their ficknefs, and in, 'thofe: days wherein there is no pleafure. . Ye are now in the morning of life, a@ive and vigorous = ‘give all diligence then to be nolletted of thofe graces, that ‘will hed luftre areund you here, and will bloom to ail “eternity. Pray that God may give you his grace, may make you plants of renown, and fit you for the work he hath ealled you to do. Pray that he may make you ufeful mem- bers of the community, faithful citizens of your country, and fervants to your God. In a word, that he may make you living Temples of the Holy Spirit, the prefent orna~ ments of the earth, and the future inhabitants of heaven. 1 would next addrefs myfelf to thofe who are farther ad- ‘vanced in years, but not married; and to fuch who, though married, have not children. ‘To fuch I would fay, Toke \Beed to thyfclf, and keep thy foul diligently : but beware of \forming too hafty a judgment of parents, refpecting their ‘conduct towards their children. Perhaps the fault lies in pe ehild, perhaps in the parent, perhaps partly im beth: “perhaps ye do not fee the difficulties that are to be overs leome. Be modeft, therefore, and fay but little upon the bject at prefent. They who are leat experienced in this, ue @S well as in other things, are very often the moft CoHideaes it ‘eknow the old proverb :-=-“ Bachelors’ wives, and maids pens’ children” are the moft perfect beings upon earth: bug ‘they are beings that never yet exifted, faye only in imagir hation. | ae Laftly. tre Prot t oe ze ; TMIMOg | Laftly, I would once more intdat you that are parents to confider the relative ftation in which ye ftand, refpe&tin your fellow citizens and your countrymen: refpecting th members of a religious Society, and thofe of your own houfhold. In all thefe refpeéts, ye are called upon to tak heed to your outward condué& and intercourfé with men and your fecret walk with the Searcher of hearts. Your fituation is of the greateft importance: therefére treafure up grace and divine truth in your own minds, and as far a you can, communicate them to others, efpecially to nd children, and through them to pofterity. And, however arduous the task be that ye are called to undertake: how- ever great the crofs, which ye muft take ‘up: yet tély on his word, who has promifed to fupport you, and will lay no more upon you than he will enable youto bear. His Spirit is ever near to inftrué you, in teaching others, particularly thofe of your own family., And, if yeand they are faithful to the grace and to the light given; Oh! refleét on the honour that will be conferred on you both, when ye fhall ftand before the. throne in the new. Jerufalem!. Are ye anxious that your children fhould be poflzfled of a graceful: Carriage, and an elegance of manners, in order, to appear‘in a genteel company? Let me excite in you a nobler ambi- tion: that ve and your children may be adorn-d-with a meck and quiet [pirit, which in the fight of God is of gr eat prices *s Cloath’d with humility andloye, ........ =) e» S With every daz’ling virtue bright :”, : ; Be ainbTHeits that ye and your children may: reasibiedrid ous within * that ye may have on the wedding garment, the white robe which will never tarnifh; nay, which will in creafein luftre, when the pageantry and empty pomp of. Courts, andthe fplendor of diamonds fhail be no more ! Be ambitious to be able to fay to the Kine 6F Kines ;— “ here we are, O Lord; and, of the children whom thou” haft given us, weave loft none !” } Amin! és FINd6 ) ELEGIAC STANZAS OCCASIONED BY eee per 47 H OF THE | Bev. CHARLES WESLEY, A.M _ Who departed this Life, March 29, 1788, : in the 80th Year of his Age. By the Rev. JAMES CREIGHTON, A.B, ‘ They that be wife fhall thine as the brightnefs of the Firmaments _ andthey that turn many to Righteoutnefs, as the Stars for «¢ ever and ever.” Daniel xii. 3. ccm ne re ae aet ean eaae aang LONDON. tinted for the Avtuor ; and (old by Meffrs. Bruce, City-Road, and RELpEL, Crown-Strees, Soho ; Bookicilers. ; — Advertifement. oy HE Author of the following Stanzas had no intention to write any thing upon the occafion which gave rife to them; for he was convinced, thirty years ago, of the ruth of that old adage, * Poeta nafcitur, non fit.” But, ‘at the requeft of a friend, he haftily penned -down a few Stanzas on the morning of the day when Mr. Wesiey’s ‘emains were interred. Thefe having been printed with his permiffion, though not by his defire, feveral friends requcfted he would enlarge them to the following fize. He at length reluctantly confented. It is many years fince he was convinced there are fcarcely ‘any new thoughts now in the world,*which may not have occurred to the minds of, though. varioufly exprefled by, ‘men in different ages, and in different climes. He there- fore requefts that judicious critics will pafs by the fol- Towing little piece, as being far beneath their notice: ‘and as for mere nibblers, who decry what they do not underftand, he fhall take little thought about them. If ‘the friends who have requefted them, are in any wife gratified by the following Stanzas, the writer fhall be ‘entirely fatisfied. ! (5 ) en LEGIAC STANZAS, &c. 3 ftill, ye winds; ye zephyrs fofter blow ; Whilft this melodious mufic ftrikes my ear: et me, in filent rapture lull’d below, The Sone of Triumpu, Dirge of Angels, hear, ¢ fons of Tubal, Handels of the day, Who yearly meet to found a Hazdel’s fame ; h! could ye hear this foft, enchanting lay, Your faces ye would hide with confcious fhame ! ! what are all your pipes, your thoufand ftrings, With various notes, which charm a monarch’s ears; pmpar’d to this, the tune which Uyiel fings, oy his found divine, this mufic of the fpheres ! ranfporting concert !—fymphony complete !— Shall human voices dare with this to vie? atic concord !—Oh ! ’tis paffing fweet !— | To tafte it fully, mortals, ye muftdie: ] Yet ee. (4 9 ‘Yet fometimes men are favour’d here beneath*, With this foft, foothing, fweet, cherubic found When fouls triumphantly have fcap’d from death, And Angels bear them to celeftial ground. Some more than common caufe, fome great event. Hath call’d thefe tuneful feraphs from on high They furely come, on heav’nly errand fent, To ’tend fome Prince, and waft him to the fky. A Prince, indeed, this moment took his fl'ght, In Britain born, the poet of his day: He left our camp to join the Saints in light s Prepare, ye heav’nly gates, to give him way! The * An inftance of this was a poor woman who liv in Bunbill- Rew, whom the Author vifited for fome yea before her death. From a ftate of affluence in the ear part of her life, fhe was reduced to indigence im her o age, and was on the Poorlift. Very often fhe had n food fufficient to fuftain Nature; yet had always a {mi on her countenance, and ufed tofay—* It is my Father good pleafure that I fhould be thus.” For about thr months before her death, fhe heard often near her bi a kindof Mufic moft ravifhingly fweet; and was four at length dead in her bed with a placid and ferene cou! tenance. it. be chariot now afcends beyond my view, My eyes of flefh can here no further go; he angels, mounting, pierce th’ ethereal blue, And leave the fun and planets far below. It yet my mental eye purfues them ftill, Where ttars, as funs, in native luftre blaze ; There other moons, perhaps, in obits wheel, Or burning comets in eccentric maZe. las ! how narrow was poor Ovia’s mind, Whea Phaeton he fung in Sol’s bright car! Chriftian’s view is clearer, lefs confin’d, And carries him beyond each diftant ftar. aro” fields of ether pure my thought can foar, nd rapidly purfue her airy way : le regions of the Univerfe explore, Still climbing higher through the realms of Day : " (ee Suffice it then, that now th’ angelic guard, (Who only ’tend a foul that’s pure from fin :) Cry tothe pearly gates—‘** Receive our ward ; Let Him that kept the truth now exter in.” The gates unfold ; and (oh! th’ amazing fcene !) Ten thoufand times ten thoufand faints appear All cloath’d in white, and glorious too within : For, fuch the fpirits that inhabit there ! Thefe now exulting cry, as with one voice, «© Another foul hath burft its earthen clod :” Again the echo runs—* Rejoice! rejoice !j Another faint is come to dwell with Gop } I fee, methinks, the whole harmonic band, A David, Asaph, Mofes, full of love ; In eager expectation ready ftand, To welcome WesLeEyY to the courts above, Perhaps a Milton, Rowe, a Watts, or Young, Who, in their day, had grac’d this favour’d iff Steps forth the foremoft from the countlefs thron To greet the Briti/h poet with a fmile. But, ile ana But, thall I dare t? exclude the bright abodes Each Romaz poet, and each Grecian fage, Who, as they knew him, fung the Gop of gods, _ And handed down their thoughts thro’ ev’ry age? My charity forbids ;—my heart o’erflows ;— _ For, fome from ev’ry clime a manfion fhare* : In Homer’s Epifodes fome virtue grows : _ And who can fay that Homer is not there ? i Philofophers ftand next to hail the man, | When once arriv’d on Heaven’s peaceful fhore : Who tried their ev’ry fyftem, ev’ry plan, | And Truth had boldly ventur’d to explore. |! \ A Newton now he meets, a Locke, or Boyle, :.. thoufands more of learned, wife, and great ; ho, with amazing induftry and toil, | The works of Gop did here inveftigate. [ | But oh! what wonders can they now difclofe, Which far furpafs the reach of mortals’ ken ; * all their ftretch of thought could ne’er fuppofe, | 4 When cloge’d with flefh, and while they were but men. In * Rev. vil. 9, In circling crowds fee Prophets and Divines, Evangelifts, Apoftles, Priefts, and Kings ; In ev’ry face peculiar luftre fhines, And each to WEsLEY now in ardor clings. On one fide fee a Paul, a Fames, and Fobn ; Who all, in doctrine, {weetly harmonize : Thefe now approve the man, who ftill prefs’d on, Nor ftopp’d on earth, till he obtain’d the-prize. They much applaud his great judicious mind, A mind fo taught by wifdom from above ; Becaufe fo juftly, wifely, he defin’d That active faith, that faith which works by love Behold a Wickliff, Luther, and the reft, Who boldly ftood to ftem the papal pow’r; Thefe all carefs the lately-landed gueft, Who taught mankind the triune God t’ adore. See yonder Leighton, Baxter, and an Owen! A Bedell, and an Ujher! (happy pair !) Now party-zeal and bigotry are gone, For, even Calvin greets a WESLEY there. And - sd Cap d fee how cordially a Whitefield ftands, To hail his brother on the happy fhore ; ith exultation reaches out his hands, And fays—‘* My Cuar es, we now fhall part no more!” t, from the inmoft circle, who is He, OF form majeftick far above the reft ; ho comes with fervor and with extacy, To clafp his much-lov’d Weszey to his breaft! is FLercuer !=—See his fmile, his heavenly mien! Seraphic FLetcHeER, of peculiar grace ! 1! what a lufire round his head is feen ; Phe Saviour’s features beaming in his face ! tfhines, indeed, with moft refplendent rays 3 > Pp pe mparted from the bright IncaRNATE Son ; moves with moft becoming, graceful eafe||, Ointroduce a WESLEY to the throne. Thro’ IMr. Fletcher’s addrefs was peculiarly graceful, as every who hath feen him muft recolle&. ( 12 ) Thro’ files of faints now Westey bends his ftep: (Whilft heav’n with angel-trumpets loudly ring O’er ftreets of gold he lightly, humbly, trips, To pay his homage to the Kine of Kines. “Tis only Daniel, or the much low’d Fobn, Whofe pencil fuch a dazzling feene could draw Defcribe the throne, and Him that fits thereon, Before whom Gabriel falls with proftrate awe. _ His hair like wool ; his throne like burning flame ; His lengthen’d robes are zwhite as pureft {now ; His name Jenovan, or the great I AM ; Whom angel-minds iz part can only know. Yet He, ev’n He, with condefcending fmile, And eyes, whofe brightnefs would eclipfe the Approves and cheers the man, who, free from g Had fought the fight, and now the battle won That thund’ring voice which earth and heaven fh When God, for fin, corrects a guilty land ; Is gentle now: the Father meekly fpeaks, And, as he fpeaks, the hofts in filence ftand. «¢ Com ( 23.) *Come hither, Son, who boldly haft proclaim’d My name on earth; my free and faving grace: To {peak the truth thou haft not been afham’d, But preach’d it freely to the fallen race. '€ Since thou haft overeome and faithful ftood, Defpis’d a fmiling world, nor fear’d its frown; My promife unto thee I'll now make good{ ; _ Receive from me this never-fading crown. ‘¢ Since thou haft tun’d thy heart to fongs of praife ; I here prefent thee with a golden lyre: Thou prais’d me, as thou could’ft, in human lays ; Now take thy feat amid this tuneful choir. - ¢¢ Since gloomy prifons, regions of defpair, Did often move thy fympathizing breaft : Since widows’ cries and orphans were thy care, A manfion thou fhalt have among the bleft. é¢ The blifs which heaven vields, to thee I give, The pleafures, which are here, can never cloy : To dwell with me is heav’n : with me to live, Is boundlefs, endlefs, everlafting joy.” Thrice ¢ Rev. ii. 10. (4 9 Thrice happy foul !—no longer now the fport Of hurricanes, and ftorms, and ev’ry wind : Thou’rt fafely landed, and haft gain’d the port, The peaceful haven, which we long to find. We ftill are tofs’d on this tempeftuous fea, Where rocks and quickfands lie on either hand ; How ftrait the paffage !—Oh ! what need have we Of Faith and Hope, to reach Immanuel’s land ! By faith we fee the fun, thro’ all the clouds, When darknefs intercepts, or hides the Pole: Yea, when the tempeft fhatters all our fhrouds, And {welling billows, like huge mountains, roll. And though, oftimes, amidft a wicked crew, Or noify fons of Belial, we muft fail : Yet ftill we’re fafe, if Chrift we keep in view, And caft our anchor deep within the vail. Ah! Westey! haft thou left us toiling here, Expos’d to ftorms, in fuch a world as this! But canft thou drop for us a friendly tear ; Tho’ drinking in Iarge draughts of endlefs blifs ? Whilft $5.9 ilft thro’ that peaceful ocean thou doft fail, Vhere fierce contending winds fhall never blow; thinks thy fympathizing heart can feel ‘or tempted friends, whom thou haft left below. pirits fee us, when they reach the goal ; f Gop himfelf yearns o’er his children here ; sn fure thy foft, thy tender, loving foul, Jan {till for brethren fhew paternal care. ¢ mourner often heard his cheering voice, Vhilft pouring in the oil, and healing balm! 1 then his heart exulting could rejoice, When Jesus bade the raging fea be calm. ftill he could, like Boanerges loud, Denounce the thunders of a threat’ning law ; pilft confternation (eiz’d the guilty crowd, ind Deitts ftood aghaft, or fhrunk with awe. t a the door himfelf had enter’d in ; phe word of God he rightly could divide: romfort finners, when convinc’d of fin, 1 — nd point them toa Saviour’s bleeding fide. But (a6 9 But when the harden’d rebels carelefs ftood, Regardlefs of the {ceptre, or the rod ; Then, likea torrent, he pour’d fortha flood Of all the threatnings in the word of God. A mafter-builder, like wife Paul of old, He built on Chrift, the chief, the corner ftone : And, asafhepherd in the Chriftian fold, He went before the fheep, and led them on. - In paftures green the flock he always fed, And bade them drink the healing, cooling ftrea Yet ftill to more extentfive fields he led, For, Chrift, he faid, was mighty to redeem : Was able ‘till to free the greateft flave From ail his bondage, all his heavy chains : Not only fo; but fo the utmoft save ; And cleanfe the foul from all its fouleft ftains. Thesricheft treafure from the word he brought, Whilft food to all judicioufly he dealt : Believ’d the doétrine which he humbly taught, Nor {poke a truth, which he had never felt. Matur’d (ay ) fatur’d by grace, exalted, and refin’d, His foul for happy climes was fitted here ; eleftial realms, to which his tow’ring mind Had often foar’d, beyond the ftarry fphere. while this ftar, like diamonds in the mine, In unobferv’d and hidden luftre lay : ill by his Lord call’d forth at length to thine, And [pread the glorious light of gofpel-day. : {chool the twig was bent in early youth, And form’d beneath a brother’s* foft’ring hand : he tree {prung up with ftill increafing growth, And hed its genial virtues o’er the land. id when to feats of learning he was fent, T’ improve and exercife his mental pow’rs ; is time in ufeful {cience here he fpent, Nor loung’d away, like fools, his precious hours. : C He | His brother Samuel, who was then Ufher of Weftminfter hool, a eb He cull’d the fweets which Oxford gardens yield, ‘The honey fipp’d of academic lore : Yet ftill he fought a more extenfive field ; His foul ftill thirfted ardently for more. The fam’d Paraaffus, oft, indeed, he trod, And tafted all that Helicon could bring : But, not content, he fought the Mount of Gop ; And there with rapture drank a purer fpring. The facred word with diligence he read, Tho’ not regardlefs of the claffic page : In holy writ he found fubftanftial bread, The maana which Gop fends in ev’ry age. The truths divine which here he gather’d up, As choiceft treafure he laid by in ftore : Not at the filver mine content to ftop, He ftill dug deeper for the golden ore. In feeking thus, a pearl, at length, he found, A precious pearl, indeed, to Adam’s race ! And, what he ézew, he publifh’d all around, That fallen manis only fav’d by grace. S 4 . Ce) | ardently he with’d this news to tell, That, undifmay’d, he bray’d th’ Atlantic flood: firing, asa means, to fave from hell The untaught heathens in the Judian wood. hen to his native land again return’d, His Mafter’s work he faithfully purfu’d : ye truth he fpoke ; tho’ by the rabble {purn’d, Whofe hands were in his blood almoft imbru’dt. d, ftranger ftill! Oh ! sell it not in Gath ! The men of letters (Briti/h fhepherds too !) spofe the man profefling Exgland’s faith, Who preach’d her doctrines, and believ’d them true. d tho’ by fuch miftaken brethren fcorn’d, And from their temples wantonly expell’d ; t {till the Church he lov’d ; yea, for her mourn’d, And clofe communion with her always held. 5, earneftly he fought her public weal, For, Englana’s Church was always near his heart s > had an ardent, yet well-temper’d zeal, And kept ’till death a moft confiftent part. nh | t Witnefs the rioters at Corke, headed by Butler. ( 20 ) In warning finners this bold Herald ftood, And labour’d in the work to hoary hairs : His ufeful life he {pent in doing good, A happy life of almoft eighty vears. At laft, when fummon’d to refign his breath, His foul for flight was ready on the wing : With mind compos’d he fmil’d, and welcom’d deat For now the horrid monfter loft his fting. Yes, ev’ry fubtle fiend now ftood aloof : Not ove approach’d to buffet him with fear, Which gave his friends a moft convincing proof, That he, thro’ Chrift, had fully conquer’d here. The conqueft gain’d, without a painful figh, He fell afleep on Jesu’s lovely breaft : His fpirit difengag’d mounts up on high, And enters its eternal, glorious reft. Ah! can I e’er forget the briny tears, Which he o’er Londoz oft in pity fhed : His groans, his fighs, his moft pathetic pray’rs, Pour’d out for her fo fallen, wretched, dead i Yea, ( 21 ) Yea, dead in fins, and glorying in her fhame, Tho’ favour’d with the Gofpel’s brighteft ray = Audacioufly rejecting Jesu’s name, The offers {fpurning of a gracious day ! Pofterity fhall hear, and babes rehearfe, The healing virtues of a Saviour’s name : fes, babes unborn fhall fing in WEsLey’s verfe, _ And ftill reiterate the pleafing theme. Ah! Britons will ye now revere his worth ? Your lofs is furely his eternal gain ! The hymns he taught you, whilft confin’d to earth, He fings with angels in a nobler ftrain. re) that a fhred might from his mantle fall, _ And fome young Britoz catch it as he flies ! O that his fpirit might defcend on all, _ And from his urn another Phoenix rife! To copy him, may thoufands ftill afpire ; | The pattern follow, which they muft approve ! O may their lips be touch’d with altar-fire, And may their hearts be fill’d with humble love! May (a) May none prefume to rain before they’re fent, To prophefy in Jesu’s awful name ! May all refolve to pend; and to be pent ; And yet to merit never lay a claim ! May He, who holds the ftars in his right hand, And for his Church’s welfare always feels ; Ambaffadors fend forth thro’ ev’ry land, And feal their office with ten thoufand feals! May God regard his fervant’s frequent fighs, ' His long-repeated, yea, inceffanc fuit! «© May Englana’s Church again in f{plendor rife, Bloffom, and bud, and fill the earth with fruit !” Now whilft, amid the bright cherubic bands; He tunes his harp to Mofes’ fong above: On heaven’s battlements, methinks, he ftands, And feems to glance at us a look of love. Ye faithful fouls, who know, and feel- your lofs, Who mourn a father, fhepherd, and a friend : To you he fill cries out—‘* Suftain the Crofs ; ' Make fure the Crown, believing to the end. In (2193, *« In tribulation though ye fhall be tried, t2 And often muft the crafty foe engage: Yet fill there’s one to help, and. be your guide, . To quench the darts of Satan’s fiery rage. «© The world may frown, or treacheroufly fmile; ~ A thoufand things may tend your foul t’ enflave ; But Faith o’ercomes, and will the tempter foil ; _ That Faith in Chrift, which looks beyond the grave, *¢ Keep Him in view by Faith’s internal eye ; Behold through this the Sua of Righteousnefs: And when, at Gop’s command, ye come to die, Ye fhall triumphantly depart in peace. ‘¢ I’m fafely landed now, this fide the flood, *Twas but a moment’s paflage, calm, ferene: My Jesus led me o’er, and by me ftood, To cheer my heart, and give me peace within. « And, fince the earthen clod is laid afide, The face of Gop with extafy I view: So, when ye pafs o’er Fordan’s {welling tide, Without a veil ye fhall behold him too. But ( 24) s¢ But, when ye make this happy, happy coaft, Your fpirits I fhall meet with rapt’rous joy ; Then, mingling with the bleft triumphant hoft, A whole Erernity in praife employ. FINI S&. A mee A OL OE aE [IN VERSE;] OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OF ue Rev. JOHN WESLEY, M.A. MARCH 2. 1791, iN THF EIGHTY-EIGHTH YEAR OF HIS AGE. By THE Rev. J. CREIGHTON, A.B. RROW NOT AS OTHERS WHO HAVE NO HOPE? FOR IF WE BELIEVE THAT JESUS DIED AND ROSE AGAIN; EVEN SO THEM ALSO WHO SLEEP IN JESUS WILL GOD BRING WITH HIM. 1 Thefs. iv. 135 140 MDCCXCIV. A DIALOGUE: &e: PHILANDER. WV HAT meansall this fadne&, this mourning around, | Thefe forrowful notes which I hear ? My heart quickly throbs, whilft the tremulous found Amazingly thrills thro’ my ear! \re fome aweful tidings receiv’d from afar, That bells thus fo dolefully ring ? 3 Britain invaded, or threatned with war ? Her Navy betray’d by a Byzg ? e judgments, fufpended in years that are paft, Now {weeping this once-favour’d Land ? The threats of the Prophets accomplith’d at laft, Who often declar’d them at hand? ath God, in his anger, determin’d the doom Of Deifts that laugh’d at his Word ; nd fends them, in vengeance to heighten this gloom, _. The peftilence, famine, or fword? Az PALEMON 4 A DIALOGUE. PALEMON-. A national lofs caufes national grief, And fuch is the lofs we deplore : But who will ftep, forward to yield us relief, . Or banith the gloom of this hour ? Ah ! what foothing prophet can dry up our tears, Or heal the effects of this blow ? Who now can reftrain his moft ill-boding fears, His groans, lamentation, and woe? Our Prophet is vanifh’d, our Shepherd is fled, Which caufes fome myriads to weep: Our Father !—our Father !—oh ! Wesxey is dead And Jaid in the tomb now to fleep ! Forbear then to wonder why Albion fighs, Why Shepherds fo bitterly mourn : For whilft our E/jah is rapt to the Skies, Ten thoufands are left here forlorn. PHILANDER, What !—Is he tranflated to regions of light, Remov’d from our climate to day ; Who long, asa {tar moft tranfcendently bright, Ilumin’d this Ifle with his ray? A DIALOGUE, 5 How quickly he mov’d in his circle below, Outftripping in flight e’en the fun; Jome thoufands can witnefs: yet ftill you muft know His circuit is only begun. is animal body has ceas’d now to move, (And truly it wanted fome reft ;) h’ ethereal roams thro’ the manfions above, And vifits the feats of the bleft. de glides away f{wiftly as thought thro’ the Stars, And gives them a tranfient view ; Je juft takes a peep at old Saturn and Mars, ’ And Venus and Mercury too : And Jove with his moons he has long left behind, Whiltt foaring thro’ infinite {pace ; But ftill as he travels, more Suns he may find, And all their vaft fyftems may trace. From Syftem to Syftem may rapidly fly, And leave many millions below; _ Yea, billions and trillions of orbs in the Sky, And farther and fartHer may go. At length 6 A DIALOGUE. At length he arrives at the centre of all, The Suw that illumines each Sun: Who put into motion each fpherical ball, And bade them in orbits to rar: Who gave them a law, which they never tranfgrefs But always in harmony move; And fhew to mankind an example of peace, Of friendthip, and brotherly love. From this brilliant Sun he deriv’d all his light, (How lucid and daz’ling his rays!) But now he’s beyond all comparifon bright, Immers’d in the wonderful blaze. PALEMON. That Westrey will fhine in the regions of blifs, And fhine with a luftre fupreme; No catholic Chriftian can e’er doubt of this, Who knew him, or heard of his fame.. Yet full for the Church I moft fenfibly feel, The fiocks he has left fere below: Ah! what tender fhepberd will copy his zeal, And into the wildernefs go? Puri A DIALOGUE. 7 rfue filly fheep that may carelefily roam, Ox on the dark mountains may {tray ; ad faithfully bring the poor wanderers home, Or {creen from the heat of the day ? ow oft have I heard him, with tears in his eyes, Exhorting the harden’d to turn : feeching from nature’s dull fleep to arife, And live for the end they were born! nd when he ftood forth in the valley of bones, How foon did an army ftart up! ‘hat fhaking was feen, and what piteous groans Were heard in-the fhuddering group! he tyger was chang’d, and became like a child, | The lion was meek as alamb: | he drunkard was fober, the favage was mild, And fung our IMMANUEL’s name. he colliers of Kingsevood, behold how they ftare, _ And rife from the horrible pit ! ow blacken’d their faces, how grifly their hair, As round in a circle they fit ! And i A DIALOGUE. And now, while they liften and eagerly gaze, Their tears in a rivulet roll ; They gape, and amazement appears in their face, Aftonifh’d to hear they’ve a foul ; A part that’s immortal, which now is defil’d, Tho” once it was holy and pure ; That fin muft be pardon’d, and God reconcil’d, Or torments they all fhal] endure. But when they were told that the Saviour hath died, And they might be fav’d by the fame ; With joy in their eye they moft heartily cried_ «¢ Hofannah to Jefus’s name !!!”— Now fully commiffion’d, he let his light fhine, And publifh’d the Gofpel with fpeed ; From Lands-end he flew to the banks of the Tyue, And oftentimes pafs’d o’er the Tweed. The Cumberland hills and the mountains of Wales, He frequently crofs’d in his way ; And bleak Caledonia’s high rocks and deep vales, And fwift-running torrent of Spey. . A DIALOGUE. ey oY libernia too felt his foftering care, As round it and round it he ran: ach city, each village, each town had its fhare, Nor did he forget little Maz. falf a century thus, in this labour of love, He always was fully employ’d ; is mind was fuill active, ftill foaring above ; Within he felt no empty void. it fhould I attempt to recount, in detail, His travels, his labours, and cares ; is great perfecution, when mobs would affail, And Satan fpread infinite {nares : ow he *{cap’d from them all, and his journey purfu’d, : Promulging the Gofpel of peace ; termin’d, in {pite of his foes, to do good, Promoting the Kingdom of grace : ere I this to effay, and his wonderful zeal | ' Declare, for the glory of God ; rtafk would be great, my beft efforts would fail, _ To trace out the arduous road. B The 2 oO A DIALOGUE, The lambs of the flock felt his paftoral care, And often were held in his arms ; To weak ones he pointed each dangerous fnare From wolves, and from Satan’s alarms. He watch’d ftill the Foe, whois roaming about, Alluring and tempting to fin: Well knowing that whilft he is prowling without, His agents are working within. When pert little fhepherds began to wax bold, | And wantonly trod on the fheep ; Neglected their office, and oft in the fold Caus’d poor little lambkins to weep : How foon did he filence, .or caufe them to feel A touch of his crook, or his rod ! But, if they perfifted and dar’d to rebel, Difmifs’d with a beck or a nod. When goats had prefumption to mix with the flock And puth’d with their hoof and their horn ; Which caus’d a convulfion or dangerous fhock, And friends from each other were torn ; : A DIALOGUE. 11 Ye then faw it needful to ufe all his fkill, To fever the precious and Wile ; ecaufe the contagion might fuddenly kill His lambs, or at leaft might defile. Vhat wifdom, what caution, what fatherly care, He fhew’d in this critical cafe! ome times to chaftife, and yet often to fpare, Still prudently keeping his place. Yh! where, my Philander, where now fhall we find, In tracing the nation around, o faithful a Shepherd, fo active a mind, One vers’d fo in wifdom profound ? tremble for Zion, whofe foes now affail Her walls, with their forces combin’d ; Jer gates they approach with aftonifhing zeal, Whilft Satan fupports them behind. Ye gravely afferts, and promulges aloud, That fouls with their bodies fhall fleep ! ind thus he amufes the poor filly crowd, "Till they plunge in the bottomlefs deep. Ba Ai ae A fecond, IZ A DIALOGUE. A fecond, affuming the fimile of a friend, Declares that théiyet thall be freed ; : And, tho’ they are punifh’d, their torments fhall end For God in his love fo decreed. Another, audacioufly flighting the Lorp, Denies his atonement for fin ; : And darkens the Truth, while he mangles the were And laughs at corruption within. And fome, whilft they verge to the oppofite fide, Have ftrangely miftaken the road : For, tho’ they confefs that the Saviour hath died, In fat they would Amit their Gop. . What need then of watchmen to ftand on the wall, , And cry in thefe dangerous days ;_ Left fome into {nares fhould incautioufly fall, Or grope in the intricate maze !° - PHILANDER. No wonder, my friend, that you’re fill’d with furpriz That fear thus perplexes your mind : When fuch are accounted. .tranfcendently wife, Who blindly are leading the blind. ! Yj \ ae A DIALOGUE. ™ 38 ut read their deftruction! ’Tis certainly near! And vengeance now haftens apace: he Gop, whom they flighted, will fhortly appear, To punith this ftiff-necked race. nd think not, Palemon, that Hell thall fucceed, Or darknefs and error prevail : EHOVAH provides for his Church in her need, His Truth, we are fure, cannot fail. ‘rue prophets and teachers fhall always arife, Diffufing their light {till abroad: ‘il Jesus himfelf fhall defcend from the fkies, Andall hall acknowledge him Gop. Mhaften thy coming, Messt1 au benign! Tilumine the earth with thy rays ! ‘ull heathens partake of the luftre divine, And joyfully fhare in the blaze ! tejoice, O ye people! Let floods clap their hands ! Let waves bear the news as they roll! the gofpel fhall flourifh from Afric’s hot fands, _ To the frozen extremes of the Pole! The , 14 A DIALOGUE. The mind fhallexpand, and true knowledge incveaf The foul fhall progreffively go ; Not only on earth, but thro’ infinite fpace, And ftill towards perfection fhail grow. Indeed, when it fhakes off this cumberous load, With which it was fhackled on earth : It rapidly flies in the heavenly road, Regains, as it were, a new birth. New-fledg’d and enliven’d it ardently hies, Still climbing to get to its fource : In knowledge and wifdom ambitious to rife, Nor flags in the arduous courfe. New fcenes will delight, and new wonders unfold, — As it foars thro’ the regions of day : Which Angels themfelves with amazement behold, And eagerly with to difplay. The work of Redemption engages them all, The love of Jenovan to man: In deepeft proftration they filently fall, And ftrive to contemplate the plan. — A DIALOGUE. aA it Adam more anxious, methinks, {till furveys, And ftudies the myftical fcheme : nd whilft to his fons he inftruction conveys, With rapture he dwells on the Theme. | endlefs progreffion his knowledge will fpread, Whilft heaven refounds with his fong : fe points them to Chrift as his federal Head, And gladdens the numerous throng. ut who dare imagine, or impioufly fay, His foul is afleep until now ! native as matter, or lifelefs as clay ! Let thofe whoaffert it, fhew how? Vas Dives afleep, when he thirfted in hell, And roll’d his parch’d tongue in'the flame? n ‘Abraham’s bofom, (ye’ Infidels, tell) Ts Lazarus’ blifs but a dream? ho’ fam’d for your learning, renown’d in the fchools, How abject, how grov’ling your mind! four tank in creation may ftand amongft fools, : Self-wifdom has made you more blind. g That 16 A DIALOGUE. That fouls are immortal from resto is clear, And this the old heathens confefs’d : But ye againft reafon have flop’d your dull ear, To earth ye bend down, like the beaft. The part that’s immortal is always awake, _ (For Wispom doth nothing in vain :) But were it tofleep, the connection would break, A rent would be made in the chain. | Oh! where is ambition, that fpur to the mind, Still longing, ftill panting to rife ! A noble ambition, which ne’er is confin’d, But conftantly tends to the fkies ! Let us, my Palemon, difdain the low thought, Or limit our views to the earth : A {park that’s ethereal from heaven we caught, Then let us recover our birth. - Oh! Ict us keep clofe to our Centre, whilft here, And walk in the light of our Sun : Determin’d to grow, and in grace perfevere, And ftill to perfection go on. A'DIALOGUE. » 17 re long we fhall fhake off this cumberous clod, And, mounting aloft on the wing, Ve’ll meet our dear friends all rejoicing with God, And join them in concert to fing. our foul is exulting, and wifhing to fly, Methinks it is ftriving to fay ;— Give, give me my wings! let mé mount to the fky, And {oar to the regions of day ! Too long I am fetter’d, weigh’d down by a load, Oh ! what an incumbrance is this ! Tow let me burft forth, and proceed in the road, {>> That leads to angelical blifs c NOTES. NOTES. «¢ Navy betrayed by a Bynz.” p.3.] Admiral Byn fuffered the Fortrefs of St. Philip in the Ifland of AZinore to be taken by the French in the year 1756, by not at tacking their Fleet. ; «¢ Laugh at his word.” ib.] Deifm and Infidelit have prevailed much, during this Century, in Englan as well as onthe Continent: and we fee the dreadfu effeéts which it has produced in France. ‘© Outftripping the Sun.” p. 5.) Mr. Wefley’s ufua hour of rifing was four o’clock: but fometimes, on journey, he fet out at three. “¢ His circuit is only begun.” ib.] No doubt th fpirits of the righteous will be aétively employed in 3 future ftate, in fome way whica will tend to the glory of God. See the ingenious conjectures of Dr. Watts o1 this fubje&, in his Sermon on Separate Spirits. ‘© The ethereal roams.” ib.] Mr. Wefley fuppofe that fpirits, when difengaged from the earthy or anima body, have ftill fome kind of a very fubtle or etherea vehicle, fimilarto that of Angels: and that there is ne pure fpirit, properly fo called, but God alone. He preached expreffly on this fubje& a few months befor his death. Dr. Youne fays, «¢ Angels are men in lighter habit clad, *¢ High o’er celeftial mountains wing’d for flight; ¢* And men are Angels, loaded for an hour, ‘© Who wade this miry vale; and climb with pain, ** And flipp’ry ftep, the bottom of the fteep.” ‘¢ Vifits the feats of the bleft.” ib.] The Author does not mean to infinuate by this expreffion, that the Planet: or Stars are inhabited. Neither doeshe affert the plu- rality of worlds; though this idea may tend to excite our adoration of the great Author of all things. ‘¢ Swiftly glides thro’ the ftars.” ib.] The rays of light are fuppofed to move two hundred thoufand miles in a fecond: and God can give to other bodies fuch {wiftnefs, as to carry them a thoufand times quicker thana ray of light. Such fubtilty and fwiftnefs will the Saints have in the unbounded regions of {pace. & Centre NOTES. 19 *¢ Centre of all, the fun.” p. 6.] They who are verfed 1 Aftronomy, particularly the Copernican Syftem, will eft underftand the propriety of the expreffions here fed. *¢ A law which they never tranfgrefs.” ib.] The quares of the periodical times are as the cubes of the dif- ances. See Sir Ifaac Newton upon this. “¢ Friendfhip and brotherly love.” ib.] Dr. Youne AYS, *¢ The Planets of each fyftem reprefent ** Kind neighbours: mutual amity prevails ; Sweet interchange of rays, receiv’d, return’d 5 Enlight’ning and enlighten’d! all at once Attracting and attraéted, patriot like, ‘© None fins againft the welfare of the whole.” ¢ Immers’d in the blaze”. ib.] The Planet Mercury noves in an orbit fo near the Sun, that he is always im- jers’d in his rays. We may reafonably fuppofe, that ney who move the neareft to the Sun of Righteoufnefs ere below, will have moft of his nature, and will be eareft tohim above: «¢ A Chriftian dwells, like Unter, in the Sun.” Younc. ee a“ 4 4 Shine with a luftre fupreme.” ib.] They that turn hany to righteoufnefs, fhall fhine as the Stars for ever nd ever. Daniel xii. 3. ** Catholic Chriftian.”’ ib.] One of a liberal mind, and nenlarged charitable Spirit. *¢ Valley of bones,” p.7.] See Ezek: xxxvii. 1, &c. < The tyger, lion,” &c. ib.] See Ifaiah xi. 6. _** Horrible pit,” ib.] See Pfalin x!. 2. £* Torrent of Spey.” p. 8.] This is the moft rapid river n Scotland. A _** From Satan’s alarms.” p, 10.} Satan often excites alfe alarms and unbelieving fears in weak minds: but tore frequently endeavours to lull believers into a fatal ecurity. | ** Difmiffed with anod.” ib.] Mr. W excelled the art of government: and therefore could with the teateft eafe remove fuch perfons as were immoral, or ould not fubmit to his diretions. *¢ Sever the precious and vile.” p. 11. See Jer. xv. 19. Sed immedicabile vulnus enfe recidendum; ne pars ‘$Sincera trahatur, Ovip, Met. | 20 NOTES. <¢ Limit their God.” p. 12.] See Pfaim Ixxwjii. 19, 8x “© Read their deftruction.” p.13.] See Luke xix. 24 2 Pet. il, 1. 3.—Rev. xix. 20. ‘¢ Teachers fhai! arife.” ib.] See Ifai. xxx. 20. Matt XXVlil. 20. “¢ Let floods clap their hands.” ib.] See Pfa. xlvii. 1 Pla. xceviii. 8.—Ifaiah ly, 12. ‘¢ True knowledge increafe.” p. 14.] See Dan: xii. 4 ‘© Towards perfection fhall grow.” ib.] God alon is abfolutely perfect: And as he is infinitely fuperior t all created beings ; there is room for every finite being Angels, as well as glorified Saints, te make nearer an nearer approaches tohim: 1. ¢. to increafe in knowledge glory, and felicity, thro’ the countlefs ages of Eternity. ‘¢ New wonders unfold.” p. 14.] The works of crea tion, of providence, and of grace, will gradually open t the view of angelic beings as wellasof men. And a every frefh difcovery, they will fay, ** Great and mar vellous arethy works, Lord God Almighty.” With re {peé&t to the Work of Redemption, the Angels are repre fented by St. Peter (rapaxddas) as ftooping down, an looking into, or ftudying it with more than ordinary ac curacy, and deliberation. ‘¢ To his fons inftruction conveys.” p. 15.|] Whz fenfes the foul may have in its difembodied ftate, analc gous to feeing, hearing, fpeech, &c. we cannot tell; bu He who created it, can eafily give it faculties of percep tion, as wel] as powers of conveying its ideas ; as th Angels undoubtedly have ; nay he may, if he pleafes impart even to the glorified body more fenfes, or channel of conveying knowledge, than thofe which we have a refent. “© Self-Wifdom, &c.” ib.] See Rom. i. 22.—1 Cor I. 20. ** Bend down like the beaft.” p. 16.] «© Pronaq; cum fpectent animalia cetera terram 5 *¢ Os homini fublime dedit coelumq: tueri “© Juffit, et erectos ad fidera tollere vultus. Ovid: Metam ‘* A fpark from heaven.” ib.] See Gen. il. 7. *¢ Natus homo eft. Hunc divino femine fecit *¢ I}le opifex rerum, Ovid; Metan ¢¢ Walk in the light” ib. ] See Colof. ii. 6.—1 John i. s¢ In grace to grow.” ib.] See 2 Pet. ii. 18. : ‘© To Perfection go on.” | ib. See Heb. vi. 1. ‘* Give me wings” p. 17] See Pial lv. 6. FIN TS, Mit LeENNIAL LIB E RA.Y, OR me PR OPTLE RIC LVIE W. OF THE MESSIAH’ss KINGDOM, AR | . P.© EM: Written at Dover CiiFFs, whilft the Author was looking towards the coaft of France, July 1ft, 1788. By tHe Rev. J.C. IF THE SON SHALL MAKE YOU FREE, YESHALL BE FREE INDEED. : John viii. 36. ONLY USE NOT LIBERTY FOR AN OCCASION TO THE FLESH. Gai. v- 13. AS FREE, AND NOT USING YOUR LIBERTY FOR A CLOKE OF MALICIOUSNESS, BUT AS THE SERVANTS OF GOD, 1 Pet. ii. 16 LONDON: 1788. THE ARG UM-EN T. The Author fianding on Shakefpeare’s Cliff, near lover, and looking towards the coaft of France, re- és on the time when Cafar invaded Britain —An oftrophe to Ambition, and its dire effeéts—Cefar’s ppofed Speech to his troops before his defcent on ritain—the Britifh valour—the Gallic fervitude— be conteft of Lewis XVI. with his Parliaments, and* cir firuggle for Liberty—The fatal effects of papab morance—T he profpect of the Meffiah’s kingdom, and siverfal peace and harmony—The Slave-trade abo- hed—right notions of Liberty—Satan bound—the aquifition abolifbed, and the fall of Rome—Apoftrophe the Miffion of Auftin to convert the Englifh—the ue Gofpel-Zeal—the burning of the Englifh Martyrs Smithfield—Exhortation to unity and brotherly Bethe folly of national prejudice—Advice to the rench to catch the Spirit of Britifo Liberty—A rayer that true Gofpel-Liberty may foon fpread over be Globe. I ray = oe OA . Mi > ‘ a ma é ’ ‘ ie a XY Pa. BY + 7 e Trae ee AE brad te ae ie oe oe . + wa aah, 7 248 ' i : Y ny RRR EES s\ Re the ? , % e yah VIA ORD IA ‘ ‘ ms wy ee . bbe a o* ; AHA Ad Caray) Se t > ¥ é " . ; NY . Lz cm . & Ry URSA LE LON . & j : , . Ey io Lb % * ~ ty + ' , ‘ee os d mi SK ay Syl saew RNS ’ + ‘i ty “ “SYNGAS SR : * ~t = a, S iis iy ky yk 2 e® oo . - ty Le, ek pt‘er x 4 an s & 4 2 4 Abit” Kile) ARMS « ’ , a of Wr . 3 *% ' » % . | é « . + ‘ BW Ge UE, TAS “ ie - * Es - ‘ : i e eB : » 25 2 ied f- 4 * ’ rg ; \ x . ‘ - “ ee 4 MILLENNIAL LIBERTY, A’? O..E.M AY, mighty Cefar, whilft on yonder ftrand Thou ftood’ft and view’d this fair, this fertile land; at prompted thee to leave the Gallic coaft, lur’d thee hither with thy conqu’ring hoft ? is it ambition, or the love of fame ; gain renown, and eternize thy name ? - et the nations hear of thee from far, \ | blazon on thy fhield the feats of war ? bition !—ah !—how baneful is its rage ! lire effects were felt in ev’ry age ! his a brilliant ftar from glory fell, ‘ever doom’d'to gloomy fhades in hell; nm he conceiv’d the thought which thus broke h forth, I] fix my f{plendid throne befide the North ; 2 Fr (ep From whence I'll ride triumphant o’er the fky, And equal him whom others call Mosr Hicu.” Juft fo the world beheld a Babel rife, Whofe builders vainly thought to feale the fkies ’Till foon confufion feiz’d, and vengeance hurl The guilty crew, and drove them thro’ the wor See Xerxes * ftrive to calm the raging deep, And lafh the winds, and billows into fleep ! Behold how Athos opes to give him way, And all his army walks acrofs the Sea ! But fee his millions foon difpers’d and gone, Like drops of dew before the noon-day fun ! Another haughty Monarch rears his creft, And views great Babylon from Eaft to Weft; Then ftruts and fwells with arrogance and pride, As if the Lord of all the world befide : «© Behold this city which myfelf have made! Let Princes tremble: Nations be afraid !” * Xerxes is faid to have cut a cieeaat through Athos : to have built a bridge of boats over the Hell where it was three miles broad ; and commanded the and feas to be whipt, becaufe they oppofed his when he went to invade Greece. EL But fee, anon, the boafter’s laid induft, To feed with brutes; and owns the judgment juft Perufe the facred and hiftorie page, And trace ambitious men from age toage ; , Their footfteps you’ll behold all ftain’d with blood, And empires blufhing at the crimfon flood : Thefe mournful trophies they have left behind ; But of themfelves what relicks can we find ? Perhaps a pillar there, and here a buft, Or little urn, which holds the hero’s duft! Oh! what are golden crowns, or precious gems, And all the pageantry of diadems ! Or what are honours, titles, mighty names, But paffing vapours, or mere empty dreams ! | Atk Alexander ; afk the northern Swedet, ‘How many towns in afhes they have laid ? How many kingdoms they have drench’d with gore, And why they thirfted ftil], and grafp’d at more ? Afk them, what pleafure in the fhades below, ‘The retrof{pective view affords them now ? ‘Oh! what are all the triumphs of an hour ; Or what avails:this curfed thirft of power ! Say > { Charles XII. Ce Say, what could fenates give by their decree, But fhort-liv’d honours, Cafar, paid to thee ? And what were all the battles thou had’ft won, And all the kingdoms thou hadft over-run ; When thou thy Jaurell’d head didft ftrive to hide, . And felt the poniard plunging in thy fide ? When Brutus let thee know thou wert a man, And even Cefar’s life was but a {pan ! An Alexander puth’d his conquefts Eaft ; Didtt thou; ‘to émilate’him, ‘travel Wen? He found his progrefs bounded by the Sea But wouldft thou go ftill further e’en than He ? When thefe bright Cliffs thy eagle-eye furvey’d, (Thy arm ftill nerv’d, thy foul ftill undifmay’d) To chear thy troops, and roufe their martial fire, And ftill with thirft of fame their breafts t’ infpire ; Thou thewd’ft,perhaps, and badethem view themo’er Thefe beauteous hills, and Albion’s whiten’d Shore, *¢ See there (thou faidft) my legions, See that Land! Within your reach; for, lo! ’tis juft at hand! ° | Aad what can Cefar’s Roman troops withftand ! The lands ye’ve conquer’d, which are not a few; And this, among the reit, I'll give to you: Tha Cr) ‘hat country, fure, that rich, that fertile Soil, Vill pleafe your eye, and recompence your toil: t now invites you by its fmiling face ; offefs it then, ye bold, ye hardy race f ome on, my vet’rans, let us crofs the Sea! . ife up and follow ;—Czefar leads the way !” But, did’ft thou gain an eafy conqueft here ? Jo—even Cezfar bought the victory dear. ‘he Britifh valour then by thee was prov’d, ind Britons fought for what they dearly lov’d: “heir Land invaded, and their public weal! Phis, this enkindled all their patriot zeal ; or, Britons always fenfibly could feel! "hey therefore ftood embattl’d on this coaft, "o check the infults of a foreign Hof ; tefolv’d to quell the foe, or bravely fall, intain their Liberty, fo dear to all; or tamely yield their necks like fervile Gaz ||. h! Gallia, doft thou ftill embrace thy chain, r ever hop’ft toraife thy head again ; ot think’ft while bafely bending to thy fate, nat e’en to ftrugele now may be too late ? Cefar having over-ran all Gaul, and fubdued-it, thes a defcent upon Britain. ¢ 8 ) See Lewis yonder rivetting the yoke*, And FreeEpom yielding to the fatal ftroke ! But ere fhe die, or totally expire, Let Frenchmen catch one fpark of Britith fire ! Let all affert their Rights, fo freely giv‘n ; Their privilege divine, the gift of heav’n! Let Defpots know, before ye bend the knee, That Subjects have their Rights: by birth are free : Have right to think; nor do we ever find That Gop hath put a fhackle on the mind. ' No—all his bleffings are as free as air, And therefore ye may boldly claim your Share : Let Lewis know, (that haughty tool of Rome!) That Liberty abridg’d will fix his doom : Tell him, your Liberty you highly prize, That bleffing which the Britons idolize : Tell him, for this ye’ll pour a crimfon flood O’er Gallia’s plains, and deluge it with blood : | Let haughty tyrants learn, from ages paft, That cords, when pull’d too tight, will break at laf a * Atthe time when this was written, the King France was contending with his Parliaments ; and bani moft of the Members, and fome of the Nobility to th Country Seats. at ( 9 ) Wea: And if they ftretch Prerogative too far, i Twill caufe much bloodfhed, or a civil war: Twill force the mildeft Subjects to rebel, ind where the flood thall ftop, pray who can tell ? To you I look, th’ Inhabitants of Gaul, Vith pity look ; and ; loudly on you call: teject the maxims taught by papal Rome ; Jor think the Braz only fit for fome : Phe laws, which all muft keep, fure all fhould read : Then weigh maturely, ere you form your creed : 7xamine well, and weigh in Reafon’s Scale, Phe word of Gop, and let the Truru prevail : 4et fuperftitious darknefs take its flight ; 3e banifh’d to the realms of endlefs night; there hatch its errors foul, (a motley train!) tut never on our Earth appear again ! I fee, indeed, a day juft near at hand, Vhen Gofpel-light thall {pread to ev’ry land; Vhen maffacres, and wars, and feuds {hall ceafe, . ind wolves with lambs and kids lie down in peace : Vhen lions, tygers, leopards, in one fold, hall live in love, and take a fofter mould: Vhen Chriftians, Jews, and Pagans fhall agree, And ev’ry heart be tune’d to harmony : in c Mess! az 6 Mess1au comes !—Ride on, thou Prince of peace O hafte, and bring thefe happy, halcyon days! Diffufe thy beams o’er all the earth abroad, Till all, thro’ thee, fhall know the mighty Gop! Let all behold thy banner foon unfurl’d; And thy meek Spirit reigning in the world ! Let ev’ry feature in thy likenefs fhine, And ev'ry face be heav’nly and divine! - No longer then fhall fcowling Envy peep With fide-long glance, or laugh whilft others wee; But all fhall fmile, and look ferenely gay, And tafte the bleffings of a Gofpel-day : Shall fit beneath their fig-tree and their aed ‘And none fhall at another’s lot repine : _ | No longer then fhall Afric’s Sons complain, Or writhe their necks beneath a galling chain : Nor fhall her daughters, in a foreign land, — Expos’d and naked in the market ftand ; Or fatisfy their mafter’s brutal luft ; The very thought of which provokes difgutt | Oh! horrid trade !—Oh! curfed thirft of golds | What !—human beings to be bought and fold ! How could it e’er ’mong rationals take place, Which fo defiles, degrades, and fhames our race C bay) ould Adam fee his children thus forlorn, Debas’d, defpis’d, and treated-thus with fcorn.; Sehold their backs with crimfon gore embru’d, \nd e’en the earth all ftain’d with clots of blood ; Sehold his free-born children, fold for Slaves, jubmit their necks, and-crouch to fordid knaves ; de’d leave, if poffible, the realms of light, ind come to earth, detefting fuch a fight; ndignant come, to break.their tyrants’ rod, ind, having made them free, return to Gop, But hark !—ye drooping Souls, difpel your fear 5 *he fecond Adam fhortly will appear: ‘ 1e’1l come anon to fet the captives free, roclaim to all the year of Jubilee, . } ind ev’ry tongue fhall ery—’tis He !—'tis He! [e’ll reign on earth, and reign with mildeft {way, or, love conftrains his fubjeéts to obey : fis light fhall fhine, and ignorance give place, Vhofe clouds have long involv’d the human races lis light thall foon illumine ev’ry mind, nd they fhall fee, who long were dark and blind : ) glorious light !—Soon may it fpread around, nd Gofpel-freedom ftill be gaining ground : * ; C2 Till if, ( 2 ) *Till all fhall roufe, and break the hellifh chain, | Nor yield their necks to tyranny again : No longer hood-wink’d, or by ‘Abbots dup’d, Or Monks and Friars in a Convent coop’d ! May Liberty o’er all extend her wing, And underneath may peafants fmile and fing ; And thro’ the world the found of FrEEpom ring ! But, Let the bleffing, thus to all diffus’d, Be highly priz’d, not wantonly abus’d : For, Gofpel-liberty, well underftood, Makes proud men humble, and the wicked good ; Reclaims the Libertine, and makes him chafte, And gives the moft refined, exalted tafte : Reftores to Man a dignity of Soul, And keeps the paffions under {weet controul ; -- But fpurns the proud Impoftor’s § naufeous fcheme His Paradife for fools, and lufcious dreams : For, Chrift comes down to make our Nature pure To heal our wound, and to complete the cure ; To purge our drofs; our earthly to refine ; And ftamp on Adam’s race the ftamp divine = He comes to make his Subjects truly free, And grant to all primaval Liberty ; } Mahomet. € 13 ) hat they may live as Angels do above, ind drink the ftream of pure perennial love ; fay fit as Priefts and Kings around his Throne, ind with their Head eternally be one. | Je fhall ere long reftore the golden age, - ind banifh evil from this earthly ftage : No burting thall in all his Mount take place§, Jor difcord then divide the human race: | he long indeed had fpread her deadly bane, ind Satan had his time on earth to reign ; jut, having triumph’d and prevail’d his hour, Je foon muft yield to a fuperior Pow’r, then firmly bound fhall dwell in endlefs night, for ever banifh’d from the realms of light; Midft clanking fetters, adamantine chains, ind gnafhing teeth, refulting from the pains - )f thofe, who once had own’d hisewretched {fway, Vho willfully were blind, and chofe to’ obey ; Yenied their Lord, refus’d his gentle yoke, Dr having own’d him, then again forfook ; And follow’d Satan thro’ the dreary gloom, Till Justice now hath feal’d their final doom. Alas ! d § Tfaiah xi. g. a ( ™4 ) Alas! how long did this Deftroyer kill, And fpread on earth his burning murd’ring zeal ; Exciting men to torture for a thought, ad And damn the Souls which Chrift had furely bought O horrid Court §! thy head muft fhortly fink, _ : For, men begin to let each other think : The Queen of Nations fallstorifeno more, And papal tyranny will foon be o'er: _ Yes, Babylon fhall fall with all her Spires, Her Domesiand Towers in fulphureous fires f: The Kings, who long: had trembled at her nod, | : No longer dread to feel her iton rod ; But claim their rights, and dare to think as men, _ Nor will they deign to yield to her again. But on reflection, now I call to mind,, Thetime, when Romg to Britons once was kind ; When the had onee at heart our public weal, And thew’d her friendthip by an ardent zeal : § The Inquifition. ¥ Itis very probable that Rome will be fwallowed by an Earthquake occafioned by the Volcanoes of Etna a Vefuvius, which muft by this time have hollowed the ear to a great diftance, perhaps very near to Rome. C 1s ) An Auftin then by Gregory was fent, lo civilize th’ Inhabitants of Kent; And next to publifh, by exprefs command, Phe Scripture-truths, and fpread them thro’ the Land: To fow in Britifh foil the heav’nly Seed, And preach that Curist, of whom'we all have need: - Their kindnefs now we’re ready to repay, Since we enjoy a brighter light than they : A miffion we can fend to France and Spain, And re-baptize old Rome with fire again; The fire of love which fhe hath almott loft, The fire of Father, Son, and Holy Ghoftt: The fpark, which ftrangely life divine imparts, Refines and foftens adamantine hearts : Diffufes gentle ardor in its courfe, Attracts and wooes, but never ufes force: Great-Britain now a fiery zeal difclaims, And recolle&ts with horror Smithfield’s flames : Yet in thefe flames a brilliant fpark was found, Which ‘hed its glorious luftre all‘around: ~ This fpark, rekindled here in Mary’s days, Was ne’er extinét; but now begins to blaze: And blaze it fhall, ’till time fhal] be no more; Phen catch it, whillt ye may, from Albion’s Shore: he (16 ) The beacon now is lighted on a hill, That all around ‘may’fee it, if they will : The trumpet founds—* glad tidings, days of grace And calls back rebels to the Prince of peace; Ye Nations, liften, hear it from afar; j | Ceafe, ceafe from tumult, and inteftine war ! : “Your fwords to plowfhares beat, and till the foil ; And let the earth o’erflow with wine and, oil ; Let friendfhip, kindnefs, amity, take place, And mutual love appear in-ev’ry face: Let each to Gop, their common centre, cleave, And breathe their Souls to Him, in whom they liv Let all the Kingdoms yield to Chrift’s alone, | And all their foolifh prejudice be gone ; *Till they as branches into Jefus grow, And formone Church, one family below; Alas! how long did bigotry and pride, Intrigue of Courts and Minifters divide Thefe lands fo near, yea once in nature join’d{, — And fhed the blood of thoufands of mankind ; { Itis evident that thefe lands were once joined ; but w ther they were fevered at the Deluge, or hy any ot concuffion of the earth, cannot now be afcertained. Ce 27) We now deplore, deteft the foul difgrace, And hang out unto you the flag of peace : see how it waves on yonder ftately Tow’r, Declaring to mankind that war is o’er ! And when ye view the Caftle || on that brow ; Let this to Frenchmen prove a Pharos now, fo guide them thro’ the dark and dreary gloom Df Superftition hatch’d in papal Rome: Phey then fhall fail into the Port of eafe, And there enjoy the fweets of glorious Peace! Let Dover Cliffs, fo pleafing to the fight, Appear an emblem of the Gofpel-light : May all mankind foon catch the Britith flame, And all the world rejoice at Jefu’s name! May Englith Liberty foon fpread to Gaul, “rom thence to Spain, to China, and Bengal: May England’s Freedom found thro’ all the earth, “ill all affert and claim their noble birth ; Maintain their charter, and their birth-right free, nd hand them down to late pofterity : ay this bleft land be known to ~Adam’s race ; Jand of Licut, of Lizerty, and Peace !— Pa ie oe Se | Dover Caftle. enitid acy ath Feet “gaitin h- “(ede “ets 4 3 espthe 2 eaohs "he Author's Addrefs to his: Friends. » bm) = 7 3 aa} - 7 . -REFIXING an Epiftie Dedicatory toa ook by its Author, and addreffing it to fome ble Perfonage or ‘perfon of influence, is like anging out a fign in order to recommend our ares: And as thefe dedications have been eneraily ftuffed with fulfome flattery, and lean adulation, fo they are now generally ex- loded. Another method has been adopted in 2 times: The author addreiles the reader, id begs his «* candor will overlook the many in- euracies and defe&ts which he will find in the | ion, ftile, or arrangement of the parts of the lowing fubject, &c. &c. &c.” This alfo is nu- t ry: The reader, according to his tafte and | ment, will approve or condemn the per- formance, (ae formance, whether its author implores indv gence or not. The Author of the following little detach pieces rejects both thefe methods. If he we to requeft the Reader’s indulgence for the < fects which he may perceive in them, he mi requeft it forthe whole; and then it might afked, — ‘* Why print them at all ?” —Andt fame queftion might be put, in cafe he addrefi them to fome one of noble birth, or a perfon influence. He therefore only addrefies them the perfons to whom they were at firft writte (fome of the pieces by their particular defi and he feels no neceflity of requefting th candor and indulgence; for he has it alread and he knows alfo, that Love covereth a mu iude of faults. POE POETIC MISCELLANIES. oe a a ee Reso OO U Y, BY A PERSON APPARENTLY NEAR DEATH, 7 B What hero, like the man who feans himfelf ; ‘¢ And dares to meet his naked heart alone ; “¢ Who hears, intrepid, the full charge it brings, s© Refolv’d to filence future clamours there ?”— Young. RE T leave this buftling ftage, Confcience, let me read thy page: Let me turn thy records o’er, And minutely each explore! Thou haft noted all the faéts, All my words, and thoughts, and acts: And my every ftep canft trace Thro’ this devious, winding maze. Thou a regifter haft kept, When I wak’d, and when I flept : Thou waft with me night and day, Clofe companion all the way: B Shewing POETIC Shewing ftill a friendly care ; Pointing out each deadly fnare : Warning, as I travell’d on, What to feek, and what to fhun: When to fight, and when to fly, If I faw temptation nigh: ~ Thou, my monitor within, Always fhew’dft me what was fins And, as God’s Vicegerent here, Oft haft made me quake for fear. Ac then, now, thy faithful part ; Whifper to my panting heart, (Since my race of life is rum) What I’ve thought, and faid, and done > Tell me when I went aftray— Turn’d to folly’s crooked way ? When I left my Father’s houfe ; Broke my early, facred vows? When I ftrove on hutks to dine, Mingling with the filthy fwine ? What was then my ftate; O tell, Was it not a prefent hell ? Did not Pleafure leave behind Something painful in the mind ? Whic MISCELLANIES. aT Which fromthee I ftrove to hide, But in vain; for thou didft chide: Still did’ whifper in my ear, <¢ Fly this place, for ruin’s here : Never more with Circe fup, Death is furely in her cup.” Gi Tell me, did I then effay, Burft my bonds, and break away ? Did I wake from nature’s fleep, And for fin in fecret weep ? Did I to my Father turn, And for folly deeply mourn ? Did I all my crimes confefs, Suing earneftly for peace ? Crying, in a fuppliant tone, “ Father, pardon what I’ve done ?” Did he give me backemy hope, Raife my fainting fpirit up ?° Did he, asa Father mild, Kifs his once rebellious child ? ancel all my former {core, Bid me go and fin no more ? Tell me, Confcience, tell me when I, by grace, was born again? | Bg Thou POETIC Thou didft note when I believ’d, And to Curisr fincerely cleav’d : When I felt my foul on fire, Ardently to heaven afpire ? When I tafted of the joy, Which can never, never cloy ey: When I had a draught of love, From the Fountain-head above : Thou didft fhare th’ extatic blifs, And canft tell how fiveet it is! But, from grace if e’er I fell, Surely, Confcience, rHov canft tell ! If fo bafely I could act, Thou canft afcertain the fact ; Mark the circumftance, and how, If I broke my folemn yow: If the fpirit e’er I grev’d, Since in CurisT I firft beliew’d : If I ever was reftor’d. To the favour of my Lorp: If I now his image bear : If he owns me for his heir: Heir to manfions in the fkies 5" When from death thro’ Chrift I rife: | MiISCELLANIES. I3 Is my title full and clear? Have I nothing now to, fear? Come, my foul, then leave this clod ; Burft thy prifon: fly to Gop! Soar aloft, and launch away, To the realms of endlefs day ! Se oN Ze A eS ON THE DEATH OF MRS. ELIZ. PERCY, OF GARRADICE, IN THE COUNTY OF LEITRIM : Addreffed to her two * Daughters. N D is Eliza gone, To me, to all fo dear? Then let me heave a mournful figh, And drop a friendly tear! What ! though no letter’d ftone f Records her fleeping duft : » Her gentle fpirit mounts on high, And fhines among the Just ! But ¢ The Author had heard that no Monument or In- feription was dedicated to her memory, in the church of Drumreily, where fhe is interred. r4 POETIC But 1s no grateful friend, So gen’rous to ftep forth ; To fpeak her mildnefs, gentle eafe, Her meeknefs, and her worth ? Will no Rofcommon-bard*, Her matchlefs worth difplay ? Ungrateful Leitrim-+- ! art thou dumb, Or canft thou nothing fay ? Though all fhould filent be, There’s one ftill grateful found ; Who'd praife her virtues, praife her deeds, Her virtuous deeds refound. He’d praife them more and more, And celebrate her fame. But he ne’er drank Paraaffus’ fount, Nor claims a Poet’s name. To * She was born in the County of Roscommon. + Leitrim was formerly famous for Pocts and Muficians. ‘There is a remarkable beautiful hill in it, called Sheemore, almoft of a conical figure, which may be called the [ri Parnafius; from which there is an extenfive profpect of hills, plains, mountains, lakes, and beautiful rivers. MISCELLANIESe To you, ye blooming fair, Fair emblems of her here ; He points the road, in which fhe walk’d, With diligence and care. Oh! mark her humble fteps ; Ne’er deviate from that way ; Let no falfe light deceive your eyes, Or lead your feet aftray. The law of God the lov’d, And carefully perus’d ; To gain the knowledge of his will, No labour e’er refus’d. The Bible was her guide, By which fhe fteer’d along ; She minded not what Deifts faid, Who treat it as a fong. Thofe poor, unthinking fools, Who God’s own word defpife, She faw were dark, yea, groffly dark, Thoygh wife in their own eyes. x5 She 16 POETIC She pitied alfo thofe, Who boftle here in noife ; Who wafte themtelves with anxious care, Contending ftill for toys, She lov’d a calm retreaty, Where folid joys are found ; Nor wifh’d to mingle-with a fet, ,, Where cenfure whifpers round. Her mind was ftill ferene, Her breaft was full at eafe ; Her ill fhe patiently endur’d, Nor murmur’d at difeafe This is the fruit of faith, Which fhews the chriftian here ; Yea, faith difarms the monfter Death, Or blunts his pointed fpear. - Tis + Garradice is fituate on the fhore of a large and beau- tiful lake, furrounded with hills and woods, which ren-— der it a moft enchanting rural feat, | She was almoft conftantly confined by ficknefs 5 bore feventeen children, and died afew minutes after being delivered of the feventeenth. MISCELLANIES, *Tis faith in Jesu’s blood, ‘That makes men truly brave ; Through this they find the peace of God, And look beyond the grave. By ficknefs when we ’re tried, By griefs and cares opprefs’d; *Tis peace alone, the peace of Gop, Can lull thefe cares to reft. By tempefts when we’re tofs’d ; When boift’rous billows roll ; ?Tis faith and hope will then fupport A tempted, finking Soul. When we’re of friends bereft, Forfaken, or forlorn: °Tis faith in Chrift, by which our wrongs, By which our griefs are borne. Your Mother follow then, And imitate inthis ; So fhall ye climb through trials here, To realms of endlefs blifs. ts 17 AS POETIC As tenderly fhe lov’d, So carefully fhe taught, Your infant minds to catch the flame, Which fhe herfelf had caught. That flame of facred love, Of love to Chrift, her Lord ; Who had fo freely died for her, According to his word. Too foon indeed for you, Too foon fhe left you here ; But yet fhe’s gone to realms of joy, In the celeftial fphere. From Garradice below, 1 To Paradife above, She wing’d her flight to meet her Lord, The Lord of life and love. While here to earth confin’d, Her thoughts were upwards bent ; To feek that city which fhall come, Was ftill her chief intent. MISCELLANIES» 19 The view of Zion’s hill Her mental eye furvey’d ; To this the prefs’d moft ardently, On this her hopes were ftay’d. She view’d the glorious fun, The Sun of righteoufnefs ; "Twas through a glafs, indeed, fhe view'd, - Which made her joys the lefs, The blaze of day fhe fought, The blaze of endlefs day $ And Jefus was the morning flar, To guide her on the way. She now enjoys the light, To faints and angels giv’n ; She calls on you to follow her,’ And beck’ns you to heav’n. But, while ye ftay below, Take care ye do not ftray, From that ftrait path, in which fhe walk’d ; For ’tis the only way. C2 If 20 POETIC If by this courfe ye move, This compafs always fteer ; The world fhall then have onee to fay, «© Two Phoenixes appear !” Should Envy, with a grin, Or jaundic’d eye, furvey Thefe well-meant lines, and doubt the truth Of this plain, fimple lay : Or fhould fhe, with a taunt, Malicioufly deride, And call this — “ Fulfome flatt’ry, all,”— Becaufe it checks her pride: Mind not her envious fneer, But carefully proceed, To follow her, who was, in truth, An Ifraelite indeed. } With an unbias’d ear, To his advice attend; Who, fcorning flatt’ry, ftiles himfelf Your faithful, humble friend. The MISCELLANIES. 2r The. PARTING, SCENE, BETWEEN THE AUTHOR AND HIS RELATIONS, Otober. rift 1783. They all wept, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kiffed him: Sorrowing for the words which he fpake, that they fhould fee his face no more.” Ads, xx. 37, 38. WO part from Friends and Relatives moft dear ; : ( j : From thofe who lov’d me with a love fincere : To fee the throbbing breaft, the rifing figh ; And the big drops faft trickling from each eye : To tear me from a Sifter’s fond embrace ; To mark in filent grief a Brother’s face: Can I, unmov’d—Can I, at fuch a view, Unfeeling ftand, and coldly fay,—* Adieu?” Ah! What is this, which thrills thro’ ev’ry vein, Which mixes pleafure-with moft pungent pain ? Which melts the heart, whilft beating with alarms, Allays the tumult with its foothing charms, And with a gentle flame my bofom warms! Ye, who have felt,—(and ye alone can tell,} Who whilft ye trembled, found your breafts to: fwell, ; Who i oe ie a, @im ~ yt, ’ \ re - >. 22 ; POETIC Who found delicious agony to roll, Diffufing ftrange enchantment through the foul : Ye, who have tafted this extatie blifs, Define its nature, and fay what it is? —’Tis fomething touching Nature’s fineft ftring, Which moves the Sage, the Hero, and the King : Thefe all have felt its pow’r, in ev’ry age : (Read Grecian Homer, and the facred page :) Tis this which ties, and myftically blends Two tender, loving, fympathizing friends. Oh! may I ne’er from Friendthip’s ties be freed ! Its ftricteft bonds are pleafing bonds indeed. How nice its fenfe !—its feelings how refin’d ! Tt fhews a great, and an exalted Mind. Yet ftill to make our Friendfhip lafting prove, Tt muft concenter in the Gop of Love. *Tis He attracts, unites, cements each part, And makes of twain, one undivided heart. As radii to their common centre tend ; So brother meets a brother, friend meets friend : And, thus united, move as by one Soul ; For, Gop, the centre, adctuates the whole, But, now ye afk,— ‘ Since thus united, we, By friendfhip’s tics, fo cordially agree; Why MISCELLANIES. 23 ‘ Why do-you think of leaving Friends fo dear; i So near by blood, and ftill by grace more near?” Tis hard, indeed, ’tis very hard to part From loving friends fo twifted round my heart « A ftruggle this, the pencil ne’er can paint, And verbal images are {till more faint. I feel this ftruggle now.—Oh ! how it rends My bleeding heart, to fee my weeping friends 1 Yes, Nature feels, and Sympathy confpires To catch the flame of Love’s attracting fires. The heart relaxes, whilft with warmth it glows, And down the cheeks a briny torrent flows. Let infidels deride, and call us fools; (Since they are harden’d in the Deift-{chools) Let fuch our tender feelings—** weaknefs”—call ; 46 A mere romance, or affeCation all!” /Yer ftill I dare avow,—avow I muft, A Curist1an’s Love is natural, and juft s _It conftitutes a mortal half divine, And makes his face with heav’nly radiance fhine. Let Stoicstoo, who fcarcely feem to move, Or thofe, who taik of cold Platonic love, Let thefe defcant on fuch phlegmatic themes ; Give me the ardent Curistian’s warmeft frames ! But 24 POETIC But Stoic Chriftians !—If you fuch can find, Let them be banifh’d from the human kind: In darknefs let them mope infome cold cell, Ox with the tygers in the forett dwell : Let them in caves fit brooding, all alone, And, like the dripping water, turn to ftone! My chriftian friends lie always near my heart ; And yet from thefe I now am fore’d to part ! ’Tis Gop commands, and therefore I obey ; Whate’er his will, I lie as paffive clay : He calls.a worm of earth to preach his word! And Gofpel medicines, ev’ry help afford To mortals perifhing by fin’s foul ftain ; And fnatch them, If I can, from endlefs pain! _ —To preach his word !—that tafk, indeed, is gre: For fuch a work what man was e’er complete ? — Yet things of mought, and mean things Gop do chufe ; And ftill by fuch his might and power fhews. — To BPritain’s Capital ue calls me now ; The crofs is great, yet I adoring bow : Yes, trials, bonds, afflictions, wait me there ;— But ftill, I truft, his grace will help to bear : Th MISCELLANIESe 25 Then, in his Name, I’ll crofs the ftormy Deep ; But, O my friends, forbear, forbear to weep! “ The Deep I’ll pafs, with Jesus in my view,” And, as I fail, I’ll often think of you, Bur, when by weftern winds I’m wafted o’er, And fet my foot at length on Brirain’s fhore ; E’en then, though feas divide us, ftill we'll find . Our fpirits are by clofeft union join’d. Nay—tfhould cold death divide us for a time, We'll meet, I truft, in the celeftial clime ; And when we land on Zion’s blifsful fhore, Our joy fhall be complete : we'll part no more. In rapture then, that wememay meet above, I now commend you to the Gop of Love: His Peace be yours ; his Spirit be your guide,— ‘That all the ftorms of life ye may outride ; May come at length to Chrift’s belov’d embrace, And view without a veil his beauteous face! But, ere we part, permit me, asa friend, My laft and beft advice to recommend: Ye bore with all my weaknefs, when I ftood, And ftrove to point you to the Saviour’s Blood : Allow me ftill in love to do the fame, And tell the faving virtues of that Name ; J D That 2b POETIC That only Name to finners ever giv’n ; That only Door, by which we enter Heaven. The Blood of Chrift can make the fouleft clean ; A fountain this, to wath out ev’ry ftain. | If fin-fick, helplefs, burden’d and diftreft, : Ye come believing, Curist will give you ref. From Satan’s bondage would ye now be freed ; — The Son of God can make you free indeed. Does head-ftrong paffion reign without control, Or anger quite deform thy precious foul ? Does envy, hatred, malice, lurk within ? Is hellifh pride thy moft befetting fin ? A healing balm for all in Chriftis found, However foul, however deep the wound. His promife is gone forth :—believe his word ; The fervant fhall be holy as bis Lord. And if ye’re holy, happy ye thall be, Happy in time, and through eternity. Draw near by Faith, and touch his bleeding fide By fimple Faith this marriage knot is tied : Behold he courts, he woos you to his arms : He’s paffing fair: he has ten thoufand charms. His grace to you he freely will impart, . Impart his Mind and purify your heart. 4 »> = “N ~— oe MISCELLANIES, 27 x at then be fure to keep your garments clean ; or let the leaft foul {pot be ever feen : > chafte, be pure, be faithful to your friend he lovely Bridegroom : love him to the end ! ) fhall ye walk with him, atray’d in white ; yfhall ye mingle with the /ainés ia light : )fhall ye fhare the marriage-feaft above : ) hall ye drink eternal draughts. of love : he {weeteft draughts of pure perennial blifs ; nd fee your Gop, Jenov an, asheis! . 2 AN ; 28 POETIC : An EPITHALAMIUM, ADDRESSED To Mrs. Exiz. C > (Sifier-in-law to the Author) ON HER MARRIAGE. ———— ‘«< Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field : “¢ Jet us lodge in the villages. “< Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us" ra ‘¢ if the vine flourifh ; whether the tender grapes ap- << pear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will s¢ I give thee my loves. «© The mandrakes give afmell, and at our gates are <¢ all manner of pleafant fruits, new and old, which s¢ ] have laid up for thee, O my beloved.” | CANTICLES, Vil, 11, 12, 143 OW happy, how happy was fhe, | Who fat at IMMANUEL’s feet ; From worldly incumbrances free, To tafle of angelical meat ! Her foul thirfted after the Word, Each accent that fell from his tongue ; —a eee And, earneftly viewing her Lord, - In rapture extatic fhe hung. Sh MISCELLANIES. 29 She tafted, and drank of the ftream, The water, which freely is giv’ns She alfo receiv’d a new name, A name that’s recorded in heav’n: That wonderful change, the New Birth, She felt, and her foul was all love ; She walk’d with her Saviour on Earth, And now fhe enjoys him above. And is not that Jesus the fame, Confin’d nor to time nor to place? To fave men from ruin he came, And all may be faved by Grace: Yes, all, if they feek it, may find The Mercy he bought on the Tree 5 To all he is Joving and kind, And purchas’d a manfion for thee. Then hafte to the Saviour’s embrace, And make him ¢/y Saviour and Lord ; In Him you'll find pardon and peace ; Believe and rely on his word : That Babe, who in Beth?em was born, Who once in a manger did. lies That child, who was treated with fcorn, Is Jesus, exalted on hich. Exalte.t 40 POETIC Exalted to plead for us there, The Court of his Father above ; That all might the benfit thare, Partake of his wonderful love. The Angels attend at his nod, And, gazing, aftonifh’d behold ; With homage they own HIM their Gop, Whom Fudas for filver once fold. See Phoebus diffufing his light; How ftriking, and dazzling his rays! The Stars view, and Queen of the night, And filently ftand in amaze! Thefe all had their being from him, Who fometimes is called the Worp; Though ftange to the Deift it feem, The heav’ns declare him their Lord. Then next to the earth turn thy eyes, And view it all cloathed in green ; Sure here you may gaze with furprize, ~ For here too the Godhead is feen: The Foreft and -Woodlands furvey, And trees that are burden’d with fruit ; Thefe fully our Jesus: difplay, Of Feffe the branch and the root. Go ee le MISCELLANIES. 31 Go forth to the Villages, go, Contemplate the herbs of the field : Behold how the Pomegranates grow, What fragrance the Jeflamines yield ! To Vineyards when next you repair, To fee the grapes tender and young, ' That Vineview with diligent care, " Which once upon Calvary hung! The Garden affords much delight, To fee how the Violets blow ; Let one thing attract all thy fight, That Lilly that’s whiter than fhow! But fee all the reft, how they droop ; How fhort-liv’d the pleafures they bring! To this one they all feem to ftoop, And hail it their Sov’reign and King! The Tulip, which rear’d up its head, And glitter’d in filken array, Is fuddenly faded and dead ; It fprung up and died ina day ! So you, too, my friend muft decay, Though healthful and ftrong you appear; Your moments are pafling away : Improve them then well, while you’re here. : And 32 “ Mierse And when you are fmelling the Rose, Behold one, of beauty moft rare ! In Sharon it blofloms and grows, *Midft thoufands furpaflingly fair ! This Rofe will not wither nor fade ; ’ It lulls ev’ry paffion to reft ; And when in the bofom ’tis laid, It heals ev’ry pain of the breatft. It banifhes terrors and fears, The fears, to which all are inclin’d ; In ficknefs it comforts and chears, And brings folid Peace to the Mind. Tf anguifh fhould caufe thee to groan, This Rose will a cordial impart ; Then take it, and make it thine own, And ftill prefs it clofe to thy heart. The Bridegroom will fhortly appear, All glif’ning in nuptial array ; His prefence will banifh our fear, And chafe all our forrows away : The Bride fhall be clothed in white, In garments all fpotlefs and pure; And then the fhall tafte of delight, Of pleafures that always endure. Then MISCELLANIES. 33 Then hatte to be ready in time, - Be wife, and no longer delay ; Prepare for the heavenly clime, Thofe manfions that never decay : Let meeknefs your ornament be, The Bridegroom this highly will prize ; And, when from the body fet free, He’ll welcome you thus to the fkies. * Come, come, my beloved, my Bride, My Dove, whom I purchas’d with blood; | Come, place yourfelf here by my fide, Come, tafte of this heavenly food : This banquet is ready for thee, A banquet that never fhall end ; This feaft is prepared by me, _ Your Hufband, your God, and your Friend. «¢ Here fruits in abundance are found, Spontaneoufly always they grow ; _ The waters of life here abound, | And Iam the rock whence they flow : Then take; and eat freely, my friend, Abundantly drink of the wine ; With me an eternity fpend, And all that I have {hall be thine.” pril, 1785. E AN 34 POETIC An §E Pil See To Mrs. ReEBEccCAH STUBBS, ON HER RECOVERY FROM A FEVER, IN AUGUST, 1785. pee D does my Peck ftill draw her vital breatl Juft barely refcu’d from the jaws of death ? Methought, indeed, you’d left me here behind, _ And gain’d that harbour, which I wifh to find : Had left your friend ftill toiling on this fea, And fafe in port, were looking back on me : Were looking back to fee if I fteer’d right, | *Midft dangerous rocks, oft hidden from my fight That then you cried to Him, who rules the wind: Who limits ocean, and in fetters binds, To lend his aid, to reach me out his hand, Left I fhould fink when juft in fight of land: That land of reft, where toil and labour ceafe, Where all is joy, tranquility, and peace. If Spirits think, then fure our friends above, Who drink the ftreams of God’s unbounded love, Canna ‘ a s 7 MISCELLANIES. 35 Cannot forget their brethren here below, But all the figns of fympathy will thew. ’Tis true, they weep not; for no tears are there : Where all is funfhine, all are free from care. They fee our dangers, and perhaps they feel ; But how they do it, who that’s here can tell ? You're fpar’d a little, in this vale of tears, But fill you tremble, and are full of fears : } Your fears increafe, whene’er you look around, For, where you ftand, you know is flippery ground : You fear the men who bear the chriftian name,_ Yet by their deeds put Chrift to open fhame: You fear the world, with its enchanting {nares ; You fear its fmiles, but more its thorny cares : You fear the Devil, roaring for his prey ; You fear yourfelf, and fain would be away. But here again you ftop, and call to mind The darling infants, you muft leave behind : Ah ! there’s the tafk !—How hard it is to part With tender babes, fo twifted round your heart ! Your bowels yearn! you look, and look again ; And whilft you gaze, awhile forget your pain. . “© My babes !—you cry, how can I leave you here, - Tocombat ftorms ; through boift’rous wavestofteer! E2 Ah! 36 POETIC Ah! who fhall guide you in your giddy youth, Improve your minds, or point you to the Truth? Will ye be cloth’d, or find a piece of bread, When I go hence, and mingle with the dead ? Or mutt ye bear the favage ruffian’s hand, And on him wait to hear his ftern command ? Mutt ye be fcoff’d, and ridicul’d, and fcorn’d, And by the vileft of the rabble fpurn’d ? Oh ! how my heart-ftrings rend at this dire thought I feel the ills to which ye may be brought !—” Enough !—my fifter, let me ftop you here ; And dry up, ifI can, that trickling tear : Your yearnings are my own; I felt them too; — And having felt, can fympathize with you. The path I’ve travers’d, you have lately trod ; And know how creatures wean us from our God. Ah! creature-loves, and idols, all begone ! And let me love my God, and him alone. To fteer through life, as I have found the clue, I ftop awhile to point it out to you: ‘This maze of life, yea rather, vale of death ; For we are dying fince we drew our breath. } Faith, mighty Faith ; this, fifter, is the clue; By Faith the Fuft foall live, and conquer too. . Yes, P MISCELLANIES. ; 37 fes, Faith o’ercomes the world, difpels our fear 5 Jifarms the monfter Death, or blunts his fpear. sy Faith we truft our God with all we have, ind to his wife difpofal all things leave. Ve know Exryan’s God can all things do ; Vho feeds the fowls will feed our children too. Vho decks the lilly with that beauteous veft, Vill give usrayment, or what he fees beft. Vhilft cloge’d with flefh and matter here below, Ve fee but darkly, almoft nothing know : “he ways of God to us myfterious feem ; ut faith cries out,—** Pray leave it a!l to Him : ‘o him commit your caufe, who’s wife and juf, ind where you can’t unriddle, learn to truft+.”— Befides, my fifter, when youtake a view - . )f all that God hath ftrangely done for you, Jow he hath led you through this defart land, tnd all your wants fupplied with lib’ral hand : ) can you for a moment once give way ‘o unbelief, or doubt what Gop doth fay ? Phe Gop of Truth, the Gop that cannot lie; Phat freely pours his bleffings from the fky? Vho counts your hairs, who’s mighty ftill to fave; ind hath fo lately fnatch’d you from-the grave? ° - No + See Parnel’s Hermit. 38 POETIC No—no—you cannot, dure not difbelieve ; . _ But sow refolve his Spirit ne’er to grieve. Be faithful then ;—to all your ways take heed And God will pour his bleffing on your feed : Be faithful unto death, and view the prize By Curisr prepar’d, a manfion inthe Skies: — A crown of life not fubject to decay, : With all the blifs of an eternal day. Behold he comes ! whofe promifes are fure, To crown the juft, who to the end endure, j Behold he comes—the great JEHovAHcomes— To wake the Saints out of their yawning tombs !_ The Saints who fleep in him fhall then awake ; And flumb’ring duft fhall foon new forms partake: Yes, brilliant forms, far brighter than the Sun, : Which through immenfity with eafe fhall run ; Shall fly at his command, who gives them wing, And pay their homage to their Sov’reign King. No pain they feel in that celeftial fphere, And fearce remember that they fuffer’d here. Tran{porting thought !—Oh ! how it lifts me up For, now I feem to ftand on Pifgab’s top. My eager Spirit fain would take its flight, And foaring mingle with the Saints ia light. ’ MISCELLANIES. 39 My dear departed friends, who're gone before, Shall greet me, when I land on Zion’s fhore ; And you, among the reft, I hope to find, lo fhare the Glory for the Saints defign’d. O Thou, to whom, at parting, once I gave That foul in charge, believing thou wouldft fave; , W ouldft fave her in each trial, fave at laft, And be her covert from the furious blaft : | trufted her with thee, and ftillI truft; Thy word is fure, and thou art ever jut— Return, Iafk, return her fafe to me, Pure’d from all fin, from all impurity : My Sifter let me fee a glorious bride, Array’d in white, and feated by thy fide! Midft blood-wafh’d Saints, O may I meet her there ! In tribulation fhe’s my Sifter here. The earth fhall ceafe to move, the Sun to fhine, And all thofe orbs that fhew the hand divine: The heav’ns too, thou fay’tt, fhall not endure ; But ftill thy Truth, thy promifes are fure. On thefe I build my hopes, on thefe rely, By thefe upborne alldangers I defy: Yes, Death itfelf I’il meet, if thou art near, With calm repofe, and even void of fear. My 40 POETIC My gracious Gop, my Father, and my Friend, Still nigh me ftand, and fave me to the end : Yea, fave my Sifter too, and let us mect In blifsful rapture both at Jesu’s feet ; Where we fhall join the Saints’ melodious choir, And with eternal praifes tune our lyre ! A M-E DIT Aa ee AT THE OLD FOUNDRY, NEAR MOORFIELDS, LONDON : Whilfi the rain was pouring through the roof, and burfi dow a part of the cieling of the chamber, where the author lay con fined by ficknefs. Nov. ro, 1785. ‘¢ The cloud-capt towers, the gorgeous palaces, ‘* The folemn temples, the great globe itfelf, <¢ Yea, all which it inherit, fhall diffolve, «¢ And, like the bafelefs fabric of a vifion, ‘¢ Leave not a wreck behind !” Shakefpear. rq HIS tott’ring Fabric, with its mould’ring wal Its beams decay’d, bent rafters, fhatter’d roo Minutely paints, exactly reprefents ; My poor, my frail, my weak, and earthen frame ? ¢ MISCELLANIES. 4i Oall-corroding, all-confuming Time! What dome, what tow’r, what temple, facred fhrine, Could e’er refit thy rage >—How foon diffolve The maffy bars; the gates of folid brafs ! Yea, adamantine rocks will moulder down ! What now remains of antient Babylon, (Chaldea’s boaft!) its gardens rais’d aloft, And all the grandeur of its haughty king? How little e’en of Egypt's Pyramids, Where monarchs lay embalm’d in regal ftate; Thofe piles, which cover’d acres with their bafe, And piere’d the clouds with their afpiring tops ! Where’s now that Fane, the wonder of the world, Which once in fplendour ftood on Zion’s hill ; Erected there by Solomon the wife, And dedicated to the great I AM? Where now thofe Priefts, old Levi’s hallow’d fons, Who there in order ftood, at God’s command, Che altar tending, offering facrifice ; Phe fhadowy type of Him that was to come? Phofe Prophets too, thofe holy men of Gop, rhe heralds of the great Erernat Kine; Vho warn’d the nations, that transgrefs’d his laws, 4 dangers near impending o’er their heads, ’ F And, 42 POETIC And, in his name declar’d, or peace, or war : . Are thefe all gone? cut down by, fleeting Time, | And fwept, as with a befom from the world > : Yes :—e’en the man, who warn’d arebel race, ~ And preach’d for twice the {pace of threefcore years: Who then took fhip, and fail’d o’er mountain tops, Securely fail’dj and fo outliv’d the flood ; \ Fen He is gone; and, ’midft its parent earth, No atom of his duft can now be feen ; iit twa No, nor difcern’d by microfeopic eye! ; Within thefe ragged walls, as Fame records, ‘ Here ftood the men, the mefiengers diyme, The Gofpel-hcralds, who, in Jesu’s name, ; Proclaim’d the terms of free, of lafting peace, .. And offer’d pardons to the lift’ning throng : Ambaffadors for Gop, they dared to {peak With holy boldnefs, yet refpectful awe ; For, well theyknew, that they themfelves were men Yea, pardon’d rebels, who had been in arms. Thefe, too, have ceas’d to fpeak ; have ceas’d to a And al/, in turns, have hence their exit made. — But, do they ceafe to live; or ceafé to be ? 4 Are they, who trod this ftage of bufy life, we ee And bade their brethren look beyond the grave | With MISCELLANIES, 43 With pleafing hopes of Immortality ; Are thefe deceiv’d ?—or, {what is moft abfurd) Reduc’d to nothing > What! to be no more! | Sure common-fenfe abhors the fhocking thought ! Can Man, endued by Gop with Reafon’s gift, Can Maw fuppofe, or even dare to think, - That fouls intelligent, fo wifely form’d, Which bore the ftamp of Him, from whom they fprung, An emanation from th’ eternal Source, Shall wholly vanifh, and exift no more !— Annihilation !—Ha |—How ftrange a word! The facred page, I’m fure, records it not : *Twas hatch’d in hell ; twas nurtur’d by the fiends, And Satan introduc’d it to the light ; Who firft told Eve her children fhould be gods; And chem he tells that they fhall ceafe to be. Be gone! thou foul, thou vile, infidious foe! ‘A liar fure thou art: thy lure I fpurn: Since Reafon, and the Scriptures clearly prove, That Immortality belongs to man. _ ‘Tis true, this body fleeps in duft awhile, ‘And mingles with the clay, from whence "twas form’d ; Fa Yet se 44 POETIC Yet rife again it fhall, to blifs or woe. To blifs the juft thall rife, and fhine as ftars, As brilliant ftars, in glory’s firmament ; Whilft others rife to everlafting fhame, And then are banifh’d to the dark abyfs. When angel-heralds, waiting on their Lord, In order ftand, with trumps prepar’d to found ; And one fhall fwear, that—** Time Jhall be no more. Tis then the Wisk, who turn’d from error’s wa The giddy fools, far wand’ring from their Gop, And brought themback to hear the fhepherd’s voi ’Tis then they’]l fhine, and hear Jenovan fay, «© Come hither, fons; receive your full reward, «¢ And live with me, whilft I myfelf exift.” And is it fo ?—Shall I revive again ? Shall ev'ry atom of this curious frame, This cafket of the foul, be gather’d up, _ And bear the glorious image, ftamp divine 3 It fhall: it muft: For my Reogemer lives: He conquer’d Death :—Thro’ Him Ill conquer t And in my flefh I fhall behold my Gop ! Then blow, ye winds; let rain and hail defcend Let earth’s foundation fhake, with all its tow’rs Its cities great, its towns and ftructures fair ; Th MISCELLANIES. - 45 | The work of ages, and the pride of kings. | This body too may crumble into duft, | Or lie forgotten in the filent tomb; pA houfe I have, not built by mortal hands ; | A manfion bright, eternal in the fkies. | My title to it now I read by Faith, | Which gives a clear and more extenfive view, | Than all the tubes aftronomers can frame. | Yes, Faith makes vifible that folid rock, | The Rock of ages, which fhall me fupport, | Amidft the thund’rings of an angry Gop ; | The wild, the dread difmay of Infidels, _ And all the horrid crafh of burning worlds ! | An EPITAPH : ON A MAN WHO WAS DROWNED WHILST BATHING IN THE SEA AT BRIGHTHELMSTONE. O live each moment, Reader, be thy care ; To live, as feeing The Invistgxe ! Live fo prepar’d, that when He calls thee hence, Thy foul may fpotlels ftand on Zion’s hill. Who lives by Faith, who every moment hangs With firm reliance on the fuffering God, | Can a —— 46 POETIC Can never be furptiz’d by fudden death, Or heedlefs launch into a world unknown. What though his mortal part may fink. in waves, Or fleeping lie to moulder in the duft ; The particle divine afcends on high, To fwim in oceans of eternal blifs ! A SOLILOQUY, é OF Mrs Clos ON THE DEATH OF HER DAUGHTER ELIZABETH, (Who died Fan. 25. 1787. Aged fix Years and five. Months.) © Rachel, weeping for her Children, refufed to be com- “© forted, becaufe they were not.” : Jeremiah, xxxi. 1 be ; A H! how fleeting earthly joys ! Paffing fhadows! empty toys Life’s a bubble on the flream ; Or a fhort fantaftic dream. How deceitful every thing ! In the honey there’s a fting! Haft thou nectar at thy lip? Mark the bitter ere you fip. Ere MISCELLANIES. Ere you put it to your nofe, See the thorn beneath the rofe! View the beauties of the fpring ; Short-liv’d beauties on the wing ! See the vernal flowers fade, Which but now had deck’d the mead ! View the Tulip rear its head, Streak’d with native white and red! Soon behold its humbl’d creft Stoops, and witherglike the reft! See the fragrant damafk tofe Bending downwards as it blows ! So my Betfey bloom’d awhile, Blefs’d her mother with a fmile: Smil’d and prattl’d by my fide, Frifk’d about, and play’d and died. Yet my fancy ftill would feem To perfuade I only dream: What is this, which ftill I find ? Sure her image ftrikes my mind! Still methinks, I fee her eyes, _” Like the Stars in yonder {kies, _Darting forth their luftre bright, Vying with the diamond’s light, 47, Still 48 POETIC Still her accents ftrike my ear, Sounds, which always us’d to chear. See her yonder, in the fields, Cull the fweets which Nature yields : View the little florift Queen Plucking daifies on the green: Like an active, buftling bee, Forming nofegays all for me! All her actions, all her cares, Shew’d her wife above her years ! Did fhe fee me penfive, fad; Then fhe ftrove to make me glad: Fore’d a file amidft her pain: Tho’ convuls’d, fhe fmil’d again. Hov’ring round the Angels gaz’d At the fight, and ftood amaz’d : Then they bore her on their wings, To behold the Ktnc of Kines. Oh! what pencil, oh! what pen, Can defcribe the’ affe&ting fcene ! Let the Stoics call us fools, Lay down maxims, or dull rules; What they never felt, decry, Parent’s fofte& fympathy, MISCELLANIESe fo) ye fympathetic few! Let me now appeal to you: Do not Nature’s feelings bind, Senfibly affect the mind 3 Yes, the tears of Friendfhip prove Senfibility and Love. See how Jesus groans and weeps! Whilft in death his Laz’rus fleeps : Can then mortals ftand unmov’d > Not lament the friend they lov’d ? Can I ftop the gufhing tear, Parting with my Bet/ey dear ? Sooner may the fea be dry, Than the fountain of my eye: Sooner may the Sun ftand ftill, Than my heart forget to feel. She has left me here to mourn, From my heaving bofom torn. Oh ! this ftruggle!—muft we part ?>— Sure fhe’s twifted round my heart i— Hark !—there’s fomething cries within ; << Ceafe thy mourning ; ceafe to fin: Ceafe to tempt the Lord thy God ; Own his f{ceptre, kifs his rod : G 50 POETIC Let him reign thy Sov’reign ftill ; ‘Never dare to thwart his will : He, who gave thy child its breath, Hath recall’d it now by Death : With thy idols bids thee part, Give to him alone thy heart. He thy child has taken home, Snatch’d her from the ills to come: Plac’d her midft th’ angelic choir, There to tune her golden Lyre: There fhe ftands array’d in white, Mingling with the faints in light; Shouting with the hofts above ; ** Praife my God, the God of love !” O my God, I own thy fway; Give me power to obey ! Help me now to bear my lofs, Patiently take up my _ crofs. Let me ne’er thy Spirit grieve, Never murmur whilft I live : Let me only live to thee, Be what thou wouldft have me be! - On the altar now I lay All my Jfaacs from this day : MISCELLANIES, 51 Yes, ye idols, all depart ; Let me give to God my heart : Let him now poffefs me whole, Mind, and body, fpirit, foul ! Amen ! An EXPOSTULATION With Mr. R. C-—, WHO COULD NOT FULLY RESIGN HIS CHILD, WHEN IT SEEMED TO BE NEAR DEATH. “¢ Keep yourfelves from idols.” 1 John, v.21. O'R fhame, my dear Brother, to heave fuch a figh ! So mournfully hang down thy head! What weaknefs, to murmur, left now the Mof High Should number thy child with the dead! Shall clay to the Potter prefcribe what is right, Whilft moulding it under his hand ?_ Shall duft with its Maker prefume ftill to fight, Or dare difobey his command ? G2 Shall 52 POETIC Shall fhort-fighted mortals, oppofing the will, Or thwarting Jexovan’s decree ; Audacioufly boaft of fuperior fkill, And think they are wifer than He !- Shall children of Adam repine at their lot, Not calling to mind his fad fall ! Nay, rather let all men bewail the foul blot, Since Death is entail’d on us ail ! Who formed the body, and firft gave it breath, Who fathion’d the bones in the womb ; Has he not a right to reealh it by death, ; And earth to confign. to the tomb ? Go thou, and confider the patience of Fob, Confider his words and be wife ; Whofe hope was not fix’d upon this earthly globe, But always look’d up to the fkies. «* Who gave me my children, may take them away. All praife to Jenovan, my Lord! Pil meet them again, in that thrice happy day ; I firmly rely on his Word. ’Tis true, this vile body muft moulder in duft, - And therefore Pm fully refign’d ; Again it fhall glorious rife with the juf, When every atom’s refin’d. The : MISCELLANIES. - $3 « The worms may with greedinefs feaft on my fleth, My beauty may foon fade away ; Ere long my RepEEMER fhall clothe it afrefh, With robes that fhall never decay. 'Thefe eyes may be clos’d in the darknefs of night, And filently fleep in the tomb; Again they fhall fee their Creator in light, Where Saints fhall eternally bloom.” Was Abra’m commanded his J/aac to flay, The Son of the Promife, his heir > ‘And did he, without hesitant obey, *Till Gop faid again to him—** Spare!” ? Go thou and do likewife; furrender the loan, Which but for a feafon was giv’n ; And chearfully, willingly yield Gop his own, Submit to your Father in heav’n. “© Ah! hard is the tafk, (you moft ardently cry) __ So foon with my darling to part! a His geftures, his features, his fparkling bright eye, His prattle had won my fond heart : Oh! how fhall I drag on my days when he’s gone! How pafs my life; moping, forlorn, And fleeplefs at night, whilft Linwardly groan, And anxioufly with for the morn! : sb ; Shall na 54 POETIC ‘* Shall daifies, fhall cowflips, fhall rofes delight ? My garden, where oft I reclin’d ? No, thefe fhall all bring my dear boy to my fight, His image imprefs on my mind: The queftions he flarted, and with’d me to folve, Repeated again, .and again ; 7 When thefe, with his lifp, in my mind I revolve, They'll ferve but to heighten my pain. <¢ The embryo genius, like rofes in bud, - I fondly believ’d would expand ; And fancy fugegefted what wonderful good My fon would diffufe through the land. The merchant may talk of his loffes at fea ; The Spaniard his gold may deplore; But what are the treafures of India to me, If Jom 1 fhall dandle no more !” Ah! check this fad language; give ear toa friend Such fondnefs, fuch folly reftrain ! This child might have blafted thy hopes in the end, Have caus’d thee much trouble and pain. - Tho’ fragrant the bloffom, the fruit may be four, And likewife may have a foul core ; Tho’ fair be the morning, ere noon it may low’r, And cloud-rending thunders may roar. ° Since ae: ee i | : _ MISCELLANIES. ny | Since vice is bound up in the heart of a child, Fierce anger, and pride, and felf-will: The mind, without culture, will ftill run more wild, The poifoa will certainly kill. Perhaps this fond darling, whom now you admire, (If God did not mightily fave ;) Might wickedly fhorten the days of his fire, And bring your gray hairs to the grave. Although he at prefent in natural parts May all his coevals furpafs, Inftead of a Doctor, or Mafter of Arts, 1) _ Atlength he might prove but an afs. This gay pretty Kofe-bud which lately you found, When blown might have had a rank fmell ; And having infected the country around, Might fuddenly then go to hell. Be thankful to God, who in mercy and love, From evil now:takes him away ; ho calls thy fon up to bright manfions above, To bafk in the regions of day # ) think of his happinefs, think of his joy, . When, mix’d with the rapturous throng, : eliftens to mufic, which never fhall cldy, And vies to re-echo the fong. Think 56 POETIC Think what a proficient your Son foou will be, In wifdom and heavenly lore; j How rapidly, when from this body fet ia ‘Through regions of Science he’ll foar! - In lefs than a moment his f{pirit fhall know T he fcheme of God’s wonderful Plan ; The things, which, for ages whilft living below, Methufelah never could fcan. And think how delighted your Zommy will be, How zealous, and eager he’ll ftand, To meet, and impart all his knowledge to thee, And welcome thee fafe to the Land! Then let thy fon haften to drink of the ftream, That flows from the fountain of Love ; And if you are faithful, you'll drink it with him, And all the bright feraphs above. Oh! infinite goodnefs! aftonifhing grace ! Jenovan, our God, condefcends To call us to bafk in the light of his face, And reptiles to treat as his friends ? He calls to a banquet, which always fhall laft, In manfions prepar’d by his Son ; - When millions of millions of ages are paft, ~The relith is only begun- | THE MISCELLANIES, 57 The PROSPECT of the Lake ERNE, AND THE COUNTRY ADJACENT, From the Hill called KNOCKNINNY exes — “* Thefe are thy glorious works; Parent of Good, ‘* Almighty, Thine this univerfal Frame, ‘© Thus wond’rous fair ; Thyfelf how wond’rous then ! *¢ To us invifible, or dimly feen, “* In {thefe thy loweft works ; yet thefe declare ‘© Thy goodnefs beyond thought, and. power divine.” Milton, i | HE morn invites ; come then, and let us climb Up yonder Hill that rears its creft f{ublime : Let us inhale the {weets upon the lawn, View frifking lambkins, and the fportive fawn : And when we gain Knockninny’s utmott height, We'll feaft our eyes with exquifite delight. My friend, I know, has tafte, and he fhall find A copious fubject to expand his mind. This day. we'll fpend, and chearfully employ, In viewing Nature, and our Gop enjoy : Fach blade of grafs, each flow’r, each fhrub, each tree, Will point us out the hand of Deity : H Their 58 POETIC Their various tints, their ufes, and defign, Will fully prove the work is all divine! If things minute, with microfcopic eye, We clofely view; an atom, ora fly; An embryo infect, veil’d within its coat; Or lighter things, which in a fun-beam float : If Vegetation fhould our mind engrofs, And we fhould ftop to view a bed of Mofs ; Or, if the Fluids, rifing from the Root, Producing Leaves, perhaps delicious Fruit ; If thefe, and thoufands more, our thoughts engage ; The creeping Ivy, and the Mountain-fage *; The Thiftle’s Down, the Petals of the Flow’rs, Where bees fip nectar from ambrofial thow’rs : The heath with crimfon crown’d ; the flender ruth ; The wild-rofe op’ning ; and the hawthorn bufh. If each of thefe we fludy, or the whole, A fweet aftonifhment fhall feize the foul! Their beauty, texture, curious parts combin’d, Afford much matter for a thinking mind : The more we fearch, examine, and explore, More caufe we find to wonder and adore : And, — % Knockninny abounds with Mountain-Sage. MISCELLANIESe 59 And, tho’ the ufe of each we cannot fcan, Becaufe beyond the reach of mortal man, Yet ftill in all, in each, a Gop we fee, To whom, with rev’rence, all fhould bend the knee. And now, methinks, your mind begins to fill With pleafing rapture, as we mount the Hill: Then let this hillock be our feat awhile, »Till I fhall point you firft to fweet Bellifle+. See there it lies, almoft beneath your feet, A moft enchanting, lovedy, calin retreat : Remote from noife, and from the buftling fcene, Where fharpers cheat, and Cits are fill’d with fpleen Where flattery cringes with a {miling bow, And perjury fucceeds the faithlefs vow ; Where honeft worth but rarely meets a friend, And Patriots fpeak but for fome private end : Where native blufhes ’(counted now difgrace !) Would feem a wonder on a female face : _ And whilft the hufband pores upon the news,} - His partner oft frequents the public ftews : _—But, ftop, my thoughts !—with horror now I ftart! _ E’en thoughts of Cities might pollute the heart ! H2 Then +t The Seat of the Earl of Rof& 3 inn Ifland of Lough Erne. r 60 POETIC Then let us turn our ears to yonder grove, To hear the black-bird, and the cooing dove! Behold that meadow, and the new-mown hay, . That lawn, where lambkins {port the live-long da’ That fplendid dome; that garden with its fruits ; Its grapes, and green-houfe, with exotic roots ! See there a clump of trees, and here a brake, Which feem down-bending in the placid lake ! Then lift your eyes, and for a moment gaze On thofe green hills where various cattle graze : ; And, what doth much the rural fcene adorn, See interfpers’d the waving fields of corn! The ruffet mountain next will take your view, And gently lead you to th’ ethereal blue. Here ftop awhile, and take a profpe¢ round, For, here th’ horizon terminates the bound : And whilft from Eaft to Weft you caft your eyes, A thoufand objeéts ftrike you with furprize. . See Eaftward, far retir’d, amidft the trees; Whofe tops are waving with a gentle breeze, An antient Caftle-+}- rear its tow’ring head ; Part laid in ruins, part with with Ivy fpread : Whof $ Crum-Cafile the Seat of the Earl of Erne ; "famous f holding out the fiege in the Irith Rebellion. | MISCELLANIES, ‘OI Whofe walls are wafh’d by Erae’s' rolling ’ tide, “Whofe walls once check’d the Irith forces’ pride: A Caftle this, in Irith Annals found, | Whofe Lords for valour always were renown’d : | Witnefs at Aughrim, how they bravely ftood, _ Where Witt1am’s Army ftem’d the hoftile flood : “Where Jameés’s routed troops beftrew’d the plain, And e’en St. Rath, their general was flain. | Behold that Foreft, where the raven croaks ! | There grow the largeft, talleft, rib oaks ! ( But what here moft attracts a ftranger’s view, Near this old Caftle, is that fpreading Yew ; - Whofe horizontal branches, clofely laid, | To Britifh Senates might afford a fhade : _ Yes, calmly here a Senate might debate, | And coolly fettle the affairs of ‘fate. | Or here the Druids, who in days of yore, | Taught, under trees, their’ worfhip and their fore, | Might from the wintry blaft have found a fcreen, And form’d a Temple all of Ever-green*, : Whilft / t Its’ branches are fupported by two circular rows of _ pillars ; and it covers a fpace of about thirty yards in dia- “meter. . _ *°Phe Druids had their Temples'in Forefts, and entwin- ed green boughs round the ftems of the trees, forming a kind —— ——P - 62 POETIC Whilft now, from Crum relu&tantly you take Your eyes, and glance them down the glafly lake ; What groups of Iflands§, cover’d o’er with wood, Emerging feem to kifs th’ encircling flood! Others are till’d and yield a fruitful grain, Or form for flocks a wide-extending plain : And, whilft your eye you move ftill farther down, See in an Iland there, the County-Town ! Behold its Caftle !—-See the Church’s {pire ; And catch a {park of Exnifkillen-fire ! ’T'was here the Protefants maintain’d their ground, When by the Romi/h troops beleaguer’d round ; (And Ennifkillen Horfe are ftill renown’d.) A little weftward, in a fertile land, (The ifle of Saints*,) you fee a Tower ftand : Its Abbey, famous in the days of yore, Lies all in ruins, and fhall rife no more: For fuperftition now is lofing ground, And Gofpel-light is {preading faft around : C of wall: hence it is faid, is derived the cuftom of adort ing our Churches with ever-greens at Chriftmas. § It is faid there are 266 Iflands in this Lake. The is one remarkably large, containing fome hundreds of acre * Innifhnacfaint, lying north-weft from Ennifillen. MISCELLANIES. 63 O glorious Light! O happv, happy they, Who tafte the freedom of a Gofpel-Day ! More weftward ftill, now turn your ravifh’d eyes, Where craggy mountains feem to touch the skies ; Where rocks tremendous overhang the road, And threaten trav’lers with a fatal load. The hawks and eagles here fecurely build, And feaft upon the prey which they have kill’d. Amidft thefe rocks a Marble Arch is found, Through which a River paffes under-ground ; Beneath the hills it darkly winds its courfe, (But no man ever yet has found its fource:) . °Till forth at length it iffues from the rock, And flartles fhepherds whilft they tend their flock : The repercuffive hills repeat the found, es Echo carries to the country round, Next turn your eyes beneath that mountain’s brow, Where, midft the cliffs, the afh and fir-trees grow ; she fee a park, where herds of deer refort, nd near it ftands a moft refplendant Court * ! The Owner’s tafte is there with pleafure feen, here heath and moor is turn’d to pleafing green : And * Florence-Court, the Seat of the Earl of Enni/killen. 64 POETIC And, whilft a moment here you ftop to view, Refle&t, what culture, and what tafte can do : °T will make a moor become a fertile plain, And barren hills produce luxuriant grain: Twill civilize a rude and favage mind, And almoft give to dullnefs tafte refin’d. Yet, ftill remember, here, that ’tis the part Of Gop alone, to change a finful heart. It far exceeds our power, or human {kill, To curb the-paffions, and fubdue the will. We fhould, indeed, with mildnefs ufe the rod ; But to change Nature ;—this belongs to Gop. -Your eyes awhile have dwelt upon the plain, Come, let us to the mountains turn again : See Quilca* yonder rear his hoary head, Whilft all his fons around his knees are fpread ; Who,, like an ancient Chief, prefcribes them law, Requires their homage and fubmiffive awe ; | Or srimly, like a Turk, his head he fhrouds ; His turban forms of party-colour’d clouds, He * The top of this mountain is generally covered witl {now during the Winter and Spring. Snow is fometime feen on it evenin Afay, — It is- alfo-covered-with flat Free ftones, perfectly white. MISCELLANIES. 65 He fometimes wears, indeed, a brownifh cap*, And holds the clouds and rivers in his lap ; Which when he opes, he pours a deluge down, And feems, by gloomy looks and angry frown, As if he meant the country round to drown. Within his belly Shannon makes his bed, And at the weftern foot he lays his head ; I Thence * As the top of this Mountain is feen at a great diftance, it is ufual with the country farmers to go out early in the morning, and to prognofticate the weather from the ap- pearance of his Cap, (as they call the Cloud upon his top.) If it is defcending, it will be-rain that day; if afcending, the reverfe. The Author thinks that the Mountain Quiica is the high- eft Land in Ireland; for the following reafons. The Shan- non rifes from the weft fide thereof, and runs firft weft-ward, ‘then fouth-weft, and laftly, fouth, till it empties itfelf into the Sea beyond Limerick. Several other large rivers rife from the eaftern fide, and take an eaftern dire€tion for many miles, then to the north-weft, till they fall into the Sea at Ballyfhannon. Another circumftance is; There is in the fouth-eaft part of the county of Cavan (in which county Quilca ftands) a Farm, out of which iffue three ftreams, in three oppofite directions: one runs fouth-weft to the Shannon, and then through it to the fouth:; another runs north-weft to the Erne, and through it to Ba/lj/hannon : the third ryns fouthward tothe Black-water, and with it thro’ the Boyne, to the eaft, till it falls into the fea at Drog= heda. 66 POETIC Thence, as if waking from a reftlefs fleep, He ftarts anon, and travels to the Deep : Nor ftops he in his courfe, or takes his eafe, *Till he to Ocean all his tribute pays. Old Ocean then rewards him for his toil, Loads him with favours brought from Indian foil§ 7 Which he receives, yet not for felfifh ends, But foon beftows, and fhares among his friends.— But, left my thoughts fhould carry me too far, We'll homeward turn, and ftop at Swanlingbar : : There low it lies, at Quilca’s eaftern foot, Its fountain rifing at the Mountain’s root ; A famous Fount, whofe waters are fo good, They. heai old fores, and purify the blood : Hither are carried, e’en from foreign Lands, Some with fore legs, and fome with leprous hands : All forts of hues in faces here are feen, The pale, the yellow, freckled, and the green ; The tawny brown, and oft a darkifh red, And fome are livid, or refemble lead. © Some here refort to trifle, dance, or play, And ftudy juft to while their time away : Pooi § The homeward-bound Eaft-India-men fometime: touch at the mouth of the Shannon; from whence good: _are fmuggled into that part of Ireland, MISCELLANIESs 67 Poor fenfelefs things! they’re fo extremely dull, lo find amufement they muft rack their fcull : They ’re vaftly bufy ; yet have nought to do; And ftupidly fit down to play at Loo ! At this they tire ; and, then, their time to kill, They turn again to Cribbage, or Quadrille : Yet ftillin thefe no happinefs they find, or, nought but Gop can fill the vacant mind. ow’er-they mix, or vary their employ, Without our Gop they have no real joy 5 i Vithout our Gop e’en this bright fcene would cloy. hefe claim our pity ! Creatures of a day ! oor Suicides! who throw their lives away ! nthinking Souls! O would they but attend, Aad calmly liften to a faithful friend ; ’d dropa word to fhew them where, and how, | hey might find happinefs begun below : Anticipate, in fuch a world as this, ' nd tafte, in fome degree, celeftial blifs. heir time would then be chearfully employ’d, hey’d feel within no painful, dreary void : heir thoughts would foar above this earthly clod, nd every thing around would point to Gop: ce Their 68 t POETIC Their hearts to him would gratefully afcend, And love him as their Father, Saviour, Friend. I grant, ’tis well to cleanfe the outward fkin, But ftill a foul difeafe lies deep within. Its baneful poifon runs thro’ ev’ry part, And he, who’d know the fpring, muft know his hear There !—there !—’tis found in every time and place Diffufing its foul ftreams through Adam’s race! From this polluted, filthy fource proceed All finful thoughts, and ev’ry wicked deed: For which one only remedy is found, And this can heal the deepeft, deadly wound ; Can cure a heart imbitter’d with its pain, And fully cleanfe the blackeft, fouleft ftain. This fount on Calvary was open’d wide, When on a tree the Friend of finners died ; Behold! behold! his pierc’d, his bleeding fide! — Hark, how he groans, whilft {weating drops of Blooc He paid the-price to make our title good ; Difcharg’d the debt contracted by us all, And freely ftoop’d to raife us from our fall : Yea, bore our load ; (let all the Theme rehearfe $i And timely prop’d a falling Univerfe ! Whoe’e! MISCELLANIES. 69 Whoe’er in Him believes with heart fincere, _ Obferves his precepts with a godly fear, _ And follows on *till perfeded in love, _ Shall furely reign with him in blifs above : ‘Whoever thus believes, thro’ Him fhall rife, | Regain his image, and their paradife, And boldly claim a manfion in the tkies. But, now my heart with love begins to thrill ; | We'll therefore walk converfing down the hill: | Then feat ourfelves befide a bubbling fount*, | And all the Saviour’s wond’rous aéts recount : Beneath a cooling fhade of Beech and Pine, ‘We'll fit, and talk, and temperately dine : _ We'll {peak of Him, who is the tivine Brean, _ And how fo many thoufands once he fed : Yea, how He ftill fupplies our ev’ry want, And chears the foul, when thirfty, weak, and faint: How from the ftorm He fhelters like a rock, And as a faithful fhepherd, feeds his flock : How * At the foot of Kuockninny, in Lord Rofs’s deer-park, there is a remarkable fountain of the pureft water, gufhing from a lime-ftone rock: by the fide of which is a feat, overfhadowed with Trees, where the Company, who refort thither from Swanlingbar, for the profpeét of Knockninny and the Lake, ufually dine. ¥G POETIC How in his arms the tender lambs He bears, Abates their forrows, as He feels their cares : And how he bore, throughout the defart, way, With murm’ring Ifrael, when they went aftray : How water thenfrom Him in Horeb flow’d, Who was the Rock, the Curist, the Micury Gop! An’ E- Pt See FROM A CITIZEN OF LONDON, TO HIS WIFE « AT BRIGHTHELMST ONE. Y Dear, whilft at Brighton you breath the pure air, . Inhaling the breeze from the fea ; Let nothing difquiet or fill you with care, By anxioufly thinking of me : My body is healthful, my mind is ferene, I’m fully employ’d the whole day ; Yet always I find, amidft this bufy feene, Tis needful to watch and to pray. Then let us, my Sally, be ftudioufly wife, Whilft moments are rolling away 5 And eagerly run for the heavenly prize, The crown that fhall never-decay : If ' MISCELLANIES. 71 If each ruddy morning fhall-find us employ’d In praifing the God we adore ; Our mind fhall not feel like a dul! empty void, We'll fill it with excellent ftore. At prefent, indeed, we are parted awhile, High hills and broad vales intervene ; Yet Nature’s gay carpet will caufe you to fmile, Will ferve to enliven the fcene: — The marks of true Wifdom around, you may trace, When viewing the earth, fea, or fky ; And, whilft at each object you filently gaze, Remember JEnovan Most HicuH! Go down to the beach, and behold how the waves | Roh forward, and break on the fhore ; See Ocean, though foaming and fretting he raves, His bounds he can never get o’er! Contemplate the flowing and ebb of the Tide; The Ships, as in order they fail ; ' How fwiftly they pafs, and how ftately they ride, When ee by a profperous Sue ! | At even, hen waiking along the eu ftrand, Survey the Horizon around ; ‘The profpe&t enchanting will caufe you to ftand, And feem as in extacy drown’d : Now WZ POETIC Now Sol in his chariot moft eagerly flies, And haftens with Thetis to fleep ; His rays ftill refracted illumine the fkies, When you think he has plung’d in the deep. What pencil can paint the aftonifhing fcene, Of the clouds ting’d with various hue ; The lights and the fhades of the crimfon and green, The azure, the fcarlet, and blue! See Venus dreft out in her brighteft array, Whilft always attending the Sun ;* She borrows her light from the Lamp of the Day, And round him her circuit doth run. The Moon, with her countenance placid and ftill, (Tho’ fometimes fhe’s veil’d ina cloud;) | Arifes, and modeftly peeps o’er the hill, To fpeak her Creator aloud : The Stars, as they twinkle, or fplendidly fhine, Diffufing their luftre abroad, Demonftrate moft clearly a Power divine, And fay that their Maker is Gop. Atk * The greateft apparent diftance of Venus from the Sun is 45 Degrees. MISCELLANIES» 73 _ Aik infidels then, whilft at Brighton you flay, | To fhew a more excellent plan ; _ Or bid them with wonder the heavens furvey, And cry—** What a reptile is man!” Shall we dare to queftion a Power on high, | Refufe fuch a God to adore; ‘ Whene’er he behelds thefe bright orbs in the fky, * Or billows that roll to the fhore ? _ The Gop, who in vildom atronebvall the {pheres, Who bids them in unifon move, | Declares to mankind that he numbers their hairs, And gives many proofs of his love: | Then let them, with gratitude, love and obey, And worthip the Power fupreme ; Let Princes and Nobles acknowledge his fway, And own that they hang upon him. ———— EE Ne To Wii SENT WITH JANEs’s BEAUTIES OF THE POETS. CCEPT thefe flow’rets of thy native land, Cull’d by no mean, no injudicious hand* : Their leaves are fair, and beautiful to view, Excell’d, methinks, by none; at leaft by few: } K They'll * Mr. Janes the Compiler. : 74 POETIC They'll pleafe the more, perhaps excite a {mile, Becaufe they grew in Britain’s fertile foil : Unfold them then ; andas you turn them o’er, “You'll find fome pleafing, or fome ufeful lore, | And, like the thrifty bee, you'll lay it up in ftore. Whilit others form a nofegay for the fair, Ccmpos’d of various fweets which {cent the air ; They often leave conceal’d, among the reft, A briar or thorn, which tears aif wounds the breaft And often too, (their foul defign to hide) They feed the fair one’s vanity and pride : Not fo thefe flow’rs, which herewith now I fend ; They’re fafe to touch : Accept them from‘a friend. Their only aim, though varioufly comiaea a Is to inftruét, elate, infpire the Mind With what is pure, and elegant, and chafte ; To give the moft refin’d, exalted tafte : To wean the foul from trifles here below: To caufe the heart with gen’rous ardor glow : To fill the bofom with a noble flame, — Which feels no guilt, nor ever caufes fhame ; Which leads the thought to take its utmoft flight, And asit travels, always feels delight : To foar aloft to thatfe cure abode, Where faints and angels ftill bchold their God. 2 r f Pid walt MISCELLANIES. 78 A FATHER ADYICE s TO HIS DAUGHTER. ? a =e —— _ & T went by the ficld of the flothful, and by the vineyard *< of the man void of underftanding : And lo, it was ‘* all grown over with thorns, and nettles had cover- “© ed the face thereof; and the ftone wall thereof “ was broken down.” Prov, xxiv, 30, 31. CQ morning in Summer J walk’d forth to view The trees, fhrubs, and flowers, and herbs of the field ; I travers’d the woodlands ail dropping with dew, And tafted the fweets which the pomegranates yield ; Awhile as I ftopp’d and contemplating ftood, Remarking each object that fell in my way, A garden I faw, all neglected and rude ; In wildeft diforder it fhamefully lay. Here briers,and nettles, and ev’ry foul weed, Spontaneoufly grew, and exhaufted the foil ; : And little remain’d of the once-ufeful feed ; ’Twas eaten with vermin, or naufeoufly vile : It’s so= * se x : ~ It’s wall of defence, too, was all broken down, And pigs here might freely and wantonly roam ; The trees were unfruitfa} with mofs overgrown, ~ The owner afleep, or gs abfent from home. Maria, my dear, here’s a leffon for thee ; Thy garden "needs culture,.and diligent care : What tends then to Idlenefs, cautioufly flee ; In this lies a fatal and dangerous fnare : _ Thy heart is by nature all prone to rank weeds, To paffion, to anger, to pride, and felf-will; . All means you muft ufe then to pick out their feed: To check, and to banith, and totally kill. Each morning, when waking pee flumber you rife In deepeft proftration moft fervently pray 5 Your heart lift with gratitude up to the dkies, And keep it thus fix’d all the reft of the day : Remember that Being, who gave you your birth, © Who call’d you from nothing to be what you sare $ He promifes; they, who are faithful on carth, With him richer bieffings’in heaven fhall fhare. Befcech him to grant you the light of his face, And give you in his lovely likenefs to fhine ; To fow in your mind all the feeds of his Grace, And make you a branch in the true living Vine : B MISCELLANIES. 77 \ Be earneft for wifdom that comes from above, - And all that adorning the Bridegroom can give; | His patience, his gentlenefs, meeknefs, and love, Retaining them ftill, “till in heaven you live. Sit under his Geaow, and walk with his flock ; Partake of his banquet, and drink of the wine : In-danger, ftill fly to the clefts of the rock, And ardently fay,——**. My beloved is mine !” Contemplate his beauty, how lovely he is ! How comely his countenance, ruddy, and fair ! Invite all the daughters to tafte of his blifs ; And now for the heav’nly Supper prepare. — When Jesus, in fplendor and glory difplay’d, Shall come with his Saints on Mount Zion to reign ; _ There you, in a fpotlefs white vefture array’d, Shall mix with the virgins that walk in his train: Then watch for his coming by night and by day, Let no earthly pleafures divert you from this; Stand always prepar’d, till the watchmen fhall fay, “« The Bridegroom is coming! Behold here he is !” THE 78 POFTIC THE SOUL’s TRIUMPH, Oo R THE DISEMBODIED SPIRIT OF THE AUTHOR ADDRESSING His FRIENDS, WHILST THEY STAND ON THiS SINE JORDAN. | albsnat life, (the morn ferene, Whilft Nature gladden’d every feene) J put to fea, “my fails unfurl’d, Aud fimply ventur’d on the world : But foon the ftorms began to rife, And clouds envelop’d all the fkies : The lightning flafh’d from pole to pole, And difcord reign’d without control. Where’er I look’d, where’er I fteer’d, Or wherefoe’er my veffel veer’d ; By adverfe winds I ftill was crofs’d, And by ten thoufand tempefts toft : Yet, midft this dark and dreary night, I ftrove to caft my anchor right; And thro’ the rocks on either hand, I fteer’d, in hope to make this Land. T often labour’d at the oar, ’Midft pelting hail and thunder’s roar: But this feem’d light as drops of dew, Compar’d with infults from the crew, Whofe MISCELLANIES. 79 Whofe rude difeourfe and fulfome mirth Betray’d their bafe ignoble birth : Yet ftill their gibes I well could bear, And e’en the wit’s farcattic fneer : But when I meta man of guile, Of malice-full, who yet could fmile ; Yea, Fudas like, could kifs me too, And with a poniard run me through ; Could fqueeze my hand, and call me— Friend!” Yet mean to ftab me inthe end: To fhun fuch falfe, fuch crafty knaves, I well nigh dafh’d me in the waves. But here, the Prtor* by my fide Sav’d me from plunging in the tide, And pointed to this peaceful fhore, Where I fhould meet thefe foes no mare: The Chartt he ftill held out, and faid, «* Be calm, my friend, nor be difmay’d : Others were fore’d, as well as you, _ To fail with this deceitful crew : Yea, fome, before they crofs’d the flood, . Have boldly fail’d through feas of blood ; Who yonder ftand to hail thee o’er, Where thou fhalt figh and weep no more.” En- * The Holy Spirit + The Bible x O38 Oe POETIC Encourag’d thus I plied again, Exerting ev’ry nerve and vein; And thro’ the waves purfued my path, Converfing oftentimes with Death; Who once, indeed, with terror frown’d, But whom at length a Friend I found : For, whilft to me he nearer drew, The more familiar ftill he grew; And prov’d a very harmlefs thing, At leaft, for me, he had no fting. The Pilot now on me beftow’d A Tube+, which pointed out my road ; Yea chear’d my heart, and help’d my fight, To fee the Stars in darkeft night ; . And gave a more extenfive view, Than Galileo’s e’er could do. Thro’ this, I faw the Planets dance, And how they move, or toll afkance: I faw the Sprine that mov’d the whole, And caus’d the whirling of the Pole ;- Perceiv’d the blazing Comets run * To diftant climes beyond the Sun; And + Faith, which is the evidence of things not feen. MISCELLANIES, ‘ a And where they end their wintigetince 7 Returning in eccentric maze. I faw where Phoebus firft caught fire, And where his flames will all expire: I faw a Sun refplendent rife, Diffufing Light through all the fkies ; Before whom Sot muft hide his face, Abforb’d in fuch a dazz’ling blaze: And when the Moon and Stars are burn’d, And Earth again to chaos turn’d ; This Sun, bedeck’d in {plendor gay, Shall fhine thro’ an eternal Day. My Tube now ferv’d in all alarms, (For fuch its ufe, its wondrous charms) To give me foft and balmy fleep, Whilft paffing thro’ the watry Deep ; And when the billows roll’d on high, And feem’d almoft to wafh the Sky, It buoy’d me up, difpell’d my fears, And often dried up all my tears. At length on Fordan’s brink I ftood*, And calmly view’d the {welling flood ; I ventur’d in, and foon got o’er, Yea, in an inftant gain’d the fhore ; Where Where : now in extacy I ftand, . “ And hail you to this happy land ; 5) . This land of blifs, of peace, andjoy, Of pure delight without alloy ;” Where ftreams of living waters flow, Which mortals fcarcely tafte below : I only tafted there the rill, But here my foul may drink its fill : My guft of blifs isjuft begun, But through Eternity fhall run ; Whilft in this fweet, this blefs’d abode, The more I ftil} fhall know of Gon! To Deatu I’ve bid a long adieu ; And fain would point him out to you. Converfe with him in youth’s career, That, when old age and pains draw near,, © ‘Your eyés you may ferenely clofe, And gently glide to this repofe. Here all my pain and forrow ends, And here I’ve met with many friends, With whom I plough’d the boiftrous main, But now we ne’er fhall part again. We'll * Fairw builds a bridge acrofs the gulph of Death, And lands pik {moothly on the farther fhore. Youns. - 4 7 ; & b *. 2 x. M > Ne Dili , x ; ‘ of MISCELLANIES.. tin ind” | ; Of \ bd gladly {peak of dangers paftt, fing whilft endlefs ages laft. * Oh! hafte, my friends, no longer ftay, Thus doubting, fhiv’ring with difmay : Make Te to leave that dark abode, To fee without a vail your Gop! I fee, and hear, and tafte, and feel, ~ What human language ne’er could tell: I feel the Prefeace of the Lorp ! _ The meek, the once Incarnate Wop ! _ And whilftthe myriads fhout his Name, | Which is the univerfal Theme; _ Come ye, my Friends, to {well the Song, _ And mix with this melodious throng. | My harp is tuned, my heart expands, | Aad bins in concert with thefe Bands: | My Soul is fill’d with Derry, _ The great, Supreme, my fterious TureEs ! ’ I fee—I feel—Oh ! what is this! — Come—Come yoursELves, and tafte the blifs!” { Forfan et hec olim meminifle juvabit. | Vire. FINIS. ‘ PS, ee THE CONTES > 2 ; o A at 4 . Ss ~*~ at . ak vo nn ks * . goats ie. EB bits P 4 Soliloquy of a Perfon near Death — Stanzas on the Death of Mrs. Percy The Parting Scene — — — poe, An Epithalamium | ons Ap Epiftle to it. ee aN ‘Meditation at the Mh k & ae An Epitaph - A Soliloquy of Mrs. Cig = — An Expoftulation with R. g — The Profpeét of Lough Ere =_ An Epiftle from a Citizén of Londor To MifZA.C. — = J A Father’s Advice to his Daugh' (ro a7! The Soul’s Triumph — — ee 7 ’ . 4 J < - o “ai * ee Lx -.°4 - Pataead ; oe, ea = i 2 = *« ok oz . ‘ ue : s ~ . SS we ae ATs aL r A ay Ph) ' , Aelia --= Date Due NOVO 6 Demco 38-297 CC