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 DIVINITY SCHOOL 
 LIBRARY 
 
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A 
 SERMON, 
 DELIVERED 
 MAY 26, 1808, 
 IN BRATTLE STREET CHURCH, BOSTON, 
 BEFORE THE 
 CONVENTION OF 
 CONGREGATIONAL MINISTERS, 
 
 Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
 
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 . BOSTON : 
 PRINTED BY BELCHER AND ARMSTRONG; 
 Suffolk Wuildings, — 
 
 1808. 
 
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SERMON. 
 
 MALACHY, ii. 7. 
 
 FOR THE PRIES?’S LIPS SHOULD KEEP KNOWLEDGE, AND- 
 THEY SHOULD SEEK THE LAW AY HIS MOUTH: FOR HE IS 
 THE MESSENGER OF THE LORD OF HOSTS. 
 
 Tae priests were the ordinary ministers 
 of religion, under the former dispensation. Prophets’ 
 were extraordinary messengers sent, on particular 
 occasions, and for special purposes. ‘The priests in- 
 structed, and performed other ministerial service, ac- 
 cording to the written law; but the prophets commu- 
 nicated new revelations, and had greater authority. 
 
 «The Lord made a covenant with the tribe of Levi 
 and the family of Aaron about the priesthood. This 
 appointment was a gracious recompense of their piety 
 and reverential fear of God; for when this trust was 
 committed to them, many of them were well ac- 
 quainted with the law given by Moses, and ready to 
 speak of it to the people: Their worship and con- 
 versation were sincere and faithful, and free from in- 
 iquity or hypocrisy. They walked before God, as at 
 
 320245 
 
6 
 * 
 peace with him, and as following after equity and peace, 
 with men. And they were instrumental in conyert- 
 ing numbers from their sins to the worship and ser- 
 vice of God. They were mot mere sacrificers as 
 their posterity had become ; but they were sensible 
 that the priest ought ever to be ready to speak upon 
 any part of sacred knowledge, and, as the messenger of 
 God, to instruct the people from his word. But their 
 posterity had departed from this good way ; they had 
 violated the law by their conduct, and perverted it by 
 their explications; and thus they stumbled, preju- 
 diced and misled the people. ‘They had abused and 
 broken the covenant made with their fathers, and 
 therefore they were rendered vile among thi people, 
 and exposed to contempt as a worthless mercenary set" 
 of men. They were severely threatened by the pro-. 
 phet for their sins, especially for being partial in the 
 law, and leaving out such parts as did not suit their 
 interest, convenience or inclination, or, interpreting it 
 by private regards and affections. It was required of 
 the priests that they should be men of knowledge and 
 heayenly wisdom, or that their breasts should. keep, 
 and their lips should express to the people the right 
 understanding of divine things. . It was the duty of 
 all the people to know the law, but the priest’s duty 
 to know it more than others, for théy were to teach 
 Israel God’s statutes. . The people were required t to 
 seek the law at the mouth of the priesthood. , In « dif. 
 ficult cases more especially they were to consult and 
 advise with the priests, and enquire what the law said 
 
7 
 
 “in those cases. As the priests were the messengers, 
 ‘interpreters, ambassadors, or legates of the Lord of 
 hosts with the people, or his liegers among them, they 
 ought therefore to be advised with, about their Lord’s 
 will.”’* 
 
 Thus the priests and the people were under mu- 
 tual obligation, the former to understand and teach 
 the law, and the latter to seek and receive instruction 
 in the law. The obligation of ministers and people 
 under the present dispensation is not diminished ; but 
 the text applies to us, with its original force. Our 
 lips should keep knowledge, and the people should 
 seek the law at our mouths, for we bear the character 
 of messengers of the Lord of hosts. It is our duty to 
 teach the good knowledge of God, and the duty of 
 people to attend upon our instruction. But the ob- 
 servations in the following discourse will, principally, 
 though not altogether, respect the character of gospel 
 ministers, who are ambassadors for Christ. We 
 
 shall consider this character under two general propo- 
 sitions, viz. They possess the knowledge of their 
 Lord’s will—and they are faithful in the discharge of 
 official duty. Both these are necessary to their use- 
 fulness, and acceptance with God. 
 
 1. They possess the knowledge of their Lord’s 
 will. This must be understood. It is evidently im- 
 gg in the text. The priests cannot Eee com. 
 
 * See Scott, and Bishop Hall on the passage. 
 
 310245 
 
8 
 
 municate that which they have not.: T "he vi 
 Lord is expressed in his word, which i ig <a 
 his law, and comprehends the knowledge ‘ei isters 
 are required to understand, explain, and make known 
 tothe people. They should be well acquainted with 
 the whole mass of scripture truth. Particularly, they 
 should know the history of revelation, how it’ was 
 given, and at what periods, what facts attended it, 
 what miracles are recorded in it, what principles 
 or doctrines it inculcates, what faith and obedience 
 it requires, and what promises and ‘threatnings it 
 holds forth, to move the hopes and - fears of men. 
 They should be capable of speaking instructively of 
 all things written in the book of the law. And te 
 highly necessary, that they should be thoroughly 
 versed in the knowledge of the external and internal 
 evidence which proves the divine authority, of the 
 scriptures; or proves them given by : Abe Dyson 
 of God. a 16 a 
 gree aM at J 
 be a necessary part of the character of 
 gospel ministers, that they have a practical jor « experi- 
 mental knowledge of the religion which they’ teach 
 from the word of God. They should be good men, 
 in the sense of scripture. They should embrace the 
 truths of revelation with a firm belief, and cordial af- 
 fection. They should be renewed after the image of 
 God, by the Holy Spirit; and conformed to the gos- 
 pel in their views and general conduct. They mitst 
 yield their bodies and spirits a living and voluntary 
 
9 
 
 Sacrifice to the service and glory of God. Without 
 a rational change of the moral frame of the heart, men 
 cannot be considered as the real friends of Christ, and 
 therefore as qualified to negotiate the treaty of reconcil- 
 iation between God and their fellow creatures. If they 
 are not reconciled to God themselves, what fitness 
 can there be, in their assuming or receiving the office 
 of reconciling others to him? The teachers of re- 
 ligion are described in scripture, as workers together 
 with God, in reconciling men to him. But if they 
 be. enemies in their hearts to him, what reason is 
 there to expect them to work with him, or accord- 
 ing to his will? Can two walk together, except 
 they. be agreed ?”” 
 
 Such knowledge as we have briefly described, is 
 an essential part of ministerial character. Those en- 
 gaged in the pursuits of divinity, may avail them- 
 
 selves of all the means within their power. Yea, they 
 ought to improve those aids which are of particular 
 use in the acquisition of scripture knowledge. ‘They 
 must study the word of God with diligence, care and 
 impartiality, with close and deep research, and prayer- 
 ful meditation. For without earnest attention on 
 their part, they cannot expect the blessing of the Fa- 
 ther of Lights, which is essential to their success. 
 
 Human learning is good, and may be very useful 
 to a minister of the gospel, rightly improved. But 
 ‘the possession of it, is not to be esteemed the most 
 
 B , , 
 
10 
 
 indispensable pat Of his) cte ( 
 little connexion between the liberal. rts and 
 dnd evangelical piety; or holiness, A ‘man: 
 great learning, and the powers of eloquen 
 tinguished degree, yet eg din gs 
 moral habit or disposition ofa christian,) be sutterly: 
 unfit, in; his. present. state of egg: oak saionsprane 
 as a'mnesseniger of Christ. © But to/him: w, 
 is right with God, edn sci hessontbones: 
 tageous ;_ particularly the knowledge. of ‘the Jan~ 
 guages in which the old and! new! testament were 
 written. - It.15' therefore, highly adviseable for all 
 theological students, who have’ opportuliity ;\jto:make 
 themselves so far masters of Greek) and. Hebrew 
 at least, as to be able, with PRE eo 
 read’ the original ‘seriptures. . Studying the “bible ir 
 the languages in. which it was’ written, Jah tials 
 facilitate noid i professional knatrlemeiagity 
 . vith’ soe seep Tetestliae 
 shea of ta sacred volume me 
 salve aibanabinsiabi study. Scripture mu: 
 fully viewed, and often reviewed in sieiitilieisdien 
 contemplated as one connected ‘and: harmonious ‘sys: 
 tem. _ Every part of it is good for instruction, reproof, 
 and edification ; and the whole, taken together, must 
 be pronounced very good, like the world, as it.came 
 into existence from the creative hand of God. 
 di ig Hie Whe es oH ig eiinemihalenggalle 
 “Those tie go into the ministry should possess a 
 good degree of theological knowledge, when they en? 
 
il 
 
 4er, upon the work; and yet so copious, so. various 
 and important are the truths of revelation, that they 
 must never omit the study of them, during the con- 
 tinuance of their administration. But they will per- 
 ceive it necessary daily to seek new and living wa- 
 ters) in the wells of salvation, or pay constant attention 
 to the law and the testimony, for the increase of knowl- 
 edge, for direction, assistance, and comfort, for them. 
 selves and others, to whom they minister... —_ 
 bhi vmteis! J, hig ai ¥ IED idl W0y 
 Tt must. be evident, that they should have good 
 ‘natural abilities; well cultivated. A sound under- 
 standing, a correct judgment, a clear discernment, a 
 studious, patient, resolute, and decided turn of mind, 
 and an aptness to teach, are all particularly requisite. 
 We may.add the work of the ministry should be their 
 choict.and delight, notwithstanding all the difficul- 
 ties and discouragements which attend it. . Thought- 
 ful and pious men who duly appreciate the difficulty 
 and importance of ministerial fidelity, must surely be 
 cautious, lest they run before they are sent, or take 
 ~upon them the care of souls, before they are suffi- 
 ciently qualified for such a momentous charge. 
 Samus pela oh ee Ge 
 _o 2... We are now to observe that the messenger of 
 God; whois called to publish the gospel of peace, and . 
 to bring men to that repentance which is connected 
 with salvation; must be faithful in all the duties of his 
 office.’ We shall briefly point out several particulars 
 ~ gmwhich the faithfulness of a gospel minister consists, 
 
ie 
 
 4 
 “® 
 
 and offer some considerations to enforce the great im~ 
 eres of it, both to 0 himself and to others. | 
 ee 
 He must select such passages of scripture for the 
 themes of his public discourses, _as he apprehends . 
 most likely to promote religion, or to awaken, con-_ 
 vince, persuade and edify hishearers. In the cheieomt. 
 
 texts, the characters of the people to whom h e preaches, 
 
 and the circumstances of the copa 
 considered, will, generally speaking, afford him, suffi. _ 
 
 cient direction. Being well versed in the knowledge _ 
 of scripture, he will not find this Bark of, eainieterial,- 
 
 cul tee Ce" ee 
 
 duty aifiénlt, 
 
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 When he has chosen : a text, or is about selecting 
 particular passage on which to ground po 
 mind will be seriously ond earnestly exercised, to,un- _ 
 derstand. it, so far as he is able, i in its various rela- 
 tions and consequences, and in the extent of its mean. set 
 ing, He will then carefully labour to explain it hon- , 
 _ estly and truly, without undue bias or deference to 
 any human system. It is highly important, that he... 
 preach according to his text; and if it be obscure. 
 that he set it in a clear light; or if it be plain, that he _ 
 make it more plain and impressive. It must be, 
 acknowledged highly preposterous to announce a text) 
 to an assembly, as the theme of a discourse, andthen ~ 
 preach from other parts of scripture; or whichis — 
 
 worse, deliver a moral lecture, which can be per- | 
 ceived to have very little if any relation to scripture,» 
 
13 " 
 
 The sentiment or doctrine of a text should always 
 form the argument of the sermon, to render instruc- 
 tion the most profitable to the hearers. _“‘ It is sur- 
 prising to one who reads and studies the scriptures, 
 with a free, unbiassed mind, to see what elaborate, 
 fine-spun, flimsy glosses men will invent to put upon 
 some texts as the genuine meaning of them; for no 
 other reason, but because such interpretation is most 
 agreeable to the opinion of their party, from which as 
 a standard of orthodoxy, they dare not depart.” 
 This is far from ministerial fidelity. ‘* If we would 
 not pervert our only certain and infallible rule, we 
 must learn to think as scripture speaks, and not com- 
 pel that to speak as we think.” 
 
 The faithful minister will preach and dwell on 
 those doctrines of revelation, which appear to have 
 been considered by the sacred writers as fundamental 
 and of the greatest importance ; and which have had 
 the most influence on the minds of men. These doc- 
 trines are—The being and perfections of God—a 
 trinity in the unity of the Godhead—the eternal di- 
 vinity of the Son and Spirit—the unchangeable sove- 
 reignty' of God in all his operations—the apostacy 
 and ruin of man by sin—the freedom and account- 
 ableness of all the human race—the mission of the 
 Son of God—the nature and necessity of regenera- 
 tion by the influence of the Holy Spirit—justification 
 by faith in the blood of Christ—the new obedience 
 
 and progressive sanctification of christians—the re- 
 
14 
 
 surrection of the dead—the final judgment, anc 
 everlasting destination both of the /righteous and 
 wicked, according to their respective characters 
 that to the former God will grant an ample 
 and to the latter he will assign’ ciple dhl lien 
 destruction. | These doctrines are oftem brought into 
 view and urged as highly interesting, in the scriptures» 
 The faithful minister will therefore pay much atten= 
 tion to them, carefully explaining them according to 
 their true import, as represented) by the sacred wri- 
 ters. He will often consider the characters of the in- 
 spired writers, and their manner of preaching and pers 
 forming other parts of their sacred function, » They are 
 sure guides, and excellent patterns for us to follow; 
 There is a general agreement in their writings, yet a 
 variety in their language and style. ‘The’ views’ they 
 had of human nature, and the method they pursued in 
 reconciling men to God, should be adopted, as infallis — 
 bly correct, if a minister desire to apprave himself to 
 Christ, and save those: who hear anaes dftaiyzonr ori} 
 vist oe alle stn tities 
 Fidelity will lead him, in ‘the course of 
 ing, to omit no doctrine of tho-q til ikeasehae 
 knows it to be unacceptable to some} yea, fo: many of 
 his hearers. It is certain that many people have great 
 prejudice against some of the most’ important doe- 
 trines of christianity. And do not ministers ¢herish 
 that prejudice, and implicity justify it, /if-they® pur- 
 posely i sane those doctrines in free! nome 
 courses? . ‘rie congo brs. 
 
15 
 
 " ©) The ‘wise and faithful steward. of the mysteries of 
 God, will be careful to adopt plain. and instructive 
 language»’in his sermons, prayers; .and: convers- 
 ation with people on the: subjects of. religion. 
 Andhe will strive to please his hearers; only for their 
 good to edification... If he seek to» please men and 
 promote his own honour, or advantage, as his end, he 
 cannot please God.» Well knowing this, he will deal 
 uprightly with all. who attend en his instruction, in 
 their ‘religious concerns, whether it render him pop- 
 ularor ‘otherwise. “| He will continue in an earnest 
 iOrous exeltio to accomplish the great object.of 
 SonllRinrp ies redoncilintiontbé: ‘men to God. . He 
 will cheerfully spend and be spent for his own salva- 
 tion, and for that of the peoplé to whom he ministers. 
 He will endure the afflictions ofthe gospel with resigna- 
 tion, and persevere in deliverimg the heavenly. mes- 
 ‘sage with which he is charged, and performing other 
 duties of office ; whether he perceive any considera» 
 ble present success.of his labours, or not. He will 
 _ religiously commit himself and his administration to 
 the blessing of God, ina full persuasion that, ifthe is 
 faithful, the Lord will ‘accomplish his own wise and 
 a2 yh oe a and ae him a oa. reward 
 in the end. 
 dant boi): OME, te Li CEY S 2 i aR 
 ~~ We ‘shall now introduce a few considerations, 
 tending to enforce the necessity of ministerial faith- 
 fulness. The sucéess of a teacher of religion re- 
 quires him to be faithful in the discharge of his trust. 
 
 i 
 
16 
 
 His doing good to society at large, esti, 
 depends very much upon it. «If he a ok 
 
 duct as the messenger of heaven ought to-do, he 
 contributes much to the order and prosperity of of. the 
 public. For righteousness most surely exalts ana 
 tion. He also contributes to the most essential. and. 
 lasting advantage of particular persons, by promoting. 
 their sobriety, good conduct, reputation, «usefulnes 
 and salvation, And his own comfort, peace, appro- 
 bation of conscience, and final acceptance with God, 
 urge the importance of fidelity. If he approve him- . 
 self to God, he may rationally expect a greater or | less 
 degree of success in the ministry ;_ but what isis ill 
 more personally interesting to him, he has the prom- 
 ise of God, that he shall finally be glorious; thon 
 Israel should not be gathered. Lastly, the glory of 
 God in the redemption of our fallen and guilty race, 
 requires, that his ambassador be faithful to him, ar | 
 
 also to-the souls of men. we esvo@ote eda 
 
 - IMPROVEMENT. fs OE oF 
 
 1. “It must be esteemed a peculiar sieht 
 to be employed in the sacred mini, ore ts 
 making known to sinners the covenant 0 = ; 
 peace; when they who are thus engaged are 1 
 selves interested in that covenant, and God se 
 his fear into their hearts, and made them em 
 faith and holiness. Such ministers will | be. able and. 
 ready to teach the truths and precepts ‘of God? $ eon 
 with gravity and sincerity ; and iniquity * - will 1 not. 
 found in their lips. ‘They will walk with God in 
 
17 
 
 peace and righteousness, and turn many from sin, who 
 will be their jo J and Nowa of rejoicing in the day . 
 of Christ. if all who sustain, or desire to enter 
 into this sacred fuinetion, should remember that the 
 lips of a minister ‘are to be fraught with divine knowl- 
 edge, brought from the good treasure of heavenly 
 wisdom, ‘stored up ‘in the heart. Ministers who 
 answer this description, honour God, and he will 
 
 honour them, and make them honourable before men, 
 in due time and measure: But low many of those 
 who ‘fill the holy office, entirely depart from this good 
 old way! How many pervert and corrupt the pre- 
 cept of the law and the doctrine of the covenant, by 
 their partial, superficial, and erroneous instruction ; 
 and « cause men to stumble, by their wicked exam- 
 ples! ‘Such ministers may jusily expect soon to fall 
 into contempt , for they who ae the Lord shall 
 he lightly esteemed.” . 
 
 A good minister is a great blessing, and should 
 be highly esteemed by all for his works’ sake. _Peo- 
 | ple who are favoured in providence with the admin- 
 | istrations of such a teacher; should be very thankful 
 for the > great advantage, and attend earnestly and con- 
 stantly on his instructions. They are under equal | 
 ebligation to be diligent and engaged to hear the law, 
 as he is to communicate the knowledge of God’s 
 word, At the present day, when ministers have 
 } many discouragements in the course of their duty, 
 they have a special claim on their brethren for their 
 Cc 
 
ig 
 
 support, by a steady attendance 0 on ‘thei instr uctions. 
 The friends of religion, especially, may be j ex- 
 pected to lend all the aid they can, to forward the de- 
 sign. of the gospel, by encouraging the hearts and 
 strengthening the hands of those who are set over 
 them in the Lord, and preach to them the word of 
 God. And, ‘if people were properly engaged to 
 hear, they would not take upon them to dictate to 
 their preachers; or to instruct their ministers how 
 to teach them ; which is muchas if a patient, when 
 he sends for a physician, should préscribe to him 
 what he would have him prescribe ; but if they hap- 
 pen to hear something not agreeable to their former 
 sentiments, would betake themselves more diligently 
 to the study of the bible, to know whether these 
 things were so.” 
 
 The obligation of ministers to be able sb 1 fighfl 
 instructors is strengthened by the consideration, that 
 
 people are required to be acquainted with the will of | 
 
 God, expressed in his word, and to seek the explana- 
 tion of it at the lips of their ministers. And if minis- 
 ters know their duty, and are impressed with their 
 high responsibility, they must feel a deep concern, to 
 acquit themselves with fidelity. If they properly un- 
 
 derstand how to keep and teach the true knowledge’ — 
 of God, ‘ they must be too well acquainted with the+ 
 
 nature and duty of their office, and with the wants 
 
 and infirmities of their hearers, to claim the right of — 
 dominion oyer their faith, or to shoot over their — 
 
19 
 
 treads, and seek their own popularity, rather than the 
 saving benefit of those, to whom they preach. ‘They 
 must be more solicitous for their edification, than for 
 their approbation. It is well known, that the most 
 palatable food is not always the most wholesome, 
 True ministers of Christ; like a faithful physician, 
 will earnestly intend and endeavour the real and last- 
 ing benefit of those affected with the mortal disease 
 of sin, for whom they prescribe, though it be in a 
 
 _ way they do not like; and rather risk their own char- 
 
 | 
 
 acters with weak and captious men, than withhold 
 any thing which is needful for them, er be unfaithful 
 to God and their own consciences. Patients must 
 not always expect to be f/eased, nor physicians to be 
 is applauded.’ Itis with the aod of the 
 
 ‘soul, as with those of the body. 
 
 _ 2. The ministers of religion should be united in 
 their principles and affections; for they are required 
 to keep the same knowledge, dispense the same heav- 
 enly truth, and promote one common salyation. They 
 are brethren, having the same Lord and Master; to 
 whoin they are equally accountable. They are work- 
 ers with God, so far as they are faithful, and should 
 
 be hatmonious, condescending and friendly workers 
 
 one with another, in building up ‘the kingdom of 
 _ heaven amongst men. Where there is a difference 
 “in speculations, which are not essential to religion, 
 that difference ought not to lessen their charity for 
 
 -one another. And where there isa difference of 
 
20 
 
 may seem, should not be se sade 1b log 
 parties should rather take pains candidly to’settle'the: 
 
 real boundaries of disagreement between them ap- 
 proaching as near to each other as they ean witha pu 
 conscience. Warm disputes, which rio 
 of brotherly affection, should be carefully avoided, in 
 their occasional interviews. This would be prudent, 
 and dutiful to their divine Master; it would also tend 
 to a good understanding between them, 'to their in- 
 fluence and success. | But it may be said,!we are’ 
 commanded to contend earnestly for the faith, once’ 
 delivered to the saints. Most certainly’ we are thus 
 commanded, and are to consider this Command as 
 requiring a great ministerial and christian duty/* But 
 where shall we find the injunction in the orders we 
 have received from heaven, to contend! earnestly for 
 the mastery; or forspeculations in which men equal- 
 ly Great's and. good may ns ‘much sce ste 4 o 
 > eae hanes me eh 
 In this connexion it may be ssbotedoeell that oa 
 great divisions of people in their polithanne optiadils te 
 present, operate much to the disadvantage of feligion- 
 Disputes among politicians are often -managed with 
 unfairness, and points are too frequently carried by the 
 influence of misrepresentation, cunning, ‘deception, 
 flattery, and unjust satire. Many in this enlightened 
 age, as it is called, have adopted this'easy and expe-' 
 ditious method of opening men’s eyes, and procuring 
 
21 
 
 support to propositions which they desire to car- 
 ry. And very few questions of a public nature are 
 coolly and -fairly debated in the old fashioned way 
 6f sound reasoning. My brethren, shall the ambas- 
 sadors of heaven, descend to this unchristian method. 
 of déciding points of high importance, to: establish 
 the’ reputation of a sect, to strengthen the influence of 
 a party, or to promote the general interests of religion ? 
 This error is so dangerous, we should carefully keep 
 ra distance from it. We ine ne 
 CW Bel tii ad 
 
 Huey bestia be of gh descend as to our union 
 and co-operation, to drop party names, words, . phra- 
 ses and dialects, and use language as the sacred wri- 
 ters used it, as’ nearly as we can. | What can be 
 equally wise and profitable, as to follow the example 
 of our divine Saviour, the prophets and apostles, in 
 our language, spirit and whole manner of instruc- 
 
 - tion? Their discourses were not with the enticing 
 
 words and arts of man’s wisdom, but in demonstra- 
 tion of the spirit, and with power. They did not 
 shape their language and manner of address with an 
 aim to meet the corrupt taste of the ages in which 
 they lived; but in the plainest and simplest manner 
 thev directly and forcibly applied to the understandings 
 and consciences of men, with a manifest intention to 
 
 convince and convert them. ‘They did not seek their 
 
 own applause, but the instruction and. salvation of 
 their hearers. ‘The nearer we approach the standard 
 of their example, the more united we shall be among 
 
prosper in our hands. 
 "The capsntaclaiite which is much lecinede f ate 
 spade psiclectsil fast declining, in man } 
 country, as well as in Europe, with the gt 
 of infidelity and corruption of morals, m 
 for union among ministers and christ ia 1s 
 and require that we concentrate all r 
 resolution; to withstand the, prevaler ce of 
 The enemy is come in like a flood, aad a 
 the heritage of the Lord, which we are set t 
 The Lord has lifted up a standard age 
 commanded us, as abaod of christomg oldie 
 firmat owg. respective, pests, for the aH BRere SRA 
 motion of the gospel, We must speak oftener, and 
 more freely and friendly to one another, of the. sub 
 jects of religion, both doctrinal and pract 
 deavour to. animate one another a om 
 pemevarins steattonR ih, tid sil against 
 
 Ce Fe a 
 3. 6 iat ie ea of di | 
 dence,are in many. respects alarming at 
 day, and a thick cloud seems to be fas 
 the News lisngland chuncheay, which may justly 2 , 
 in our minds a very deep concern; yet. we have 
 abundant ground for faith and hope; od for our mos 
 
23 
 
 in different and remote countries, to unitetheir tal 
 ents and property, to extend the blessings of salva: 
 tion, through the gospel, to all who have not enjoyed 
 them. And great success in most instances has 
 crowned the benevolent enterprize. Christianity is 
 fast extending its benign influence in those benighted 
 regions, where satan’s seat long has been. This is 
 truly an encouraging and delightful consideration to 
 all the real friends of Christ. Moreover, the Lord 
 has not forsaken the churches in Massachusetts and 
 other parts of the country; but continued the inesti- 
 mable blessings of christianity to them, and in many 
 places excited the most serious and earnest attention 
 of ministers and people, to religion as the one and 
 only thing needful. It should always be our support, 
 even in the lowest state of religion, to believe that 
 stronger is he who is in us, than he who is in the 
 world; and, according to his promise, the gates of 
 hell shall never prevail against his church. The 
 
 Kingdom of Christ is an everlasting kingdom, and to 
 
 hy 
 
 ° 
 
 his dominion there shall be no end. His glory shalt 
 in due time fill the whole earth. Our constant prayer 
 should be, that God would pour out the Spirit in 
 abundant effusions, and bless and succeed the labors 
 of the evangelical ministry, with which he has in 
 wisdom and goodness honored many of us. 
 
 This ‘anniversary reminds us of the steady and 
 swift passage of time, and of our progress towards 
 the bar of heaven, to which some of our brethren 
 
The removal of isetgpbcy and useful mini: 
 justly be considered as a frown in providence, . 
 ally tending to weaken t thigieterest of religion. - But | 
 the residue of the Spirit is with the Lord; and ‘wus! 
 ing in him to impart strength according to’ our day, 
 and to prosper all our well designed endeav burs to 
 advance the cause of Christ,” we should be dil gent 
 and resolute in the duties of our ii Ipc ; ; 
 the church, and leave the disposal of ‘events, re. 
 specting us and the rest of vote to eo ‘nhioue 
 — | ah Wrists t. 
 it os 
 
 ve Absonticks to hae and vey audable. ie 
 are, on this occasion, to extend a pecuniary. benefac-. 
 tion to the needy widows and orphans of dece sed. 
 congregational ministers... Let charity open our, — 
 hearts and hands, or incline us to make a liberal and. _ : 
 acceptable sacrifice, believing and feeling the senti-: . 
 ments delivered by our great and | merciful Lae, we i, 
 
 as lisse ncaa fear of God, sd mrebil 
 stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance ; os 
 and I trust you have heard. them with Cons: st y 
 
 4 
 
7 —— — 
 | ‘| 
 
 Date Due 
 10-41 
 
 FORM SSS 45M 
 
—3°- 
 
 Div.S. 252.058 C464SE 510245 
 
mozgssveod 
 
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