Srom f ^c feifirarg of iptofcBBox ^atnuef (giiffet in (glemorg of 3ubge ^amuef (gliffer QSrecftinribge gjrceenfeb 6g ^amuef (giiffer (J5recftinr%e feon^ to f^e £i6rarg of ^rinceton S^eofo^cdf ^emtnarg • Q; DISCOURSES PREACHED ^/l./}V: ,J^/i!^> ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. JOHN ERSKINE, D. D. ONE OF THE MINISTERS OF THE OLD GRAYFRIARS CHURCH, EDINBURGH. SECOND EDITION. EDINBURGH: PRINTED BT D. WltLISON, CRAIG's CLOSE, FOR WILLIAM CREECH, AND ARCH. CONSTABLE, EDINBURGH J AND SOLD BY T. CADELL JUNIOR & W. DA VIES — AND R. OGLE, LONDON; AND M. OGLE, GLASGOW. i8qi. CONTENTS, DISCOURSE L The Qualifications neceffary for Teachers of Chriftianity. James iii. i. My brethren^ he not many inajiers, knowing that we JJjall receive the greater condemnation - - - - Page i DISCOURSE II. Miniilers cautioned againfl giving Offence. 2 Cor. vi. 3. Gi'uing no offence in any thing, that the mini/iry be not blamed - - p. 46 DISCOURSE III. The Bleffing of Chriflian Teachers. .TsAiAH XXX. 20. Thine eyes floall fee thy teach- ^rs p. 83 IV CONTENTS. DISCOURSE IV. IN TWO PARTS. Difficulties of the Palloral Office. 2 Cor. ii. lo. W/jo is fiifficient for thefe t^^'n^^ p. ii8 DISCOURSE V. IN TWO PARTS. Motives for hearing Sennons. pRov. viii. -i^, 34. Hear injlruaion, and be wife, and refufe it not, Blepd is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the pofis of ?ny doors - p. 141 DISCOURSE VI. IN THREE PARTS. Diredions for hearing Sermons. Luke viii, 18. Take heed, therefore, how ye hear p, i^o CONTENTS, V DISCOURSE VII, IrJlrudions and Confolations from the Unchange- ablenefs of Chrift. Hebrews xiii. 8. Jefus Chrijiy the fame yejler- day, to-day, and for ever - - p. 220 DISCOURSE VIII. The Agency of God in Human Greatnefs. I Chron. xxix. 12. In thine hand it is to make great - - - - - p. 240 Hiftorical Appendix - - - p. 262 DISCOURSE IX. IN THREE PARTS. Tlie People of God confidered as all Righteous. Isaiah Ix. 21. Thy people aJfo fiall be all righteous p. 278 DISCOURSE X. IN TWO PARTS. The important Myftery of the Incarnation. I Tim. iii. 15, 16. The pillar and ground of truthi and without controverfy great is the myftery of godlinefs, God was manifeft in the fefl, . . • ^ > - p. 328 CONTENTff- Appendlx. — The common reading i Tim. iil. i6. vindicated - - - - - V' 3^9 DISCOURSE XL Jefus juftified in the Spirit. I Timothy iii. i6. God was manifeji in the Jlejh^ jyjViJied in the Spirit - - P* 373 DISCOURSE XII. Jefus feen of Angels. I Tim. iil. i6. — Seen of angels - - p. ^85 DISCOURSE XIII. Jefus preached unto the Gentiles. I Tim. iii. 16. — Preached unto the Gentiles p. 402 DISCOURSE XIV. Jefus believed on in the World. I Tim. iii. 16. — Believed on in the ivorld p» 417 DISCOURSE XV. Jefus received up into Glory. I Tim. iii. 16. — Received up into glory - p. 427 CONTENTS. YI3 DISCOURSE XVI. IN THREE PARTS. Power given to Ghrill for bleffing the Eledt. John xvli. 2. As thou haji given him power over all flejh^ that he /Jjoidd give eternal life to as many as thou hafi given him - p. 443 DIfcourfes I. II. & IX. have been formerly pub- liflied. DISCOURSE I. THE QUALIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOR TEACHERS OF CHRISTIANITY. Preached before the SYNOD of GLASGOW and AYR, At Glasgow, Odober 2. 1750. James ill. i. MY brethren; be not MANY MASTERS, KNOWING THAT WE SHALL RECEIVE THE GREATER CONDEMNATION. JL HE words, in the original, might have been bet- ter rendered thus, Be not many teachers^ knowing that we Jhall undergo a fever er judgment ^ ; and were occa- fioned by certain novices affuming the office of teach- ers, when utterly unquahfied for it. The meaning of them is, the office of a fpiritual inftruftor is attended with great difficulty and danger, and the duties of it are hard to be difcharged. Let not, therefore, every man rulh into that office. Let none undertake it raffi- ly, and while deftitute of the gifts and graces neceffary for fo facred a fundlion ; for teachers, as well as hear- ers, muft appear before the judgment-feat of Chrift, God will require more from teachers, than from o- thers ; and their private mifcarriages, or unfaithfulnefs to the duties of their office, will expofe them to the fe- vereft puniffiment. Inattention to this folemn charge, in minifters and candidates for the miniftry, is one unhappy fource of B the * See Whitby's Notes, and Bifliop Bull's Sermon on this paflage. ^ QUxlLIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOR [DlSC, t« the low flate of religion In the chiiflian world. If we had jufter ideas of the difficulty and importance of the minifleriai office, this might prevent our devoting our- felves to it from felfifh motives, as it would prevent us from afting a mean and contemptible part M'hen engaged in it. Since, therefore, my reverend fa- thers and brethren have obliged me to attempt a fer- vice, for which I am fo poorly qualified ; permit me to reprefent fome of the qualifications neceiTary in the fpiritual inflruftor. The fubje^l mufl greatly fuifer by the unfkilful hand that manages it : and yet I would hope, that my weak endeavours may, by the divine bleffing, flir up our remembrance of truths, too obvious indeed to be unknown, but which even the befl and wifefl among us, are fometimes apt to forget, when a practice correfponding to them becomes our duty. The principal qualifications neceflary in the fpiritual inflrudor, are, perfonal religion ; fouiidnefs in the faith ; a good genius, improved by a competent mea- fure of true learning ; prudence and difcretion ; and a due mixture of a fludious difpofition, and of an ac- tive fpirit. I. Perfonal religion is a neceffLU'y qualification in the chriflian teacher. God has not, indeed, limited the efficacy of ordinances by the character of the difpenf- er. But yet the fcriptures warrant us to fay, that wicked miniflers run unfent, and that God generally frowns upon, and blafts their labours ^ When fouls are entrufled to the flaves of Satan, we cannot but dread a bad account of them : For what concern will thofe feel, or what care will they take, about the fal- vation of others, who feel no concern for their own falvation ? * Pfal. L i6. i ar.d Jer. sxlif» 21, 22, 25.. Disc, I.] TEACHERS OF CHRISTIANITY. 3 Salvation ? Minifters are men of God "^ ; an expref- fion which furely implies that they are men devoted to his/ervice, conformed to his bleffed image, zealous for his honour, animated by his fpirit, and breathing after communion and fellowlliip with him. But a man of God, hving without God in the world ! a man of God, whofe affections are earthly, fenfual, and devillfli ! a mafler of Ifrael, ignorant of the new birth ^ ! a guide to Zion, walking in the paths that lead to deftruftion ! a foldier of Chrift, in league with Satan ! is a Ihocking and monftrous abfurdity. The light of the world, and the fait of the earth, are too honourable titles for any under the power of darknefs and corruption. Thofe muft be clean, that bear the veffels of the fandluaiy. Their mafler is holy, their work is holy ; and there- fore it becomes them to be holy alfo. An infinitely wife God would fcarcely appoint thofe to help forward others to Chrifl, who themfelves are ftrangers to him ; or commifFion thofe as his embalfadors, to negotiate. a treaty of peace with an apoftate rebel world, who themfelves are obftinately perfifting in treachery and rebellion. If a bad man defires to be a minifler, his ends of dcliring it are low, fordid, and mercenary : not to win fouls to Chrifl, but to gain a comfortable fubfiil- ence to himfelf and his family : not to fecure the fub- ilantial honour of the divine approbation, but to at- tract the empty applaufe of the great, or of the popu- lace. Hence, if fpeaking the truth interferes with his intcreft or reputation, he had rather rifk the falvation of his hearers, than hazard the difpleafure of thofe who can do him a favour. Having no heart to his work, he is glad to Ihift it off, or to perform it in a B 2 lazv, c I Tim. ▼!. I it ^ John \n, lO, 4 QIIALIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOR. [_DisC. I. lazy, carclefs, unprofitable manner ; and yet he can- not wholly avoid the unpleafant drudgery of recom- mending to others what he diilikes himfelf, of coim- teri^ting fentiments he never felt, and of applauding a behaviour tlie very reverfe of his own. He feeks not the grace of God, to allifl him in his labours, and to crown them with fuccefs. No wonder, then, that he does no good to fouis, fmce he does not fo much as aim at doing it. IIoT>' different is the cafe with thofe who are fitted to preach the gofpel to others, by having felt the power of it on their own hearts ! T/jey engage in the work of the min'tftry^ not feeking their own profit^ hut the profit of many, thai they may hefaved ^ They take the overfight of the flock, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind f. With eyes divinely enhghtened, they contemplate the fervent love to God, the tender companion to perifhing fouls, and the infmite hatred of fm, which ihine fo brightly in the example of jefus, and thus fuck in fomething of thefe glorious difpofitions. Beholding, with de- vout admiration, what Chrlft has done and fullered, to feek and to fave that which was ioft, they efleem it their hJghefl: honour and happinefs to contribute, even in the loweil degree, to promote that generous defign, tliough at the expence of eveiy thing that unrenewed nature accounts valuable. Their inquiry is not, how ihaii I indulge my ilpth, raife my fortune, or ad- vance my reputation ? But, how fhall I glorify God, advance the interefts of the Redeemer's kingdom, and promote the fpiritual and eternal welfare of precious and immortal fouis ? Having tailed that the Lord is gracious, they are unwilling to eat their fpiritual mor- fels *= I Cor. X. 33. f I Pet. T. ^u Disc, I.] TEACHERS OF CHRISTIANITY, 5 fels alone ; and eanieftiy wiGi to have others partakers ©f the feme grace of life, and, in this refpecl, not only ahnoft, but altogether, fuch as they are s. Having known the terrors of' the Lord ^, they feel a tender conipafTion for thofe who have no pity for thenifelves. Their fouls weep for them in fecret places, and are grieved at the hardnefs of their hearts ; yea, they tra- vail in birth for them, till Chrilt be formed in them, and long to impain to them fome fpiricual gift, by which they may be edified '. I might add, tiiey iove all with a pure heart fervently, who love our Lord Jefus in fincerity ; and, forgetting little differences of opinion m matters of doubtful difputation, they efteem their perfons, value their fociety, fympathize with them in their diftreiTes, rejoice in their temporal and fpiri- tual profperit}^ ; and, being affectionately defirous of them, are willing to impart to them, not the gofpel only, but their own fouls alfo : fo dear and precious are fuch in their eyes ^ ! Animated by fuch a fpirit, the pious minifter is in- gorous and adi-ve, diligent and tmwearied, in his Maf- ter*s fervice. Night and day, his care and vigilance refemble that of the moil tender-hearted affectionate parent. Careftil to find out the neceffities of his flock, and the moft proper methods to fupply them, and, having found out thefe methods, careful and fpeedy in applying them. "When carnal men cry, Mafter, fpare thyfclf ; or when/' the remains of a fluggifh and indolent fpirit would pull him back, he remem- bers the dreadful doom of thofe who hide their talents in a napkin ', or do the work of the Lord deceitful- B3 ly. g AAs xxvi. 29. i" 2 Cor. V. u. i Gal. Iv. 19. ; and Rom. i. 11, ^^ I Theff. ii. 8. ' Matth. xxv. 24 — 30. ; and Luke xix. 20 — 27. € QUALIFICATIONS NECESSAaV FOR [D/Vd*. 1. ly". The whole of his time and ftrength, he thinks too little to fpend, in endeavouring to fave, even one foul, from death. Hence, he ftirs up the gift of God that is in him ; exerts himfelf with an unlanguilhing vigour ; and whatfoever his hand findeth to do, doeth it with all his might. He knows the worth of time too well, to trifle it away in vain amufements, in idle vifits, in unprofitable lludies, or needlefsly to immerfe himfelf in fecular bufinefs, in political fchemes, or any thing elfe foreign to his office. Impatient of whatever would divert him from his work, or retard him in it, he counts thofe hours loft, in which he is not either getting good to his own foul, doing good to the fouls of others, or acquiring greater fitnefs for his important truft. For the fame reafon, he keeps as abftracled as poffibie from the world, left, by engaging too far in its tumultuous cares, a worldly fpirit, kindling in his breaft, fhould gradually confume every devout and be;ievolent afFeftion. Such a one. was the great Apoftle of the Gentiles. Hear from himfelf what were his fervices : '* In labours more abundant, in journey- *' ings often, in wearinefs and painiiilnefs, in watch- " ings often, in hunger and third, in findings often, " in cold and nakednefs. BeiiJes thefe things " which are without, that which conieth upon me '* daily, the care of all the churches ". " Love to Chrift fet in motion all his fprings of action, and made him fly, like a flamingtferaph, from pole to pole, to proclaim the ineffable glories of the Son of God, and to offer his ineftimable beneiits to the fons of men °. Grace, n> Jer. xlvUf. lo. "2 Cor. xi. 26 — 28. " Much of this apoftolic fpirit appeared in fome of the firft re- "fcrmers, and has in our own time appeared in the painful and fuccefs- ful Vic I.] TEACHERS OF CHRISTIANITY. ^ Grace, in lively exercife, makes the teacher honeji and impartial, bold and courageous. Thefe qualifica- tions he will often have occafion for in the difcharge of his duty. If he flrikes at errors or fuperftitions, which antiquity has rendered facred and venerable, many will count him an enemy to God and religion, for telling them the unwelcome truth r, and (lamp upon him the m.oft opprobrious names, for paying more regard to the infallible word of God, than to the abfurd unfcriptural traditions of men. If he urges men to coftly and felf-denying duties, the covetous and the proud are difobliged. If he reproves particu- lar vices, thofe notorioufiy guilty of them are offend- ed. Or if he infli<3:s church cenfures on the openly fcandalous and immoral, not only the guilty perfon, but his friends and relations, take umbrage at it. But none of thefe things move him i. He will not, through a flavifh dread of man, put his candle under a bufhel •■ , or withhold the truth in unrighteoufnefs ^ : but endea- vours to keep back from his hearers nothing profitable, however unpleafant and diflateful, and to declare to every one of them the whole courifel of God -. He reckons himfelf a debtor to the wife, and to the un- wife ", to the bond and to the free, to young and old, to rich and poor, to friends and to enemies, to the meek and to the froward, to thofe who have, and to B 4 thofe fill labours of the late Mr David Brahiad, in the converfion of bar- barous 7«J/aw to the Chriilian faiih. See his Journal, piinted at Philadelphia, 1 746, and Mr Edruards^^ Account of his Life, printed at Bojlon, 1749. It is pity the London abridgement of his Journal has omitted a curious account of the difficulties he met with in chri- llianizing the Indians^ and the methods he ufed to furmount thefe difficulties. • P Gal. iv. 16. "^ A£ls XX. 24. r Matth. v. 15. * Rom, i. i§, ^ A<^s XX. 2C, 27. u Rom. i. 14. 9 QUALIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOR [^Disc. J^, thofe who have not, profited by his miniflry. Hence, his labours extend to all his people without exception ; not, indeed, in the fame meafure and degree, but in proportion to their neceflities, and the probability of fuccefs. He is no refpefter of perfons ; but warns every man, and teaches every man, in all wifdom, that he may prefent every man perfeft in Chrift ". The foul of the meanefl is precious in his fight. He en- ters the cottages of the poor, as willingly, as the pa- laces of the wealthy ; and can efleem holinefs, though dreffed in rags, or lying on a dunghill. Nor is he biafled, by the hopes of their favour, to cringe and fawn to the great. He fcorns to humour their vices, or flatter their weaknefles. If they dare fin, he dares reprove, however his worldly interefls may fuffer by it. He ufes not flattering words, nor a cloke of co- vetoufnefs w. Artifice and diflimulation he abhors ; and will not decline his duty, from the fear of expof- ing himfelf to hatred or reproach. Though briars and thorns be with him, and he dwells among fcor- pions, he is not afraid of their words, nor difmayed at their looks ^; but fpeaks plain and home to the con- fcience, leaving the event to his great Mailer. Thus Chrifl: preached to the Pharifees, againfi: covetoufnefs, hypocrify, and making void God's law by human traditions. Paul reafoned with Felix, of temperance and righteoufnefs. Peter charges his hearers with murthering the Lord of glory. And John the Baptifl; tells Herod, " It is not lawful for thee to have thy *' brother Phihp's wife." — The faithful minifl:er deems himfelf bound to go and do likewife, and will rather offend m.an by this boldnefs, than oftend God, by con- niving at fin. While J Col. i. zB. '" 1 Theff. IL 5. * Ezek. ii. 6. Disc. I.] TEACHERS OF CHRISTIANITY. ^ While others walk in craftinefs, and handle the word of God deceitfully ; meanly difguife and dilTem- ble their fentiments ; fubfcribe, rs true, what they arc convinced is falfe ; fuit their doctrine to the depraved tafce of their hearers, or exprefs themfelves in fo am- biguous a manner, that they appear to maintain, what inwardly they diibelieve : he renounces thefe hidden things of dilhonefty, and, by manifeflation of the truth, commends himfelf to every man's confcience in the fight of God V. He is bold, in his God, to preach the gofpel, not as pleafing men, but God who tricth the heart ^. The truths of God, whether fafhionable, or not, he will declare ; knowing, if he fliould pleafe man by concealing them, he fliould not be the fervant of Chriit ^. Though errors have long maintained their ground, and are flill keenly efpoufed, not only by great, but even by good men, he oppofes them with a zeal and warmth fuited to their importance : like Paul, who would not give place by fubjedion to the Judaizing teachers, no, not for an hour ; and who even withllood Peter to the face, becaufe he was to be blamed ^. God's word is in his heart as a burn- ing fire, fhut up in his bones <^ ; and therefore, cofl what it will, he cannot but fpeak the things which he has feen and heard ^. His belly is as wine that hath no vent ; and neceffity is laid upon him to fpeak, that he may be refreflied ^. He would rather be right in his opinions, than be thought fo. He will not facri- fice the truth, for the reputation of holding it ; nor purchafe honour, at the expence of honefty. With facred fincerity, what the Lord faith, that will he fpeak ; though philofophers fliould call him Enthu- fiafl, y 2 Cor. iv. 2. ^ I ThefT. il. 2, 4. ^ Gal. I. 10. b Gal. If. 5, 1 1. '^ Jer. XX. 9. ^ Afts iv. 20. ^ Job xxxii. 18, 20, to QITALIFICATIONS ^EOESSARY FOR [^Disc, T* fiafl;, the populace falute him Heretic, or the ftatefman pronounce him mad. This integrity and uprightnefs preferves the mini- fter from fainting under a profpect of outward difficul- ties, and a fenfe of his own vreaknefs. Having put his hand to the plough, he will not draw back ^. Though he has long laboured in vain, and fpent his ftrength for nought, he will not give over labouring, but fays in his heart, it may be they will confider, though they be a rebellious houfe e. When he confiders what men are before their converfion, he fees no caufe to defpair of the repentance of any, however hardened in wickednefs. He cannot think it much to wait on his fellow-fnmers, and bear with their reproaches, and injuiies, and ingratitude, when he reflects, with what patience and long-fuffering the great God has waited upon him. Taught by the divine condefcenfion, he is gentle among his people, even as a nurfe that che- Tifheth her children; and though he might be bold, in Chrift, to enjoin them that which is convenient, yet, for love's fake, he rather befeeches them '\ And while he cannot but obferve much in their behaviour, to damp and difcourage him, yet he is willing to fee and own any thing in it that is good and commend- able ; and is prompted, by the leafl favourable appear- ances, to undertake fervices the moll painful and dif- ficult. Grace, in lively exercife, not only animates the tocher to his work, but qfft/ls bim in it, and greatly tends to crown it with fuccefs. It does fo, by difpofmg him to give himjelf to prayer, as well as to the miniftry of the word. Senfible that all his endowments for the miniftry, f Luke I'x. 62. R Ezek. xil. 3. ^ I Their, ii. 7. and Philem. 8, 9. Disc. 1.2 TEACHERS OF CHRISTIANITY. II miniftry, and fuccefs in it, muft come from the Lord, with humble fervour and confidence he implores the divine bleffing : yea, he wreflles and makes fuppli- cation, and, as a prince, has power with God, and prevails. He is a favourite at the court of heaven, and improves all his interell there for his people's good. His heart*s defire and prayer to God, for every one of them is, that he may be faved » ; and the cfFed:ual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. It opens the windows of heaven, and brings down a bleffing, till there is no room to receive. Hence, plentiful out-pourings of the Spirit have been often obtained by the prayers of fome of our pious an- ceftors, whofe gifts and learning were far from being connderable ^. Further — Perfonal religion promotes knowledge of the truth, and apiiiefs to teach ; both which are indifpenfa- bly necelTary in the fpiritual inftructor. A fmcere de- votednefs to Chrifl, and a fenfe of the infinite import- ance of religion, excite him diligently and impartial- ly to inquire what are the genuine do£lrines and pre- cepts of Chriftianity. Hence, with a mind open to convicrion, unbiafled by prejudice or prepofleffion, and ready to embrace the truth as foon as fufficient evi- dence of it lliall appear to him, he candidly hears all parties, and cheerfully rcceiv..\«; religious inftrudlion, whoever is the inCa-ument of conveying it. At the fame time, as it is the faith once delivered to the faints, not the eftabliffied tenets of a party, which he would difcover and embrace ; he will not blindly fol- lov/ any human guide, but brings every dodrine to the tell of the facred oracles, and makes thefe, not the 5 Rom. X. I. ^ See FuMlng of the Scripture?; fQlio editi Wheu * 2 Cor, i. 4. Disc. 1.3 TEACHERS OF CHRISTIANITY. t J When urging others to repent and believe, they do but ftammer about thefe things ; and their words, not coming from the heart, are not likely to reach it. Even, when the dodrine they preach tends to roufe the fecure, their way of preaching it tends to lull them afleep "^ . There is fomething unnatural in en- deavouring to excite, in other mens breads, motions we never felt in our own. No wonder, then, that men behave awkwardly in attempting it, and that the coldnefs of the preacher makes the hearers cold too. But, when the faithful minifter exhorts ; out of the abundance of the heart the mouth fpeaketh. And the language of the heart has fomething in it peculiarly lively and perfuafive ; fomething of undion, not to be equalled by the moft laboured compofitions of others. Unlefs one's gifts are uncommonly mean, a warm concern for fouls will animate and inflame his lan- guage, dictate to him the mod m.oving and pathetic addreffes, and, on fome occafions 'at lead, infpire him with a divine, and almoll irrefiftible eloquence, which, with amazing force, will pierce the confcience, ravifli the affections, and Itrike conviction into the mod ob- durate offender. True religion will promote in miniders a pious and ex- emplary behaviour. The bed advices lofe their weight, when the advifer gives us ground to fufpe£t his fmce- rity, and to taunt him with the proverb, Phyfician, cure thyfelf. Though miniders are- not grofsiy pro- fligate, if they are more folicitous to promote their own *" Pride, fays Mr Baxter^ makes many a man's fermons ; and what pride makes, the Devil makes ; and what fermons the Devil will make, and to what end, we may eafily conjeftiire. Though the matter be of God, yet if the drefs, and manner, ami end, be from Satan, we have no great reafon to expeti fuccefs, Baxter's dlin Sahianusj Chap. 4. Scd. 2. t^ qpALIFlCATIONS NECESSARY FOR \^Disc. Iv own eafe, wealth, and grandeur, than to advance the glory of God, and the good of fouls ; more diligent to improve their farms, than to feed their flock ; lo- vers of pleafures, more than lovers of God ; and more happy in the company of the libertine, than of the fe- rious Chrifiiian. If their behaviour is light and airy, and their converfation frothy and trifling ; if they are always on the popular, or always on the fafliionable fide, and implicitly follow the dire£tions of thofe who have it in their power to gratify their pride, or fatiate their avarice ; this will greatly leflen our refped for their inflruftions. But if miniflers, by their conver- fation, as well as by their dodrine, hold forth the word of life ; if they live what they preach, poflefs the graces they recommend, and praclife the virtues they enforce on others ; if they are courteous and aff"able, kind and condefcending, and, while they dare to plead the caufe of the God of truth, do it in a man- ner which may not oifend him as the God of love ; if they can hate a man's vices, and yet love his perfon, and efl;eem his excellencies, without approving his faults ; if they keep at the widefl: diflance from a ful- len morofenefs and melancholy dejeftion, and yet are grave and decent out of the pulpit as well a& in it, maintain the dignity of their character, avoid thofe li- berties, which, though generally deemed innocent, have been guilty of deftroying both the power and form of godlinefs, and abridge themfelves, on proper occafions, even of lawful freedoms, remembering, that many things may be lawful, which, when praftifed by a minifl:er, edify not ; if they are indeed blamelefs and harmlefs, the fons of God without rebuke, fliining as lights in the v^^orld ; if, under the flirongeft: temptations to diflemble, the law of truth is in their mouth, and no Die. I.] TEACHERS OF CHRISTIANITY. ij no iniquity found in their lips ; if their private beha- viour breathes a fpirit of genuine undifTembled good- nefs : what a glorious profpecl does this open, of the flourifhing of religion under their culture ? If all in the minillry did thus walk with God in truth and e- quity, might we not expect God would honour them, to turn many away from iniquity f? might we not hope, that fo lovely a condud would engage others to be followers of them, even as they are of Chrifl: ?— Exemplary hoiinefs, meeknefs and gentlenefs, forbear- ance and patience, candour and moderation, modefty and humility, love to God, to Chrift, and to virtue, and a behaviour correfponding to thefe graces, mull needs adorn the teacher's profeffion, add efHcacy to his inftrudions, ftop the mouth of flander, give free- dom and boldnefs in reproving vice, gain him the af- fedions of the pious, command the eileem and reve- rence of the indifferent, ftrike the enemies of religion with awe and dread, reftrain the mofl profligate from many enormities they would otherwife commit, and transform, even envy itfelf, into admiration of fo ami- able a character, and a generous defire to copy after it. — But, may fome inquire, cannot the hypocrite be- have well ? I grant he may, in a certain degree. But fome of the m.oll fignal and illuftrious evidences of grace in the heart, are of fo mortifying a nature, that the hypocrite will fcarcely attempt to counterfeit them: or, if he do, as the part he acts is unnatural and con- ftrained, it is fcarce pofllble, but, when off his guard, fomething will be done or neglected by him, which, though no full evidence of the badnefs of his heart, may raife fuch prejudices againif him, as will render his perfon contemptible, and his miniitry too : Not C to '■ Mai. il. S, • i8 CH^ALIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOR [^DisC. T* to obfervcjthat a holy providence often unveils the fe- cret depravity, which a fplendid profeffion may, for a while, conceal. I conclude this head, with obferving, that if the feeds of godlinefs are not fown in the heart, ere we undertake the paftoral office, probably they v/ill ne- ver be fown there. True^ indeed, a bad minifter is not out of the reach of grace : but, of all men, he has leafl reafon to expecl it. His being engaged in religious fervices, fo far from promoting his cure, tends to harden him in impenitence. And as wicked feamen, who continually border on the confines of death, by being accuflomed to danger, learn to de- fpife it : fo, the mofl: affecting truths, by being fami- liar to the wicked preacher, lofe their efficacy upon him ; and he acquires fuch a habit of talking of things the moft important and tremendous, without feeling what he fays, that neither the thunders of the law alarm, nor the grace of the gofpel allures him. To ufe the words of the judicious Bifhop Butler, " Go- " ing over the theory of virtue in one's thoughts, " talking well, and drawing fine pI6cures of it ; this " is fo far from neceflarily or certainly conducing to " form an habit of it, in him who thus employs him- " felf, that it may harden the mind in a contrary " courfe, and, by degrees, render it infenfible to all " moral confiderations. For, from our very faculty " of habits, paffive impreffions, by being repeated, '* grow weaker. Thoughts, by often pafling through " the mind, are felt lefs fenfibly K " II. Orthodoxy^ or foundnefs in the faith^ is highly nece{Ib.ry in a fpiritual inflrudor. Much more ftrefs ^is laid upon this, in the facred writings, than fome feem 5 Butki's Analogy, p. r. chap. 5^ Disc. I*] TEACHERS OF CHRISTIx^NITY. K cj feem willing to allow. Timothy is not only inflrucl- ed what to preach, but commanded to charge fome^ that they teach no other doctrine ; to withdraw himfelf from thofe who teach otherwife, and who confent not to wholefome words, even the words of our Lord Je- fus Chrift, and to the doclrine which is according to godlinefs ; to avoid thofe oppofitions of fcience, falfe- ly fo called, which fome profefiing, have erred con- cerning the faith ; and to hold faft the form of found words which he had heard of Paul ". Titus is ac- quainted, that a bifhop mufl; hold faft the faithful word, as he has been taught ; and charged to fpeak the things which become found dodrine ; in do£lrine Ihewing uncorruptnefs, gravity, fmcerity, found fpeech that cannot be condemned ^ But can all this be ex- pected of one whofe fentiments are unfound ? or ihall we fay, thefe qualifications were necefiary in art age when the prefence of the apoftles might have done much to flop the progrefs of error, but are unnecef- fary now ? Jude acquaints thofe to w^hom he wrote, /' Eeloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto " you of the comm.on falvation, it was needful for me '' to write unto you, and exhort you, that ye fliould '- contend earneftly for the faith which was once de- '- livered to the faints «'." Does not this import, that the connnon falvation cannot be fecured, if funda- mental articles of faith are renounced ? I know, orthodoxy is a thing every where fpoken a- gainft, and has had the misfortune to be judged and condemned as acceflary to crimes, which, had men confulted it, they would never have committed. If the name difpleafes any, we fhall give it another. Is C 2 it « I Tim. i. 3. vl. 3, 5, zc, zz, z Tim. i. 13, " Tit. I . [^DlSc. 1. "while unqualified for it, and if, through thy negligence or unfkilfulnefs, they fliali eternally perifli ? Parents fiiould be well fatisfied of the pious difpofi- tlon of their children, and of the goodnefs of theii genius, ere they devote them to the work of the mini- ftry; and fhould beware of preffing them to under- take the care of fouls, againft their inclination, or with- out it. Su^/j as are hi'vcf.cd iv'iih the power of chooftng go/pel m'niijiers, or of (bocfng thofe who are to train up our youth in the "jariom branches of knowledge neceffary for the minifiry, I would humbly entreat to be wife and faithful in the difcharge of fo important a trufl. Let always the niofl worthy be preferred. Do all to the glory of God •■. Ellecm the interefts of Zion, and of Zion's King, above your chiefeft joy ^ Thefe are the commands of God ; and, if you difregard them, fooner or later you fliali fmart for it. Let not affec- tion for any friend, or fear of difobliging thofe, from, •vvhom you expeft favours, mifiead you to an improper. choice. Patrons^ as good Bifnop Burnet has obferved % are, bound to pay a facred regard to the truft vefled in them ; and, if they exercife their legal right, lliould firfl carefully confider what are the qualificadons of the perfon they prefent to a benefice ; othei-wife the fouls, that may be lofl by a bad nomination, will be required at their hands, by Him who made and pur- chafed thefe fouls, and in whofe fight they are of in- eflimable value. It is all one, with relation to the account they mult give at the tribunal of Jefus, whe- ther money, or kindred, or friendiliip, or fomething elfe, »■ I Cor. s. 31. ^ Pfal. cxxxvli. 6. ' Pallorai Cave, c!i. 7. p. 140. 141. ; and ';li Disc. I.] TEACHERS OF CHRISTIANITY,* '^q clfe, was their motive in beftowing a prefentation, if regard be not had, in the firft place, to the worth of the perfon nominated, and his fitnefs to undertake the care of fouls. Did patrons act with a vifible regard to true goodnefs and real merit, and were thev never fwayed to make a wrong nomination by application and importunity, by ambitious or interefted views, or by the defire of gratifynig a friend, who may have a chap- lain to provide for ; the worfl grievance in -prelenta- tions would be removed : which I take to be this, that many patrons have no fenfe of the value of fouls, and therefore are indiflerent with wiiom they intrufi; them. T/jo/e, luho are fo happy as to be allowed the choice cf a guide to their fouls^ mufl be chai-geable with the worfl of madnefs, nay, with the moil monftrous and inex- cufabie impiety, if they willingly expofe their fouls to eternal deflructlon, by committing them to the charge of thofe, of whofe piety and abilities they have no knowledge. Surely, no affair, in the whole circle of life, calls for more ferious concern and importunate fupplication. Let not, then, intereiland favour; let not ambition to be the head of a paity ; let not the folici- tations of great men, on the one hand, or a humour of oppofmg them, on the other, ■ determine your con- duct. Be not too m.uch influenced by little fliowy qua- lifications, fuch as, a flowery ftyie, a loud or melodi- ous voice, a ready delivery. . But covet eai'neflly the beil gifts ", the moft foiid and fiibftantial qualifica- tions, fuch as, piety, learning, found principles, apt- nefs to teach. Advife with faithful and judicious mi- nlflers, who are able and willing to ferve your belt jnterefts, and are much more competent judges &1 D 4 fpm? f I Cor. xii 31. 4^ QUALIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOR {^DiSC. t. fome of thefe qualifications, than private Chriftians ordinarily can be. And let us, my reverend and dear fathers and breth- ren^ from a genuine regard to the honour of God, and the credit of religion, to the fuccefs of the gofpel, and the falvation of immortal fouls ; and as we would not bring a ftain upon our order, and depreciate it in the eyes of the world, which is often partial enough to cenfure the whole clergy for the faults of a few : Let us beware of introducing any into the facred of- fice, but fuch as we have good evidence are qualified for it, by being vifibly, and in the judgment of chari- ty, fnicere Chriftians, orthodox as well as learned, having grace as well as gifts. I acknowledge, defign^ ing men may counterfeit fome of thefe qualifications, with fo much artifice, as, after the utmofl caution we can ufe, to impofe upon us : and in that cafe, though we commit a miflake, we are guilty of no fault, fmce fuch favourable appearances ought to determine us to judge favourably. But if we feparate any to the mi- niflry, without fuitable evidence of their fitnefs for it, either by perfonal acquaintance, and free unreferved converfation with them ; or by hearing their public performances, and flrictly and particularly examining their knowledge of the truth, and ability to defend it ; or by private inquiries at thofe, on whole fkill, inte- grity, opportunities of infotmation, and cautioufnefs in recommending, .we may fafely rely : fhould ■ fuch afterwards prove incapable of difcharging their trufl, the blame of their defetSls will be laid to our charge. How awful is the warning of Paul to Timothy, and, in him, to all concerned in ordaining others to the paf- toral office ! Lay hands fuddenly on no ?nan, neither be partaker Disc. I.] TEACHERS OF CHRISTIANITY, 4 J- partaker of other mens ftns : keep thyfelf pure '. As if he had faid, Though you have no particular reafon to fufpect a candidate unfit for the miniftry, be not on that account flight and fuperficial in tiying his qualifi- cations for it, but examine, with the utmofl care and exaftnefs, his moral character, and aptnefs to teach ; for if, through indolence and carelefsnefs, you negled to make thofe inquiries, upon which you might have difcovered what was amifs ; or if, through an excef- five tendernefs for candidates, through that fear of man which bringeth a fnare, or through fome other unworthy motive, you fo far connive at his l^own vi- ces or defeds, as to grant him ordination ; by this conduft, you partake with him, not only in the fins he has already committed, but in thofe ^Ifo which he fliall afterwards commit, while he either teaches or lives badly ; and therefore, you mud anfwer for all the pernicious confequences of his ordination, in ruin- ing his own foul, and the fouls of his flock. Nay, fliould other minifters be unwarrantably ralh in this matter, and urge you to concur with them, be not moved, by their entreaties or authority, to aft contra- ry to your own judgment, left- you be condemned as acceflary to their guilt. In the verfe preceding this caution, minifters are charged not to -prefer one before another^ and to do nothing by partiality ; i. e. not to de- termine a caufe for or againft any perfon, till we hear what can be faid on both fides ; not to prefer one be- fore another, where there appears no fufficient reafon for fuch a preference j and not to be fwayed, by friend- lliip or prejudice, to be more favourable to one, and more fevere to another, than we ought to be. And, in .^ iTim. V. 2 3. 4^ iQUALlFICATlONS NECESSARY FOR [_DisC. t'» in the end of the chapter, to encourage this diligence, the apoftle informs ns, that, if we proceed with due deliberation, we fhali not lofe our "labour, but fhall ordinarily be able to form a right judgement concern- ing candidates. Soiiie mens fins are open heforehajid^ going before them to judgment ; and fome men^ they, viz. their fms, follow after. Likewfe alfo, the good works cf fome are manfefi beforehand; and they, viz. the good works, that are ctherzvfe, cannot be h'ld^ . The meaning is, feme mens fms are fo heinous and noto- rious, that, going as it v/ere before them to judge- ment, little or no trial is neceffary in order to difcover them. And the fins of others follow them to judge- ment ; becaufe, though lefs open, yet they alfo might, in moft cafes, by due inquiry, be brought to light. hi like manner, the good works of fome, and their litnefs for ordination, are eafily difcerned, even be- fore they undergo a formal trial ; and thofe good works which are not manifeft beforehand, but which, through the modefly or obfcure fituation of the per- former, are little obferved, may often, by a diligent fearch, be difcovered. From this remarkable pailage, to v/hich v^-e would do well to take heed, the learned Grotius obferves, that we ought not only to inquire, whether a candi- date for ordination is innocent of atrocious crimes, but whether he has done much good, feeing the pious adions of the eminently pious can feldom be hid. And, agreeably to this, Paul requires, not only that a biihop be blamelefs, but that he have a good report of " I Tfm. V. 24, 25. See Grotius or Wolffius on the place, and a piece, entitled, The aprfiolical rule concerning the ord'maiion of mhiU Jltrs conjidered. Lend. 1737, p. 5 — 14, l)iSC, I.] TEACHERS OF CHRISTIANITY, ^j of them which are without, left he fail into reproach '^; fo that freedom from grofs fcandals, without certain pofitive evidences of a pious difpofition, is no fuffici- ent warrant for us to ordain any. It is criminal to lay hands on a candidate, if we have no pofitive ground to hope that he will preach ufefuUy ; and it is equally criminal to do it, if we have no pofitive ground to hope that he will be an example to others, in word, in convcrfation, in charity, in fpirit, in faith, in purity y : for the iaft of thefe is as really a part of the minifter's duty, and as really a means to be ufed by him for faving fouls, as the firft. The things, fays Paul to Timothy, that thou haft heard of me among many witneffes, the fame commit thou to faithful men, who Ihall be able to teach others alfo ^. We muft have probable evidence of their faithfulnefs, as well as of their ability to teach. Even deacons are firft to be proved, and then to ufe the office of a dea- con ^. Sure, then, minifters, whofe office is much more honourable and important, fnouid not be allow- ed to exercife it, till their fitnefs for it be well tried. But the vaft danger of promifcuous admiffions into the miniftry, has been fo well reprefented, in a pamphlet publiflied here three years ago, on occafion of an a6: and overture of the General Aiiembly 1746 % that I am fenfible I have trefpaffed on your patience, in en- larging fo much on this head. If any allege, -that there would nor be found a- fuf- ficient 'f I Tim. m. 2 — 7. y i Tim. iv. 12. X 2 "t'lOi. ii. 2. a I Tim. iii. 10. b See a Letter to a mhiij}er of the church of Scotland, JJ:ei\)ing the vnrcjfonablenefi of extending chap. 7. of the form ofprocefe to pr$halion^ ers, Glafj. 1747, efpecially p. 6 — 27-5 and p. 61—74. '44 QUALIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOR ^DIsC. I# ficient number of minifters for all our churches, did TPe ordain with fuch caution ; I anfwer, it is better to hazard this inconvenience, than to break an exprefs law cf Chriftj which, if lefs ftrid in ordaining, wc certainly do. Let us mind our duty, and leave the e- vent to Providence. Stridnefs in admiffions may, in- deed, difcourage thofe, who bid fairer for ftarving or poifoning, than for feeding the fouls of their flocks. But, to difcourage fuch, is highly commendable : and a fmall number of able and faithful paftors, is more to be defired, than a multitude of raw, ignorant, illite- rate novices, incapable either to explain or to defend the religion of Jefus ; or of polite apoftates from the gofpel to phllofophy, who think their time more ufe- fully and agreeably fpent in ftudying books of fcience, than in ftudying their bibles ; or of mercenary hire- lings, of as mean and fordid difpofitions as thofe we read of, i Sam. ii. 36, who crouched to the high- prieft for a piece of filver and a morfel of bread, fay- ing, " Put me, I pray thee, into one of the prieft's " offices, that I may eat a piece of bread." May God, in mercy, prevent fuch low and unhappy men from ever creeping into the facred fundion 1 May a faithful, an able, and a fuccefsful miniftry, e- ver be the bleifmg of our land ! May the glorious Head of the Church appoint unto every dwelling- place of Mount Zion, and to all her aifembiies, paf- tors according to his own heart, to feed his people ■with knowledge and underftanding ! And may He, whofe words are works, fay to our Church in general, and to this corner of it in particular, " This is my *' reft for ever ; here will I dwell, for I have defir- " ed it. I will abundantly blefs her provifion j I will '* fatisfy Disc. I-l TEACHERS OF CHRISTIANITY. . 4,5 " fatisfy her poor with bread. I will alfo clothe her " priefts with righteoufnefs, and her faints fhall fliout " aloud for joy. There will I make the horn of Da- '' -^dd to bud. I have ordained a lamp for mine a- *' nointed. His enemies will I clothe with Ihame ; *' but upon bimfelf Ihall his crown flouriih. ** DIS- DISCOURSE li. MINISTJERS OF THE GOSPEL CAUTIONED AGAINST GIVING OFFENCE. Preached before the SYNOD of LOTHIAN and TWEEDDALE, At Ebinsurgh, November 8. 1763. 2 Corinthians, vi. 3. eiTING NO OFFENCE IN ANY THING, THAT THE MINISTRY BE NOT BLAMED* JL HESE words of the apoftle Paul, which were pri- marily intended to do juftice to his o\^ti charader, and that of Timothy, his beloved fon in the faith, prefent to the view of gofpel minifters, in every age, a fair and approved pattern, which they ought to copy after, if they wifa to profper in their arduous work. The con- duct of thefe excellent men was, in the main, fo cir- cumfped: and exemplary, that it could give no jufl caufe of offence to Jews, to Gentiles, or to the church- es of Chrift. They carefully avoided whatever might increafe the prejudices of unbelievers againft the gofpel, or might impair the reputation and fuccefs of their mi- niftry, by laying a ftumbling-block, or occafion of of- fence, in their brother's way. I intend, in difcourfmg on this paffage, firft to ex- plain the duty of giving no offence ; then to inculcate upon myfelf and my brethren in the miniflry, the prac- tice I)hc. 2.] MINISTERS CAUTIONED, ScC. 47 tice of that duty ; and, laflly, to conclude with feme praccical reflexions on what may be delivered. L I am to explain the duty here recommended to minifters. Giving no offence. To preach and to act fo, as that, in fad, none lliall be offended, would indeed be a hard, or rather im- poffible, tails:. We cannot govern the fentiments and paffions of others ; and that can never be our duty, which is wholly out of our power. The taftes of our hearers are fo oppofite, that what is relilhed by one fet of them, will neceflarily difguft another. So change- able are the humours of not a few, that what yefler- - day they approved, to-morrov/ they condemn. The weak and captious will cenfure our not doing, what was either impoffible, or unfit to be done. Not vifiting the fick when we were altogether ignorant of their ficknefs ; vifiting one perfon oftener than another ; preaching a little longer than ufual, or a little ihorter ; infifting often on fubjects of general im.portance, or infilling feldom on fubjects of lefs extenfive ufe ; re* peadng the fame fermon in different pulpits ; borrow- ing ufeful obfervations from the compofitions of o- thers ; refufmg to fpend that time in company, which duty requires us to devote to our ftudies : nay, cir- cumilances flill more infignlficant than thefe ; our pa- rentage ; our wealth ; our poverty ; our drefs ; our neceff^y recreations ; every thing that relates to us ; every thing we fay or do, however innocent ; every' thing we emit, however needlefsy may, by one or c- ther, be found fault with. To fuch trifles, trifiers' alone can conflantly attend. If people will take oU fence, where no fhadov/ of offence has been given, his^ foul nuifl be groveling, and his time and pains poorly employed, 4^ . MINISTERS CAUTIONED [^DlsC, 1* employed, who, in fuch low inconfiderable matters, can entirely guard againft it. Even truth and hohnefs give offence. If any truth is contrary to generally re- ceived opinions, many will be our enemies for telling them that truth. If vice is honeflly reproved, the ob- ftinate tranfgrelTor will be provoked. But if men take umbrage at us for doing our duty, it becomes us to offend man rather than God. When we hold on ftea- dily in the paths of truth and righteoufnefs, amidft thefe unjufl reproaches ; the teftimony of God and of a good confcience, will afford us unfpeakable fupport and delight. The fciithful miniffer, though reviled by an migratefiil generation, as a troubler of Ifrael, and a turner of the world upfide down, is glorious m the eyes of the Lord. Tliough his charader may^ for a feafon, be under a cloud, God will at length bring forth his righteoufnefs as the liglit, and his judgment as the noon-day. It is evident, therefore,, the duty of giving no offence, only means the giving no jufl caufe of offence, by doing any thing unbecom- ing our profeffion as Chriilians, or our office as mi- nifters of Chriil. But it is proper to defcend to par- ticulars. 1. Our life and converfation fhould be inoffenfive. Our flation is elevated and confpicuous, and expofe& us to the moft ftrid- and critical infpeftion. Many eyes are upon us ; and the fame allowances will not be made for our mifcarriages, as for thofe of ♦thers. Though we could fpeak with the tongues of men and angels, we ihall hardly charm our hearers into a life of piety, and convince them that religion is beautiful, unlefs we exhibit her beauties in a regular well-order- ed converfation. A diffolute life cannot fail to make us bafe in the fight of the people. When our prac- tice Disc. 2.] AGxlINST GIVING OFFENCE. 49 tice is manifeftly inconfiftent with our do£lrines, the brighteft parts will not proteft our character, the fined accomplifhrnents will not fcreen us from deferved re- proach. Nor is it enough, that we are not chargeable with fcandalous wickednefs. If we indulge ourfelves in practices of a fufpicious nature ; venture to the utmofl bounds of what is lawful ; needlefsly frequent the company of fcoffers at religion ; or, at leait, fpend more of our leifure hours with the gay and thoughtlefs, than with fober ferious Chriftians : if our conduft be- trays a crafty, pohtical, intriguing fpirit : if we difco- ver no relifli for retirement ; are often and unnecefTa- rily in the tavern, feidom in the clofet, and referve little of oin* time for reading, meditation, and prayer : if a Vv'ord fcarce ever drops from us in ordinary con- verfation, that can either inftruft or edify, v/e tranf- grefs the precept of giving no offence. With what- ever force of argument, and feeming warmth, we re- commend from the pulpit heaveniy-mindednefs and devotion, humility, felf-denial, weanednefs from the world, uprightnefs and integrity, the careful improve- ment of time, and a tender circumfpecl life, few who obferve our behaviour will be charitable, or rather, will be blind enough, to fancy us in earned. The /idicious will direwdly fufpecl that pleafure, gain, or honour, is dearer to us than God's glory and the fal- vation of fouls. Good men will be offended ; and even bad men, whatever they pretend, will, in their hearts, defpife us. We move in a more exalted fphere than others ; and, if we would fliine as lights of the world, we had need to avoid every appearance of evil, and to confider well, not only what is jud and pure, but ^Vhat is lovely and of good report. The world expefts K that 5<^ Ministers cautioned [^Disc. i» that we fliould do honour to our profeffion, act up to the dignity of our character, and, with the great apoftle of the Gentiles, magnify our office, by acquirino-, cul- tivating, and exercifnig every accomplifnnient, gift, and grace, that tends to promote our ufefulnefs in the church of Chrifl. Many things, abflraftly confidered, may be lav/ful, which yet are not expedient, and edify not. Duty, indeed, fometinies obliges us to contmdicl the humours of our people. But it is neither ailing a wife nor a^good part, to contradict them for contradic- tion's fake. In matters indifferent, we fhould become all things to all men, that we may gain the more ; and deny ourfelves the ufe of our kwful liberty, when, by indulging it, our brother would be flumbled, or ofiend- ed, or made weak. 2. We fliould give no offence, by choofmg injudi- cioufly the fubjects of our fermons^ When we preach what is the refult of mere human reafon, or teach, for doctrines, the commandments of men ; v/hen we urge uncertain fpeculations as warmly as if falvation depended on the belief of them ; puzzle our hearers with new fchemes, unfupported by fcripture evidence ; or, by forced unnatural interpretations, torture the infpired writings to fpeak our mind ; when the things Xve teach, though poffibly true in therafelves, yet are not important religious truths, explained and inforced in a fcriptural (Iraiu : we practically declare, by fuch a condu£t, that we have no high efteem for divine revelation, and have forgot our commiffion as ambaf- fadors of Chrift. It would be reckoned arrogant prefumption, even in the ambaliador of an earthly prince, fiiould he exceed his inftructions, and betake hnnfelf to his own fagacity, in adjufling the differences of his fovereign with ileighbouring ftates. And can an ambaffador Disc. 2.] AGAINST GIVING OFFENCE. jt ambafiador commlflioned by Him, in whom are hid all the treafures of wifdom and knowledge, be thus un- faithful, without the moft daring and impious infolence? He bids faired to preach with fuccefs, who preaches in words, not of man's wifdom, but which the Holy Gholl teacheth, comparing fpiritual tilings with fpiri- tual. The bleffed Spirit fets his feal only to doftrines itamped with his own authority, and which flow from that facred fountain unfullied and pure. The gofpel, when mingled with human inventions, lofes much of its native luflre ; and, hke adulterated milk, affords but fcanty and unwholefome nourifhment. A defire of faying what is curious and uncommon, is a dangerous turn of mind in a teacher of Chriftianiry. Common truths are like common bleffings ; of mod ufe, and of truefli worth : and that is the bed fermon which makes the grace of God fweet, falvation through Chrifl: ac- ceptable, fm ugly and hateful, and holinefs amiable to the foul. If they give juft ground of oiTence who add to the word of God, they do it alfo who take from it. Ail God's words are right. There is nothing froward or perverfe in them. Every doflrine and precept is wifely fuited to promote God's glory and man's falva- fion, and was mercifully revealed for that very pur- pofe. All fcripture is given by infpiration of God, and is profitable for doftrine, for reproof, for cor- reclion, for inftruclion in righteoufnefs. Thofe en- tertain too high a conceit of their own penetration, and very mean ideas of the divine wifdom, who fancy it dangerous to preach what the bleffed Spirit judged it proper to reveal. If we would keep back from our people nothing profitable, we mud endeavour to de- clare to them the whgle courael cf Gcd, Conceal- .^2 MINISTERS CAUTIONED {_DisC. 1, ing any part of that form of found words which our commiffion direfts us to publifli, is unfaithfulnefs to God, and injuftice to the fouls of men. " He," faith God, " that hath my word, let him fpeak my -" word faithfully ; " Jer. xxiii. 28. And again : " —All the words that I command thee to fpeak unto " them, diminifli not a word ; " Jer. xxvi. 2. As wife and faithful Rewards, we muft regard the whole family, and give to every one his proper por- tion : teaching the young and ignorant, in a plain fa- miliar manner, the firil principles of the oracles of God ; and difpenling (Irong meat to them of full age, who, by reafon of ufe, have their fenfes exercifed to difcern both good and evil. The erroneous, we mufl endeavour, by found reafoning, to convince of their miftakes. We mud unfold the ftriftnefs, fpirituality, jtnd extent of God's law ; and difplay the awful fanc- tions that enforce.it, to roufe from their fpiritual le- thargy, the fecure and thoughtlefs, the bold and pre- fumptuous, the proud and felf-confident. Awakened fouls we muH g-enlly allure to Chrill:, by the fweet and free invitations of the gofpel ; and believers w'e muft exhort, by a faithful difcharge of every duty, to adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour in all things. Perhaps it is one chief occafion of our giving offence, by not declaring the whole counfel of God, that there are certain fubjecls peculiarly eafy and agreeable to us ; which, on that account, we are apt to imagine .the moft important, and to infill upon the moft fre- quently. Leduring ufually on large portions of fcrip- ture, might be fome remedy to this evil. Occafions would, in that way, foon prefent, of explaining every dodrine, and inculcating every duty. Both we and our hearers would grow better acquainted with the lively Disc. 2.2 AGAIXST GIVING OPFENCE. 53 lively oracles, and learn to read them more profitably. Befides, fiiort occafional hints, which naturally arife in our ordinary courfe of expounding a gofpel or an e- piftle, may fall with weight on our hearers ere they are aware, and force convi£t:ion. Whereas, when the fub- jed of a fermon is direclly levelled againil vulgar pre- judices or fafliionable vices, inftantly the alarm is taken, and the mind llrengthens itfelf againil evidence. The heart is a fort more eafily taken by fap than by ftorm. But though we give hints of every truth, our fer- mons will offend the judicious, if we infift mofl fre- quently and earneflly on fubjefts of lefier importance, and more fparingly and coldly on thofe branches of Chrillianity which are mofl frequently introduced, and have the greatefl ftrefs laid upon them, in the facred writings. Our great bufmefs is, to inllrud g'-iilJ^y creatures how they may be recovered from the ruins of their apoftafy, ferve God acceptably here, and en- joy him for ever hereafter. It is juftly offenfive, if we content ourfelves with now and then mentioning, in a flight and fuperficial manner, thofe things w^hich affect the very vitals of our common Chriffianity. If Chrii'l, and falvation through him, are rarely preached, this will be quite oppofite to the apoftolic pattern. Let it not be pleaded. That thefe doclrines were more neceffary to Jews and Heathens than to profeffed Chrillians. A little obfervation may con- vince us, that many of our hearers are Chridians only in name, and need to be taught thefe doftrines more perfectly, or, at lead, to have deeper impreffions of their truth and importance. Befides, it was not bare- ly in addreffmg infidels, that the apoflles infifled on fuch fubjeds. They did it alfo in. their epiflles to the faints and the faithful in Jefus, who knew thefe E 3 things 54 MINISTERS CAUTIONSD [^DlJC. '2, things, and were eftablifhed in the prefent truth. A confiderable part of many of thefe epiftles immediately relates to the peculiar dodrines of Chriftianity. And, in the practical part of them, thefe peculiar doQrines are often urged as motives even to fecial and relative duties. For inftance, they are urged to diffuade from evil-fpeaking, and to recommend mceknefs and gentle- nefs. Tit. iii. 2. ^if feqq. : and in the 8th verfe of that chapter, the apofble, after pronouncing the do^lrine of juflification through Chriil a faithful faying^ in- joins Titus to affirm it conftantly, in order to excite believers to carefulnefs in maintaining good works. But I have a flill higher pattern to plead. More of our Lord's fermons are recorded by the beloved dif- ciple, than by the other evangelifts ; and of thefe the principal fubjedls are, the dangerous (late of the un- converted, and the nature, neceffity, and blelTed con- fequences of faith in Chriil, of union with him, and cf the fanclifying influences of his Spirit. The laft and longefl of thefe ferm.ons, though preached to the apoftles only, who had long ago profefTed their de- pendence on hini as their guide to eternal life, yet chiefly relates to the mutual love of Chrift and his people, and the fafety and comfort that £o\v from the exercife of faith in him. The dodrine cf Chrift crucified, is the indituted mean for producing and iiGurilhing the divine life, and Ihould be the centre of our fermons, in reference to, and dependence up- on which, other fubjeds ought to be confidered. The nature of true religion, as diflinguifhed from every counterfeit appearance, the genuine workings of it in the heart, and the fruits of it m the life, are fubjecls that need to be often explained and inculcated. Scripture abounds with occafional infl:ru6;ions on thefe hciids : Disc. 2.] AGAINST GIVING OFFENCE. 55 heads: and the 119th pfalm, our Lord's fermon oa the mount, the epiftle of James, and John's firfl e- piftle, treat them defignedly, and at full length. Oa the one hand, we muil inculcate it frequently, that however blamelefs mens outward conduct may appear, yet, if they acl barely from felhfh interelled principles, and have not charity, love to God, to Chrift, and to their brethren of mankind, they are nothing, have not the fpirit of Chrift in them, and are none of his. " The end of the commandment is love, out of a pure " heart, a good confcience, and faith unfeigned." In other words, the end of divine revelation is not gained upon us, till we love our duty, fee a beauty and ex- cellency in holinefs, and efteem it our meat and drink to do the will of our heavenly Father. On the other hand, we muft remind our hearers, that where the tree is good, the fruit alfo will be good ; and that no pretences to faith or love are well founded, which do not juftify themfelves by a fuitable practice. Nor mufi: we content ourfelves with general encomiums on ho- linefs and good works. It is necefiary, minutely to defcribe the various graces of the fpirit that conftitute the Chriflian temper, and the various duties we owe to God, our neighbours, and ourfelves. We do not comply with the precepts of the apodles, and imitate their example, in fpeaking the things that become found doftrine, unlefs we inculcate upon our hearers the particular obligations that refult from their dirler- ent ages, flations, and relations ; Tit. ii. i, 2. For vice, as well as error, is contrary to found doftrine, according to the glorious gofpel of the bleiTed God ; I Tim. i. 9 — II. Further — We give offence, if we do not infifl- on fubjecls fuited to the fpiritual ftate of our flocks, and E -1. tg 5^ MINISTERS CAUTIONED ^Disc. 2. to the difpen rations of Providence towards them. In many difcourfes, the counfel is good, but not for the time ; whereas a well-timed difcourfe bids faireft to ftrike and edify. There is alfo a time to keep filence, as well as a time to fpeak. In many cafes, we will inftrucl and admonifh in vain, if we flay not till mens minds are calm, compofed, and in proper temper to give us a fair hearing. Paul would not feed with ftrong meat thofe who were not able to bear it. On fonie occafions, an oblique hint wiil irritate more than ^ fevere undifguifed reproof would do at another fea- fon. It is evident, from what has been faid, that the mat- ter of his fer mons mud needs give offence, whofe i- deas of the great truths of Chriliianiry are fuperncial, confufed, and indiflind. Men muil have knowledge, ere they impart it ; and there is only one fource whence divine knowledge, without danger of miftake, can be derived, and where it is the duty and intereft of the minifter of Chrift, with the utmofl: diligence, to dig for it. Let the v»'ritings of philofophers, of hi- florians, and of politicians, be their ftudy whofe bufi- nefs it is to unfold the fecrets of nature, to tranfmit to poilerity the memorable deeds of heroes, or to give counfel to their Sovereign in matters of (late. Thefe branches of knowledge are at bed ornamental, not ef- fential, to a teacher of ChriHianity. He may inno- cently, nay, ufefully, amufe himlelf with them ; but he cannot, without facrilege, devote to them the greated part of his time. His office is, to make known to periHiing fmners the fublime, the affecting, the comforting truths of the lively oracles ; and for that end, attentively to read them, to meditate on them day and night -, and, whiHl he defpifes not the labours Disc. 2.] AGAINST GIVING OFFENCE. 57 labours of able and vv'c.rthy men, v;ho have endeavour- ed to illuftrate them, to fecure a better and more ef- fetlual help, by humbly and fervently imploring the Father of lights, to open his eyes to behold wondrous things out, oF God'oword. Thus fliall he become a fcribe inftrufted into the kingdom of God, and, like unto a man that is an houfeholder. bring forth out of his treafures things new and old. 3. When miniilers give no oIFence by the fubjsys of their fermons, they may give a great deal by their manner of treating them. Particularly, When they preach not in a manner calculated to inform the judgement. iMen are rational creatures, and, if we would addrefs them as fuch, the underftand-. ing fliould, as the leading power, be tirll: applied to. For this purpofe, we mult clearly open and explain the truth, confirm it by arguments level to the capacities of our hearers, and do all this in plain familiar language, which even thofe in the lower ranks of life may ea- fily underftand. Chriitianity was defigned for the peafant, as well as the philofopher ; and, as the learn- ed and wife make a fmali proportion of mofl congre- gations, to preach it in a way in which only they are like to be the better for it, is highly offenfive. Phi- lofophy, though, from the prefs, it has done religion fubftantial fervice ; yet, when often introduced in the pulpit, generally hurts ii, by ufurping the place of what would be more uftful, and probably more ac- ceptable. Scholafticai niceties, metaphyfical diftinc- tions, and a fme fubtile thread of reafoning, may in- deed fometimes be neceffary in anfwering metaphy- iical objedions againfl religion ; and therefore, on fome rare occafions, the ufe of them in the pulpit may be profitable : but the bulk of audiences are incapa- ble 5? MINISTERS CAUTIONED [^Disc. i„ ble of following a long and intricate train of thouo-ht ; and therefore will be confounded by it, not inftrudled and convinced. While fome may applaud fuch fer- mons as deep and rational, the more wife will defpife them as idle and injudicious. Thi?, however, is no apology for any who verge to the oppofite extreme, flight order and exactnefs in their compofitions, and, inftead of keeping clofe to a fubjedt, entertain their hearers v/ith confufed incoherent difcourfes, void of fentiment, but full of infipid repetitions, and imperti- nent rambling excurfions. I fay nothing of thofe, whofe long perplexed peri- ods, occafioned by unnecelTary epithets and expletives, and parenthefes and digreiTions, render their fermons at once tedious and obfcure. This unhappinefs of ftyle is remarkable in fome who ftand in the firfl rank of genius and penetration, who, exerting thought more intenfely than others, had little attention to fpare for expreffion. Their fault is more voluntary, and therefore more offenfive, who, by a falfe affedla- tion of the elegant or the fublime, foar aloft above the com.prehenfion of their hearers. Bombaft defcrip- tions, glittering flowers of eloquence, and luxuriant ilip-hts of v./it, had better be left to the heroes of ro- mance ^ Sermons compofed in fuch a ftyle, may indeed entertain and amufe ; but they want perfpicui- ty, the very firll: and fundamental excellency of fpeech. Even the jufled metaphors, when too much crowded, enervate a difcourfe ; darken, inftead of illuftrating, the * Hervey of the Church of England, and Macewen of the Se- ceffion, are agreeable writers ; but to attempt their manner is dan- gerous, without an uncommonly lively imagination, folid judgement, and 'correft tiifte. Luxuriancies of ftyle, generally overlooked i\\ original geniufe.-, cippear ridicu!o'.i3 in their fervi^e iaiitators, Disc. 2.] AGAINST GIVING OFFENCE. ^^ the fenfe ; and, to ufe the worck of another, refcmblc the windows in old cathedrals, in which the painting keeps out the light. 1 acknowledge, the beil fenti- ments, if conveyed in mean and low images, and clothed in a ruftic fiovenly drefs, provoke laughter in fome, and occafion uneafinef^ in others : but we need not run into a finical nicety of ftyle, in order to avoid a fordid negligence. Still more offenfive than thefe, is an obfcurity affected for its own fake. It nlufl offend every honeft man, if, to conceal unpopular opinions, and to put on an air of orthodoxy, we ufe exprefTions which may be interpreted with equal eafe to different, and even contrary purpofes. Remarkable are the words of Paul, I Cor. XIV. 8, 9- " If the trumpet give an uncertain " found, who fliall prepare himfelf for the battle ? So " likewife ye, except ye utter by the tongue words " eafy to be underftood, how fhall it be known what ^' is fptken ? for ye ihall fpeak to the air. ** If this be a good argument agaiiift preaching in an unknown tongue, it is equally good againfl every thing elfe that difguifes, indead of unfolding our ffntiments of Chridianity. The apcftles ufed great plainnefs of fpeech ; and it is an apoitolical injunclion, " If any '• man fpeak, let him fpcak as the oracles of God. *' Let his flyle be plain and clear, like that of the facred writings; not dark and ambiguous, like the orachs of the Heathen ^ After b It was jurdv obrcrved of tht Council of Trent, " Nodi ailiiicia " liorum hominura ; vix unqiiam al;'q;iid aperte dicunt, vix unquam. *' fimpliciter: et cum ccteri homines ioq-jantiir nt intelligi pofliat, " ifti ni?ill magis volunt quam ne incelligantur. '-' Plbraci epijiolu ad Hofpkcilium, apud Cciaiiyer, in noiis ad Fr. raull h'ijl. Con;. Tr'icL t. i. p. 36S, edit. Loud. Too many protsilants have imitated thejn jn this. Co MINISTERS CAUTIONED \^DisC. 2. After all, informing the judgement, though the firft part of our work, is far from the whole of it. Sermons will do little fervice, if they are not alfo calculated to command a reverend attention, to ftrike the confcience, and to warm and affeft the heart. We fpedk as miniflers of God ; and therefore it becomes us to fpeak with dignity and boldnefs, not fearing the face of man. Favour fhould not bribe, nor frowns nor dangers affright us, from delivering our mafter's meffage. I mean not to vindicate pride or paffion. A proper decorum fhould be obfer/ed, efpecially in adminiftering reproof. It is not fit to fay to a king. Thou art wicked ; or to princes. Ye are ungodly. Perfons in public charaders muft be treated with a deference fuited to their (lation; and even the meanefl mufl not be infulted. Courage, however, and faith- fulnefs, are by no means inconfiflent with meeknefs and difcretion ; and if the greacefl dare grofsly and openly to tranfgrefs, the miniiter of Chrift ihould dare to reprove. Befides the meannefs of fome, in conniving at fa- fliionable vices, there are others, whofe thoughtlefs un- concerned geflure and pronunciation greatly diminifh the dignity of their pulpit performances, and make them be received with indifference, perhaps indignation, inflead of refpect. A light and merry air, an antic jovial carriage, in executing the weighty commifTion with which God has entrufled us, is contrary to the rules of decency, and cannot fail to prejudice the hearers. It is impoffible to be too grave and ferious in addreffes, on the fuccefs of which the happinefs of immortal fouls in fo great a meafure depends. But, though our language is plain and elegant, our method accurate, and our manner grave and folemn j yet, Disc, 2.] AGAINST GIVING OFFENCE. ^I yet, if our difcourfes are flat and lifelefs, they will fel- dom warm the heart. Mr Melmoth has obferved, that in Archbifhop Tillotfon's fermons, a pathetic ani- mated addrefs is often wanting ; even on occafions, when naiunilly we would have expetted mod of it. Abundance of fpirit, however, appears in fome of his difcourfes, efpecialiy in expofmg the abfurdities and impieties of the church of Rome. And it might have been remarked with equal juftice, that numerous vo- lumes of fermons, pubiiflied in England fmce that time, while inferior to the Archbilhop's in important fentiments well arranged, and in many genuine beau- ties of flyle, refemi)le them only in that languid man- ner, of which Melmoth complains. Alas ! my breth- ren, dull and pointlefs arrows are iil-fuited to pierce the confcience of hardened fmners. Soft and drowfy harangues, initead of roufmg a fecure generation, Mail rather increafe their fpiritual lethargy ; and a cold preacher Mill foon have a cold auditory. Jefus has entrufted us with the concerns of his people, a people dearly bought, and greatly beloved ; we have to do with fouls that muft be happy or miferable for ever ; we addrefs them, in the name of God, upon matters of infinite importance : and is it not an indignity to him, whofe ambailadors we are, to execute our com- mifTion coldly, and as if ha'ff afleep ? Will it not tempt others to flight our meflage, if, by the manner of delivering it, we appear to flight it ourfelves ? When our own hearts are moft impreflfed with the in- cflimable worth of immortal fouls ; when, out of ths abundance of the heart, the mouth fpeaketh ; v/hen our fentiments, ftyle, voice and gefture, difcover how much we are in earneft : then we are moit likely to touch ^i MINISTERS CAUTIONED [^D/SC. 2, touch the hearts of our hearers, and mak^ them feel the force of what we fay. I have faid fo much upon preaching, as there arc more direftions and exhortations in fcripture with re- lation to it, than with relation to any other branch of our ofHce. I muft barely hint the remaining particu- lars, leil I encroach too far on your time and pati- ence. 4. We may give offence, not only by an improper manner of preaching, but by a neglect or undue per- formance of the other public offices of our ftation. In leading the devotions of the church, we give of- fence, when either the matter, expi-effion, or manner, is unfuitable ; when we are long and tedious ; mingle our own paffions and prejudices with our addreffes to God ; introduce difputable matters, in which many fm- cere Chriftians cannot join with us ; when we adapt not our prayers to the particular circumftances and ne- ceiTities of our people ; hurry them over carelefsly ; difcover no becoming ferioulhefs and folemnity of fpi- rit, no realizing fcnfe of the value of the bleffings for which we plead ; and when we feem to forget that Je- fus is the way, the truth, and the life, through whom alone our guilty race *can obtain accefs to God, and acceptance with him. It is juft caufe of ofJ-ence, and, did vital piety fiou- riih, would be offenfive to our people, that the Lord's Supper is fo feldom difpenfed. And as our manner of difpenfmg that ordinance is one chief hinderance of its frequency, it is worthy our inquir)^ how far that alfo is blameable. Undoubtedly we give offence, if, for trifling unwarrantable caufes, we put off adm/miflrat- ing it; or if v/e ufurp the prerogative of Chrift, as fole lawgiver of the church, by making the terms of Chriftiau Disc. 2."] AGAINST GIVING OFFENCE. 1^;* Chriftian communion cither wider or narrower than he has made them. And this leads me to obferve, that as the difciplirie of the church is in part committed to us, we give of- fence if we exercife it with refped of pericns ; and, through a miftaken tendernefs for any, or a fear of in- curring their difpleafure, allow them to live without due cenfure, in the open pradice of fcandalous crimes, inltead of rebuking them with authority, that others alfo may fear. At the fame time, we give offence, if we claim a right to judge them that are without. It is an offence againfl common fenfe, to expel men from a fociety to which they never feemed to belong, and to debar them from privileges, to which they never had, or pretended to have, any title. Probably fome might be offended, and none greatly edified, fnould I fay much on our condud in judica- tures. Of this fubject, much has been faid from the pulpit, and on occafions too where no purpofe of edi- fication could be gained by faying any thing. This much, however, may I hope be faid, without impro- priety, on fuch an occafion. To ad a juggling un- fteady part, and, from connexions of any Idnd, to va- ry from our profeffed principles ; to fneak, and cringe, and proftitute our confciences, either to the humours of the great, or to the prejudices of the populace ; to behave with infolence to men, our fuperiors in age and experience ; to liften with avidity to one fide of a que- ftion, while v/e deny a fair and full hearing to the o- ther ; to filence fober reafoning by raillery, by dark malicious innuendoes, by bitter fatirical invedives, or by noify cries for a vote ; to treat one another with harflmefs and feverity for different fentiments and different condud in matters of doubtful difputation ; cannot . ^4 M1XISTEP.:> CAUTIONED \^.DisC. 2, cannot fail to offend every cool and impartial obferver. Nor can it, I think, b^' difputed, that we give offence, if we examine flightly the opinions, difpofitions, and abilities of thofe we recommend to important offices ; and folemnly atteft, that men have qualifications, which either we know that they want, or at leafl know not that they have. In ordaining to the miniilry, %ve a61 in the name of Chrift ; and therefore give offence if we ad againft his authority, or without it. Genius, learning, pru- dence, aptnefs to teach, are ail neceffary accomplifli- ments for a minifier ; and, in ordinary cafes, without fome meafure of them, none ought to be fet apart to that honourable fervice. But the moit eminent gifts and abilities, when grace does not direct the proper ufe of them, may too probably qualify men to be plagues, inftead of bleffmgs to the church of God. Jefus would not commit his fneep to Peter, till he had anfv.^ered fatisfyingly the queffion, " Lovell thou "" me ? " He who knows all things, knew the love of his difciple ; and therefore thus inquired, chiefly for our fakes ; that, in committing to others the miniflry of reconciliation, we fliould follow his fteps. They who have feen Cnirift's beauty, tafted his love, and felt the pleafures and advantages of religion, are pe- culiarly qualified, by this their Chriftian experience, to recommend them to others with dignity and free- dom. Singular activity is requifite, in the many la- bours, and lingular fortitude and firmnefs of mJnd, in the many diflicukies and afflictions, to which faithful miniflers are expofed. Now, leve, and love alone, will reconcile to thefe ; nay, render them a delight. Untender, therefore, and unkind we are to the fee- ble flock of ChrijT:, if we commit them to men, who, for Disc. 2.] AGAINST GIVING OFFENCE. 65 for aught we know or care, bear them no afFeclion ; and probably, inftead of feeding and defending them, may poifon them, or expofe them to be devoured. None will prefume thus to plead before Chrift in the great day of account : " It is true, we entrufted fouls, " dear in thy fight, and for whom thou didil fhed " thy precious blood, to one, whofe conduct feemed " to difcover, that his natural enmity to thee remain- " ed unfubdued. But he was an agreeable compani- " on, a man of (trong natural powers, and an accom- " plillied orator. " If fuch a plea would be abfurd, mud not that conduft be abfurd which requires it ? We are not indeed to feek, for we cannot obtain, an abfolute certainty, that thofe we ordain are lovers of Jefus. It is God's prerogative to fearch the heart ; and the judgement we form, on the mod probable evi- dence, may prove wrong. But it is enough to war- rant oiir ad, if there be a profeffion of real religion, and an outward conduft in fome meafure agreeable to that profeffion : and, without doubt, different fenti- ments of a candidate, and different opportunities of knowing him thoroughly, may juftify fome in bearing a part in his ordination, when it would be in others prefumptuous wickednefs. There is one thing mors in our ordinations, which, I think, merits our ferious attention ; and that is, the folemnly giving to one, in the name of Jefus, the charge of a congregation un- willing to fubmit to him, aiid among whom there is no probability of his ufefulnefs «^. Upon what princi- F pies <= The zeal of Paflins, canon of Valencia, outran his knowledge, when he maintained in the council of Trent, that it was a devihfh pcftilent invention of late heretics, deftriiftive of faith, and of the church of God, to afcrlbr to any daim of right, the voice or confent allowed 6'6 ^ MINISTERS CAUTK^NKIJ ^DlSC. 1* pies this can be vindicated, I am yet to learn. The ftate muft no doubt determine what fliall be the eftab- lifhed religion, and who fhall be entitled to the legal benefice for teaching it ; but no government ought, and our. government does not attempt, to impofe up- warfare is accomplifhed, and the day of his complete redemption dawns ! He walked with God in peace and equity, and did turn many av\^ay from iniquity. Thefe he now prefents to the Great Shepherd of the ilieep, foying, " Behold me, and the children thou haft *' given m.e. " He is their rejoicing, and they alfo are his rejoicing, in the day of the Lord Jefus. Joyful to both was the found of the gofpel : but more jo)'ful, now, is the final fcntence, " "Well done, good and *' faithful fervant ; thou hall been faithful over a few *' things, I will make thee rukr over many things : " enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. " If, therefore, we have any zeal for the glory of God, if any regard for the intereil of the- Redeemer \> kingdom, if any tender concern for the falvation u\' our hearers, and if, in the great day of th.e Lord, we 'would not be found among them, that oireiid, and work iniquity, and, after having prophefied in Chrift's name, hear him pronounce againft us the dreadful fentence, " Depart from me ; I know you not : " Let us take heed to ourfelves, and to our doclrine, and walk cir- cumfpeclly, not as fools, but as wife ; giving no of-, fence in any thing, that the miuiflry be not blamed. ■ li j[)hc. 2.3 AGAINST GIVING OFFENCE. 7I It is now time to haften to a conclufion. If it is our duty to give no ofFence, how difficult then is our of- fice ! what fuperior accompHfiiments, natural and ac- quired, what exalted improvements in Aital piety, vv'hat continual aids of the Holy Spirit, are requifite to preferve from giving ofFence ni any thing, men ex- pofed to fuch a variety of temptations and fnares ! The beft of us have caufe, with grief and felf-abafe- ment, to acknowledge, that in many things we daily ofrsnd. Let us not, hov/ever, fmk into flothfulnefs and defpair. God's grace will be fufficient for us, if we humbly implore it ; and he will perfecl flrength in our weaknefs. Say not, O humble fervant of Chriif , I am a child ; for thou fnalt go to, all that God lliall {end thee ; and vvhatfoever he commandeth thee, thou iiialt ipeak. What he has done for many others, may greatly encourage our prayers and endeavours. Wc have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what burning and fhining lights have gone before us in the work of the Lord. We have heard of their ho- ly exemplary lives ; their Und: difcipline, both in their own families and in the church of God ; the gravity, nay, dignity, of their appearance ; their animated pe- netrating fermons, and their edifying manner in fami- liar difcourfe. May a double portion of their excel- lent fpirit reft upon U3 who come after them ! And when, from time to time, our fathers are dripped of their prieflly robes, may the fons of the prophets who ftand up in their room, even exceed them in knov/- ledge of divine things, in piety, in v\'ifdom, in dili- gence, in fuccefs ! that thus our holy rehgion may de- scend uncorrupted to diftant ages, and the people which fiiall be created may praife the Lord. F 4 I have 72 MINISTERS CAUTIONED \^DlsC. 2. I have been exhorting myfelf and my reverend fa- thers and brethren, not to give offence. It is equally neceffary to exhort you, our hearers, not to be hafty in taking it. Be tender, my friends, of our reputa- tion. If any thing is infinuated to our difadvantage, be not rafli and eafy in believing it. If the charge is not fupported by fufficient evidence, regard it not. Againft an elder, receive not an accufation, under two or three witneiTes. By wounding our good name you render our miniftry defpicable and unfuccefsful ; than which nothing can be more pleafing to Satan, or hurtful to your own eternal interefls. Judge not our caufe, till you have given it a fair impartial hearing. Pafs no fentence againft us, till you know we have done what is alleged, and till you alfo know we had no good reafon for doing it. And fmce God inftrufts you by men of like paffions and infirmities with your- felves, expe£l not from them angelical perfedion. Make candid allowances for thofe errors and frailties that are incident to the wifeft and beft of men. Throw over them the veil of charity. Do not' form a judge- ment of our general character, from one unguarded word or action. God hath threatened, that thofe fnall be cut off that watch for iniquity ; that m.ake a man an offender for a word, and lay a fnare for him that reproveth in the gate. You expett we fliould give no offence by the neglect of our duty : we, with the fame juftice, expect, that you fliould give no offence by the negle£t of yours ; and offence you give U3, if you do not attend our minifterial inftruc- tions, implore the bleffmg of God upon them, and ac- tually improve by them. If many profeffed Chriftians fpent not more time in cenfuring minillers than in praying for them, the miniftry in this land would be lefs Disc. 2.] AGAINST GIVING OFFENCE. 7/5 lefs blamed than it is at prefent, and probably leis blameworthy. Meantime, what is amifs in our con- duct, will be no excufe for defpifing the meffage we bring in the name of Jefus, and perfifting in impeni- tence and unbelief. If an inoftenfive miniftry is thus important, how careful fhould patrons be to prefent, and parifhes ftill enjoying the important privilege of eled:ion, to call none to the paftoral office, who may be in danger of giving offence, by their weak abilities, unfound princi- ples, or diffolute lives ! — And how foolifh and crimi- nal a part do candidates aft, who haflily rufh into the facred fundion, ere they have laid in the neceffary knowledge for difcharging it honourably ! Is there not caufe to fear, that not their character only, but reli- gion in general, may fuffer for the reproach of their youth ? Upon the whole, would we give no offence as men, as Chriflians, as minifters of Chriil ; let us fearch out the fms and infirmities to which we are chiefly liable, that we may guard againft thefe with peculiar care. In order to difcover our weak fide, let us duly regard the opinion others entertain of us. Let us not inter- pret friendly admonition as a difparagement and af- front, but thankfully receive it, as a mark of unfeign- ed affeftion. Say, with David, " Let the righteous " fmite me, it fhall be a kindnefs ; and let him re- " prove me, it fliall be as excellent oil which fhall " not break my head." We are often blind to our own failings ; and happy are we, if we can engage fome wife and good man, who tenderly regards our welfare, to point them out. But if we find none thus faithful and hojieft, let us wifely improve the accufations /4 MINISTERS CAUTIONED, ScC. £DlSC. 2*. accufations of enemies, and learn from them thofe blemlfhes and defeds, to which, without the help of fuch ill-natured monitors, we might have remained llrangers. May we all, whether in pubhc or private ftations, be biamelefs and harmlefs, the fons of God without rebuke, finning as lights in the world, maintaining al- ways confciences void of offence towards God and to- wards man. And may the Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers. Let him not leave us nor forfake us, that he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his holy com- mandments for ever. APPENDIX. [^The preceding fermon having been firll: preached at an ordination, the charges then delivered to the Minifter and Congregation are here fubjoined.] CHARGE TO THE MINISTER. T: HOUGH giving the ufual charge would have bet- ter become one or other of our venerable fathers, yet, fmce the place where I fland requires it, fuffer me, re- rerend Sir, to be your monitor. Providence has cal- led you to an honourable, but, at the fame time, a difficult office. Gifts are neceffary to capacitate you for it ; grace, to animate you to difcharge it faithful- ly. A frnall meafure of gifts, and 'low attainments in grace, will poorly anfvver thefe important purpofes. If you would be a veffel unto honour, fandtified and meet BisC.2.2 CHARGE TO THE MINISTZR. 75 meet for the mailer's ufe, and prepared unto every good work, covet earneftly the bed gifts ; the gift of knowledge, the ^gift of utterance, the gift of prudence. Lift up your heart to the Father of hghts, in humble fervent fupplication, that he would plentifully pour out upon you thefe, and every other. good and perfect gift : and as they are not now imparted miraculoully, but acquired through the bleffmg of God on the ufe of means, join to your prayers, diligent application to (ludy. Meditate on divine things ; give thyfelf v.'holly to them, that thy profiting may appear unto all, Thofe of the moft cxtenfive knowledge, know only in part, and need to learn the way of God more perfectly. Give attendance to reading. Make, a wife choice of the books you read. Study thofe moft, which moft tend to increafe in you tlie difpofitions and abi- lities proper for your oiHce. There is one book, or rather collection of books, which, without an appear- ance of arrogance, I may venture to recommend, as of all others the befl ; I need not fay, I mean th2 Bible. Make that your chief ftudy ; for, if rightly undcrftood, and improved, it is able to make the man of God perfeft, thoroughly furnifhed unto every good Vv'ord and work. Apollos's charafter, was, " an elo- " qiient man, and mighty in the fcriptures. " It were to be wifhed, that both branches of the charadler were found in every minifter ; vet the laft is by much the mofl: valuable. If we are well acquainted with the doctrines of the gofpel, and the arguments that fup- port them ; and underftand the dulies of the Chrillian hfe, the motives that enforce them, the hinderances of their pra6tice, and the beft methods of removing thefe Jiinderanccs : we may, by manifefla.tioil of the truth, cciumeod 7^ CHARGE TO THE MINISTER. ^DlsC. 2. commend ourfelves to mens confciences in the fight of God ; though to thofe who are enamoured with the en- ticing words of man's wifdom, and who regard found and fhow more than fubftance, our bodily prefence may appear weak, and our fpeech contemptible. Be equally diligent to improve in every holy difpo- fition. Your public work will be much affefted by the frame of your fpirit. If you decline in religion, your flock will fare the worfe : but the better Chriftian you are, the more ufeful minifler you are like to be. Seek, therefore, above all things, to grow in grace ; efpecially in that excellent grace of love, love to God, love to Chrift, and love to precious fouls. For this purpofe, live a life of faith on the Son of God. Abide in him, and conftantly depend upon him for all need- ful fupplies of divine influence. Then will you feel your mafter's work a delight, not a burden ; and will vigorouHy exert your abilities for the gloiy of God, and the welfare of man. Your fermons will be ferious, your prayers fervent, your private converfation will naturally turn to fubjecls good for the ufe of edifying, and your life, as well as doftrine, will point out the path to the heavenly manfions. With pure and upright intentions, dedicate yourfelf to the fervice of God in the gofpel of his Son. Take the overfight of the flock, not by conllraint, but wil- lingly ', not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. To ufe the words of another on the like occafion, * " You " had ' Prefident Burr's fermon at Boftvvic's ordination, p. 31. Mr Boftwic, in a fermon before the fynod of New- York, May 1758, printed at Philadelphia, and fince reprinted at London, has juftly defcribed the influence of felfiHinefs in perverting a gofpel miniftry. The late Principal Gowdie intended to republifh it here ; and good judges, both of the church of England, the church of Scotland, and the Seceflion, wifh it were more known among us. Disc. 2.] CHARGE TO THE MINISTER* ^7 " had better be the offscouring of all flefh, than preach " to gain the vain applaufe of your fellow-worms. " You had better beg your bread, than enter upon " the minillry as a trade to hve by. However thofe " may live, who acl from no higher principle, it will " be dreadful dying for them, and more dreadful ap- " pearing before their judge. '* Expert, therefore, your reward from God only. Refolve, in divine Itrength, at no time to ufe flattering words, or a cloke of covetoufnefs ; neither of man to feek glory ; but ever to fpeak and ad, not as pleafmg men, but God, which trieth the heart. Be diligent and faithful in the aftual .difcharge of your office. Take heed to the minillry thou hail re- ceived of the Lord, that thou fulfil it. The longefl life quickly haftens to a period ; your time for fervice fwiftly flies away, and will foon be irrecoverably paft and gone. Work, therefore, the work of him that fent you while it is day : the night cometh, when no man can Vv'ork. Make full proof of thy minillry. Think not, that performing one branch of duty, will atone for neglecting another ; but, in fo far as time and ftrength permit, attend upon each in its pro- per feafon. Allot the greatell proportion of your time to thofe parts of your work, public or private, that are moil elfential and important. Preach the word, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-fuffering. Study your fermons well, and beware of offering to God and his people that which cofts you nothing. Endeavour to be thoroughly acquainted with the circumflances and difpofitions of your hearers, their prejudices againfl religion, and the rocks on which their fouls are in moil hazard of being fliipwrecked. Suit your dif- courfes 7? fcSA!lGE TO THE MINISTER. [pis:. 5/ coiirfes to their various neceffities. Study to Ihow thyfelf approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be afliamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Seek out and fet in order acceptable words ; and when about to prepare for the pulpit, beg the diredion of the Spirit in choofing a fubjecl, his afTiftance in com- pofmg and delivering your fermon, and his blefllng to render it effectual. Arrows thus fetched from Heaven, bid faireft to reach the cafes of your hearers, and to pierce their hearts. Take heed to yourfelf, as well as to your dodlrine. Let your life teftify, that you believe what you preach. Be wife as a ferpent, harmlefs as a dove. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. Fly youthful lufts : but be a pattern to believers, in words, in con- verfation, in charity, in fpirit, in faith, in purity. Win the affeftion of all, by an obliging, courteous be- haviour ; and, by preferving a fuitable dignity of cha- rafter, fecure their efteem. An aifable, condefcending manner, has often recommended a bad caufe ; and fournefs and ill-nature have raifed unconquerable pre- judices againfl many a good one. The wrath of man v/orketh not the righteoufnefs of God. The fervant of the Lord mud not drive, but be gentle to all men j patient; in meeknefs indrucling thofe that oppofe them- felves, if God, peradventure, will ^ive them repent- ance to the acknowledgement of the truth. But though meeknefs diould temper your zeal, remember that zeal, in return, fliould enliven your meeknefs. You enter on the minidry in a day in which iniquity abounds, and the love of many waxes cold. The pecu- liar doftrines of Chridianity are run down and oppo- fed, and a tender circumfpect behaviour ridiculed, by many who value themfelves as dandards of genius or politenefs,' Disc, l!} CHARGE TO THE MINISTEi; ^ politenefs. In fuch a day, exert your courage to ftem that torrent of infidelity and vice, which threatens to break in upon us, and deftroy every thing valuable. Contend earneftly for the faith once delivered to the faints. Be not afiiamed of Chrift's words and ways in an adulterous and perverfe generation ; left the Son of man be adiamed of you, when he cometh in the glory of his Father, with the holy angels. Thefe things, my dear brother, are no eafy talk. I hope you have often counted the coft, and with deep concern lamented your infufficiency. But know, for your encouragement, through Chrift flrengthening you, you may do all things. He hath faid to his nii- nifters, " Lo, I am with you always, even to the end " of the world. " And faithful is he who hath pro- mifed, who alfo will do it. If your labours fliould not be crowned with the de- fired fuccefs, be not weary in well-doing ; for in due feafon you fliall reap if you faint not. Though Ifrael fhould not be gathered, yet, if faithful in your f/ork, you fnall receive a glorious recompenfe : Befides, fuc- cefs may come when you expect it leaft. Be inftant, therefore, in feafon, and out of feafon. He that obferv- eth the wind (hall not fow, and he that regarded! the clouds fhall not reap. In the morning fow thy feed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand : for thou knoweft not whether Ihall profper, either this or that, or whether they both (hall be alike good. CHARGE TO THE PEOPLE. I fliall now conclude, with a fhort addrefs to the people of this congregation. Be thankful, my brethren, for a gofpel-miniflry. Let the infidel and profane account it a burden, not a bleffing So CHARGE TO THE PEOPLE* [^DlJC; 3. blefTing to fociety : but do you admire the goodnefs of God in an inllitution fo wifely calculated to promote your beft interefls. Was it not for public teaching, ignorance and vice would foon grow to fo prodigious a height, that not even the form of religion would re- main.— Receive with becoming affection him who is this day ordained your paflor. Confider the dignity of the office with which he is invelled, and entertain him with fuitable refpecl. Minifters are men of God ; they minifler in his name, and by his appointment. See, then, that your paflor be with you without fear j becaufe he worketh the work of the Lord. Efleem him highly in love, for his work's fake. Minifters would labour with better fuccefs, if they lived more in the hearts of their people. Add not, therefore, to your paflor's difficulties, by an undutiful carriage. Ra- ther aifift and ftrengthen him to bear up under them. Put the beft conftruction on his words and actions, which they can poffibly bear ; and treat him not rude- ly ; and vent not your fpleen againft him, though in his dodrine or life, leffer blemiflies fhould appear. Curb fuch an infolent intemperate zeal, by reflecting on the apoflle's direction : " Rebuke not an elder, but " intreat him as a father. " Contempt cafl upon faith- ful minifters, and injuries done them, Chrift will re- fent as done to hirnfelf. Forfake not the affembling of yourfelves together, as the manner of fome is. Withdraw not from ordi- nances difpenfed by your paftor, though his fentiments in leffer matters fhould differ from yours. I fay, in lefler matters : for if an angel may be lawfully accurfed, furely a minifter may be lawfully deferted, who preach- es another gofpel, who lays another foundation for the hopes of guilty fmners, than God hath laid. But bring not Disc. 2.] CHARGE TO THE PEOPLE. 8l not agnlnfl him unjuftly fo heavy a charge. Remem- ber, in this imperfed flate, leffer miftakes are unavoid- able, and will not vindicate your feparating from him : And where a cafe is not extremely clear, you owe con- fiderable deference to his judgment, as he has greater ieifuie than mod of you for fludying, and greater ad- vantages for iinderftanding the facred oracles. Let, therefore, your pallor ever find you humble and teach- able ; fvvift to hear, flow to fpeak, flow to wrath. Come not to church with a captious, quarrelfome dif- pofition. With what heart can miniilers preach, when hearers are ftili upon the catch, eager to pick up fome- thing with which to find fault ? Ad a worthier part. Laying afide all malice, and guile, and hypocrify, and envying, and cvil-fpeaking, hearken with meeknefs to that ingrafted word which is able to fave your fouls : like the noble Bereans, receive the inftruftions of your teacher with all readinefs of mind ; not yielding them, however, an imphcit faith, but fearching the fcriptures daily, whether thefe things are fo. In fo far as they ftand the teft of that infallible touchftone, regard them, not as the word of man, but, a3 they are in truth, the v/ord of the hving God. See that you rejefl: not Chrifl, when, by his mini- fters, he fpeaketh to you fi-om heaven. When he calls, do not refufe ; when he flretcheth forth his hand, do not difregard it. Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own fouls. While you have the light, walk in the light, left darknefs come upon you. It is but for a little miniflers can be ufeful ; erelong, they muft ceafe to preach, and you to hear. Thofe fervants of God who now fhew to you the way of falvation, muft, in a while, - refign their places ; and the eye that now fees them, muft fee them G no Si CHARGE TO THE PEOPLE. [D/jC. :i. no more. Comply, then, with their wholefome coun- fels, while yet you enjoy them ; left you mourn at the hfii, and fay. How have I hated inftruction, and my foul defpifed reproof ! I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that in- ftrucled me. Second the labours of your minifter, by private en- deavours, fuitable to your feveral ftations, for the good of fouls. Train up your children in the way that they Ihould go, and encourage any ferious imprefTions made upon them. When difcipline is exercifed againft open offenders, Ihew that the honour of God, and the hap- pinefs of precious fouls, lye nearer your hearts than the eafe and reputation of any man. The efficacy of church-cenfures will much depend on your conduct to- wards thofe who fail under them. Have no company with fuch, that they may be afliamed : and if they will not hear the Church, let them be to you as heathen men and publicans. And when you are allowed the neareft accefs to a throne of grace, and feel your hearts in the moft de- vout and heavenly frame, wreftle and make fupplica- tion for your minifter, that his own foul may profper and be in health ; that the prefence of God may acconx- pany him in all his miniftrations ; and that when he plants and waters, God himfelf may give the increafe. May his dodtrine drop as the rain, and his fpeech diftil as the dew : And may the foul of every one of you be like a watered garden, and like a fpring of wa- ter whofe waters fail not. PIS^ DISCOURSE III. THE BLESSING OF CHRISTIAN TEACHERS. Preached at t3ie Admiffion of the Rev. Mr David Black, i'i Mluifter of Lady Yefter's Kirk, Edincurgh, 2cth November 1794. Isaiah xxx. 20. thine eyes shall see tky teachers. Jl HESE words immediately refped a period, when God gave his people the bread of adverfity, and the water of afflidion. Yet they have often been accom- piifhed in peaceable and profperous times: — and, in. peaceable and profperous times, may many now hear- ing me, and their children and childrens children, fee them farther accomplilhed, in the happy confequences of the tranfadions of this day ! Though the gofpei firft began to be preached by the Lord ; yet, as it w^as expe- dient that he fliould go away, he has inftituted, and in every age preferved, an order of men, for guiding o- thers in the way of faith, of holinefs, and of peace. What I chiefly intend, in difcourfmg from the words, is, a brief furvey of the advantages which men derive from this inititution. I begin with advantages more in- direcl and occafional. I. Attend to the ihoufands who devote themfelves to the f^rrvice of the fancluary, and whofe characters G 2 are 84 THE BLESSING OF [^DisC. 3. are Improved and ennobled by their previous ftudies. With what diligence and fuccefs, prompted by mo- tives of piety and benevolence, do they fearch for the good way, that they may v\^alk in it themfeh^es, and teach and recommend it to others with advantage ! Their gifts ripen and expand ; their moral and religi- ous excellencies become dillinguifhed. Through the grace of God exciting and profpering their pious ef- forts, they conquer vicious and irregular propenfities, reftraln unworthy inclinations, and encounter and o- vercome their fpirilual foes. From a devout fmdy of the facred oracles, they in fome meafure acquire the fpirit of their infpired penmen. Giving themfelves to the word of God and to prayer, and, in fubferviency to thefe, to inquiries after truth, to meditation, and to the perufal of ufefui human writings ; their good refo- iutions flrengthen ; and their knowledge, wifdom, acli- vity and ufefulnefs, increafe. Thus, they acquire de- grees of excellence, which their other advantages would not have procured them, had they been placed in a dif- ferent line of life. Others, who fmcerely defire it, from the calls of fecular bufmefs, find it more diuicult to feparate them- felves, and intermeddle with heavenly wifdom. But he who wilhes to be faithful and fuccefsful in the work of the miniilry, free from many of thefe avocations, like Ezra, prepares his heart to feek the law of the Lord, and to do and teach it. Often he meditates on the majefty, the greatnefs, and the goodnefs of Him, who formed the earth by his power, created the world by his wifdom, and ftretched forth the heavens by his difcretion : Often he reflects ' on that Providence, which brings good out of evil, light out of darknefs, and order out of confufion : Often he contemplates the Disc. 3.] CHRISTIAN TEACHEP.S. 85 the obedience and fuffcrings of his Saviour ; and while, with angels, he pries into the mylleries of re- deeming love, like the meditations of angels, his me- ditations of God are fweet, and his foul glad in the Lord. Beholding in the glafs of God's v\'orks, and fcill more in the glafs of his word, the glory of the Lord, he is changed into the fame image from glory to glory. The duties of his office frequently lead him to contemplate, to admire, and to adore Him that fit- teth on the throne, and the Lamb ; and thus give him foretaftes of heaven, and prepare him for its ex- alted bleffednefs. He lludies and delivers fermons on the unfatisfying nature, and uncertain continuance, of worldly enjoyments ; on the value of time, and on the awfulnefs of death, judgement, and eternity. The truths fuggeiled on thefe, and other important fub- jecls, deeply imprefs his heart. While watering o- thers, he himfelf alfo is watered. When he vifits the chambers of the dying ; the triumphs of the believer, and fometimes the terrors, though perhaps more fre- quently the ftupidity, of the impenitent, awaken his tenderefh feehngs. By the joyful, or by the forrow- ful countenances he beholds, his heart is made better. Painful experience of the imperfedions and blemiihes of his own charader, and oBfervation of the general depravity of mankind, and of the follies, weakneiTes, and tranfgreffions, from which even the beft are not frttj ilimulate him to the praver of faith fdr a larger meafure of the influences of the BleiTed Spirit. His prayers are accepted on God's altar : and, if the con- tradiction and oppofition of men, who go on froward- ly in the way of their own hearts, often try ; they of- ten alfo improve his meeknefs, forgivenefs, and cbri- ftian compaffion. And now, who can fully reckon up, G 3 ' and B6 THE BLESSING OF- ^DlsC. 3. and fufficiently eftiniate, the general increafe of happi- nefs, from the numbers and fucceiTion of men, who thus become the fait of the earth, and the light of the world, and advance in knowledge, in religion, in vir- tue ? How delightful to a thoughtful mind, and to a holy heart, the duty of frequenriy contemplating the per- feftionSj counfels, works, and word of God ; the holi- iiefs, juftice, and goodnefs of the divine law ; and the love and mercy difplayed in the contrivance, pur- chafs, and application of redemption! If, from the bent of one's genius, the acquifition of fome branches of fcience^ ufefui for illuilrating and defending the fa- cred oracles, or of the languages in which they were originally v/iittcn, is at fhil difficult and unpjeafant : when, from a fenfc of duty, thefe difficulties are fur- mounted, the labour is amply recompenfed, in new fources of innocent entertainment, in perfonal im- provement, raid in public ufefulnefs. Animated with the hope, that tlie difobedient may be turned to the wifdom of the juil, and that the hearts of faints may be enlarged to run in the ways of God's command- ments ; the pious teacher is -^d when it is faid to him. Let us go up to the houfe of the Lord ; and, when his hopes are realized, -the lover of God and the friend of mankind rejoices as Avith the joy of harveft, and as men rejoice when they divide the fpoil. 2. Pubhc teachers often refine the tafte, imiprove the genius, civilize the manners, and promote the li- terary purfuits of a nation. The advantages of this kind derived from their labours,, though niuch inferi- or to others afterwards to be mentioned, are yet im- ponant enough to demand our grateful notice and ac- knowledgement. It is chiefly in Chrifiian countries, that Disc, 3.] CHRISTIAN TEAGHERS. 87 that the valuable remains of Eafiern, of Greek, and of Roman wifdom and eloquence, have been preferv- ed, fludied, imitated, and fometimes even excelled. Chriftian countries have produced the moft complete and accurate books of hiltory, geography, chronology and andquities ; and the mofi: judicious fyflems of na- tural religion, of morals, both as refpeding indivi- duals and nations, of jurifprudence, and of political knowledge. Chriflians have conduced philofophical inquiries with the beft fuccefs, and improved them for the moft ufeful and benevolent purpofes. If thefe things are good and profitable to fociety, (and that they are good and prolitable, my prefent liearers need not be told), a large portion of the honour cf fuch ufefulnefs belongs to men fet for the defence of the gofpfel, defirous by found reafoning to convince gain- fayers, and confcioQs what arms human literature fur- niflies for this holy v/ar. Of thefe defenders of tlie faith, many were clergymen, and laid the foundation of their knowledge in preparing for their facred office : and many, who were not clergymen, owed their edu- cation, and their love of learning and religion, to thofe who were. From the hidory of the primitive church, of the dark ages, of the reformation and revival of learning, and of modern times ; what I have faid might, with eafe, be amply confirmed. I would however efpecial- ly lead your attention, to what immediately refults from teachers of Chriftianity acting in that capacity, and publicly inftruding others by their fermons or ex- pofitions of fcripture. To thoufands, who have no lei- fure.nor opportunity to form their taHe, or cultivate their rational powers, by converfation with the wife and enlightened, or by reading their works, a fchool G 4. i? 8S THE BLESSING OF \_DiiC. 3. is thus open, ellablinied indeed for higher purpofes, where men of found undcrftandings, though low in rank, may, without expence, and almoil without in- tending it, learn, from example, to diflinguiih or con- ned ideas, to infer one truth from another, to exa- mine the force of an argument, and fo to arrange and exprefs their fentiments, as deeply to imprefs them- felves and others. As, in a few years, the child gra- dually acquires the faculty of fpeaking his mother- tongue, with a confiderable degree of eafe, fluency, and perfection, without any formal leflbns, merely by hearing it fpoken : fo, there is a natural logic and rhetoric, which fome acquire without defigning itj who go to church for nobler ends, by which they are happily enabled to deteCl the cunning craftinefs, where- by enemies of religion, or of public tranquiUity, lye in wait to deceive. Indeed, the culture of the talents, and the improvement of the intelledual abilities of that refpedable clafs of men, who earn their bread by the fweat of their brow, generally rifes or falls, in proportion to tlie character and genius of their religi- ous indruclors. In thofe parts of Britain, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, and the American States, where a devout attendance on religious inflr nation is moil general j good fenfe, found judgement, and a dif- cerning fpirit, are moil confpicuous. But where the reverfe takes place, and churches are deierted, either from averfion to religion, or from diflike of its mi- niilers ; ignorance, rudenefs, and contempt of the moil neceifary 'and uf<:iful knowledge, gradually be- come the prevailing characler^of the people. 3. Inllrudions from the pulpit, greatly promote a virtuous behaviour. Illudrations of the love and fear of God, of purity, temperance, induitry j relative du- ties. Disc. 3.]] CHRISTIAN TEACHERS. 69 ties, among -which, fubje£tion to mnglftratcs holds a chief rank ; of juflice, integrity, and benevolence ; illuflrations of iliefe, and other moral obligations, in their nature, extent, and operations ; difplays of their native beauty and excellence, and of their tendency to promote ferenity of mind, an unfullied character, and outward prolj^erity ; and ftriking piclures of the an- guiili, flrame, and mifery, rcfuiting from the oppofite vices ; have produced and flrengihened ihoufands of good refulutions. A thoughtlefs linner goes to church merely from cuilom or decency. He hears that there is no peace, no happinefs, to the wicked. His con- fcience teflifies, that the warning is well-founded. Though his heart is not changed, a muliitude of bafe thoughts, unworthy inclinations, fnamefal defigns, deftrudive plans, fugi^efted by ambition, avarice, or voluptuoufnefs, are ftifled in the birth, and their exe>- cution hapj>ily prevented. Thus, the peace and order fo elTentiai to the happinefs of families, focieties and flates, are in feme meafure maintained, and good men are preferved from many evils, to which, from deceit and violence, they would otherwife have been expofed. Were, even for a few months, churches Ihut up, fer- mons prohibited, and Sabbaths employed in bufmefs or amufement ; the influence which religious and mo- ral obligations retain over many of the unconverted, would foon ceafe ; the lavi^s of righteoufnefs and hu- manity would be trampled under foot ; and no crime fcrupled, which gratified a ruling paffion. One ferious pathetic preacher does more to reclaim the profligate, and to check the groffer irruptions of criminal appetite, than a hundred philofophica] or political eflays. Blind is that country, and v/retched mufl it be, where pure religion is not taught, and where the v/orth of the faithful 90 The blessing or [^Disc, ^# faithful watchman is not known, till the want of thofe true friends of the prince and of the people, introduces envy, flrife, confufion, and every evil work. 4. Attend to the gentle, penetrating, beneficent ef- fects of paftoral inftrudion, on the forrov/ful, the dif- confolate, the tempted, the doubting, the feeble- minded, the fick, and the dying. What lover of mankind would not applaud an inflitution, by which, for more than feventeen hundred years, the poor have been learned to fuffer want, the afflidled in patience to poiTefs their fouls, the anxious to be careful for no- thing, and the fearful to hope in God ? Exquifite pains have thus been foftcned, the heaviefl: griefs af- fuaged, and, in nights of darknefs, of perplexity, and of terror, light has fhined. Call not then an order pernicious or unprofitable, which has comforted thou- fends of mourners : Call not men the poifon or peft of fociety, from whofe exertions fo much good has lollowed. AVhat ! Is the nature of things changed ? Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thiftles ? Can the apoflles of fcepticifm, of infidelity, of a- theifm ; can they boafl that fuch bleffings are the cori- fequence of their labours ? Go to the country Vv'here tyranny wears the malk of liberty, and where there is no peace to him that cometh in, or to him that goeth out ; alk jhe wretched inhabitants : and, when thou returned, u thou art permitted to return, tell thy friends, whether, in the multitude of their forrowful thoughts within them, the comforts of freethinking and irreligion fupported their fouls. Alas ! the path to inward peace> when without are fightings, and within are fears, they have not known. But, haft thou not feen, haft thou not heard, hath it not been told thee, with v/hat eagernefs and pleafure, fufi^rers, Disc. 3.] CHRISTIAN TEACHERS, 91 fuffercTS, when finking in the depths of didrefs, have llftened to him who weeps with them that weep, and have learned, in the fchool of Chrifl, to pour what is infinitely better tlian wine or oil, into their painful v/ounds ? Sympathy gives ftrength to the feeblefl: ef- forts for folacing forrow. He, who fmcerely wjjhes the welfare of the afflided, promotes it hy a thoufand little attentions, the natural effects, without a mo- ment's deliberation, of the difpofitions of his heart. Every look, every v,-ord which indicates attachment and tcndernefs, touches the heart. Delicacy and compaifion, without any formal defign, brighten ma- nj an hour of fudnefs, by things which, in the mo- ment of faying or doing them, they accounted trifles, and the next moment utterly forgot. What then may thf y not perform, when, divinely directed, they point cut to the f.)ns of fadnefs the Balm in Gilead, the Phyficlan there, the coniblations of God, which are neither fev/ nor faiall V Often they are the inftru- ments of appointing to the mourner beauty for afhes, and for the fpirii; of heavinefs the garments of praife ; and even, fometimes, make him forget his forrows, or remember them as waters that are pad. Alchough aiiliQion cometh not forth of the duft, neither doth trouble fpring cut of the ground : yet man is born unto trouHe as the fparks fly upward. It is there- fore an inftitution well calculated for dlminlfliing and alleviating diftrefs, that an order of men, qualified to comfort thofe in any trouble, with the comfort where- by they tliemfelves have been comforted of God, fhould have it in charge to open to their brethren in, tribulation, thofe viev.s and profpecls, through which they may greatly rejoice, though now, for a feafon, if 92 THE BLESSING OF [^DisC, 3. if need be, they are in heavinefs, through manifold trials. 5. Teachers are profitable, as they fpread and de- fend the dodrines of religion, and excite and cherifh juft fentiments of divine things. Many pious and de- vout thoughts arife from fermons, though too often they are little attended to, and not fuitably improved. Were it not for line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little, fuch thoughts would feldom arife ; and, through natural levity, and the impreffion of ten thoufand vanities, they would be forgotten, days without number. Who is fo wife, fo pious, fo deeply and fo thoroughly ferious, whofe un- derflanding needs no farther degrees of light, nor his heart of warmth and aftedion ? Till falfe reafon and wanton ridicule ceafe to oppofe the leading doctrines of Chriftianity, it cannot be idie or fuperfluous to ftate their evidence, and to unfold their excellence and importance. If thou believed the religion of Je- fus, thou canft not efteem it a fmall matter, that, in facred aflembhes, the wavering are confirmed, doubts refolved, and the infidel is convinced ; that Jefus was indeed no impoftor, and no enthufiaft, but truly what he claimed to be, the Son of God, and the Saviour of men. Whatever is wanting or amifs in our perfon- al characters, or in our public miniflrations, who are teachers of Chriftianity : truths, of fome influence on virtue and happinefs, are taught and proved, which would otherwife 'be unknown or forgotten, or make no deep impreflion on moll men. 6. Paftoral inftruftion is a chief mean, which God Iiath appointed to refcue fmners from the ruins of their appftafy, and to intereft them in his favour and friendfhip. The gofpel is preached, to turn men from darknefs Disc. 3.] CHRISTIAN TEACHERS. 9^ darknefs to light, and from the power of Satan to the living God, that they may receive forgivenefs of fins, anii an inheritance among them who are fanctified. It is the power of God unto falvation ; falvation from the guilt and punifhment, and falvation from the power and dominion of fin, to every one who be- lieveth. Men are born again to a fpiritual, heavenly, and divine life, through incorruptible feed, even the word of God, which Hveth and abideth for ever. Yonder fits a returned prodigal, who owes his own felf to his faithful paftor. Without faith, without piety, without holinefs, he walked in a vain fhew, and was dead while he lived ; dead to every thing wife, and virtuous, and good. Relilhing only the. fleeting and tranfitory objects of fenfe, he neither dif- cerned nor defired the things which are more excel- lent. Never reflecting that this life prepares for a happy, or a miferable eternity ; if paffion and appe- tite were gratified, he remained eafy and unconcerned, though a flranger to the covenants of promife, with- out Chriit, and without God in the world. In an hour when he looked not for it, the threatenings of the law againfl fins, hitherto dear to him as a right hand or a right eye, are denounced from the pulpic. The arrows of convidion pierce his heart. Confcience a- wakes from her flumbers, accufes, condemns, tor- ments him. Deftrudion from God becomes, in like manner, a terror to the drunkard and debauchee, funk deep m the mire of vice ; to the unrighteous, cruel, and revengeful, rufliing heedlefs on God's fpear, and on the thick boffes of his buckler ; to the covetous, to the proud ; to him who knew to do good, and did it not; to him who feemed to be religious, and bridled not his tongue ; to the hypocrite, to the felf- righteoiis 04 THE BLE3SING O^ [D/Vf. 3.' righteous defplfer of the Saviour. Anxious inquiries arife in their minds. How fhall I efcape devouring flames, and everjafting burnings ! and, as Tinners, they become fenfible of their inabihty to help theni- felves, and of their unw^orthinefs of divine help. — And now, to the foul thus thoroughly awakened, and deep- ly humbled, how beautiful are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publillieth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good things, that pablilheth falvation ! How joyful the found, that the Fnther fent the Son to be the Saviour of the world ! The faith- ful faying, that Chrift came to fave the very chief of fmners, is received as worthy of all acceptation. The Saviour, and, with him, abundance of grace and of the gift of righteoufnefs, is offered. A believing, pe- nitent, glad, and grateful heart, welcomes the offer. Wifdom calls, by her fervants, on the fimple, the fcorner, and on the fool : Turn ye at my reproof; be- hold I will pour out my fpirit upon you ; I will make known my words unto you ! Determined by grace, they hearken to the call. They look to the exalted Saviour, the author and iiniflier of faith : They look not in vain. He works in them, while hearing the word, a work of faith with power. He gives them repentance and remiffion of fins. Faith, under the influence of the Word and Spirit, purifies their heart ; enables them to overcome the v/orid's flatteries and frowns ; works by love to God, to Chrifl, to their fellow-men, to their fellow-Chriflians, and animates their refolutions for the performance of every duty. Their temper and conduct is changed. Nouriflied by the words of faith and found doctrine, they count all God's commandments concerning all things to be right, and hate every falfe and wicked way. Their light Disc. 3.] CHRISTIAN TEACHERS. '9^ light fo fhines before men, that others feeing their good works, glorify their heavenly Father. They hear the Word behind them, faying, This is the way, walk ye in it ; when in danger of turning afide to the right hand, or to the left. Thus, the fervant of God is warned, and efcapes many a fnare. When indo- lent, he is roufed to activity ; when fearful, encou- raged ; when ready to Humble, kept from falling. He goes from flirength to flrength, while appearing before the Lord in Zion ; for there he learns what God the Lord will fpeak. In the days of health and profperity, he hears for the time to come. On a bed of languilhing, the Spirit brings all things to his re- membrance ; he holds fall the beginning of his con- fidence firm to the end ; and an entrance is thus mi- niflered to him abundantly to God's heavenly king- dom. So great and glorious are the confequences of the gofpel, preached with the Holy Ghoft fent down from heaven. Nay, fometimes, they reach far beyond thofe who fit under the inftruftions of a faithful paf- tor. He proves the fpiritual father of a fenfible, ftudi- ous youth, who afterwards ferves God in the gofpel, and carries on the work he had begun, with even more abundant fuccefs : or of men, whofe wealth, talents, and connexions in life, render them extenfive blet fmgs to church or ftate. And now, I appeal to your underftandings and to your hearts, my refpedable hearers. In^ruftions mult be profitable, which, by the blefling of God, remove or prevent the mofl dreadful mifery, and fecure the mofl valuable enjoyments. And this is the cafe, when the guilty, hearkening to the gofpel call, find pardon through ^5 THE BLESSING OF ^DisC. 3. through the blood of Jefus, acceptance through his merits, and fanctificatlon by his Spirit ; when the wicked forfakes his way, and the unrighteous his thoughts, and turns to the Lord ; and when, through acknowledgement of the truth, thofe are recovered from the fnare of the devil, who were formerly led captive by him at his will. Dreadful is his delufion, who thinks their life ufelefs or wretched, who, wait- ing upon God in the way of his appointment, renew and exert their foiritual ftrength, and, if they cannot mount with winvs as eagles, run and are not weary, or at lead: walk and are not faint. Is not the work of righteoufnefs peace, and the effecl thereof quietnefs and aflurancc for ever ? Have they no dignity, who are men of another fpirit, and, in religious and moral qualifications, more excellent than their neighbours ? Does fociety gain little, when the wickednefs of the v/icked comes to an end, by the grace, not by the judgments, of God ? Where is his benevolence, v/here is his heart, who feels no emotion of gladnefs, when his brethren are thus honourable and happy ? Condemn not, therefore, religious ellablifhments, whether formed by individuals, united focieties, or whole nations, which fecure ufehil teachers, fo far as human prudence can fecure them, not to the prefent race only, but to future generations. Cenfure not the rulers, who devife wife and falutary plans, for thus promoting the bed interefts of mankind. Think not that they fin againft their fubjecls, when, as nurf- ing fathers, or nurling mothers, they provide for them wholefonie l]3iritual nourifhment. Cenfure they in- deed merit, who invade the facred* rights of confcience, and compel the reluctant to profefs the national reli- gion. But cenfure not thofe, who pity, and fupply with Disc. 3.] CHRISTIAN TEACHERS. 97 with the means of inflrucllon, multitudes, whom po- verty would difable, or covetoufneis and Inattention to a future world, indifpofe, to provide teachers for themfelves, and who, without their friendly aid, would otherwile be deilroyed for lack of knowledge. Boall not thy patriotifm, or love to mankind, if thou dolt, what in thee lies, to remove the chief reflraints of wickednefs, and to feal up the fprlngs of private, of family, and of public happinefs. If thou art zeal- ous for light, improvement, and civIHzation, thy zeal for promoting them, is nofc according to knowledge. If pretenders to liberality of fentiment, florm or under- mine one religious eflablifhment, and no other or bet- ter, of larger or leifer extent, replaces it ; be not fur- prifed that darknefs covers the land, and thick dark- nefs the people ; that evil men and feducers wax worfe and worfe ; that courteoufnefs gives place to rude- nefs, gentlenefs to harfhnefs, compafiion to cruelty. But, muff it not be acknov^'ledged, that congrega- tions fometimes derive little or no benefit from fer- mons, and that to their teachers much of the blame belongs ? It mud be acknowledged. This, however, may be accounted for. In perfect confiilency with what I have urged. Bad men regard the effeft of what they preach, with cold indifference, except In fo far as worldly honour or intereil is advanced by their feeming fuccefs ; and efforts naturally are feeble and ineiFeclual, where defire is languid. If the drudgery of pulpit-work is difpatched, they are not folicitou5 what inflruclicns, exhortations, and warnings, are moil neceffary and beft calculated for doing good. Sometimes a clergyman's behaviour is not vlfibly in- H fluenced 9^ Tpie blessing of' l_Disc. 3,. fluenced by the doftrines and duties of religion. Men of fmall fagacity difcern it, infer his craft and difnige- nuity, or conclude that they may imitate him without hazard. His well-compofed difcourfe may indeed gratify the curious, and entertain the man of tafte : but the force of his reafonings is blunted, by the evi- dence, at lead by the fufpicion, that he feels not that force. The natural abilities, extent of knowledge, and perfuafive talents, highly important in a teacher of re- ligion, do not always accompany true piety. The dignity of a fubject is not percdved, when it is dreffed in mean and low language. A florid and pompous ftyle, and fubtile reafonings, which plain common fenfe cannot follow, generally make no impreffion : and, when the paffions are addrelTed, without informing the judgment, impreffions made on the people prove flight and fuperficial, and, as the morning cloud and early dew, quickly pafs away. But, are there not teachers, of diftinguilhed genius, learning, tafte, and eloquence, v/ho yet labour and fpend their flrength in vain ? Perhaps, this is feldom the cafe, when they fincerely aim at the glory of God, and the falvation of fouls, and preach the various truths and duties which God has appointed to be preached, as means of edification. Striking truths, when frequently and fervently inculcated, often com- mand the attention, conquer prejudice, and have a powerful influence. Even when teachers negleft, ar- raign, or exhibit in a falfe light, the diftinguifliing doctrines of the blelTsd gofpel ; .the lefler and occafi- onal advantages of fermons are fometimes gained. The warm addrefs of the fpeaker, and his fair and a- miable chara^er, confl:rain many to lifl:en to his in- ftrudions ; Disc. 3.] CHRISTIAN TEACHERS. '^gj ftruftions : and th« force of his argunients from o- ther topics, may rellrain grofs immoralities, promote a decent deportment, and flimidate to a6ts of juflice and beneficence. Let not this feem Itrange. Men, v/ho never heard the gofpel, or whofe leading princi- ples of action were never changed by its efficacy^ have, notwithilanding, reprefled particular vicious in- clinations, and amended many things formerly amifs in their conduce. Though the word and Spirit of -God, and thefe alone, can convert the foul from fm, eloquence may outwardly reform. What reformation may therefore be expected, when preachers provoke not the Spirit to withhold his blelling from their ufe- ful moral inftruclions, by fnunning to declare the whole counfel of God, and keeping back from their hearers, truths the moll profitable and neceifary 1 Yes : Reformation, and fomething more than cut- • ward reformation, may then be expected. Happy, indeed, are they, whofe eyes fee their teachers, if their ears hear from them the faithful word, faying. This is the way, walk ye in it ! Not fo, when any part of that word is kept out of view. All fcripture, given by infpiration of God, is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for inflruftion in righteouf- nefs. It is therefore neither modeft nor wife, to ne- gled any part of what is revealed as thus profitabfe. Negleds of this kind fometimes dirninifh, and fom.e- times deflroy, the benefit of public inftruction. God hsth faid, even with refpect to prophets who ran un- fent, Jer. xxiii. 22. " If they had flood in my *' counfel, and caufed my people to hear my words ; " then they fliould have turned them from their evil " ways, and from the evil of their doings.'" Paul tells the FhilippianS; ch. i. 153 z8. *' Some preach H 2 *' Chrift, TCO THE BLESSING OF [D/Vf. 3. *' Chriil:, even of envy and ftrife ; and fome alfo of '• good will. Notwithflanding, every way, whether ** in pretence, or in truth, Chrift is preached ; and, " therein I do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. '* It would therefore feem, that though their motive to preach the gofpel was the reverfe of holy, and their profefled regard to Chrifl hypocritical, their fermons were not ufelefs. A glorious and happy change on mens characters and condud, is foretold as the confe- quence of the preaching of the gofpel, Ifaiah Iv. lo, II." For, as the rain cometh down, and the fnow " from heaven, and returneth not thither, but water- " eth the earth, and maketh it to bring forth and " bud, that it may give feed to the fower, and bread " to the eater ; fo fhall my word be, which goeth " forth out of my mouth : it fhall not return un- *' to me void ; but it {hall accompHfh that which I " pleafe ; and it fhall profper in the thing whereunto " I fent it. '* Every part of revelation, whether read or heard, has its diftinct ufe. The flrict precepts, and awful fanftions of the law, endear the Saviour to fnmers. The glad tidings of falvation are often, to the convinced and humbled, the miniftration of the Spirit, and of life : and, when a temper and conduct becoming found dodrine, are inculcated, Chriflians are thereby excited to adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour in all things. — But, if pride, forgetting that the gofpel is a divine report, not a human invention, courts applaufe, by pretending new difcoveries in re- ligion ; if it diminifhes, enlarges, or alters the facred directory, and accommodates it to the fafhionable tafle, or to popular humours ; the perfection of that direftory is denied, and its energy blunted. If inge- nuity arrogantly and abfurdly endeavours to improve Disc, 3.] CHRISTIAN TEACHERS. lOl a revelation, which can make the man of God perfect:, thoroughly furnifiied to every good thought, word, and work ; the Spirit will not honour fancy and fol- ly, for awakening the confcience, enlightening the underftanding, or purifying the heart. God will not transfer his bleliing, from that word which he hath magnified above all his name, to fchemes for attain- ing his favour, different from, nay, inconfifteYit with, that plan, which Infinite Wifdom hath chalked out in the facred oracles. One, thinking of his own under- flanding more highly than he ought to think, pro- nounces certain doctrines of revelation ufelefs or per- nicious. Another, in his difcourfes on the leading fads and duties of Chriflianity, forgets to unfold them in the plain and clear language of fcripture, which the poor and illiterate, as far as is necelfary for them, may eafily underftand •■, and vainly hopes, by the aids of genius, philofophy, and criticifm, to enable his hearers fully to comprehend the myfteties of faith. A third, through that fear of man v/hich bringeth a fnare, difguifes his conviction, holds the truth in unrighteoufnefs, and ' handles the word of God deceitfully. He, who, in the fludy of nature^ attends more to experiments, than to plaufible theo- ries deflitute of their fupporc ; in fludying the Bible, adopts an oppofite plan, and overlooks the proof, from experience that the doclrines and dudes on which the fcripture lays the greateft flrefs, have in fad con- duced moll to the holinefs and to the happinefs of mankind. Not a few, blinded by prejudice, teach error from real convidion. Yet, though they are fincere, error doth not, and cannot, operate as truth. None are brought to look to Chrift for falvation, by hearing that the dodrines of his deity and ar H 3 tonement; 103 The blessing of [D;V knowledge. 124 BIFFICIILTIES OF [DiV. 4. knowledge, and make to imderfland doctrine them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breads 5 precepJ mull be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon h'ne, line upon line, here a little, and there a litde. If. xxviii. 9, 30. For doing a!i this, prudence, gravity, condefcenfion, meeknefs, pa- tience, are requifite. Perhaps, all things weighed, it is more difficult to catechife, than to preach well It might greatly promote the interefts of religion, if men of eminent piety and abilities were fet apart to give themfelves wholly to this important work, for which the other duties of minifters leave them too little, or no ieifure. Meantime, inability to do what could be wifhed, excufes us not from doing what we can : the rather, that, next to public preaching, there is no me- thod in which we can be fo eminently and extenfively ufeful. Parochial vifitation, if managed in a way eafy to plan, I will not fay eafy to execute, would be equally BfefuL But a formal vifit once in a year, with a fhort prayer, and a few general advices, is, I am afraid, a bodily exercife which profiteth little. It is a weari- nefs to the Sefli, of fmall fervice to the great ends of our office, unlefs as it affords fome opportunity to gain the affe6lion of thofe entrufled to our care ;. and this it will hardly do, if we do not carry our connexion and intercourfe with them beyond thefe formalities, gladly lending them our friendly aid, when it may any how- advance their fpiritual welfare, and, in fuch cafes, not overlooking even the meaneft and pooreft of our people. The difcovering a pure difmterefted affec- tion, a fmcere defire to oblige, and a good flock of difcretion, candour and charity, encourages them to unbofom to . iv3 their fpiritual joys and griefs, to alk our Fart I.] THE PASTORAL OFFICE. 12^ our coiinfel in their perplexities, and freely to impart to us their doubts and objedions againll religion. Thus we may learn their various circumftanccs, and inftru^t, exhort, reprove, and comfort them accord- ingly. Sermons, like arrows fhot at a venture, feldoni bit the mark, when we know not the charader of our hearers ; and, in many inllances, our knowledge of their chara£l:er mufl be imperfed, if we contract no familiarity with them. Yet this, however defirabie, is next to impoSible, in a numerous charge, or In. a charge almoil continually Ihifting its inhabitants. Though this may be one caufe why religion feldoni fiourifnes in populous cities, yet minifters ought not to be blamed for not doing what they have no ftrength or lelfure to do. Public duties, which at once pro- mote the good of many, are to be preferred to private duties, which promote the good of a few families or individuals- Much good, hov/ever, might be done even by civil vifits, could we learn the art of being grave without affecLition, and cheerful without levity; never leaving a company, without dropping fomething to render them wifer or better. There are, however, circumflances, in which our vifits are peculiarly feafonabie. Sometimes, when families are favoured with fignal mercies and deliver- ances, our advice may reflrain their joy within proper bounds, remind them of the precarious nature of temporal comforts, and excite a thankful fenfe, and a fuitable improvement of God*s goodnefs. But our vifits bid faired to be acceptable, and, if wifely im- proved, ufeful too, when God brings upon a family aiBiftive providences, or when the Lord maketh the heart foft, and the Almighty troubleth it. The mind is then more fufceptible of ferious impreflions, and he^rkensj 12^ DIFFICULTIES OF [D/Vr. 4. hearkens, "with avidity, to wliat, in the day of pro- fperity, was defpifed. Yet, fo various are the outward troubles and inward diftrefles of mankind, that, al- mofl every day, we meet with cafes wholly new to us, and which we are quite at a lofs how to manage. So oppofite, too, are the opinions and tempers of people in diflrefs, that, what is bed calculated to ftrike one, makes not the leafl impreffion on another ; and, what is necelTary to roufe one from fecurity, would fmk another in defpair» Security, however, is the more common and dangerous extreme ; and, too great in- dulgence, has worfe confequences than too great feve- rity. They therefore miftake it greatly, who fend for minifters on a deathbed, only to fpeak to them the language of comfort, and to pray for mercy to their fouls. Promifmg pardon to thofe who feel not their fpiritual maladies, is faying. Peace, peace, when there is no peace. But, men love to be flattered and deceived ; and therefore, one's being much fent for by people of all characters, to vifit the fick, is a prefumption he has no great talent of roufmg their confciences. After all, where the concerns of the foul have been neglefted to a deathbed, it is to be feared that fuch vifits are oftener pernicious to the healthy, than profitable to the difeafed. We ought not how- ever to neglect them ; becaufe difeafes, which wear the moil threatening afped, may not prove mortal ; becaufe the call of the gofpel extends to every living man; and, becaufe thefe vifits, when prudently manag- ed, give a proper opportunity to warn by-danders not to defer the work of converfion to fo unfit a feafon. Reconciling differences, is a work highly fuitable to the character of embaffadors of the Prince of peace. Not that it tecomes them to be judges and dividers in matters Part I.] THE PASTORAL OFFICE. I27 matters of property ; but, when unhappy differences arife betwixt Chriftian friends, the paftors of a church fhould do their bed timeoufly to cement them. I fay, timeoufly ; for divifions, like difeafes, when neglected in their firfl beginnings, become incurable ; and evil- minded people, who delight in fowing tares, or in watering them where already fown, will not be want- ing to infmuate, that fuch an affront, or fuch a ne- glect, is infupportable : fo that we cannot be too fpeedy in fortifying the parties at variance againft thefe malicious artifices, provided we have got a firm hold of their efteem and confidence, and fully convinced them, we mean our advice for their mutual benefit. To conduft our friendly offices with fuccefs, we mull; beware of difcovering partiality, by liflening too fa- vourably to one fide of the queltion. When a fupe- rior is in the wrong, we mufl: not diminifh the refped due to his ftation, by faying fo too bluntly in the pre- fence of his inferior, but rather take him afide, and endeavour privately to convince him of his fault. Nor, when parties are together, ought we to fuffer them to debate the caufe of their differences. This would generally tend to widen the breach, and to ini- bitter and chaif their fpirits more than before. We fhould rather advife them to demean themfelves as the difciples of Jefus, by forgetting and forgiving what is pafl. In private reproof, what zeal for God, and what tender compafTion for perifhing fouls, are needful to overcome that averfion every good-natured man muft feel, to tell another he has done amifs, and which e- very wife man muil feel, to offend or to didrefs thofc whofe friendfhip he values ! what Ikill, to temper feve- rity with mildnefs, and to proportion our cenfures to the X23 DIFPICULTIES OF [^Dlsc. 4, the degree of the fault, and to the chara6ler and cir- cumftances of the oiFender ! what prudence, to feize the propereft feafon, and to choofe the litteft manner, of adminiftering this bitter medicine ! what prefence of mind, to deted the weaknefs of thofe pretences, by which the reproved would vindicate his conduct 1 Though v/e fhould argue weakly from the pulpit, we are in no danger of immediate open contradiction ; but, when we reprove in private, pride is immediate- ly at work, to fpy out any fallacy in our reafoning, and to raife fpecious doubts and objections, which, if we cannot relblve, our labour is loft, and our rafhnefs cefpifed. In private endeavours to reclaim inhdels, or tiiofe who err in the fundamental articles of fahh, the difficulties are much the fame ; fave that mifguid- cd confcience joins pride in making head againft us, and thus renders our fuccefs more improbable. Rea- dinefs of thought, as well as extent of knowledge, ;ire neceflary, to refute the fophiflical cavils of fubtile adverfaries, and to oifer fuch arguments in fupport of truth, as Ihail leave no room for reply. — I fhall not fay much on the difcipline and government of the Church. In many intangled, perplexing cafes, that come before us, it is hard to know what meafures ought to be preferred. But, it is much harder to conduct ourfelves with fuch prudence and moderation, as to retain the effeem of thofe who differ from us, and yet, with fuch integrity, as to preferve the appro- bation of our ovvu confciences. There is another duty, incumbent on minislers as fuch, more difficult than any I have yet mentioned ; and that is, to fhow themfelves patterns of good works. Tit. ii. 7. ;, and to be examples to others, in word, in converfation, in charity, in fpirit, in faith, in Part I.] THE PASTORAL OFFICE. 1 29 in purity, i Tim. iv. 12. The fetting a good example, is not only a moral duty, incumbent on them in com- mon with others, but feems given them in charge, as a part of their facred office, and an inftituted mean for faving of fouls. Hence Paul enjoins Timothy, I Tim. iv. 16. " Take heed to thyfelf, and to thy " docrlrine j for, in doing this, thou Ihalt both fave " thyfelf, and them that hear thee. " A holy, exehi- plary behaviour, gives a force and energy to fermons, ii'hich learning, genius, and eloquence, coiild never have procured them. When a minifter^s life proves that he is in earned, his admonitions ftrike with au- thority on the confcience, and fmk deep into the heart : while the ftrongefl reaibnings againil fm, have little effe£t, if hearers can apply the bitter proverb, Phyfician, heal thyfelfo Minifters, as guides to their flock, fliould not only cautioufly avoid what is in itfelf unlawful, but what, if praftifed by others, would prove to them a pro- bable occafion of Humbling. Many things have no intrinfic evil, and yet are fo near the confines of vice, that uncommon prudence is neceflTary to indulge in them without beilig defiled. As fnch prudence is ex- tremely rare, minifters, ere they give any practice the fandion of their example, had need to examine, not only what is fafe for them in particular, but what is fafe for that flock of Chrift, to which they ought to be patterns and guides. When travelling alone, we may choofe the lliorteft and moft convenient road, though it be fomewhat flippery and dangerous, pro- vided we are confcious we have prudence enough to guard againft thofe dangers. But he muft be a mercl- lefs and unfaithful guide, who, knowing that a num- ber of weak tjicughtlefs children vrould follow his K footfteps. ^TfO DlfflCULTIES OF [D/V. 4, footfteps, ihould choofe a path, fafc to himfelf, but in which it was morally certain the greateft part of his followers would flumble and fall. This adds confi- derably to the difficulties of our office ; not only as all reftraints are, in their ovm nature, burdenfome, but as it is often hard to refill the importunity of thofe,. who traduce our caution,, as- a being righteous over- much. PART 11. In a former difcourfe, I have prefented to you a rude and imperfeO: draught of the duties of our func- tion ; to convince you, that the office of a bifiiop, though a good, is a difficult work. Jullly did the pious Leighton cbferve, that even the befl would have caufe to faint and give over in it, were not our Lord the Chief Shepherd, were not all our fufficiency laid up in his rich fulnefs, and all our infufficiency covered in his gracious acceptance. II. I fhall now complete the argument, by confider- ing the temptations and oppofition which may proba- bly arife to divert us from the right difcharge of the du- ties of our office. Minifters, though bound to exemplary holinefs, are men of like paffions and infirmities with others, and equally expofed to be feduced by Satan, the world, and the fleffi. The devil affaults the ihep- herd, that he may make the eafier prey of the fheep -, and he has many faithful agents, who enter fully into his malicious views, and lay fnafes for minillers, that, having them to quote as their patterns, they may ex- cufe their own iicentioufnefs, and filence their re- provers. Piirf 2.] THE i'ASTORAL OFFlCEi I3I pro vers. Is a miiiifter at an entertainment ? they en* tice him to exccffive mirth, to do as others, and not to affright men at religion, by ftiffnefs and Angularity* If they facceed, though openly they may applaud j yet fecretly they defpife and ridicule him, for ading fo much out of character. That degree of folitude and retirement, which happily fecures others from many temptations, is impoffible to a minifter, who takes heed to the flock over which the Holy Ghofu has made him overfeer. His duty obliges him to con- verfe with men of all ftations and charaders : with the infidel, the licentioils, the debauchee ; as well as the fober, the virtuous, the pious : and he often fees, what it is improper for him to imitate. One heaps favours upon him, to pave the way for demands^ which, without doing violence to the religious prin- ciple, he cannot comply with. Another would inti- midate him from doing his duty, by threatening the lofs of his friendfhip ; and, rather than fuffer for well- doing, he may be in danger of purchafmg eafe and profperity, at the expence of honour and confcience. If he dares to defend the truth and importance of thofe doctrines, which are the peculiar glory of our holy religion, the perfecution of tongues is what he cannot avoid. No perfonal virtue will atone for fo unpardonable a crime. No evidence of learning, prudence, or moderation, will fhelter from the odi- ous name of bigot and emhufiafl, which fome, who affeft to be valued for their candour and charity, fo very liberally bellow : and there are many, who cannot bear to be defpifed and laughed at, even when fenfible that the ridicule is ill-founded. In every place, briars and thorns are with us ; and we dv/ell among fcorpions. Nay, even good men, ^ 3 through 132 cimcuLTiES OF £Disc. 4. througli rer!i?.ijTing davkiids iri dieir uaderftandiiig^, and corrupdoDS in their hearts, may greaily hinder us in our IVLilier's work ; and, by an excellire deference for them, "R'e may be boLrayed to forego our owa judgement, and to ad: a part %'hich will be bitternels to Its in the LiKer end. Siiiely, theiij we had need to take beeJ to oiir llLepi\ and to \ratch and pray that we enter not mto tempiation. But, oyr chief danger arifes from indwelHng cor- ruption. Oiii- oiSce obfiges us to preach and pi"ay, on majiy occshoiis^ when our frames ai'e dull and lan- guid. Hence, there i?- a danger, iell we grow accuf* tomed to f|>eak of God, and Chrlft, and eternity, xiifiiout feeling the importance of wh^ we fpeak, and realizing our own concern in it, If we fall into fuch a habit, the TiK&. iliiiing tniths, preached by om*- fek-es or others , make no impreflion upon us ; and, that qiiiek and pou-er^l word, tviiich ought to reco- ver from desiinef^ and formality, lofes its power and energy\ ThiK, ^^^e go on from evil to worfe; have no reiiih for oar work ; do as little in it as we poili- biy can, and do tliat little without fpiiit : drawing nigh to God with the mouth, ajid honouring hiin vmh. the lip, while the heart h far from him. Ivli- niders ought to be men of fuperior knowledge. B5At, too ciften, fuperior ^LnowltA'^e produces con- tempt oi others, and paffeth up with pride and felf-conceit. Pride inclines m fLiffly ta maintain an error we have once averted, even in fpite of the cleareil evidence againft it ; to compofe fennons, with a view to our own honour, rather than the glory of God, and edijication of fouis ; and hence, to make an idle fliew of leamicg, genius, or eloquence, which, though it pieafes the car, udther enlightens the un- dei'ila^ding, ^ Vart 2.] THE PASTORAL OFFICE.' J 35 derftanding, nor afFeds the heart. Flattery greatly flrengthens this felf-conceit. When that Intoxicariig poifon is artfully conveyed, few are entirely proof a- gainft it. Though perfons applaud us, who are no competent judges, or whofe heart is at variance with their lips, feif-concelt regards their praife as (incere and well-founded. If we efcape this rock, the oppofite extreme of dif- couragement, may have a fatal influence. Some, through too clofe application to fludy, contrad un- happy diforders in their blood and fpirits j and Satan takes the advantage of this, to raife a world of dark- nefs and confufion in their minds ; {o that they are preffed out of meafure, and ready to fink under their burden. God may write bitter things againft us, and caufe us to poflefs the iniquities of our youth. Pof- fibly, fome fpecial opportunity of ferving God, was afforded us, and negleded ; or, as Solomon, we may have forfaken him, after he hath fpoken to us twice. By this, the Comforter, which fhould comfort our fouls, is provoked to withdraw, and to leave us, for a long feafon, in a languifhing frame. Thus, we go mourning without the fun, our feet lame, our knees feeble, our hands hanging down. Performing any difficult duty, appears impoiTible ; and, even the grafs- hopper is a burden. After a feries of years fpent in vigorous endeavours to promote the caufe of truth and holinefs ; ignorance, profanity, and contempt of the gofpel, too often con- tinue to prevail. From the pulpit, and in private, too, we addrefs our hearers in the warmeft manner : But we preach, and pray, and watch, and labour, in vain. He that was unclean, is unclean Aill ; and he that was filthy, filthy ftill. We are ready to fav, K 3 Why t34- DIFFICULTIES OF IDisC. 4.. Why exert olirfelves thus to no purpofe ? why cul- tivate a foil, which, after our utmoft care, remains barren ? Hence, miniflers, after laudable diligence in the firft years of their miniftry, are in danger of fparing themfelves over much, and of doing little in the duties of their office, faye what decency and charader conflrain them to do, The temptation gains additional force, when thofe, among whom we have faithfully laboured, fail in due gratitude and refpeft, ^ and difcover an eagernefs to pick faults in our fer- mons, or private behaviour. Though we acl with the purell; intentions, every thing is taken by a wrong handle, and fure to difpleafe. This froward, cenforious fpirit, our Lord beautifully defcribes, Luke vii. 31 — -T^^. Confcious that we merit better treat- ?nent, we fometimes peevifhly take pet at the public ; and, when we find they are refolved to blame, even without caufe, become lefs concerned to avoid jufl caufe of cenfure. Once more.- — As we grow older, averfion to fatigue,, and love of eafe, grow upon us, and often lead us to negled or delay our duty, when fome motive ftronger than indolence does not pufh us on to the difcharge of it* Nay, indolence, feeble and languifhing as it feems, often triumphs over the more violent paflions ; and, as it retrains bad men from much wickednefs, fo it hinders the fervants of Chrift from doing a deal of good, which they might, and ought to have done. It puts off till to-morrow, what had better been dif- patched to-day. To ftudy a fubjed to the bottom, and to compofe with exaftnefs, is fuch a fatigue, that if we have a certain readinefs erf expreffion, we are apt to get rid of it, and to venture into the pulpit vith little preparation. It is hard to refifl this bias ; to ^art 2."] THE PASTORAL OFFICE." "l^^, to profecute ftudles, which, though neceflary, are per- haps unpleafanr j to allow a fuitable proportion of time to every different duty ; and refolutely to employ our precious hours to the beft advantage. And when indolence, by long habit, has acquired for<:e, the over- coming it is next to impoffible. Judge, my brethren, from the whole of what has been faid, if the work of the miniltry is fo light and eafy, as many, through ignorance or inadvertency, are apt to imagine. It is an honourable, but it is alfo a laborious and arduous fervice - and no man, by his ■own flrength, is fufiicient for it. How vain, then, and prefumptuous, are fuch, w^ho, depending on their natural abilities, haftily thrufl themfelves into the fa- cred office, without fpending fuitable time in prepara- tory (ludies, and without an eye to Chrift, to afTifl:, to accept, and to profper their labours! What can be expeded, but that, being unlearned, and unliable, they IhouJd wrefl the fcripture to the deflrudlion of themfelves and others ? Even men of the mod di- ilinguifhed talents, and purejl zeal, when they furvey the extent and importance of their charge, and the flriiSl account they mufl one day give of their fteward- .fliip, have caufe, with Mofes, exceedingly to quake and fear, and,, with David, to plead, " Enter not, " O Lord, into judgement with thy fervant ; for in thy *' fight, noflefii living fhall be juftified." How dread- ful, then, to engage in fuch work, without delight in it, fitnefs for it, or regard to its great end and defign ! I know not, if any ftudents of divirpty, or young preachers, are now hearing me. If there are, I hope they will receive what I have faid with mceknefs and candour. As a fmcere friend, I would warn them of rocks, fome of which I myfelfjiave found dangerous. l^S DIFFICULTIES OF [^D:SC. 4. If my heart deceived me not, my ends in entering into the miniftry were pure and difmterefted. I have feen no caufe to repent my choice of a profeffion, I am not afiiamed of the gofpel of Chrift; for it is the power of God unto falvation, to every one that believeth. I efteem it my honour and happinefs, to preach the un- fearchable riches of Chrift. But I lament, that I en- tered on the facred function, ere I had fpent one fourth of the time, in reading, in meditation, ai]d in devotional exercifes, which would have been necef- fary, in any tolerable degree, to qualify me for it. I have made fome feeble efforts tofupply thefe defeiTis. But, befides the public duties of my Oiuce, and a va- riety of unavoidable avocations; indolence of temper, the employing too much time in ftudies or labours lefs important, and other culpable caufes, partly for- merly hinted, partly needlefs or improper to be men- tioned, have been confiderable bars in the way of my fuccefs. Ye, who now enjoy the golden feafon of youth, be careful to improve it to better purpofes. The advantages yo]i now have for acquiring gifts and grace, may never return in any future period. And now, you haye heard the duties 1 owe to this numerous congregation, and the difHcuUies I have to furmo.unt in the faithful difcharge of them • 1 fay, to this congregation ; having neither leifure nor inclina- tion to do the office of a bifhop in another's diocefe, when there are fouls in my own, more than enough for my care. The charge of all the fouls in this large and populous city, is a yoke which the mofl vigorous minifter in it would be miable to bear : and, as one minifter cannot infpecl every family, fo, no one family can reafonably defire the infpeclion of every minifter. It is ordinarily fit, that people ftiould apply to thofe minifterSj Part 2.] THE PASTORx'i.L UfflCE. I37 rmnifters, in whofe diftricl they chvjli, and to ^liofe immediate infpection Providence' has intrUiLed them. In this way, few, if any, will be wholly overlooked. But, if we puruie no regular plan, but leave it to chance, or to pcrfonal attachments, to determine our work ; multitudes, who mofl need our alTiftance, will enjoy leafl of it., and others will engrofs a greater p-o- portion of our time than ought to be allov/ed them. I therefore hope, my many friends and acquaintances in other congregations of this city, will forgive me for preferring a greater to a leiTer good, and for emj.'IoT- ing my labour^^5 where, through the blelling of God^ \ think they bid fairelt to be ufefuL If my relation to this congregation, forbids me, ia ordinary cafes, to alienate from them my miniflerlal fervices ; much m^ore does my relation to the Church, in general, forbid me, needlefsly to trifle away my time, or to employ it in a way foreign to my office. God has given me a charge, to meditate on divine things, and give myfelf wholly to them : and friends, ;ind innocent recreations, muft not claim thofe hours which ought to be confecrated to God and his people. I would Hiy to friends, I would fay to innocent recrea- tions, as Nehemiah to Sanballat, " I am doing a " great work, fo that I cannot come down ; why " ibould the work ceafe, whilil I leave it, and corns " down to you ? '^ Neh. vi. 3. If the apoftles thought it unreafonable to leave the word of God, in order to redrefs abufes committed in adminlilrating the alms of the church ; fliall we leave it for caufes of a lefs worthy nature ? Doubtlefs, it becomes us to em- ploy what time we can fpare, from the duties we owe to our own fouls, to our families, to our congrega- tions^ in itudies or Libour-i, that may tend to the ge- neral !t38 biFFicuLTiES OF [^Disc. 4: neral benefit of the church of God. This would af- ford us abundant work, though we were fixed in the fmalleft and moll inconfiderable charges. But, though fuch fervices are often expefted from minifters in this great city, and though, it muft be owned, our fituation procures fome peculiar advantages for engaging in them ; yet we mud be fmgularly frugal of our time, if we would redeem any confiderable proportion of it for thofe denrable ends. But it is now time, biiefly, to addrefs my deaf Chriftian friends and brethren in this congregation, of which, the fpiritual overfight, through the provi- dence of God, is committed to me. When I think on the many great and good men who have formerly fill- ed this pulpit, and call an eye on my own unworthi- nefs and infufficiency, I cannot but tremble, that one fo poorly qualified, is now called to the fame work. When I review my defects and mifcarriages, when exercifing the facred office in two charges compara- tively eafy, and, in the lad of which, I had the aid of an affectionate and faithful fellow-labour- er =^ ; I am ready to fay. If I have run with the footmen, and they have wearied me, how ihall I run with the chariots ? and if, in the day of prof- perity, wherein I trufled, my heart fainted, what fhall I do in the fwellings of Jordan ? I axU called to enter upon labours, and to encounter difficulties, hi- therto unknown to me. My talk is, my vigour is not, increafed. I am with you in weaknefs, and in fear, and in much trembling, lell I ihall not find you fuch as I would, and that I fhall be found unto you, fuch as ye would not. Struck with the difproportion between my ftrength, ^ The Reverend ]\Xr Robert RoIIand at Culrofs- Part 2.] THE PASTORAL OFFICE. I39 ftrength, and the difficulties of this important charge^ I muft befpeak your candour and indulgence : and yet, weak as I am, and feeble as my endeavours are, they may tend to our mutual falvation, through your prayers, and the fupply of the Spirit of Chrift. I befeech you, therefore, brethren, for the Lord Jefus Chrift's fake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye drive together with me, in your prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from them that do not believe ; that my minifteriai fervices in this city may be accepted of the faints ; and that, to you in particular, \ may come with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreilicd ; Rom. xy. 30 — 32. Send up your warm- eft addreiles to the Father of lights, from udiom com- eth every good and perfect gift, that his grace may be fufFicient for me, and his ftrength perfected in my weaknefs : that in my clofet, he would enable me to incline my ear to wifdom, and to apply my heart to underftanding ; yea, to cry after knowledge, and lift up my voice for underftanding ; to feek her as filver, and to fearch for her as for hid treafures : that in the pulpit, and in the more private duties of my office, he would touch my cold heart, and faltering lips, with a live coal from his altar, and give me the tongue of the learned, to fpeak words i\\ feafon to every foul : that the law cf truth may be in my mouth, and no iniquity found in my li^is : that I may walk vv'ith God in peace and -eciuiry, and turn many away from ini- quity. Brethren, pray for ns, ifiat the. word of the Lord may have free courfe and be glorified ; and that v.e may be delivered from wicked and unreafon- able men ; for all men have not faith ; 2 I'helT. iii. I, 2. Pray alv/ays, with ail pra)-er and fupplication iii the Spirit ; raid watch liici'v'.o, \A\h all ]^erfcverance and 140 BIF?ICULTI££, kc. {DtSC, 4." and fupplication for ali faints ; and for me, that utter- ance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the myflery of the gofpel ; Eph. vi. 18, 19. Moreover, as for me, God forbid that I fhouid fm againil the Lord, in ceafing to pray for you ; but I will teach you, through divine ftrength. the good and the right way. For my friends and brethrens fake, I will now fay. Peace be within you ; and becaufe of the houfe of the Lord our God, I will feek your good. I conclude with the prayer of the pfalmifl, Pf. li. 9. — 13th and 15th verfes ; " Hide thy *' face from my fins, and blot out all mine iniquities. *' Create- in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a t« right fpiiit within me. Caft me not away from " thy prefence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. ^' Reflore unto me the joy of thy falvation, and up- <' hold me with thy free Spirit. Then will I teach *' tranfgrelTors thy ways, and fmners fiiali be convert- *' ed unto thee. O Lord, open thou my lips, and «' my mouth lliall fhew forth thy praife. " DIS- DISCOURSE V. INT TWO PARTS. MOTIVES FOR. HEARING SERMOK:!. Preached in the New Gray Friars Church, 2d and ptk July, J 758, and aftervsrards, with, {ova's alterations and additions, at the opening of Lady Gienorchy's ChapeL Ps-ov. v^iii. 33, 34- HEA«. IKSTROCTION, ASU BE WtSS, AWO REFUSE IT SOT. BLHS- S£Q IS THE MAW THAT K£A£ETa ME, WATCHING DAILY AT MV GATES, WAITf SIG AT THE POSTS OF HY DOORS. Contempt of God' j Sabbaths, and difi-egard of miniilenal inilm^lion, are melancholy charaQ:eiiflics of the age in which we live. That day, which tlie Sovereign of the univeife hath peculiarly fet apart for receiving the homage of his fubjecb, and for difpenfnig to them the bleffijigs of his grace, is employed, by many, in trania<3ing worldly biifmefs, and is triiled away by more, in gadding abroad in the fields, in parties of pieafure, and in paying or receiving unprofitable vifits. Men of this call, though fometimes they m-ay be found in the houfe of God, would deem it a reproach on their imderftandings, fhould you imagine religion had brought them thither. Their behaviour, when prefent in worlhipping aflemblies, fometimes more fully Ui Motrvrs idlk: IDisc 5* fully indicates their contempt, than even nbfence from them could do. They affect an air of hcedlefs indif- ference ; they gaze around them, to obferve the looks and fafhions of others ; and they efleem it a worthy and notable achievement, if they can catch at any thing in a fermon which may afford occafion of ridi- cule, or if;;, by their own ludicrous looks, words or gefhires, they can diflurb the devotion, arid fpoil the gravity of more ferious hearers. There are others, whom regard to character, and pofubly fome remains of a natural confcience, reftrain from fuch profligate politenefs- But facred time lies heavy upon thtir hands. They fay of the Sabbath, What a wearinefs is it ! and, as for tlie w^ord of God, in it they have no pleafure. Any, the moft trifling incident, is greedily feized by them, and pled as fulHcient excufe for abfence from God's courts. They hate the light, and are unvvdlling to come to it, left their deeds be reproved. Secretly confcious of the doubtfulnefs of their iLate, they dread to go where they may be told the worft of it ; and, to avoid the pain of thoroughly knowing their difeafe, and of fubmitting to a cure, they fuffer the difeafe to continue and increafc, until at length it becomes utterly incurable. Such reflections abundantly juftify my addrelling you from the words now read : " Hear inftruction, and *' be wife, and refufe it not. Bleffed is the man that ** heareth me, w^atching daily at my gates, waiting at " the pofts of my doors. " He, Vv^ho, in this chapter, is term.ed Wifdom, even Jefus, in whom are all trea- fures of wifdom and knowledge, demands from the fons of men, that they liften with reverence, and fub- mit with cheerfulnefs, to his heavenly inftructions. Though his perfonal miniflry was ccnlijicd to one age ftiid 'S^art I.] HEARING SERMONS. I43 and nation, yet, by the facred oracles, by gofpel mi- nifters, by his providence, and by his Spirit, he even now fpeaketh to us from heaven. My prefent work is, to inculcate the neceflary duty of hearkening to the inftruftions delivered in his name, and agreeably to his will, by gofpel minifters, in thofe folemn af- femblies which are here ftyled the Gates of Wifdom, and the polls of her doors. Such a gate, through the good providence of God, is opened, in the place where we are met together this day. Here, many in opulent or eafy circumflances, may be conveniently accommodated with the means of grace : and many of the poor of the people, may have free accefs to religi- ous inllrucllon, who hitherto have been in a great meafure, or altogether, deflitute of that advantage. When I fpeak of hearing religious inftrudion as a neceifary duty, I mean, that it is neceifary when men have opportunity for it. When perfecution deprives of public inftruftion, and when ficknefs, or other af- flidive providences detain from it, this is our misfor- tune, not our crime : and if we abound fo much the more in private and in fecret duties, God can abun- dantly compenfate that lofs, and give us fongs in our nights of adverfity, even as in the day v/hen a holy folemnity was kept. Bleifed be God, neither of thefe is your cafe. Gofpel minifters are allowed to preach the kingdom of God, and to teach thofe things which concern the Lord Jefus Chrift, with all confidence, no man forbidding them. And the rod of God does not confine you to a bed of languifhing. You have liber- ty, you have ftrength to go with the multitude, to go with them to the houfe of God, with the voice of joy and praife, yea, with a multitude that keep hoH- day. If the fault is not your own, your eyes may fee jour 1.44 MofrvLS foA iDisc. ^, your teachers, and your ears may hear the word be- hind you, faying, " This is the way, walk ye in it. '* Slight and mifiinprove not thefe privileges, left God be provoked to take them away. Hear inflrudlion, and be wife, and refufe it not. _ That by the bleffing of God I may excite you to tliis duty, I ftali, in the fir/t place, confider the ten- ccncy of preaching and hearing the word, to promote cur befl intcreft : 2(1!)^ I fliall prove, that hearing die word is enjoined by exnrefs divine authority : and, 3'^/Vj I Ihall lay before you, the dreadful threat- ciiings, which have been denounced and executed a- gainfL thofe who refufe to hear the word, and the pre- cious bkfiings which have been promifed to, and aftu- ally beflovv^ed upon, the faithful preaehers, and the con^ fcientious hearers of God's word,- I. I return to the firlt of thefe. If preaching and bearing the f/ord, wanted the fanclion of any pofitive precept, their evident tendency to improve you in tifcful knowledge, and in good difpofitions of heart, and thus to promote your bed intereft, is argument fufficient to enibrce the duty recommended in my The facred oracles, my brethren, are an ineilimable bltfling. They are profitable for doftrine, for reproof,- for corred:ion, for inftruclion in ligliteoufnefs :• nay, they are able to make us perftft, tnoroughly furnifa- ed unto every good thought, vrord, and v%'ork. The doftrines revealed in them, are not doubtful fpecula- ticns, or hght and trivial miitters ; but truths of in- fallible certainty, of the moft fublime and excellent nature, and, to us men, of infinite importance* Hu- man literature, valuable as it is, may be cultivated or negleded Fart I.] HEARING SERMONS. I45 neglefted at pleafure. But ignorance of the way of life, can neither be innocent nor fafe : for, on our knowing, choofnig, and walking in that way, our ufe- fuhiefs and comfort in this world depends, and our happinefs in the world to come. Poffibly, you will ?Sk me. What does this arguing reprove ? Are not the more weighty matters of the law and of the gofpel plain and obvious to the meaneil capacities ? Is it not poffible, by private fludy and meditation, without the affiltance of fermons, to un- derftand all in the facred oracles needful to be under- llood ? Do not fome of us already know as much, or more, than our pallors ? and, if fo, how prepofterous is it to go to church, to be taught by them ?"^ — Thefe are the fentiments of many. Whether they favour moft of folid reafon, or of arrogant felf-confidence, is eafily determined. Reading the fcriptures, without underftanding them, can profit no man. Every man ought to afk himfelf, as Philip did the eunuch, Un- derftandeft thou what thou readeft ? and, I am afraid, many may adopt the eunuch's anfwer. How can I, except fome man fhoiild guide me ? Some are of weak underllandings, and cannot take in the knowledge of divine things, unlefs reprefented in the moft eafy and familiar manner. Some have treacherous memo- ries, and foon forget what they read. Others have wanted the benefit of religious education, and, fnice- they came to years, their time and thoughts have been fo much engroifed by the cares of a family, that they have paid fmall attention to the ftudy of divine things. Were it only in pity to thofe clafTes of men, to whom, they muft allow, that helps and affillances in religion, are iiidifpenfably neceflary, the greatefl proficients in knowledge ought, by their example, to excite others L to 14^ MOTIVES FOR l^DtSC, 5. to attend upon ii preached gofpel. For, when the il- literate obferv-e public religious inftrudion defpifed, or at leafi: neglected, by mtn of acknowledged genius and abilities, they likewife will abfent therafelves from itj that they may appear men of enlarged minds, who know all that is fit for them, and are too wife to be taught by a niinilier. This is a way of diftinguifliing themfelves from the herd of mankind, cheap and eafy, i'uitable to every corruption in the human heart, and in which neither talents, nor application, nor integri- ty, are requifite. But I infdl not on this. The learned, a^ well as illiterate, need to go to church on thehr own account. None, in this imperfect ftate, ar- rive at fuch extent and exactnefs of Chriilian know- ledge, as to need no farther affiflance for knowing more. Even the moft enlarged and exalted minds, find it difficult to view every various doctrine and du- ty, in its proper order and connexion. For wife rea- fons, the Bible was not written in a fyflematic form. The inftrudion it imports concerning the feveral branches of faith and pradice, is fcattercd up and down in diiferent paflages ; many of which would be overlooked by the bulk of mankind, if fome were not employed to colled and explain them. He, therefore, who commands us to fearch the fcriptures, doth im- plicitly command us to ufe, in that fearch, the iitteil and moil effedual means in our power. Now, what can be better fuited to affifl us in the attainment of re- ligious knowledge, than the difcourfes of thofe, who have not only made it their chief bufinefs to ftudy the facred oracles, and the language, fentiments, and man- ners of thofe to whom they were -firfl: delivered, but who, by culdvating their rational powers, have ac- quired a facility of forming diftind conceptions of things. Tart I.] HEARING SERMONS. 147 things, and of exprefling thofe conceptions with plain- nefs and propriety ? Let us fuppofe that the capaci- ties of men are originally equal ; dill, they will bid fairefl for eminent degrees of knowledge, who are not diverted from the purfuit of it by fecular employments, and whofe charge it is to give attendance to reading, as well as to exhortation and doftrine, yea, who are folemnly enjoined to meditate on divine things, and give themfelves wholly to them^ that their profiting may appear unto all men. iDo men of competent abi- lities, for your fakes, devote the greateft part of their time to religious inquiries ; and, while teaching you the will of the Lord, do they (tudy to be taught it them- felves more perfedly ? and yet, are you fo mightily conceited of your own wifdom, as to expeft nothing from their pulpit inflru6lions that can merit your attention ? If fo, permit me to remind yoUj that con- fidence is often retained by folly and ignorance ; while modefly attends upon true wifdom, and a well fur- niflied mind; The beft know only in part ; and he who feels no defects in his knowledge, knoweth no- thing as he ought to know. After all, knowledge, however e:5ctenrive, if It hath no fuitable influence on mens hearts and lives, will profit them nothing : and, in a land of gofpel light, more people are undone, for want of confidering what is their intereii, than for want of the fpeculative know- ledge of it. All profefs to believe themfelves mortal. Few are properly afteded by this acknowledged truth. Our hearts are deceitful and defperately v/icked ; our imaginations vaiti ; our paflions impetuous; the Soli- citations of fenfe Importunate ; the temptations of Sa- tan fubtile ; and our worldly avocations and allure- ments innumerable. On all ihcfe accounts, we need L 2 a t4S KioTivES fan iDisc. 5^, a faithful monitor, to awaken in us a pra6l:ical fenfe of danger and of duty. The wifefl: and the beft, through remaining depravity, muft have their pure minds frequently IHrred up by way of remembrance : otherwffe, their devout aifeclions will flag and cooF, and their good impreflions' abate and languifh. Ti- mothy, frotn a child, had known the holy fcriptures ; had heard from Paul a form of found v/ords ; was ho- noured with the important office of an evangelifl ; andy to fit him for difcharging it, was endued with the mi- raculous gifts of the Spirit : and yet, even Timothy, needed to be put in mind cvf one of the mofl eflentiab articles of our holy religion. " Remember, " fays Paul to him, " that Jefus Chrift, of the feed of Da- " vid, was raifed from the dead, according to my " gofpel," 2 Tim. ii. 8. No wonder, then, that the apoflles judged it neceffary, to inculcate, over and over again, the grand truths of the gofpel, even when ad- drefllng thofe who already knew them. I would en- treat fuch, who plead their knowledge as an excufe for not hearing fermons, to confider attentively the fentlments of Paul and of Peter, as expreffed in the three following fcriptures. Rom. xv. 14, 15. " And " I myfelf alfo am pci'fuaded of you, my brethren, "^' that ye alfo are full of goodnefs, filled with all *' knowledge, able alfo to adm.oniili^ one another. " Neverthelefs, brethren, I have written to you more " largely, putting you in mind." Phil. iii. 1. " To *' write the fame things to you, to me indeed is not " grievous, but to you it is fafe. ** 2 Pet. i. i!2, " Wherefore, I will not be negligent to put you al- " ways in remembrance of thefe things, though you " know them, and be eftabliihed in the prefent truth. " MinifterSj therefore, who bring nothing new to the pulpitj Fart I.] 'HEARING SERMOKS. I49 p-ulpit, may prove eminent bleflings, by ftrengthening conviaions, and producing a livelier relifii of known truths. The wife and f^iithful preacher feeks to find out, not only words of truth, but acceptable words, which, while tliey convince the underllanding, may iiHb make deep and lafling impreffions on the heart, iilariiiing our fears, encouraging our hopes, engaging our love, and animating our refolutions. And, doubt- lefs, the founding God's meflage into the ears of men, with becoming folemnity, vehemence, and concern, has fomething in it more piercing and efficacious, than the mere folitary reading the Bible often has. I might eafily illuifrate a«d ft'-engthen thefc r^afonings, by a de- tail of faiSs. The early, and almofl univerfal corrup- tion of religion in the Heathen world, and the frequent revolts of the Jewifli church to the idolatries of neigh- bouring nations, were chiefly owing to the want of regular provifion for public religious inflruftion. For, after the return of the Jev/s from the Babylonifh cap- tivity, when in almofl every town and village fyna- gogucs were ere<9ted, where the fcripture was read and explained every Sabbath day, the Jews adhered to the law of Mofes, with a fhridncfs and nicety not to be paralleled in hiflory. So fenfible was Juhan the Ape- llate how wife an inflitution preaching was, for pro- moting the knowledge and praftice of religion, that he appointed men to preach moral philofophy, and to harangue, publicly, in defence of Heathenifm : and, without doubt, if any thing vrould have fupported Paganifm, and flopped the progrefs of Chriilianity, this would have done it. But as, formerly, the vio- lence of perfecution ; fo, now, the charms of elo- quence and philofophy, were too feeble adverfaries to the gofpel of Chriil. We trufl, that fuch who now h 3 oppofe 150 MOTIVES FOR [_DisC. 5. oppofe the faith of the gofpel, and the power of god- linefs, whether by thin-fpun metaphyfical fophiflry, by rhetorical declamations, by fly hints and innuen- does, or by infolent and ill-placed raillery, Ihall in the ilTue fucceed no better. In the mean time, when, from the prefs and from the ftage ; when, in taverns, in colFeehoufes, and in almoft every place of public rcfort, mlnifters of Satan are every day exerting their utmoffc zeal and addrefs, to difcourage others from walking in the good ways of God : one \yould think, it could not feem evil in the eyes of any who wifh well to religion, that, one day in feven, fome are em- ployed publicly to recommend it. Then, it will be time enough for us, who preach in favour of faith and holinefe, to keep filence, when infidels and th$ profane fhall renounce the hellifh and ignoble office of preaching againll them, II. I am next to prove, that hearing the word of God is enjoined by exprefs divine authority. Under the Old Teftament difpenfation, one office of the priefts and Levites w^is, to expound the facred oracles. They not only read in the law of God, but gave the fenfe, and caufed the people to underftand the reading ; and they joined to their explications, fuch advices or encouragements a^ they judged ne- ceffary. Of all this we have a clear inflance, Neh. viii. 7 — 11. " The people were bound to at- " tend, aud to regard thefe im1rvi£i:ions. " Dcut. xxiv. 8. " Thou Ihalt ohferye diligently to do accord- " ing to all that the priefts and Levites ffiall teach. " Mag. ii. II. " Thus faith the Lord, Afk now the " priells concerning the law. " Mai. ii. 7. " For ^- the priefr^ lips ffiould keep knowledge, and they " Ihould Pat-f. 1.'] HEARING SERMONS. I5I « fhould a{k the law at his mouth ; for he Is the met- " fenger of the Lord of Holls. " But as thefe ordina- ry preachers too often dep?a-ted out of the way, God was pleafed to prefei've the knowledge, and to incul- cate the pradice of his law, by extraordinai-)- meffen- gers, who, though fecured by infpiratlon from error, yet, as to ftyle and method, feem to have been uiiially left to their own genius, that their diligence in feek- ing out, and fetting in order ufeful inftruclions, might be a pattern to ordinar)^ teachers. 1 need only appeal, for proof of this, to the cafe of Solomon, Eccl. xii. 9 — II. " And moreover, becaufe the preacher v/as *' wife, he ftill taught the people knowledge ; yea, he " gave good heed, and fought out and fet in order *' many proverbs. The preacher fought to find out *' acceptable words ; and that which was written was " upright, even words of truth. The words of the " '* wife are as goads, and as nails faftened by the maf- *' ters of alTembhes, which are givdn from one Ihep- « herd. " When the fynagogue worlhip commenced, I will not determine. I think it probable that it was, from the earlielt antiquity, ordained by God himfelf, as a neceifar)^ means of preferving religion in thofe parts of Judea which were remote from the metropolis ; that loon after Solomon's reign, it fell into defuetude ; and that the evident bad effetls of this negleft, in the growth of ignorance and idolatry, occalioned the re- \dval of this ufeful ordinance by Ezra and Nehemiah ' . That the fynagogue worlhip was inftituted by men un- L 4 der a See Prov. vlii. 33, 34. A<^s xv. 21. Lev. xxiii. 3. Pf. Ixxiv. 8. Philo, 1. 3. De vita Moils, p. 685. Jofephus, 1. 2. contra Appian, p. 1072 ; and the Talmudifts in Bav. Kain. fol. S2. ; and Mt^gilla Hieros, fol. 75. col. i. 152 MOTIVES FOR [D/jiT. 5% der the guidance of the BlelGfed Spirit, we may fafely conclude, from our Lord's honouring it 'with his pre- fence. It feems to have been a general ufage in thefe aifemblies, that, after reading the law and the prophets, dotlors, fitted for that office by education, or by fu- pernatural gifts, interpreted and enforced what had been read. That this was the ufage in the fynagogue at Nazareth, we learn from Luke iv. i6 — 27. There we find, that our Lord firft reads a prophecy from the Old Teflament ; next explains the meaning of it, and points out the event to which it refers ; and concludes with cautioning his countrymen againft rejefting his heavenly infbuclions, and againft vainly hoping that birth and outward advantages would give them any claim to God's favour, which was difpenfed in a way unfathomable to creatures, and often denied to thofe, who, to the human eye, appeared to bid faireft for it, "We have much the fame account of the fynagogue at Theffalonica, Acts xvii. 2, 3, " And Paul, as hii " manner was, went in unto them, and three Sab- " bath days reafoned with them out of the fcriptureSj '' opening and alleging that Chrift mufl needs have *' fuffered, and rifen again from the dead ; and that " this Jefus, whom I preach unto you, is Chriil. " Paul opened unto them the meaning of fcriptures, laid down propofitions, and fupported thefe propofitiong by convincing evidence. ■ Was all this incumbent on priefts, and fcribes, and prophets, during the Jewifh difpenfation : and can we fuppofe, that, under a more excellent and fpiritual difpenfation, the Church is deprived of this bkffmg r No, my brethren. The afcended Redeemer hath commifTioned paftors and teachers, for the perfecting of the faints, for the work of the miniflry, for the edifying Part I.] HEARING SERMONS. J^J^ edifying of the body of Chrift, till we all come, in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, to the meafure of the ftature of the fulnefs of Chrift ''. A gofpel miniftry is neceflary, while the Church remains imperfed in faith, in holinefs, and in comfort. Our Lord, there- fore, hath fpecified the quahiications requifite for that office ; alFigned their proper work to thofe engaged in it ; provided for their fubfiftence ; and obliged thofe under their care, to fuitable returns of alieftion and duty. And, was ail this ^o inveft them with no higher office, than that of public readers of the fcrip- ture ? Is a tafk, of which a child may be capable, the labouring in word an^ dodlrine, which renders worthy of double honour, and for which, faithfulnefs, and ability to teach, are required ? Is nothing more intended by that awful charge ; " Preach the word ; *' be inflant in feafon, and out of feafon j reprove, " rebuke, exhort, with all long-fuffering and doc- " trine <^ ? " Timothy was enjoined ^^ " Take heed " to thyfelf, and to thy doftrine. Study to fnow thy- " felf approved unto God, a vrorkman that ncedeth "^^ not to be afhamed, rightly dividing the word of " truth. " Bifhops are enjoined «, to " hold faft the *' faithful word, as they have been taught, that they " may be able, by found doclrine, both to exhort and "to convince gainfayers. " Titus v^as enjoined f, to " fpeak the things vvhich became found doftrine ; in " doctrine ffiowing uncorruptnefs, gravity, fmcerity, ^' found fpcech that cannot be condemned." Such folemn cautions againfl performing their work amifs, would have been abfurd and ridiculous, if addreiled to men *• Eph. iv. n — 13. c 2 Tim. iv. 2. d i Tim. [v. 16. 2 Tim. if. 15. c Tit. I. 9. f Tit, ii. I, 7, 8. 154 MOTIVES FOR [Dw/T. 5, men whofe only work was, the reading or repeating the oracles of the Holy Ghoft. God, therefore, harh fet apart a pecuhar order of men, to explain the facred oracles, to feed his people with knowledge and underllanding, and to befeech linaers, in Chrifl's ftead, to be reconciled to God. This is their charge j and wo unto them, if they ne- glect it, — But why this foiemn charge to preach the word, if men have a licence, to hear, or not to hear it, as they pleafe ? If gofpel minifters are bound, for the good of others, to attend continually on the differ- ent duties of their fundion ; furely others are bound, for their own good, to attend their public inflructions, in the proper feafon. We cannot fucceed in our com- miflion as Chriil's embaffadors, where we are denied an audience : nor can we perfuade, by the terrors of the law, or allure, by the comforts of the gofpel, if, when we difplay them, men keep out of our way. If thefe are fooiifh builders, who hear the word of God, and do it not ; they cannot be wife builders, who will not even hear it. If ground, where the feed perilhes, proves unfruitful, how can ground, that never received the feed, bring forth fruit ? ITie attending public worshipping aflemblies, was prefcribed to the primitive Chriiiians, by the higheft authority. They were commanded, Heb. x. 25., not to forfake the alTembhng of themfelves together, as the manner of forae was. I might appeal to Juftin Martyr, TertuHian, and others, as evidences, that, in thefe Chriftian alfemblies, preaching and hearing the word was one principal exercife. But it is unnecef- fary, as the fad is fufEciently clear from the New Tef- tament itfelf ; and an apoilolical tradition, of unquef- tionable validity in this cafe, claims our regard. We have Part l.j HEARING SERMONS. I55 have a comprehenfive, though fnort account, of the primitive worfhip, Atfls ii. 47. " They continued " (tedfaftly in the apollles doctrine, and fellovvfliip, " and in breaking of bread, and in prayer. " And it is obferved, Afts xx. 7. that " upon the firfl: day " of the week, when the difciples came together: to '* break bread, Paul preached unto them, '^ Our Lord cautions his difciples s, " Take heed how '' ye hear. '* If hearing the word is unneceflary ; if men are at liberty to do, or to forbear it, as humour or inclination chance to prompt them, the manner of hearing mufl be of fmall importance, and that cau- tion might have been fafely fpared. Our Lord's di- rections about fading, prayer, and giving of alms, imply, that none of thefe can be innocently negleft- ed. For the fame reafon, therefore, the caution, " Take heed how ye hear,'* mud imply, that hear*- ing the word is not left indiiferent. A famine of the word of God, through the filen- cing or removing of faithful teachers, is reprefented by fcripture prophets as a heavy judgement ^. " And " I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy " mouth, that thou Ihalt be dumb, and fhalt not be " to them a reprover, for they are a rebellious houfe." " ' Behold the days come, faith the Lord God, that *' I will fend a famine in the land, not a famine of " bread, nor a thiril for water, but of hearing the " words of the Lord ; and they fhall wander from " fea to fea, and from the north even to the eaft ; " they fliall run to and fro to feek the word of the " Lord, and they fliall not find it. In that day ihall " the fair virgins and the young men faint for thirlf." ^' -' I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove " thy s Luke viii, 18= h pzek. iii. 26. ^ Asaoi vlii. 11, 12, 13. j Rev. ii. 5. 15^ MOTIVES FOR [^Dlsc. 5. " thy candleftick out of his place, except thou re- " pent. " If their circumftances are thus wretched, ■who have no accefs to hear the gofpel, muft not thofc be reckoned the enemies and murderers of their own fouls, who have accefs to hear it, but who put it far from them ? and, in a creature endued with reafon, can fuch madnefs ever be innocent ? PART II. III. I now proceed to lay before you, the dreadful threatenings which have been denounced and execut- ed, againfl thofe who refufe to hear God*s word, and the precious bleffings which have been promifed to, and actually beftowed upon, the faithful preachers, and the confcientious hearers of it. God hath denounced his wrath, in the mofl: awful and tremendous language, againfl thofe who will not . hearken to the meifages of his grace. " ^ Becaufe I " have called, and ye refufed, I have ftretched out " my hand, and no man regarded ; but ye have fet «« at nought all my counfel, and would none of my " reproof: I alfo will laugh at your calamity, I " will mock when your fear comeih ; when your fear " cometh as defolation, and your deftrudion cometh *« as a whirlwind ; when diftrefs and anguifli cometh *' upon you. Then they fliall call upon me, but I " will not anfwer ; they fhall feek me early, but they " Ihall not find me. For that they hated knowledge, " and did not choofe the fear of the Lord. They *' would none of my counfel : they dcfpifed all my re- '* proof. Therefore fhall they eat of the fruit of their " own '' Prov. i. 24 — 31. Part 2."] HEARING SERMONS, 1^^ " own way, and be filled with their own devices.*'' " 1 The man that wandereth out of the way of under- " {landing, Ihall remain in the congregation of the " dead. '* " >" He that turneth away his ear from " hearing the law, even his prayer fliall be abomina- '* tion. " " " Whofoever fhall not receive you, nor " hear your words ; when you depart out of that houfe " or city, fhake off the dull of your feet. Verily, I fay *' unto you. It fhall be more tolerable for Sodom and " Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that •' city. " " o If the word fpoken by angels was fled- " fafl, and every tranfgreflion and difobedience re- " celved a jufl recompence of reward ; how fhall we *' efcape, if we negleft fo great falvation, which at *' the firll began to be fpoken by the Lord, and was '* confirmed unto us by them that heard him ? " " F He that defpifed Mofes's law, died without mercy *' under two or three witnefTes : of how much forer '* punifhmcnt, fuppofe ye, fhall he be counted worthy, *' who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and " hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith " he was fandified^ an unholy thing, and hath done '• defpite unto the Spirit of Grace ? '* " ^ See that you " refufe not him that fpeaketh ; for If they efcaped '• not, who refufed him that fpoke on earth, much " more fhall not we efcape, if we turn away from him '• that fpeaketh from heaven. '* As h-earing the word of God, Is one branch of that homage we pay to him in public \Vorfhipping affem- blies, it would not be Improper, did time allow, to repeat forae of the threatenings in fcrlpture agalnil the negledters of public worfliip. I fhall, however, only mention ^ Prov. xxl. 1 6. "^ Prov. xxvili. g. " Matth. x. 14. • Hcb. II. 2, 3. f Kcb. X. 28, 20. "^ n b. X i. 25, I58 MOTIVES FOR [^DiSC. ^, mention tliat prophecy, Zech. xiv. 17-^19. ; « And '* it fliall be, that whofo will not come up of all the " families of the earth mito Jerufalem to worlhip the " King, the Lord of Holls, even upon them fhall be " no rain : and if the family of Egypt go not up, " and come not, that have no rain, there fhall be the' " plague wherewith the Lord ihall fmite the heathen, " that come not up to keep the feafl of tabernacles. " This fliall be the punifhment of Egypt, and the " punilhment of all nations, that come not up to keep " the feaft of tabernacles. " The pHain meaning of the prophecy I take to be this : — The rain of di- vine influence fliall be denied to thofe, who perfift in defpifmg God's word, and in neglecting public or- dinances. They deprive themfelves of thofe means, which, through God's blefTmg, melt and foften the hearts of others ; and hence, the plague of increafed blindnefs of mind, and hardnefs of heart, becomes their portion. The mafler of a family doth not fend meat through every corner of the houfe, to each particular member of his family, but calls them together to one common table, and there giveth, to every one, his due portion of food. The foul doth not animate the members of the body, when cut off and feparated one from another, but when joined and united toge- ther. Thus it is with the influences of the Holy Spi- rit. Indeed, he denieth them not to the fmcere Chri- flian, in his fecret retirements. But, it is in the houfe of God, he is more peculiarly prefent. If we feek him not there, when we have opportunity for it ; fooner, or later, our fouls fh-all fmarl for that negli- gence. The impotent man, if he had not waited at the pool, for the defcent of the angel that troubled the waters, might have remained impotent ftill. In like Fart 2.] HEARING SERMONS. I59 like manner, there is ground to fear, that fuch will pine away and perifh in their fpiritual difeafes, who refufe to wait at the pool of ordinances, until the Spi- rit defcend, and put healing virtue into the waters of the fanduary. The threatenings which God hath denounced a- gainfl thofe who refufe to hear his word, are not emp- ty bugbears. God is not a man, that he ihould He, nor the fon of man, that he fliould repent. Hath he faid, and ihall he not do it ? Hath he fpoken, and Ihall he not make it good ? Every age affords in- ilances of temporal and fpiritual judgements, adually infli<^ed in confequence of thefe threatenings ; and eternity will manifeft, that all thofe were, to multi- tudes, the beginning of never-ending forrovvs. I {hall only refer you to two palTages of fcripture. The firll is an fnftance of temporal judgments ; the fecond, of fpiritual. 2 Chron. xxxvi. 15 — 17. " The Lord God *' of their fathers, fent to them by his meflengers, ^' rifmg up betimes, and fending, becaufe he had " companion on his people, and on his dwelling-place. " But they mocked the meifengers of God, and de- " fpifed his words, and mifufed his prophets ; until " the wrath of the Lord arofe againft his people, till '^ there was no remedy. Therefore, he brought upon " them the king of the Chaldees, who fiew their ** young men with the fvvord, in the houfe of their " fanduary, and had no compaffion upon young man " or maiden, old man, or him that ftooped for age ; " he gave them all into his hand. ** — Pf. Ixxxi. 11, 12. " But my people would not hearken to my voice, " and Ifrael would none of me. So 1 gave them up *' unto their own hearts lufts ; and they walked in " their own counfels. — If this was the doom of Ju- dea, t6o MOTIVES roR. [_Disc. 5. dea, for defpifing God's law ; what may not Britain dread, for contempt of the gofpel ? But, with many of you, I would hope, gentler mo- tives will prevail. With pleafure, therefore, I change my voice, and remind the friends of Jefus, how ex- prefsly God hath promifed his fpecial prefence and bleffing to the faithful preaching and confcientious hearing of his word. " •" Turn you at my reproof: " behold I will pour out my Spirit unto you ; I will " make known my words unto you." *' * Incline *' your ear, and come unto me ; hear, and your foul ** ihall live ; and I will make an everlafting covenant " with you, even the fure mercies of David. For as " the rain cometh down, and the fnow from heaven, " and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, " and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give *' feed to the fower, and bread to the eater ; fo fhall " my word be, that goeth out of my mouth : it fhall " not return unto me void, but it fhall accompliih *' that which I pleafe, and it fnall profper in the thing *' whereto I fent it. " " ' O that my people had " hearkened unto me, and Ifrael had walked in my " ways ! I fhould foon have fubdued their enemies, " and turned my hand againll their adverfaries. The " haters of the Lord fhould have fubmitted themfelves *' unto him : but their time fhould have endured for " ever. He fhould have fed them alfo with the finefl " of the wheat : and with honey out of the rock I " fhould have fatisfied thee." " " In all places where '' I record my name, I will come unto thee, and I " will blefs thee." " ^ Jefus came, and fpoke unto " his difciples, faying, All power is given unto me in " heaven »■ Prov. I. 23. s If. Iv. 3, 10, II. '^ Pf. kxxi. 13 — 16, " Ex. ss. 24. ' MaUi. xxviii. iZ, 19, 20. Pari 2.'] HEARING SERMONS. l6t " heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach " all nations : and, lo, I am with you always, even " unto the end of the world. " " * Behold I ftand " at the door, and knock : if any man hear my voice, " and open the door, I will come in to him, and fup " with him, and he with me. " Thefe are fome of the gracious words, on which God hath caufed his fervants to hope. Encouraged by them, let us regu- larly prefent ourfelves before God, to hear all things that are commanded us of God, humbly claiming, and cheerfully expelling, the promifed blelling. To fupport and fli-engthen our hopes, let us review former accomplifliments of thefe exceeding great and precious promifes. In how miraculous a manner hath the word of God often triumphed over the greatefl oppofition ! Though publiflied by men defpifed as weak and feeble, it hath proved mighty, through God, to the pulling down of ftrong holds, cafting down imaginations, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Chrift \ Like a fire, it hath melted the frozen heart, and, like a hammer, it hath broken in pieces the rock ^. Nothing hath been able to withfland this fword of the Spirit. Wielded by His almighty arm, it hath become quick and powerful, Iharper than any two-edged fword, piercing even to the dividing afundcr of foul and fpirit, and difcerning the inmoft thoughts and intents of the heart ''. Young and old, high and low, rich and poor, illiterate favages, abandoned debauchees, profane fcoffers, cruel perfecutors, learned philofophers, and refined moralifis, have all felt its falutary wounds, and have been led by it to feek and find relief ia M the * Rev. iii*. 20. ^ z C«r. s. 4, 5. ^ Jer. xxr:. 29, 2 H^b. iv. 10. 1^2 MOTIVES FOR [^Dlsc. 5. the companionate Phyficlan of fouls. They, who were fometinie darknefs, have become light in the Lord. They, who were alienated from God in their hearts, and by wicked works ; have learned from it the im- portant lelfon, of lo\dng the Lord God, with all the heart and foul, and mind and ftrength. They, who "tvTre hatcf.l, and hating one another, have been taught of God, to love their neighbours as themfelves. And they, who formerly trufted in themfelves that they were righteous, are no-w, through the law, dead to the law, and count all things lofs and dung for the ex- cellency of the knowledge of Chrift. Yea, fo mightily hath the word of God prevailed, that thoufands have fometimes been converted by one fermon \ What a ftrong encouragement is this, to fervent prayer, for a return of fuch happy feafons ! Awake, awake ; put on flrength, O arm of the Lord! awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old ^ Open our hearts to receive inftruclion, as once thou openedft the heart of Lydia to attend to the things that were fpoken by Paul. Of thy own blefied will, renew us by the' word of truth: and may we all experience what it is to be born again, not of corruptible feed, but incorruptible, even the word of God, which hveth and abideth for ever. If, through regenerating grace, we have thus tailed that the Lord is gracious ; as new born babes, we will defire the fincere milk of the word, that we may grow thereby \ What was firft the mean of impart- ing a fpiritual and divine Hfe, becomes alfo the mean of prcferving, of flrengthening, and of increafing it. Saints are nourilhed up by the words of faith, and of good dodrine ** : and hence, they efteeiu the words of God's " Aas ii. 4 r. ^ If. II. 9. c J pgt^ -^ 2, 3. d I Tim. iv. 6. Part 2.2 HEARING SERMONS. I^ God's mouth, more than their necelTary food ". la their greateft perplexities, it is a h'ght to their feet, and a lamp to their paths '\ It warns them of many- dangers, delivers them from many fnares, revives their' languifliing graces, fupports their drooping hopes, and fweetens to them the bittereft cups of adverfity. When the poor and needy feek water, and find none, and their tongue faileth for third, God, by a preached gofpel, opens rivers in the v.ildernefs, and ftreams in the defart ". He fatiates the weary foul, and he repleniflies every forrowful foul ^ A minifler is direded to fpeak as appofitely to a particular cafe, as if he had been told it, and had (ludied his fermon with a view to it. The feafonable, unexpected relief, fills the Chriftian with holy wonder and gratitude ; and he is ready to addrefs his miniftcr, as David did Abigail — " Bleffed be thou of the Lord, and bleifed " be thy advice, and bleffed be the Lord God of " Ifrael, which fent thee this day to me '. But, methinks I hear fome ferious Ghrillian object, *' Alas, I have long, attended on fermons, and yet " derived from them no fuch benefit. The precious " ordinances I enjoy, rather increafe my guilt here, " and pave the way for aggravating my mifery here- " after. *' — PofTibly, my forrowful friend, thy com*, plaints are ill-grounded. There is, that maketh himfelf poor, and yet hath great riches. When hearing the voice of God's fervants, was you never cheeked in a bad defign, or excited to a good one? Was you never engaged, by it, to confider your ways, and turn your feet to God's teflimonies ? Tell me, when God faid. Seek ye my face j did not thy heart echo back, Thy M 2 _. . fac;, * Job, xxiii. 12. f Pf. cxxix. loj. ^ I&'-^li. T^/lB, ** Jer. iii. 25. i I Sam. xsr. 33, 33. 164 MOTIVES FOR [Z)/j Matth. xiii. 2^. 184 DIRECTIONS FOR [^Disc. 6. per light, and difcern her in her native beauty and luftre : then, and not till then, fhe ftrikes with force on the confcience, gains fall hold of the affeftions, and powerfully influences the behaviour. The faith- ful faying is approved, as worthy of all acceptation ; and we become able to give to others a reafon of the hope that is in us, with meeknefs and fear. Yet, alas ! though minifters preach the pure gofpel in a diftind and methodical manner, and endeavour to accommodate themfelves to the very loweit capacities : multitudes hear fermons, without entering into the meaning and fpirit of them ; and hence return from them as ignorant of the things of God, and as unim- preiTed with chem, as they were before. Through their unfkiifulnefs in the word of righteoufnefs, even mini- fters, who ufe the greateft plainnefs of fpeech, are to them as if they preached in an unknown tongue. They are ever learning. They regularly attend the preaching of the word ; but they are never able to come to the knowledge of the truth ^. For they un- derftand not thofe firft principles of the dodrine of Chrift, by which they muft be guided to underfland and judge of all the red. The moft familiar and pa- thetic addreffes are lofl upon them. The light fhineth in darknefs, and the darknefs comprehendeth it not ^. Doubtlefs, the negleft of family chatechizing, contri- butes not a little to this evil. Were children early inltrufted in the great articles of Chriftian faith and praciice, the labours of minillcrs would be more plea- fant, and more fuccefsful. Neverthelefs, whatever the neglects of your parents have been, they are no apology for your remaining in ■ grofs ignorance. The light fhines around you. You need t 2 Tim. \.l 7. ^ Jo. i. 5. ■ I Tart I.] HEARING SERMONS. 185 need only open your eyes to admit it. If you admit it not, it is a fure indication, that you love darknefs rather than light, becaufe your hearts and deeds are evil '^. You have Bibles, and liberty to ufe them. You have catechifms and other books of inftruclion, in which, the neceffary and fundamental truths of re- ligion are brought level to the lowed capacities. If, after all, you remain ignorant of them, you mud needs be wilfully ignorant. Nothwithflanding your alleged flownefs of apprehenfion, you would make a fhift to underftand our meaning, if we could inflru6l you in the myfteries of fome profitable trade, or teach you a fure and fpeedy method of getting wealth. Whence then is it, that when we fpeak to you of heavenly things, you underfland ns not ? Let confci- ence point out the fatal caufe, and found in your ears thefe awful threatenings ; '• It is a people of no un- " derftanding : therefore, he that made them, will " not have mercy on them ; and he that formed them, " will {hew them no favour ^ " " Jefus fiiall be re- " vealed from heaven, with his mighty angels, in " flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know " not God, and that obey not the gofpel of our Lord " Jefus Chrifl, who (hall be punifhed with everlaft- ^' ing deftrudion from the prefence of the Lord, and " from the glory of his power f, " Would you then hear the word with profit ? Study to be well acquainted with the facred oracles. Frora thefe, form to yourfolves a regular fcheme of Chrifti- anity ; and, above ail, afk fpiritual wifdom of that God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not 2. Then fiiall you feel, in your happy experience, the accomplifhmeut of the promife. If. xxix. i8, 24. " And ^ Jo, ill. 19. ^ If. xxvii. II. f 2 Theff. i. 7 — 9. e Ja. i. 5. 2S6 DIRECTIONS FOR. \^Disc. 6, " And in that day, fhali the deaf hear the words of " the book, and the eyes of the bhnd Ihall fee out of '■' obfciirity, and out of darknefs. They, alfo, that '•' erred in fpirit, fhall come to underftanding j and " they that murmured, fiiall learn dodrine. " But there are many v/ho have competent meafures of knowledge, and yet feldom hear with underftanding and judgment. If you reafon with them on matters of politics or of trade, they exercife the underftand- ing of men. Only when they enter the houfe of God, it would feeni, they lofe all ufe of this noble faculty. It cannot be faid, that the reafonings in fermons, are prefently forgotten, like a tale that is told : for, even in the time of hearing, they make not half the im- preffion, which a trifling ftory would have made. The judgment is little, if at all exercifed, upon them ; and hence, demonftration itfelf operates no convic- tion. Endeavour, therefore, to enter into the meaning of fermons : and, in order to this, obferve, with the ciofeft application of mind, the general fcope and de- fign of a difcourfe, the truth or duty propofed to be explained, the evidence offered in fupport of what is afterted, the various branches into which a fubjecl is divided, and the practical leffons which refult from it : and, after all, from a deep confcioufnefs of remaining blindnefs and ignorance, earneftly implore the enlight- ening influences of the Spirit of wifdom and revelation, that he may open your eyes to behold the wonders of God's word. The moft ftdr^dy intenfenefs of thought, on the one hand, and the moft endre dependence on divine teaching on the other, are both of abfolute ne- cefTity. Paul was fully fenfible of this, when, v/ith one breath, he exhorts Timothy, " Conhder what I " fav:'' Part 1.] HEARING SERMONS. l^f " fay; " and puts up a prayer for him, " The Lord " give thee underflanding in all things '\ " P A R T II. VI. Hear with attention, ferioufnefs, and folemni- ty of fpirit. No benefit can be reaped from fermons, if there is not an outward liftening of tlie ear, and an inward appHcation of tlie mind, to what is fpoken. Men are renewed and fandified by the truth. But truth, not heard with ferious attention, has no fuch falutary energy. I'he terrors of the law cannot alarm the finner ; tlie kind and gracious calls of the gofpel cannot allure him ; the moft affe6ing objefts cannot excite his deiires, or determine his clioice, if he gives no earneft heed to the things which he hears. A drowfy fl umbering frame mufl therefore be ftrug- gled againft. Men who indulge it, cannot properly be called hearers ; for, in fleep, the ear is fhut, the fenfes locked up ; the gofpel can have no entrance ; the cleareft reprefentations of truth cannot inflruft ; the mod lively expoRulations cannot move ; {o that the lleeper might be as well at home, as at church. Nay, better were it that he never entered a worfliip- ping alfembly, than that, by a behaviour fo unfui table to the venerable prcfence of God, he fliould lead o- thers to account fermons dull and flupifying entertnin- ment, fit only to lull men aileep. I mean not this cenfure for fuch, who can plead v.ith truth, that the fpirit indeed is willing, though the flefli is weak '. A heavinefs painfully felr, and difficultly refifted, efpeci- ally, if felt in our own houfes, as well as in the houfe of » i Tim. ii, 7. i Math. xxyI. 41. lEt DIRECTION? FOR ^DiSC, 6» of God, nay juftiy be afcribed to a feeble conftitatlon, to contracted indifpofition, to fpirits exhaufled by the neceffary cares and labours of life, or, to the infirmi- ties of age ; though, even in that cafe, there is room for blame, as well as pity, if men ufe not their utmoft efforts, to prevent, or to overcome this heavinefs in religious exercifes. Such, who feel themfelves fubjedt to it, fliould avoid exceffive fatigue, or too full a meal, before they go to church ; becaufe a wearied body, or an overcharged ftomach, are almoft invincible ene- mies to watchfulnefs. But, how monftrous the guilt of young and healthy people, who, when the Sove- reign of the univerfe is fetting before them, life and death, the bleffing and the curfe ', can lean, and loll, and compofe themfelves for reft, as if churches were intended, not to edify the foul, but to refrefh the body ! What ! fecure wretches, have ye not houfes of your own to fleep in, that ye thus defpife the church of God ? Can you not watch with Chrift one hour ? An earthly prince, fhould you fall afleep whilft he was addrefling you, would refent it as a vile indignity. And have you forgot, that the Lord of Hofls is a great King, and his name dreadful among the heathen ? Curfed is the deceiver, who hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and facrificeih to the Lord a corrupt thing ^ ! who, when an infigni.ficant worldly intereft is at ftake, is all watchfulnefs and at- tention : and then only fluggifli and unaffected, when he hears of God, and Chrift, and eternity. Death may come at any time, and in any place. To fome it hath come in the houfe of God. But, how ftunning a furprife muft it prove to the fleepy hearer^ if firfl: awakened by that dreadful and irreverfible fentence ;. " Take ' Deut. XXX. I9» ^ Mai. i. 14. Pari 1.] KEA-umo sermons. \%g " Take him, bind him hand and foot, and cafl him. " into outer darknefs, where Ihaii be weeping and '' gnaihing of teeth K " What I have faid of dro\\fy hearers, holds more (Irongly of thofe who proclaim their profanity by de- liberate appearances of negieft or fcom, by impudent- ly flaring others in the face, curionfly marldng their drefs and behaviour, and endeavouring to interrupt their attention, and, if poflible, to provoke their laugh- ter, by impertuient whifpers, or indecent frniles. I will not wafte words, in painting the profligacy of their character, who take fiich pains to difclofe to all men, the naughtinefs of their hearts. This conducl mufl needs be conllrued, an open infulr. on God's ho- nour, and a rilking the moil direful effects of ids jca- ioufy and indignation. But, alas ! the eye may be fixed, the ear apparent- ly attentive, and the countenance grave and compof- ed, when the mind is roving with the fooFs eye to the ends of the earth. Many appear in God's courts with all the vifible marks of reverence, to whom, in- u'ard feiiouihefs is altogether a flranger. They fit before their teachers, as God's people do, and they hear their words, but they will not do them ; for, with their mouth they {how much love, but their heart goeth after their covetoufnefs "*. Their bodies bow before God, and feem to worfhip him. The de- votion of their hearts is paid td Mammon. The good feed of the word, choked by the cares of the world, and the deceitfulnefs of riches, becometh unfruitful " . Imaginary fcenes of pleafure, artful contrivances to raife a fortune, or perplexing thoughts, how to guard againft, or to repair outward calamities, engrofs their minds, 1 Math. sxv. 30. ^ Szek. xxxiii. 31. = Math. xili. 22. 19^ litREC TIOKS FOR IDlJC. 6. minds, and uniit them for r.ttending upon Go J with- out dillradion. The world is glued to their hearts, and they will not attempt to fliake it off. The idea of it haunts them wherever they go ; and their ima- gination and affedions, unreftrained by the folemni- ties of \vorfliip, run into that channel, which lon^- ufe hath worn out for them. One, anticipates the tranf- ports of gratifying an impetuous appetite, or recol- leds how happy he was yellerday in fuch a place, and with- fuch a company. Another, is fretted with think- ing, what tricks have been put upon him, v/hat op- portunities of gain he hath unfortunately let flip, and, Avhat debts are due him, which probably he may ne- ver recover. A third, is reftlefs how to procure a poft, to wreak his vengeance on one who hath affronted him, or to undermine thofe who thwart his ambitiou3 profpects. The accidental fight of a ftranger, and fome flight refemblance he bears to a perfon well known, recals to the imagination paft fcenes, and blows up into a flame the latent fparks of inordinate affeftion, envy, or revenge. • A piece of ncv* s told in the v/ay to church, a word in the fermon itfelf, or an obfervation whifpered in our ear by a fellow wor- ihipper, gradually leads ,off our thoughts from the glad tidings of falvation, to fomething unprofitable or pernicious. "When, therefore, you are about to afcend the hill of the Lord, let the world ft and off, and keep its diftance. Sufpend all thoughts of the pleafures, riches, and honours of this life. Divert yourfelves of every w^orldly care. Say to your lawful outward con- cerns, as Abraham to his young men, " Abide you "•here, and I will go yonder and worfliip °." And, a,3 ? Gen. xxli. 5* Part C.3 HEARING SERMONS. tgr as a fudden change of frame Is feldom attainable, if you can lawfully avoid it, do not run to the houfe of God, from a huriy of pleafure or of bufmefs. Ere you come to receive the feed of the word, break up your fallow ground, and root out your thorns. You would pronounce him mad, who fowed his fields, while covered with ftones, overgrown with weeds, and unprepared by the plough for receiving and nou- rifhing the feed committed to them. Beware of act- ing fuch madnefs, in a cafe infinitely more important, where, not provifion for a year is at ftake, but provi- fion for eternity. Take pains with your hearts in private, by lively actings of faith, by fervent prayer, and by devout meditation, to empty them of vanity, to excite in them becoming ferioufnefs, to inclofe and fence them from the inroads of a roving imagina- tion, and fo to melt and foften them, that they may receive, without refiftance, the proper and full im^- preffion from every truth. If Chrillians would thus endeavour to prepare their hearts for approaching to God, they would find it eafier, in the time of hearing, to exclude unfeafonable thoughts, to check the wan- derings of fancy, and to fix their attention on the great and interefling realities of an unfeen world. After all, the utmoft folemnity of fpirit, attained by the moft watchful Chriflian, is much too little, when we confider the tranfcendent majcfly cf the God who fpeaks, the excellence and importance of what is fpoken, and the near concern that every one of us hath In It. We preach not in our own name, but in His name, and by His authority, who Is the Equal and Fellow of the Almighty. God doth befeech you by us. " We pray you, in Chrifl's ftead, be ye recon- '' ciled to God ^" " He that hcareth us, hearetli " him^ ^ 2 Cor. V. 20. 192 DIRECTIONS lOR [D/Vr. 6. *' him ; and he that defpifeth us, defpifeth him ''." As we fpeak by God's authority, fo God is prefent with us, and obferves, with a jealous eye, what entertain- ment you give to our meffage. If you come to church with a vain mind, as others go to places of amufe- ment ; or with a com.mon frame of fpirit, as when you pay a vifit, or tranfacl bufinefs ; fhall not God fearch this out ? for he trieth the fecrets of the heart '' . With awful concern, you would ftand before the tri- bunal of an earthly judge, if life or death was to be determined by his fentence : With reverence you would approach an earthly potentate, to receive his commands, or to folicit his favour : And is lefs con- cern fufficient, when the queflion is, how you Ihall efcape the damnation of hell ? Or lefs reverence fuit- able, when a meftage is brought you from the King of heaven ; nay, when you are prefent before God, to hear the things that are commanded you of God ? The certainty, excellence, and importance of divine things, fhould roufe your mofl wakeful attention, fum- mon every faculty of the foul into vigorous exercife, and engage your very warmed affedions. It is ob- ferved of our Lord, Luke xix. 48. *' That all the '' people were attentive to hear him.'* They hung upon his lips, and watched every word that dropped from his mouth. Should not our eagernefs equal theirs, when a now exalted Redeemer fpeaks to us, from the right hand of the Majelly on high ? Should we not fet our hearts to what is teftified in the gofpel, feeing it is not a vain thing, but our life ? It is but a little while, and we muft preach no more, and ye mud hear no more. To fome of' you, even this pre- sent opportunity may be the laft, and, ere the return of ''Lukexi. 16c Tf. xl!v. 21. ^art 2.3 HEARING SERMONS. I93 of another Sabbath, an account may be required of you, how you have improved this. Hear, then, as for eternity ; and boafl not yourfelves of to-morrow, for you know not what a day may bring forth C VII. Let fuch a lively faith mix itfelf with your hearing, as will produce affedions fuited to the truths you hear. A report, however interefting in its own nature, if not credited, can neither engage our affec- tions, nor influence our pradice. The gofpel work- eth eftedually in them that receive it, not as the word of man, but as it is in truth, the word of the living God ^ It is the power of God unto falvation, to every one that believeth ". With them that believe not, it fignifies nothing. Over them it hath no pow- er. They regard it no more than the word of a child, or of one whofe veracity is fufpefted. The word preached doth not profit, not being mixed with faith in them that hear it ^ Faith mufl impregnate this good feed, ere it become a living operative principle of holy obedience. Faith muft convert this heavenly manna into proper nourifliment for the foul. This faith is due, not barely to the precife language of Scripture, but to the divine truths conveyed in that language ; and therefore, fermons which contain the Tenfe of Scripture, though not altogether compofed of Scripture exprefTions, ought to be regarded as declar- ing truths, and truths of incomparable excellence an4 importance — I fay, as declaring truths of incomparable excellence and importance ; for faith contemplates not only the truth, but the excellence and importance of di- vine things. The firit gains our affent, the fecond our love. God demands, that the heart, as well as the intel- lei^ualpowersjfhould beconfecratedtohisfervice. If we O feel f Prov. xsvll. I, ^ I Their, ii. 13. " Rom, I. i5, " Heb. Iv. 2. 194 DIRECTIONS FOR IDisc. 6. feel no warmth of heart, when the mofl awful or ami- able truths are fet before us, our convidion of them mufl needs be flight and fuperficial. Here, it is ne- eelTary to obferve, that aifeftions, raifed by fermons, will not avail us, if the weight and importance of the inatter is not their fource. Impreflions from foft and elegant language, or an engaging voice and delivery, are eafily effaced. Where the eyes of the underfland- ihg are enHghtened, truth, even in her mofl homely drefs, by her own native beauty and lullre, irrefiftibly attrafts. Whatever, therefore, is the fubjeft of a fer- mon, whether Scripture hiflory, or doctrine, or pre- cept, or promife, or threatening, let us realize what we hear. When the examples of faints in former ages are defcribed, let thefe convince us, that holinefs is attainable, as well as lovely y and animate us to be follov/ers of them, who, through faith and patience, do now inherit the promifes. When we hear the pre- cepts of the law, let our hearts fubfcribe to them, as holy, and jufl, and good. When threatenings are denounced, let faith excite in us, as it did in Noah ^ and Habakkuk % a pious fear and trembling, and an earneft defire to efcape the evils threatened. "When fermons bring to our remembrance the corruptions of our hearts, or the fms of our lives ; let a fenfe of them produce the deepeft fliame, forrow, and contri- tion. When Chrid is preached, as fent to fave even the chief of fmners, and as inviting all to come to him, that they may have life ; let us receive this as a faithful faying, and worthy of our warmefl and mofl joyful acceptation. When the wonders of redeeming love are difplayed, let views of fhem inflame our gra- titude to our heavenly friend ; and, when the inefli- mable ^ Heb. xl. 7. ^ Habak. iu^i6. Part 2.] HEARING SERMONS. , 1 95 mable bleffings of Chrifl's purchafe are reprefented, let thefe darken, in our eyes, all the honours and plea- fures of this lower world ; and perfuade us, that fuch only are happy, whofe God is the Lord. — -But I muft not detain you, by enumerating particulars. Every truth, without exception, ought to be received, in the love of it. So fLir from bearing it impatiently, when v.e are roundly told our duty or oiir daiiger ; we fliould rejoice, when fms are teftified againif, that do more eafily befet us, and duties inculcated, to which our corrupt inclinations are mod averfe. If the hidden deceits of the heart are unveiled, inftead of hating the light, and fortifying ourfelves againft it, we (hould blefs God tliat we are not left to feed upon aflies, and to go to the grave with a lie in our right hands. Bur, alas ! fo vitiated is our natural tafte, that the mofl: wholefonie fpiritual food often appears to us iinpleafant and naufeous. Difcourfes on the nature and neceffity of fmcerity, of heavenly-mindednefs, of mortification, of a meek, humble, and forgiving fpi- lit, will never be reliflied by the hypocrite, the covet- ous, the fenfualifl:; the proud, the revengeful : and, unkfs the Spirit fliew unto men their iniquities and traiifgreiTions wherein ihey have exceeded, the doc- trine of Chrift's- atonement and righteoufnefs, will be to them a ftone of flumbling, and a rock of offence. i^\nd this leads me to an eighth diredion. VIII. Wifely apply what you hear, to your own cafe ; .and, for that end, endeavour to be well ac- quainted with the true ftate of your fouls. It is their work, who are Rewards of God's houfehold, to give to every one his portion of food in due feafon. It is your work to take, and feed upon thatportionj other- . . '02 wife. 1^6 DIRECTIONS FOR [^DlSC. 6, wifej in the midft of plenty, your fouls mufl ftarve. Meat, not eaten, nourifheth not : and the mofl fove- reign balfani cannot heal your wounds, if you refufe to apply it, and fcornfully fay, i^nother needs it more. Many are mighty expert at transferring to their neighbours, counfels and inftru^tions, warnings and reproofs, in which they themfelves are. equally con- cerned; and, when hearing fermons, indulge the fond and fpiteful thought, that the piclure of fuch another was well drawn, and his vices handfomely expofed. How prepoilerous and unreafonable is this ! The gofpel contains difcoveries of infinite importance to every one of us. Every one of us, therefore, is bound, in intereft, as well as duty, to improve thefe difcoveries for his own benefit. To fuch a particular application of religious inftruftion, Eliphaz exhorted Job ^ : " Lo, this, we have fearched it, fo it is : Hear " it, and know thou it for thy good. '* Minifters are bound to declare the whole counfel of God j hearers to apply every part of that counfel. " All fcripture is " profitable for doclrine, for reproof, for corredion, . " for inftruftion in righteoufnefs ^. '* If is ufeful for the fanclified in Jefus, to hear truths, whiclV more im- mediately relate to the unconverted, that they may be excited to joy and thankfulnefs for their own deliver- ance, and to tender emotions of Chriifian compafTion for fouls yet ready to perifh : and it is ufeful for the unconverted, to hear of the dignity and happinefs of faints, that this may raife in them ardent defires to become partakers of the fame grace of life. Befides, Chriftians may experience the fweetnefs of a promife, or the ufefulnefs of a direction, fcores of years after they firfl heard it. An hour may come, when truths (hall deeply " Job V. 27. '2 Tim. iii. 16. Part 2.3 HEARING SERMON?. ig-? deeply concern them, which have little immediate fuitablenefs to their prefent frame and circumdances. They ihould therefore give ear, and hearken, and hear for the time to come \ Whatever, therefore, is the fubjecl of a fermon, re- gard it, my brethren, as what you either need novv, or may need hereafter. Believe, that God fpeaks to you in particular ; and, for your benefit, put fuch or fuch a word into the mouth of the preacher. Say, of every dodlrine. This is my lefTon, I muft learn it : of every command, This is my duty, I muft pradife it : of every admonition. This is a warning for me, I muft give heed to it : of every promife. This is my encouragement, I muft live upon it. Such clofe per- fonal application of what you hear, will greatly pro- mote the influence of it on your hearts and lives. Yet, doubtlefs, it concerns you, in a more efpecial manner, to apply the truths which are peculiarly ad- apted to your outward or inward condition. Now, what is thus adapted, you cannot know, unlefs you know whether you are fpiritually alive, or dead in trefpafles and fms ; growing in grace, or languiftiing and going backward. The moft wholefome fpiritual food is often perverted into poifon, through mens ig- norance of their . real charafter. Believers loie their comfort : unbelievers lofe their fouls. Sincere Chri- ftians, fufpefting themfelves hypocrites, through fear of wrath J are, all their lifetime, fubjeft to bondage. The promifes, which fliould be their fong in the houfe of their pilgrimage, they put far from them : and the threatenings, which God hath denounced againft the impenitent, they apprehend le\''elled againft them. But, the oppofite error is more common, and more O 3 fatal, » If. xlil. 2?. 198 DIRECTIONS FOR. [Dw^. 6. fatal. Even good men are too little fenfible of the de- feds of their goodnefs, and of the ftrength of their corruptions. Carnal, fecure finners, feel, in no de- gree, the woful plague of their own hearts ; and hence, rafhly fnatch at comfort, to which they have no title. Though a fovereign remedy is in their offer, they, being ignorant of t-hcir difeafe, fee no occafion for fuch a remedy, and difregard the ofi'er : and thus, the difeafe gains ftrength, and preys upon their very vitals. How needful then is it, if we would rightly apply the word, to examine and prove ourfelves, and earneftly to plead with God, that he would fearch and try our ways, and difcover wliat evil way niay be in us ! Be exhorted, therefore, to get well acquainted with your own fpecial circumftances, and then wifely ac- commodate to them the general inftrudions of God's "word. When any thing more diredly reaches your cafe, fubmit to conviftion, however painful it prove. Say to thyfelf, as Nathan faid to David, " Thou art *' the man ^ . The minifter, poliibly, had no particu- " lar aim, or aimed at another : But, certainly the '* Spirit of God aimed at me, and, in compaffion to *' me, fent him with that meiTage. My confcicnce is *' fenfibly touched. I feel, I acknowledge, that 1 am *' gnilty. To man, I never imparted my thoughts. " None but God was witnefs to them. Yet, lo ! " they have been pointed out, and reproved with the *' utm.oft exactnefs. Often have I committed the fins ** cautioned againft : often have I neglected the da- *' ties recommended. Now, at length, I fee the evil V of my ways, andTny doings, Mdiich have not been *' good. Wherefore, I abhor myfeif, and repent iu « duft and alhes." ■" • x\rt 2 Sam. xii. 7. Parti."] HEARING SERMONS. I99 Art thou an unbeliever ? Apply to thyfelf all the threatenings of the law. Let thy heart meditate ter- ror. The voice of God aifureth thee, that thou, in jparticular, art condemned already, and that the wrath of God abideth on thee ^ Dofl thou hear the calls and invitations of the gof- pel ? Realize it, that to thee, in particular, the word of falvation is fent''^ that through Jefus is preached to thee the forgivenefs of fms ^ ; and that God, having raifed up his Son, hath fent him to blefs thee, in turn- ing thee away from thine iniquities ^ But realize it alfo, that thou canft not efcape the mod dreadful pu- aiiihment, if thou negleft fo great falvation. When Jefus fays, '* Come to me, all ye that labour, and are *' heavy laden, and I will give you reft ;'* let thy heart reply, " Behold, I come to Thee. To whom " can I go, but to Thee ? Thou, only, haft the words *' of eternal hfe i" Doth the Spirit of God witnefs wdth thy fpirit, that ihou art one of God's children ? ■ When thou heareft explained the promifes of that covenant, which is everlafting, well ordered in all things, and fure ; look upon every one of them as thy portion. With joy draw water out of thefe wells of falvation. Solace thyfelf, that the Hues are fallen to thee in pleaflmt places, and that thou haft a goodly heritage, join in David's fong, ^ "Blefs .the Lord, O my foul ; " and all that is within me, blcfs his holy name. Blefs *' the Lord, O my Ton], and forget not all his bene- *' fits : who forgiveth ail thine iniquities ; who healeth *' all thy difeafes j who redeemeth thy life from de- O 4 " ftrudion ; ^ Jo. lil. i3, 36. <« Afts xJii. 26. «= Ads xiii. ^S. ' Afts ili. 26. s pf; ciif. 1—4, 200 DIRECTIONS FOR \Disc. 6. " ftrudion ; who crowneth thee with lovlng-kindnefs *' and tender mercies. " PART III. I have now finlfiied the directions I propofed to give you, concerning the difpofitions and exercifes of mind with which fermons ought to be heard. But we mujt take heed to our frame and condud, after hear- ?7z^, as well as before, and in the time of it, if we would indeed reap faving benefit fi-om the preached word. Medicines often produce their natural effed on the body, though by the patient they are not at- tended to and helpt forward in their operation ; but, to the difeafes of the foul, the word of God, when thus negleded, is no cure. God, who allows us fix days to labour and do all our work, hath wifely re- ftrained us, on the feventh, fi-om thinking our own thoughts, fpeaking our own words, or finding our own pleafure, that in the clofet and family we may rivet impreiTions made in the church, and devote our- felves, With undiliurbed attention, to his worfliip, and to the working out our own falvation. Yet, alas ! few thus remember the Sabbath to keep it holy. Men return to the world, the m.oment they leave the houfe of God. The merchant haft ens to his accompts, and the fchokir to his books. By the gay and polite, the Sabbath is fpent in vifits, in v/aiking in public places, or in giving and receiving entertainments. On thefe occafions, bufinefs or politics, drefs and faihions, plays and affemblies, eating and drinking, are too often the fay.ourite topics of converfation. A fermon is feldom mentioned, unlefs to criticife the preacher, or perhaps wantonly "Part 3.] HEARING SERM0N5. 20l wantonly and maliciouny to apply fome part of it for blackening and expofing a worthy charat^ter. Whsn thcfe interviews are over, little or no time remains for retirement ; and the mind is fo diffipated, that all power and inclination is lofl for recolleding the divine meifage, and imploring the influences of grace to blefs it. This neglerl of prayer and meditation, may appear natural, accidental, and in fome cafes unavoid- able ; yet, in thus trifling away hours which ought to be facred to God and eternity, we yield to the fnares of Satan. That fubtile and wicked fpirlt art- fully endeavours, by engaging us in fuch avocations, to take the word out of our hearts, left we fhould be- lieve, and be faved. He lurks behind the curtain. Alarmed, left the gofpel deprive him of his ufurped dominion, he directs and manages, though we per- ceive him not, the means, inftruments and occafions of this our faulty ccndud. Let us no longer confent and lend our aid to his deftru£live defigns. CJuench not the Spirit ; ftifle not the convidions of confcience ; mifimprove not the day of your merciful vifitatiou. And, for this purpofe, more particularly, I. Endeavour to remember what you have heard. We cannot be faved by a forgotten word; and we know the truth in vain, and believe it in vain, if we do not remember it. This we are taught by thefe aw- ful expreflions, i Cor. xv. 2. " By which alio ye are " faved, if ye keep in memory what I preached to *' you, unlefs ye have believed in vain." It is im- poffible that a fermon ft>ouId rightly affect and influ- ence us, which leaves on the mind an impreflion no more abiding, than that which the motion of a fhip makes on the water, or a li'jilcvv found on the air. Hence 203 DIRECTIONS FOR \^DisC. 6. Hence the forgetful hearer, Ja. i. 25, is oppofed to the doer of the word, and is reprefented, v. 23, by a man beholding his natural face in a glafs, and going his way, and ftraightway forgetting what manner of man he was. A tranfient glance difcovered fome blemifli on his face ; but the faint impreifion it made on his imagination, quickly vanifhes, and, not obferv- ing it dillindly, he is at no pains, to wipe it off. — Per- haps you will plead, " It is my grief and burden, that " I retain fo little of fermons ; but my memory is *' weak and treacherous, and I cannot help it. " If this is indeed the cafe, know, for your comfort, that where there is a willing mind, it is accepted, accord- ing to what a m^an hath, and not according to what he hath not •". God is not a hard mafter, reaping where he hath not fown, and gathering where he hath not flrewed 5. Our natural talents depend on his fovereign pleafure, not on our own choice. Still, however, the faculties of the foul, like thofe of the body, may be ftrengthened by conftant and diligent ufe. Some of you have infants, who can neither walk, nor fpeak, nor read ; but you feel no anxiety on that account. From what every day happens, you entertain no doubt, that, by flow and imperceptible ileps, they will acquire an ability of doing all thofe things with eafe and pleafure. Believe me, even in ■riper years, the memory, by proper excrcife, is capa- ble of amazing improvements. Make a trial. Every day commit to your memory fome fhort pailage of Scripture, and repeat what you have thus learned, at certain intervals, tliat you may not forget it again, •Habituate yourfelves, when you read fermons at home, carefully to obferve, and firmly to retain, what is mod eifential * 2 Cor. vii;. J2> .' Matth. 3^xv. 24, part 3.] HEARING SERMONS. 203 elTential and important. This would much help your remembering what you hear. Meantime, I wifh that Ibme, who plead the weak- nefs of their memories as an excufe for their forget- ting fermons, could fatisfyingiy account for it, why their memories ferve them fo w^eli on other occafions, and fail them only on this. An idle tale, they can eafily remember, and diftinclly repeat. Though they tranfad: a variety of worldly buhnef;:;, feldom is any important branch of it forgotten. But, fcarcely is the found of a ferrnon out of their ears, when the fenfe of it is out of theh- minds. Judge, then, whether fuch forgetfulnefs flows froni weaknefs of memory, or from depravity of heart. Hear fermons, therefore, with fuitable intenfenefs of thought, and give the more eamefl heed to the things you hear, left at any time you let them flip. Study to underflr.nd them thoroughly, and to be deeply alFeded v^^ith them. Carefully obfcrve the method and order of a fermon, the general headi:, and the feveral particulars under each of them. When a new particular is mentioned, repeat to yourfelves former particulars, without, hov/- ever, dweUing fo long upon them as to loie fight of that new one. Endeavour to recollect as much as pof- hble of a fermon, immediately on your return home, before other thoughts intervene to drive it out of your memories. Seek the help of fome Chrijflian friend, to put you in remembrance of Vvhat you have forgot- ten, and talk over together the moil: ilrildng and ufe- ful fentiments. When you have leifurc, and fee oc- cafion for it, commit to writing, on a Lord's day's evening, the heads of a difcourfe, the Scripture proofs, and fome Ihort hints of the enlargement. If, in the pnfcientious ufe of thcfe^ and fuch like endeavours, you 204 DIRECTIONS FOR f^DlSC, 6, you humbly implore the aids of the Holy Ghofl to teach you all things, and to bring all things to your remembrance ; through the bleffing of God, your me- mories will llrengthen, and impreffions made on them by fermons M'ill not be fo fuddenly effaced. Many might remember the fcope and fubftance of a dif- courfe, and flill more would carry home with them, at leafl fome fcattered inflruclions, exhortations or direftions, the mufmg on which might excite emo- tions of divine love in their hearts. Even they who could remember lead, would find their flock of know- ledge imperceptibly increafe, and their devout affec- tions and refolutions become more lively and vigorous- Were men thus active, the evil one would not find it fo eafy to catch away that which was fown in their hearts. II. Meditate, and expoflulate with your hearts, upon what you have heard. When you have recolleded as much as poffible of a fermon, preach it over to your- ielves, and dwell upon it, till your fouls are flirred up to fuitable affedions, and you can fay with the pro- phet % " Thy words were found, and I did eat them ; *' and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of *• my heart. " Think not, when the minifler has done preaching, that your work is over. The knowledge and found underftanding with which he has fed you, will not nourifh, unlefs digefted. That muft be your work ; for no other can do it for you. What you have heard, will be worfe than loft, if confcience is not employed to fet all home, and to urge you to fpeedy and fledfaft refolutions of a correfponding practice. Retire, therefore, from church into your clofets, or, at ' jer. XV. i5. Part 3.] HEARING SERMONS. 205 at lead, retire into your hearts. Ponder the truths which you have heard. Confider their undoubted certainty, and infinite importance. Compare with them, your temper and conduct. Your fpiritual wel- fare is of greater confequence to you, than it is to your teachers. Study, therefore, to outdo their fer- vour, by the earneftnefs of your own private expoftu- iations. Ceafe not from them, till your underfland- ings are convinced, and your wills confent. Though, in the time of hearing, you felt little warmth ; per- haps, in this way, a heavenly flame may be kindled in your breads. While thus you meditate on God's word, you fliall be as trees planted by the rivers of water, bringing forth fruit in feafon : your leaf alfo Ihall not wither ; and whatfoever you do iliall prof- per ". — But, can it be expected, that ferious impref- fions ihould prove deep and lafting, when men get in- to a habit of hurryinjj from church, into profane, or at leall idle company, where much is faid to fmother, and fcarce any thing to cherifh, the good motions felt in time of hearing ? Alas i convictions are ftifled in the birth ; and the Spirit of grace having ftriven with fmners^ but ftriven in vain, provoked at this un- worthy ufage, ceafes to be a reprover. To-day, the fiimer, by the noife of fecular bufmefs, or of fenfual pleafure, drowns the voice of God and confcience ; and, when Chrift knocks at the door of his heart, he is not at leifure to open it. To-morrow, God fhuts the door of mercy ; and the fmner cries, but cries in vain. Lord, Lord, open unto me. Difmai, but de- ferved cataftrophe ! Are not my ways equal ? Are not your ways unequal ? faith the Lord of Hofts, III. « Pf. i. ^ Pf. 1. z: DIS- DISCOURSE YiL INSTRUCTIONS AND CONSOLATIONS FROM THE UNCHANGEABLENESS OF CHRIST. Frsached in the High Church, Edinburgh, ijth April lySj,, on occaflon of the death of the Rev. Mr Robert WauLer.. Hebrews xiii. E, JISVS eaS.I3T, THZ sake YESTEK.DAT, TO-EAT, ASIS FO* £¥£&„ J. INTEND, firft, to confider the occafion of thefe words ; and then their meaning, and the practical in- ftru£tions they fuggefl. I. I am to confider the occafion of thefe words. This will befl appear from their connexion with the immediately" preceding and follov/ing verfes ; and an account of it may fuggefl meditations ^ not ynfuitable to the mom-nful occafion of our prefent meeting. I. The Hebrews had been blefled with public in- {lru6:ors, who had fpoken to them the word of God, r.nd who believed and lived what they taught. They were indeed veffels of honour, fanclified and meet for the mafter's ufe, and prepared unto every good work. Having in trufl the miniflry of reconciliation, they fainted not. They renounced the' hidden works of darknefs and diflionefly, not walking in craftinefsy pot h^rdllr.o- the word of God deceitfully: not en- dcav'curing Dis£. y,~\ COIJSOLATIONS, &C. >J t deavourmg to avoid the contempt of phiiofophers, and she ridicule of wits, by omitting or difgiiifi.ng doc- trines which fuch men accounted fooliflinefs ; b\it, by an open mamfeftation of unfaftiionable truths, and a bold inculcating of difficult and unpleafant duties, re- commending themfelv-es to every man's confcience in the fight of God. They kept back iTom their hearers nothing profitable ; they declaied the whole counfel of Godj and diflributed to every one his due portion ©f fpiritual food. They unfolded the deceits of the human heart. By the thunders of the law, they a- kirmed the fecure ; by the affectionate voice of the gofpel, they allured men to Chrift. With the tongue of the learned, they fpoke words in feafon to many a weary foul ; and, with Warmth and earneftnefs, they inculcated the neceffity of hoiinefs of heart and life. Yetj it was not only by their dodrine, it was alfo by their converfation, that they jQiined as lights in. the world, and held forth the word of life. The fm- cere belief of the gofpei they preached, had puriiied iheir own hearts, and influenced them to a behaviour, whereby they adorned the dotlrme of God their Sa- viour in all things. They were harmlefs and blame- iefs, and demeaned themfelves as children of God ivithout rebuke, in the midil of a crooked and per- verfe generation. They walked with God in truth and equity ; and their light fo Ihone before men, that others, feeing their good works, glorified their heavenly Father. h. They had fpoken, but now they ceafed to fpeak the word of God. Their exemplary edifying con- verfation was now at an end. The place which once knew them, and which they occupied with honour and advantage, knows them no more. The lively and 52^^ CONSOLATIONS FROM THE \^DisC. ']. and penetrating eye is fealed in darknefs ; and the tongue, which fweetly inftriifted, and powerfully per- fuaded, is now dumb. Valuable as their lives were, the wifties of thoufands could not retain their fpirits in the day of death. The earthen veifels, which re- ceived and communicated the gofpel treafure, wear out and decay ; or, when as ufeful as ever, are fud- denly dafhed in pieces as a potter's vefTel. From miniftering to fmners the gofpel of Chrid, minifters are fometimes almoft inftantaneoufly called, to bear a part in the fublime and exalted fervices of glorified faints. Sorrow not for fuch, my afHicled friends, as thofe who have no hope. If your love to them were more generous and difmterefted, the forrow you feel for your own lofs would be greatly mitigated by the joyful thought, that they are gone to Chrift's Father, and your Father ; to his God, and your God. They have quitted the field of battle, and are more than conquerors through him who loved them. They refc from their labours, and their works follow them : and ye, who were united to them in the endearing bonds of Chriftian love ; ye, who valued, and profited by their mJniftrations, ye fhall fee them again ; your hearts fnall rejoice, and your joy iliall no man take from you. 3. Minifters, who have thus fpoken the word of God, fhould be remembered, their faith followed, and the end of their converfation confidered. By their deaths, eii^ecially when unexpeded, they thus addrefs their brethren in office : " Remember, and copy after, " what was exemplary in our doctrine and practice. " Work the work of him, who fent you into the *' world, while it is day ; and learn from us, that the *• night of death haiteneth, in which no man can " work. Disc, 7.] UNCHANGEABLENESS OF CHRIST. ^2j «« work. Shortly, you alfo, mufl bid adieu to your " families and congregations, and give an account of " your flewardlhip. Demean yourfelves fo, that it " may be with joy, and not with grief. If you can- " not attain the eminent talents of fome who have *' gone before you, emulate, at lead, their faithfal- " nefs and diligence. Be no more ilothful, but fol- " lowers of them, who, through faith and patience, *' now inherit the promifes. " Faithful minifters fhould be remembered by thofe, whom the ties of blood, alliance, or friendfliip, peculiarly conneded with them. The bleffings derived from fuch connexions, and, perhaps, long enjoyed, fhould not be blotted out from grateful remembrance, even when they are re- moved. It becomes the bereaved to fay, " Have we " received good at the hand of the Lord, and fhall " we not receive evil alfo ? The Lord gave. The " Lord hath taken away. BleiTed be the name of " the Lord. " If, now, you follow their faith, and confider the end of their converfation ; their being parted from you for a feafon, may be the- happy mean of their receiving you for ever. — Ye, to whom they have proved fpiritual fathers, or whom they built up in faith, holjriefs, and comfort ; remember them, with gratitude to that God who fent them to you, and who, when they planted and watered, gracioufly gave the increafe.- — Remember them with remorfe and contrition, ye, who, as the deaf adder, flopped your ears, and refufed to hearken to the voice of the charm- er, though charming never fo wifely. Let the fin- ners in Zion be afraid, and let their hearts meditate terror, who have rejefted the counfel of God by his fervants, and acted as if the offers of grace and glory were unworthy of their regard. Your cafe, however, is 224 CONSOLATIONS TROM THE [^Dlsc. 7. is not yet defperate. The death of a faithful paftor, properly improved, may iffue in your fpiritual life. It is not improbable, that, when the Hebrews were called, nor onlv to remember their fpiritual guides, but to confider the end of their converfation, this may particularly refer to fome of them fealing their tefti- mony with their blood. Thus, Stephen was ftoned by the Jews ; James, the brother of John, flain with the fword by Herod Agrippa ; and the younger Jame', author of the epiitle, put to death by Ananus the high-prieft, in abfence of the Roman governor. Scripture has recorded the ferene, joyful, and bene- volent fpirit, with which Stephen fullered. And fuch examples were well calculated to excite others, to the fame firmnefs of refolution, confidence of faith, and forgivenefs of enemies. 4. From the caution after our text, " Be not car- " ried about with diverfe and ftrange dodrines, " it would appear, that there were fome, who endeavour- ed to turn the Hebrews afide, from that purity and fimplicity of the gofpel, which their deceafed pallors had inculcated. Even in the primitive church, tares were fown foon after the wheat, and fprung up in a- bundance. Corrupt men arofe, fp-eaking perverfe things, to draw difciples after them : and many were fatally removed, from thofe who called them into the grace of Chrift, to another pretended gofpel, which flattered the pride, or connived at the depravity of the human heart. II. 1 am now to confider the meaning of my text, and the praclical inflrudions it fuggefts. One great truth contained in thefe words, is, that Jefus Chrift always was, now is, and for ever lliall re- main Dis€. 7.] UNCHANGEABLENESS OF CHRIST. 225 main perfe(5lly the fame, and, confequently, that he is God in the true and proper fenfe of the word, fince his human nature was not, and, indeed, no created nature can bt, eternal and unchangeable. The truth and importance of this doftrine, and the praftical im- provement we fliould make of it, I am not, however, now to confider. The connexion of the words, and the prefent occafion of our meeting, lead me to con- line myfelf to reflections, fuggelled by the eternity and unchanqeablenefs of Chrift, as contrafted with the mortality of human teachers, and the changeablenefs of the dodrines they teach. I. The religion of Jefus is ever the fame. What it firft was, it now is, and it fliall be for ever. The doctrines and laws, taught by Chrill and his infpired apoftles, have been, are, and ever fliall be, the only rule of faith and manners. Human arts and fciences, from fmall beginnings, by the aid of various experi- ments and obfervations, gradually improve ; and in them, often, though not always, what is newell, is bed. It is fur otherwife with the gofpel. Jefus, who was in the bofom of the Father, hath revealed, what eye had not feen, nor ear heard, neither had it entered into the heart of man to conceive. Hence, our ideas and reprefentations of thofe deep things ot God, are then mod perfecT:, when they mod exadly correfpond. with his indructions. The inventions of men may be bettered : not fo, the words or works of God. Hence, the precept, i Jo. ii. 24. " Let that, therefore, " abide in you, which ye have heard from the be- *' ginning. If that wjtiich ye heard from the begin- " ning remain in you, ye alfo fhall continue in the ^* Son, and in the Father." In thefacred oracles, Je- fus is reprefented as the foundation of all our hopes ; Q Rlid '2.26 CONSOLATIONS TROM THE \^DisC. '] . and we are affured, that, without union with him by a true and lively faith, there is no forgivenefs of fm, no acceptance with God, no hohnefs here, no happi- iiefs hereafter. But, in that which many writers would obtrude upon us as rational Chrillianity, thefe are reprefented as doctrines, which, though pardon- able in our weak and well-meaning forefathers, fuit not this liberal-minded and penetrating age. The high character which fome of thofe writers have acquired, as philofophers or politicians, has blinded many to adopt their theology, though excluding articles, which make a moft capital and eflential figure in the original records of our holy faith. There, a religion is pub- liflied, not to lafl: for one age, but while fun and moon endure, through all generations. Surely, the authors of thofe records underfiood Chriftianity ; and it is wifer to learn it from them, than from fuch, who torture thofe records to a fenfe, which no candid un- biaffed reader would find there, without the aid of fuch ingenious critics. Men mufl think of themfelves more highly, and of the word of God more meanly, than they ought to think, who imagine, that they can make Chriftianity better, than the plain, natural, ob- vious fenfe of the facred oracles, has made it. The religion of Jefus, vv'hat truly deferves that name, is the fame, yederday, to-day, and for ever. Their f.i- gacity may be highly extolled, who boldly hazard new and uncommon interpretations of fcripture, which per- haps never occurred, and, without their help, never would have occurred, to a plain and unprejudiced rea- der of his Bible. In the mean time, the arrogance, of pretending greater accuracy or plainnefs, than He who fpoke as never man fpoke, or, than they who fpoke and wrote by the infpiration of His Spirit, though too DtSC.y.'] UNCHANGEABLENESS OF CHRIST. 227 too often a prevailing motive, will prove a forry apo- logy for renouncing doctrines or precepts, fandtioned by the natural fenfe of the facred oracles. It has been pled, that the manly age of ChrKliairity, and late riper advancements in phiiofophy and good reafoning, juftify another method of indrudion, than that ufed by the apoflles in the infant ftate of the church. But, do they juftify deviations from the apoftolic dodrine ? Have the words, faith, falvation, juftification, converfion, and others which often occur in the New Tellamcnt, acquired another fenfe in the 1 8th century, than they had in the fird? In the firil century, faith fignified a ftrong and lively truft in the declarations and promifes of God. Are we now to underftand by it, the whole of religion and virtue ? Paul taught, that, by the works of the law, ceremonial or moral, natural or revealed, no flefh living can be juftified. Have we now found out, that his affertions were too generally laid, and that his meaning only was, we cannot be juflified by the lead important branch of the law ? Are we faved by another faith, than that which faved the immediate difciples of Chrifl:, and which thofe great and good men taught their hearers ? Since the apoflolic age, are men born with other and better difpofitions, fo that they can plead their own innocence and virtue at the divine tribunal, and no longer need to approach God through a Mediator ? Have we difcovered, that repentance and reformation fufficiently entitle us to the favour of God ; and that there is now no occafion for Chrifl as a propitiation or advocate ? The foundation of fuch dangerous delufions, is plainly this : " The genius of " our refined and imprfived age, has found better ^' means for knowing the mind and will of God, than q^2 " thof^ 228 CONSOLATIONS PROM THE [^DisC. p " thofe inculcated, who claimed to be immediately " taught of God, and guided by his Spirit into all " truth, and who fupported thofe claims by the mod " aftonifhing miracles ! A fet of wonderful men have *' appeared, to corred the miflakes of the difciple *' who lay in Chrifl's bofom, and of the difciple who " was tranfported into the third heavens ; though, " unfortunately, they have not yet agreed, what *' fhould be fubdituted in the place of a John or a *' Paul's antiquated and obfalete inftrudions ! '* 2. The kind and benevolent af^'flions of Jefus are the fame, yefterday, to-day, and for ever. Difpen- fations of Providence may wear a frowning afpecl j clouds and darknefs may be round about the Saviour, and hide, from his ranfomed ones, the pleafant light of his countenance : flill, however, the love of his^ heart never expires, never diminiflies. — In the day^ of his humiliation, he came to feek and to fave that which was loft, and to call, not the righteous, but iinners to repentance. He kindly received even the greatefl offenders, who applied to him ; and affured them, " him who cometh to me, I will in no ways " caft out. ". When he rofe from the dead, the men who imbrued their hands in his blood, were the firll to whom he enjoined, that repentance and remifiion of fins iliould be preached in his name. Thou, who now groaned under the yoke of thy tranfgrelTions, fear not to apply to this holy One of God, though thou hail long heard of Him, and yet defpifedHim, and lived in deliberate prefumptuous rebellion againfl Him. The benevolence which he manifeRed, when he received fmners, and ate with them, he flill retains, and ever -will retain. On earth, h« patiently bore with the weaknelTss and infirmities of his diciples, and was often DiSC.y.'] UNCHANGEABLENESS OF CHRIST. 229 often obliged to repeat his falutary warnings and re- proofs. Fear not, therefore, that his long-fuffering and forbearance are exhaufled, thou, who art deeply- humbled, becaufe thou haft fo unworthily improved all the pains he has taken with thee, and becaufe the evil difpofitions, for which he has fo often rebuked thee, by his word, by his providence, and by his Spirit, are Ail! fo ftrong. The love of men changes into hatred, when they are injured ; and few can forgive fuch, who have repaid, with ingratitude, their former fa- vours. Not fo the Redeemer. The apoflle, who had repeatedly denied him, was the lirft of the twelve to whom he fliewed himfelf alive after his paffion. Thou, then, who, like Peter, bitterly bewaileft thy tranfgref- fion ; defpond not, as if thou hadft no more portion in the Son of God, nothing more to hope from the bowels of his compaffion. When thou canft not look up to Him, he looks upon thee with a pitying eye. Thy difquiet, thyremorfe, thy trembling applications to a throne of grace, are proofs that He, who prayed for Peter, hath alfo prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. — When himfelf a man of forrows, and acquaint- ed with grief, he tenderly fympathifed with, and ge- neroufly relieved the neceffities of others. He pitied the multitude who had continued with him three days, and had nothing to eat. He haftened to heal the dif- eafed, and fpent his life in going about doing good. In his now exalted ftate, if thou, O friend of Jefus, art in ficknefs, in poverty, in anxiety, in anguiili of fpirit, he earneftly remembers thee flill. He doth not afflidl willingly, nor grieve the children of men. Jn all thy afflidion, he is afflided with thee ; he will not fuiFer thee to be. tempted beyond what thou art able to bear ; and his corredions Ihall lipeedily ceafe, 0^3 when ■230 CONSOLATIONS FROM THE [^DisC. /. \\'hen their end is gained. Formerly, when thou call- ed upon him in the day of trouble, thou experienced his compaffion. He hath not now forgotten to be gracious ; or, in anger, fnut up his tender mercies. He, who hath delivered, and doth deliver, will yet deliver. — So intenfe was his love to enemies, that he filed his blood to reconcile them to God. Will he then forfake his friends, and deny them necelTary help and ftrength, when weak -in themfelves, and expofed to many and dangerous trials ? He redeemed them from the curfe of the law, and flied abroad his love in their hearts, when they were ahenated from him in their hearts, and by wicked works : and will he take away from them his loving kindnefs, now that they believe on his name, value his £ivour, and can appeal to him with Peter, Lord, thou who knoweft all things, knowefl: that I love thee ? No. The moun- tains fliall depart, and the hills be removed ; but my kindnefs fliall not depart from thee, neither fhall the covenant of my peace be removed, faith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. Marvellous loving kindnefs ! which bears with creatures fo froward, depraved, in- conftant, and prone to backfliding ; which, for their redemption, endured the wrath of God, and the curf- ed death of the crofs ; and which now heals their backflidings, reflores their fouls, and recovers them from their fpiritual wanderings ! 3. The power of Chrift is the fame, yefterday, to- day, and for ever. The hearts of many, take little part in the wonderful works of Jefus. They read of them in the facred records ; they view them as pad events, a return of which, it were vain to expert. But, though that mighty arm is not now exercifed in the fame vifible manner, as once it was, on the bodies of Disc. 7.] UNCHANGEABLENESS OF CHRIST. 23! of men, its energy is (lill undiminifhed. The out- ward miracles wrought, when the Son of God taber- nacled among us, were intended, not only to confirm his doctrine, but to be images and proofs of what he can do, and will do, for the foals of all, who apply to him for relief. Thou, therefore, who art painfully confcious of thy fpiritual bllndnefs, think, how Jefus opened the eyes of the blind man, who cried. Thou Son of David, have mercy on me ! Thou, who feeleft thyfelf dead in trefpafies and fins, believe, that He who raifed Lazarus from the dead, can infpire thee with a heavenly and divine life. Though Satan dwell in thee, and reign over thee, by envy, by pride, by vo- luptuoufnefs, or bv covetoufnefs ; He, who caft out de- vils from thofe whofe bodies were poiTeiTed with them, can deliver thee from the ufurped dominion of the prince of darknefs, and deflroy in thy foul the works of the Devil. If multitudes of blinded Heathens, and profligate Jews, became eminent and exemplary for holincfs of heart and life ; that grace and power, which produced in them fo happy a change, is dill the famej and fliall be beftowed on every one, who applies to Chrift for it, with a humble confidence. Thou hafl read, how a Stephen, how James the brother of John, how James the younger, and many others, in ancient and modern times, with fortitude and patience, fubmit- ted to a painful and (hameful death, for the teflimony of faith, and of a good confcience. Say not, it is impofli- ble, that I, weak and timid as I am, fiiould, like them, •fland faft in fuch an evil day. If thefe martyrs quit- ted themfelves like men, and were ftrong, it was through the grace that is in Chrift Jefus ; and that grace is as able as ever, to infpire with fortitude the feeble and flvint-hearted. Reft therefore affured, that, q.4 if ^32 CONSOLATIONS FROM THE \^DisC 7< if he calls thee to extraordmary trials, thy ilioes fhall be as iron and brafs ; and, as thy day is, fo fhall thy Itrength be. Days of excniciating pain, or over- whelming ficknefs, \rere appointed to fome of thy fel- low Chriftians : and their refignation v/as as remarkable as their diftrefs-. Something within whifpers. How could I, like them, thus acquiefce in the difpofals of Infinite Wifdom, and glorify God in fuch a furnace of affliftion ? Refle(^, that He who ftrengthened them, is the fame, yefterday, to-day, and for ever. He can therefore alfo (irengthen thee with all might in the inner man, to ail patience and long-fufFering with joyful- nefs. — Are they increafed, who trouble the church of God ; and are they, who rife up asainft her, many r Her Redeemer is ftrong ; the Lord of Hofts is his name. His hand is never fhortened, that it cannot fave. In her darkefl nights, fhe kath encouragement to plead : " Awake, awake ; put on ftrength, O arm " of the Lord ! awake as in the ancient days, in the *' generations of old. Ait thou not it, that hath cut ^' Rahab, and wounded the dragon ? Art thou not " it, which hath dried the fea, the waters of the great *' deep ; that hath made the depths of the fea a " way for the ranfomed to pafs over ? " If. fi. 9, 10. — " I will remember the works of the Lord ; furely I " will reniember thy vfonders of old. Thou art the " God who dofl wonders ; thoii haft declared thy *' Itrength among the people. Thou haft with thine " arnf redeemed thy people, the fons of Jacob and « Jofeph. Selah." Pf. Ixxi'ii. 1 1, 14, 15.— You think on a deeeafed faint ; you admire his charafter ; yet almofl efleem it prefumptuous to afpire after, at leafl to hope to reach, his religious attainments. " Oh ! *' how fliall I, as he did, boldly enter in at the ftraii Disc. 7.] UNCHANQJEABLENESS OF CHRIST. 233 *' gate, and walk undaunted in the narrow way that " leadeth to life ? I have no might of my own, to re- *' move the difficulties, and to fubdue the enemies, *' which oppofe my journey to Emmanuel's land. " — Doubting and defponding foul, hearken to the oracles of God. The Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary. My grace is fufficient for thee ; for my flrength is made perfed: in weaknefs. With God, all things are poffible. The Lord fliall defend the inhabitants of Jerufalem ; and he that is feeble among them, fliall be as David, and the houfe of David fliall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them. — Are minifters removed, who, by the eminence of their gifts and graces, flione as ftars of the firft magnitude ? The counfels of hell, and the gates 'of the invifible world, fhall not prevail againft the church. Though all flefh is as grafs, and all the glory of man, as the flower of grafs ; though the grafs withereth, and the fiovrer thereof fadeth a- way, thy Saviour is ever the fame : His word, which, by the gofpel, is preached unto you, endureth for ever ; and his Spirit is as able as ever to render it ef- fedual. " Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look " upon the earth beneath ; for the heavens fliall va- " nifli away like fmoke, and the earth fliall wax old " like a garment, and they that dwell therein fliall " die in like manner. But, my falvation fliall be " for ever, and my righteoufnefs fliall not be abolifli- *' ed ; '* If. li. 6. Lover and fiiend may be removed from us, and our acquaintance into darlvnefs. Mini- fliers, much eflieeraed, and whofe labours were fip-nallv blefled, may not be fuffered to continue, by reafon of death. But the Lord, who can repair, or compen- fate thefe loflles, fl:iU liveth : and it becomes us to ling, 2^4 CONSOLATIONS FROM THE [^Dlsc. 7. fmg, even in fiich nights of adverfity, " Bleffed be " my Rock, and let the God of my falvation be mag- « nified ! " I perfiiade myfelf, many have been applying a great part of what I have faid, to the heavy breach made upon them ten days ago. What you have loft, I can- not fufficiently exprefs. And, were 1 more equal to the fubject, my own feelings, and the feelings of many who hear me, forbid my undertaiving it. Indeed, the uncommon concern for Mr Walker's death, not only in this congregation and city, but wherever the mourn- ful tidings have reached, are a teftimony of his di- flinguiflied worth, more decifive than the eulogiums of a friend, and more ilriking than the moft eloquent praife. I therefore need not enlarge. Yet, faying a little, may be proper. His father, a clergyman, equally refpected for a found underftanding and an honeft heart, by his pru- dent and diligent attention to the affairs of the Society for propagating Chriftian knowledge, preferved their funds from utter ruin. The God. of gi"ace poured his Spirit on his feed, and his bleffing on his offspring. Two fons, whofe hearts were knit together in brother- ly and Chriftian love, were honoured to preach the unfearchable riches of the Saviour, on whom they be- lieved. Your late worthy paftor, the elder brother, was ftrft fettled at Straiton, in the preft^ytery of Ayr. Even in that early period of his life, he was confider- ed as a fmgularly edifying and ufeful preacher. Pof- feffed of a quick apprehenfion, a lively imagination, a fruitful invention, a folid judgement ; of talents for elocution, which would have ftione in any civil de- partment j Disc. 7.] UNCHANCEABLENESS OF CHRIST. 235 partmcnt ; and of that ready wit and delicate hu- mour, which muft have* infured them a favourable reception : he renounced the profpects of honour and wealth, wliich thus opened to his view. What things were once gain to him, he counted lofs, for the glory of his Saviour, and the good of precious fouls. Prompted by jull ideas of religion, and deep experi- ence of its influence, he preached, not as plealing man, but God who trieth the heart. Every thing which would gain him applaufe, he carefully avoided and fuppreifed, if it were not alfo calculated to recom- mend to periftiing fmners, Chrifl the Saviour, and Chrifl the Lord. The reputation, however, which he courted not, foon placed him in more important and difficult ftations ^. There, the rank, genius, and learn- ing, of many of his hearers ; their fmcere piety and fteady attachment to the truth as it is in Jefus ; and their tafte, formed by his worthy predeceifors and col- leagues in the miiiiftry ; made it no eaiy talk to fupport his character. As a city fet on a hill, which cannot be hid, it was expofed to the moll minute and criti- cal infpection. Yet, he was enabled, honourably to fupport it to the laft period of life. Indeed, none could cenfure the matter of his fermons, who wiflied not to banilh from the pulpit, either, on the one hand, the peculiar dodrines of Chriilianity, or, on the o- ther hand, man's duties to God, to his neighbour, and to himfelf. The flyle of his fermons was plain, yet elegant ; warm and pathetic, yet rational and argu- mentative. Though fome might equal him in the ufeful matter of their fermons ; and others, in parti- cular beauties of compofition : it was generally ac- knowledged, that few have appeared, in whom the diiferent ^ In South Leitb, J 746 5 and in the High Church, Edinburgh, 1754. 236 CONSOLATIONS FROM THE {^DtSC. 7. different excellencies of an edifying preacher, were more confpicuoufly united. The learned author of the hiftory of Manchefter, in the dedication to a vo- lume of ferious difcourfes on death and judgment, juft pubhfhed, takes notice, that " the multiphcity of *' Englifh fermons, which have iffued from the prefs " the lail fifty years, are purely didactic in their plan, *' and merely fentimental in their execution ^ not af- " feftionate, not impaffioned. They play round the '* head, but they com.e not to the heart. Or, if they *' fometimes come to it, it is not in thofe ftrong *« ftrokes, in thofe deep and awful gafhes, which con- " ftitute the very elfence of efFeftive oratory, and •' which the elevated fpirit of the gofpel is fo directly ^' calculated to give. " This may be true of many late printed fermons, elegant, accurate, and, in other refpecls, not without their ufe. The cenfure, how- ever, appears to me, too generally laid ; and, I am perfuaded, that candid critic would not have involved in it the printed fermons of your late pailor, if they had fallen in his way, but would have acknowledged them well calculated to ftrike the confcience, and to imprefs the heart. I need not tell you of Mr Walker's irreproachable, circumfpeft, and exemplary hfe. Some of us will long recollect, with painful pleafure, what he was as a relation, a counfellor, a friend. Yet, one feature of his charafter permit me to point out, which, though lefs generally known, thirty-fix years intimate, fami- liar acquaintance, enabled me to obferve, and which adminifbers reproof to moft Chriftians, and inflruaion to all. The befl on earth are "imperfea, and often have weakneffes, unperceived by themfelves, yet la- mented. Disc. 7.] UNCHANGEABLENESS OF CHRIST. 237 piented by their friends, and expofed by their enemies. Thefe greatly tarnifh and obfcure their real excellen- cies, and render their converiation lefs agreeable, and their lives lefs ufeful, than they would have been o- therwife. It was the reverfe with your deceafed paf- tor, His weakneffes were few, inconfiderable, and lit- tle perceived by others ; yet, by his own penetrating eye, clearly difcerned, and carefully watched over. Seldom have I known the minifter, or the man, who had greater caufe to glory in his infirmities, while the power of Chrifl was made m.anifefl thereby, and to fay. Where I am vv-eak, there am I ftrong. His natu- ral temper was warm and hafty ; and all know how difficult it is to keep under fuch a temper, and to bring it into fubjeftion : but, by divine grace, he overcame that weaknefs, and maintained, when tempted to an- ger, a fpirit unruffled and ferene. If he were lefs buf- tling, a6live, and enterprizing, than fome others : this hindered not his improving and e?ercifmg the im- portant talents with w^hich God had endowed him. Indolence betrayed him not to ferve the Lord with that v/hich coft him nothing ; to negled preparation for the miniftrations of the landuary, or to flacken his endeavours of growing in the divine life, and in fitnefs for his office, by reading, meditation, and pray- er. Learn from him, my refpeftable hearers, that no temper, no conflitution, excludes eminence in religi- on, in morals, in intelledluai improvement, and ufa- fulnefs to mankind : and that every different natural bias may be fo directed or curbed, as, inflead of thwarting, to promote the great ends of life. Such was the man whom God hath taken, and who, in lefs than two hours after inftrucling the church on earth, G38 CONSOLATIONS FROM THE [^DisC. 7. earth, was fuddenly removed to the higher worfhip and fervice of the general affembly and church of the firft born. The reildue of the Spirit is with Him, who made our dear friend fo excellent a Chriftian, and a mini- fter of the gofpel. Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvefl, that he may fend faithful, able, and fuc- cefsful labourers into the harveft ; and that vacancies, here and every where, may be fupplied with pallors after his own heart, who (hall feed his people with knowledge and found underilanding. They who have fpoken the word of God, are no more ; and we, who fpeak it, foon fhall be filent in the grave. Death has again and again bereaved our churches of thofe, who were the chariots of Ifrael, and the horfemen thereof, her glory and defence. Soon- er or later, he will repeat fuch awful ftrokes ; and perhaps may again repeat them, when we dread it leaft. Yet, for my friends and brethrens fake, for the houfe of God the Lord, I will fay, " Diftant be *' the day, when your much elleemed and beloved *' pallor, when our dear younger brethren, and when " the few Vv^ho furvive in this city and neighbourhood " of our venerable and worthy fathers, fliail be taken " from their families and churches. Long may their " bow abide in flrength ! May their latter end, and *' may ours, greatly increafe, in faith, in holinefs, in "• ufefulnefs ! May we all have a happy meeting with *' one another, and with thofe who now lleep in Je- " fus, in the heavenly Zion ! and, may our hearers " remember, that the time cometh, when the feats '^ they now occupy muil change" their owners, and " miniflers mull no longer dire^ to them the gracious " calls Disc. 7.] UNCKANGEABLEKESS OF CHRIST. 239 ' calls of the gorpel ! In this their dav, may they fo •' know and improve the things which belong to their peace, that they may never be hid from their eyes ! and, while they have the light, may they walk in the light, left darknefs come upon them, when no * man can work ! " DIS- DISCOURSE VIII. THE AGENCY OF GOD IN HUMAN GREATNESS. Preached 16th. June 1793, being the Lord's Day after Dr William Robertson's death. I Chronicles xxix. 12. IN THINE HAND IT IS, TO MAKE GREAT. i HAVE not chofen thefe words, to celebrate the greatnefs of my deceafed colleague. A formal proof of what all acknowledge, would be as abfurd as argu- ing, that yeflerday the fun flione, to thofe who yefter- day faw his light, and felt his warmih. It would be more ufeful to defcribe, how he acquir^id, and how he manifefted, his greatnefs. But, even that, would be a talk, fitter for the hiftorian than the preacher ; and in- which, perhaps, none could fucceed, whole delicate tafte, found judgment, and correct and elegant Ityle, did not refemble thofe of our great hiftorian. My de- fign is, to lead your attention to divine agency in hu- man greatnefs ; a fubjed, which, through the bleiling of God, may both confirm yoyr faith, and regulate your praftice. " The works of the Lord are great, " fought out of all them that have pleafure in them 2.'* And furely, this work of the God of nature and pro- vidence, is none of the lead of them ; and, as it well merits, will amply reward, our humble fearch. Go4 ' Pf. cxi, 2. Disc. 8.] THE AGENCY OF GOD, &C. 24I God befto ws on fome of the human race, greatnefs, compared with their fellow men, though not abfolute and unlimited greatnefs. If the talents of none were great, or if the talents of all were equally fo, many departments, neceflary, or highly important to fociety, ■would remain unoccupied. One man, by the fweat of his brow, provides food and raiment, and dwelling fufficient for himfelf and family, and for accommodat- ing neighbours and flrangers, who, in return, fapoly him and his houfehold with other nccciTarics or con- veniencies. For thofe purpofes, labour mull be di- refted by fome degree of genius and fkiil. Much fu- perior abilities are requifue in thofe, who watch over the tranquillity and happinefs of dates, who er.ad wife and good laws, who fleadily execute them, and who impartially examine complaints againft their tranfgreflbrs. Such fervices to fociety cannot be per- formed,, without confiderable degrees of penetration, of activity, and of firmnefs of mind. Diflinguidied courage and condud, are often necedary for repelling the afiaults to which dates are expofed, by the vio- lence of foreign or domedic foes. They too mud be great, who invent or improve ufeful arts, who remove or foften the didrefles of others, who enlighten their underdandings, and who influence their wills and af- fections. It is not however fit, that every individual, or that even the greater part of mankind, diould pof- fefs all, or even any of thofe various kixids of great- nefs. Society could not fubdd, unlefs the lower de- partments of life were filled, as well as the higher : and they could not be filled at all, at lead they could not be filled with fo much comfort, if Providence made all men equal in wifdom, in drength, in tade, in genius. R Let 242 ^ THE AGENCY OF GOD [_Disc. 8. Let me now point out a few inftanccs of divine a- gency. In raifjng to greatnefs fome of the human race. I. God makes men great, by beftowing upon them clitinguifbed genius and talents. Some of the cour- tiers of the empeyor Sigifmund, who had no tafte for learning, inquired, why he fo honoured and refpecled men of low birth, on account of their fclence ? The Emperor replied, " In one day, I can confer knight- " hood or nobihty on many : in many years, I can- " not bellow^ genius on one. Wife and learned men " are created by God only. " No advantages of edu- cation, no favourable combination of circumilances, produce talents, where the Father of fpirits dropped not the feeds of them in the fouls which he made. A principle muft exift, before any human fklM, or for- tunate incident, call forth that principle into action. It is God who giveth wifdom to the wife, and know- ledge to them who know underdanding '\ He is pleafed to make a difference in mens intelleduai powers, as well as in their outward circumfLances. The faculties of fome are weak, and carry them a little way in receiving, comparing, or recollecting idea?. The drong and vigorous minds of others, eafily ac- quire, and faithfully retain, every thing worthy of knowledge and remembrance. On one, God bcflovv s a lively and extenfive imagination : on another, extra- ordinary meafures of acutenefs, penetration, and judg- ment : on a third, aflonifhing powers of raifing the pafiions ^"d influencing the condu£l, by an animated and perfuafive addrefs. Thefe talents, which diftin- guifh one man from another, are as really the gift of Godj as thofe excellencies of body or mind, which diPiinguifli b Dan. ii. 21, Disc. 8.] IN HUMAN GREATNESS. 243 diftinguifli the human race in general from the brute creation. It cannot be denied, that men may be high in rank, and advanced to honourable and important offices, on whom God hath beflowed no diftinguiflied talents. But their exalted ftation cannot render them truly great. Honour is not feemly for a fooh As " a gold *' ring in a fvvine's fnout " conceals not her uglinefs ; fo, preferment hinders not meannefs and Vv'orthlefs- nefs from appearing : nay, rather, it renders them more confpicuous, like a city fet on a hill, which can- not be hid. " He that fendeth a mefiage by the " hand of a fool, '' or commltteth any bufmefs to his management, " cutteth off the feet ; " depriveth the meffage or bufmefs, of what was as neceffary to its pro- grefs and fuccefs, as feet are necefiary for walking : and thus, he " drinketh damage : ** his bufmefs. mif- carries ; his fchemes are difappointed ; and mifchief is the fruit of his blind, ill-founded confidence. " As " he that hideth a ilone in a Hin^ ; fo is he that giv- " eth honour to a fool ^. " As he is not innocent of the murders committed by a madman, whofe rafhnefs or inattention furnifhed him with deadly weapons : fo, he, who entrufcs an interefting matter to one unfit for managing it, is accefTory to all the harm which flows from that unfitnefs. Dignity and authority dif- grace the men who know not hov/ to ufe them j and are a reproach to thofe to whom fuch men owe their advancement. 2. God makes men great, by an education, and by events in life fuited to difcover, to excite, to encour- age, to improve, and to dired their talents. The ac^ compliihments of one, who has enjoyed, and in fome R. 2 jneafure c Prov. ^i. 22. ; ^xvi. i, 6. 9, 244 THE AGENCY OF GOD \^DisC. 8. meafure improved, a good education, far excel thofe of a favage, perhaps born with much fuperior natural talents. The moft luxuriant foil, when uncultivated, often becomes wild and barren ; while a foil lefs fa- vourable, richly recompenfcs the feed fown, and the labours of the huA^andman. Early inftruclion and difcipline correct the blemifhes, brighten the poli{h, and increafe the excellencies of genius. Sagacity, when not excited, affifled, and directed, feldom choof- es the right path, or foars high in the purfuit of fci- ence. ExcelTive feverity breaks the fplrits ; and a fond and fooliih indulgence fuffers genius to take a wrong bias, and to run riot. The ignorance, ava- rice, or ambition of parents, often thruft their chil- dren into lines of life where they are ufelefs or hurtful, and deprive the public of the benefit which otherwife it might have derived from ^.eir talents. Happy the youth of genius, whofe parents have v-ifdom and lei- fure to difcern its peculiar btnt, to cheriih its early bloir>.>ms, and to water and cultivate this planting of the Lord ; and whofe teachers, inftead of a pompous dlfplay of extenfive learning, or acute and fubtle rea- foning, impart inftruclions, whereby the underfland- ing may be improved, and the heart and life made better. Wiie-ly did Nebuchadnezzar provide a three years courfe of inflruclion, in what might qualify the children of the Jewifli nobility for important offices ci- vil or military : efpecially as he himfelf carefully ex- amined their diligence and progrefs, that he might advance them according to their merit '^. Schools are feniinaries for church and flate. And, as a garden plentifully ftored with fruitful trees, cannot preferve its beauty and ufc, unlefs tender trees are reared in nur. ferieSj '1 Dan. I ^~~^, ; 18—20, Disc. 8.] IN HUMAN GREATNESS. 245 feiies, to fiipply thofe decayed by age : fo, a commu- nity camiot remain, fafe and profperous, where there are not fchools, in which promifmg youths may be trained, for fupplying the ftations and offices of thofe, who are not fuffered to continue by reafon of death. The friends and companions of our early youth, con- tribute not a little to the llrengthening and improving our natural talents. " As iron fharpeneth iron ; fo " doth the countenance of a man his friend ^." When genius is blunted, a friend's com.pany, converfation and example, give it a nev/, and a keener edge. One's delight in knowledge is increafed ; and his diligence in acquiring it, is animated by that of another. When the call of genius, and bent of inclination, are fimi- iar ; and, as face anfwereth to face in water, fo the heart of a man to a man : the exertions and efforts of one are as burning coals, to inflame and cherifh thofe of another. But other favourable providences, as well as able and diligent inflructors, and virtuous, fludious companions, expand the faculties, call forth exertions, and difcover the extent of talents, which otherwife might have lain dormant, or {hone with lefs luflre. Erpenius the critic, v.as firft flimulated to a proper improvement of his time and talents, by looking into Fortius Ringelbergius's treatife on ftudy : and Frank- lin, the philofopher and flatefman, was fimilarly affed:- ed, by an effay of Dr Cotton Mathers, on doing good ; a copy of which (from which feveral leaves had been torn out by a former poifefTor) he happily purchafed and read *. Poverty and difappointment R 3 deprefs « Prov. xxvli. 17. <" This circumftance, Dr Franklin mentions in a letter to Dr Sam. Alather, Dr Cotton Mather's fon, dated Pafly, 12th May 1781, and 24-6 *THE AGENCY OF GOD [^DisC, 8. deprefs the fpirits, damp vigour of thought, check boldnefs of effort, and nip in the bud the rifing genius. Profperity and affluence allure to luxury and diffipation, and prevent the acquiring diftinguifhed abilities, or employing them with diligence and wif- dom. It is a common obfervation, that great occa- fions produce great talents. It may be jullly faid, that they excite, cherifh, and difplay to advantage, talents, which, without thefe occafions, might have defcended to the grave, unknown to the poileiTors, and not obferved, or even fufpeded, by thofe around them. A Frederic and a Wafhington, might have lived obfcure, and died forgotten, had the time, place and circumftances, which called forth their abilities, been different. Some, who earn a fcanty fubfiftence, by carrying burdens, or by following the plough, might have brightly fhone, at the court or camp, or in the repubhc of letters, if fome happy incident had timeoufly discovered their latent powers, and if due encouragement had roufed their activity. Pride of birth and which I tranfcribed from the gazette of the United States, 28th November 1789. Another anecdote from the fame letter, may per- haps be both acceptable and ufeful. " The laft time I faw your fa- *• ther, v/as 1724. On my taking leave, he fhewed me a fhorter *' way out of the houfe, through a narrow paflage, which was crof- *' fed by a beam over he^d. We were ftill talking as I withdrew, *' he accompanying me behind, and I turning toAvards him, v/hen he <' faid h&^ily, Jioop, Joop .' I did not underfland him, till I felt my " head hit againft the beam. He was a man who never miffed any *' occafion of giving inftruftion ; and, upon this, he faid to me, <* Tou are youngs and haiis the world is/ore you. Stoop, as you go «' throvgh it, and you ixj'tll vi'tjs many hard thumps. This advice, thus «« beat into my heart, has frequently been of ufe to me : and I often « think of it, when I fee pride mortified, and misfortunes brought « upon people, by their carrying their heads too high,. " Disc. 8.3 IN HUMAN GREATNESS. 247 birth and voliiptuoufnefs, flimulated and fuppoited by wealth, have funk many in deferved contempt, who, if, in early life, their outward circumfLances had been poor and mean, might fucccfsfully have afpired to true greatnefs. lie whole reputation at the bar was inconfiderable ; when advanced to the bench, has proved its brightefl ornament, and difpiayed abilities, v/hich, till then, modefty had veiled, or want of fuit- able opportunities, concealed. 3. It is God who implants difpofitions, and excites to condu£l:, which enable men to improve their na- tural abilities, and providential opportunities and ad- vantages for becoming great. Men of flower and more narrow facukies, through induftry and attention, often oiitflrip thofe of livelier fancies and more bril- liant talents, who, trufling in them, forget their need of fludy and application. " Seell thou," fays Solomon, Prov. XX. 29, '' a man diligent in his bufmefs ? he (hali " fland before kings ; he Ihall not fland before mean " men. '* In the intellectual as well as moral world) " to him that hath fhall be given ; but from him that ** hath not, (hall be taken away, even that which he " feemeth to have ''." Exercife and activity, mar- velloufly improve and increafe talents comparatively fmail : while talents originally greater, through in- dolence and neglect, languifli and decay. — Further, God makes men great, by influencing their tempers, and enabling them to govern their fpirits, and con- dud their lives, by the rules of reafon and religion. '* He that is flow to anger, is better than the mighty j " and he that ruleth his fplrit, than he that taketh a ^* city *." He is truly great, who carefully fup- preiTes angry, envious, and refentful paffions j habi- R 4 tually ^ Luke viii. 1 8. * Prov, xtI, 3 2. 24S THE AGENCY OF GOD [D/JC. 8. tiially refifls every impure, intemperate, or unjufl in- clination ; watchfully attends to the ftate of his foul ; fuifers not his tender ell feelings, and keeneft wdfties, to allure him from the path of honour and duty ; from reverence and love for his God and his Saviour, a-fcs with fitnefs and propriety, defpifes the reproach and contempt of a blinded world, accounts it a light and little thing to be judged of man's judgement ; who, in his religious and moral deportment, fteadily follows the light of confcience, but condefcends to- the fenliments and humours of others in matters in- different. The man, who indulges his appetites and paiTions, uncontrouled by rthgious principle; what- ever be his learning, or wealth, or power, is a little man. ^Strength of genius and eminent talents are often darkened and enfeebled, fometimes utterly ex- tinguifhed, by the tyranny of paffion and appetite. If they occafionally burft forth, their exertions are not fteady and regular. The vices of many, hinder their uninterrupted and fuccefsful purfuit of the grand ob- jects, which, had they been virtuous, their diilin- gtiiihed capacities qualified them to reach. 4. God makes men great, by bringing them into difficult and trying fituations, which exercife and manifell the greatnefs of their difpofition and talents. It is not eafy, in a flow of profperity and honour, to be humble, modefl, unaffuming and affable. Men of exquifite fenfibility, are often difordered and un- hinged by the flightefl affront, and fmk under the calamities of life. He is great, who, when vifited by heavy trials, racking pain, or bitter provocations, is, notwithftanding, compofed and ferene, patient and refigned. He is truly great, who is not enticed from the paths of virtue by the allurements of honour, of riches, Disc. 8.] IN HUMAN GREATNESS. 24§' riches, of eafe, of pleafure, or of power ; and who facrifices to the public good, every mean, narrow, interefted profpedl. Death is a period, which often tries characters, throws over them Hght or fhade, and afcertains the meafure of worth and excellence. I I fay, often : for, fometimes, great and good men are in their laft moments fubjed to bondage ; and men, nei- ther great nor good, have no bonds in their death. Yet, furely, he who fees the importance of an eternal and unchangeable flate, and yet beholds its near ap- proach without terror ; he who trufts, that the God who profpered him in this world, will, in the world to come, make him completely happy ; who rejoices that he was in any degree ufeful, but looks for acceptance only through the merits of Jefus: fuch an one is ftrong, when nature languifhes and decays. He is more than a conqueror, who encounters the king of terrors un- difmayed, and can take up the challenge, " O death! " where is thyfting? O grave! where is thyvidory?" 5. God makes men great, by rendering the exer- tions of their talents acceptable and ufeful. Unjufl and uncandid as it is, it is by no means uncommon, to overlook diftinguilhed virtues and abilities, and only to view the comparatively inconfiderable ble- milhes and weakneffes with which they are accom- panied. " Dead fiies caufe the ointment of the apo- '^ thecary to fend forth a (linking favour : fo doth " a little folly him that is in reputation for wifdoni " and honour f." " For every right work, a man is " envied of his neighbour ?." And what men envy, they make no fcruple to decry or depreciate. When providence frowns on the man of talents, " the race ** is not to the fwift, nor the battle to the ftrong, nor " bread f Ecclef. X. I. g Ecclef, Iv. a. »5^ . THE AGENCY OF GOD [_DisC. 8. *' bread to the wife, nor riches to men of under- " {landing, nor favour to men of (kiW ; but time and " chance happeneth to them all ^,'* Deep penetration, and unwearied diligence, though combined with the ftridefl integrity, is not always crowned with fuccefs. If men are great in reputation, as well as in the good qualities which deferve it ; if they poflefs that good name, which is better than precious ointment ; if future generations rife up and call them bleffed : all this muft be afcribed to Divine providence. Without this, original genius, extenfive learning, correct tafte, and found judgement, will not appear with fuch luftre, as commands general honour and refpedl. It is from the bleffing of God, that virtuous and amiable difpofitions are obferved and acknowledged, excite efteem, attract afFeclion, and communicate delight. Great is their influence on the fentim.ents of others, who are thus regarded and beloved. To adopt their opinions, imitate their manners, and liften to their counfels, is a tribute cheerfully paid to their merit. In larger or fmaller focieties, fuperior fagacity and abilities, fecure, without violence, and without refin- ance, refpedful homage, and an authority almod abfolute. The gentlenefs and affability of one great man, captivates every heart ; and the fleady, manly fortitude of another, Hems a torrent of folly er vice. 6. It is God, who afligns to the great, the fphere of their greatnefs. High meafures of different ex- cellencies are feldom united in one man. Ofcen re- markable intelle6lual or moral defects, impair their reputation, and diminifii their ufefulnefs, whofe illuf- trious talents had acquired high honour, and extenfive fame. h Eccl. I'x. II. Disc. 8. [J IN HUMAN GREATNESS. I^i fame. A lively imagination often hinders the labour and attention neceflary for a fuccefsful fearch after truth, and for reaching eminence in learning. The firm and fteady are not always the courteous and affa- ble. They who aife£l to difplay an univerfal genius, and to fliine in every branch of fcience, by afpiring at too much, lofe all ; and apply and exert themfelves to no purpofe, becaufe they apply to no one thing with fufficient conftancy. They, therefore, are in the fairefl road to become great, and to promote the glory of God, and the good of mankind, who chiefly devote themfelves to purfuits, for which their talents are bed adapted. Even thofe of the greateft worth, are, in everyreligious and moral attainment, not equally con- fpicuous. Providence beflows on none that boundlefs range of genius, which would fecure them a power and influence, dangerous to the general interefts of fociety. If the taftes and talents of great men, were equally fuited to every branch of knowledge, no branch v.'ould be fo much cultivated, improved, and enriched v/ith new and important difcoveries, as it is by an attention confined to one or a few branches. Befides, by this diftribution and limitation of talents, one great man needs and receives benefit from the inventions and exertions of another ; mutual in- tercourfe of good ofnces is maintained ; and various fources are opened, of that efteem, attachment, and gratitude, by which happinefs is fo highly promoted. The man richefl in flrength of genius, and in acquired knowledge, while he imparts to many, derives from others fublime pleafure. Defires are gratified, wants fupplied, improvements advanced, and joy commui- cated, in a variety of kinds and degrees, which could not 3^2 THg AGENCY OF GOD [7>/Vr. 8. not take place, did every great man polTefs the fame talents. Greatnefs often appears in fentiments, feelings, and exertions, which refpecl the affairs of a prefent life, when no greatnefs is difcovered in the efleem, choice, and profecution, of the more excelleni: things, which are unfeen and eternal. In this. Divine agency muft: be acknowledged. God hides thofe things from the wife and prudent, from men of hright natural talents, and acquired accomplifhments, and reveals them to babes, to men of duller capacities, and of a lefs liberal education. Indeed, the outward means of fpiritual knowledge are equally acceilible to both : and God neither excites, in the wife, prejudices againfl religion ; nor deprives them, where religion is concerned, of the exercife of their rational powers. But, on many of them, he beftows not a fpiritual difcernment, of the truth and importance, and of the glory and excellency of divine things ; fuffers them, unreflrained by his grace, to abufe their fagacity in finding out objections againft religion ; and brings them into circumtlance?, which, through their own fault, increafe their blind- nefs, inattention, and unbelief. Though, in this aw- ful difpenfation. Divine fovereignty muft be adored ; yet footfteps of wifdom and reftitude, may fome- times even nov/ be alfo difcerned. The fons of worldly wifdom, often, day after day, deliberately and prefumptuoully do the evil and abominable thing which God hates. They call: contempt on the Sa- viour, do defpite to the Spirit of grace, and love darknefs rather than light, becaufe their hearts and deeds are evil. God is not obliged to reclaim fuch unprovoked enemies and rebels, by the gracious in- fluences of his Spirit j and is not unrighteous, when he Disc. 8.] IN HUMAN GREATNESS. 253 he leaves them to eat of the fruit of their own ways, and to l)e filled with their own devices. Vv'hat they chiefly rehfhed and fought, they fucceeded in gaining. Much important inilruclion is convey d by thefe pro- ceedings of Providence. The triumphs of the gofpel, appear the effects of Divine power, not of human wifdom or eloquence. The influence of depravity appears, in darkening the underflanding and pervert- ing the judgement, even where penetration in other matters is greateft. The wife are made fenfible of their need of Divine teaching ; and the ignorant and weak are encouraged, in the ufe of means, to look up for them. God manifeflis, that in accomplifhing the purpofes of his providence and grace, he needeth not the fcrvices of the bed qualified, and can blefs an4 profper the eJorts of inftruments lefs promifmg. Thofe, who, we imagined, would have been the firfl: |:o difcern the truth and excellency of the gofpel, are often the lalt ; and thofe, who, we dreaded, would have been the lafl, are the firft. Be not then too iiiuch alarmed, at the genius, learning, and powers of perfurifion, by which fcepticifm, infidelity, and dangerous herefies are often fupported : and fear not, that the gofpel treafure periili, though put in weak and earthen veffels. Yet, beware of abufmg this doctrine. ' Head knowledge is not infpired, but ac- quired in the ufe of means ; negle»5t of which, aggra- vates guilt, and increafes danger. The parent and teacher ufe means for inftruding youth, without cer- tainty that thefe means will fucceed ; and in this they acl reafonably. By the bleffing of God, that igno- rance and depravity, which, without their efforts, would have remained, are happily removed. It is jiiadnefs to negled, what is abfolutely neceffary for iecufing S54 THE AGENCY OF GOD [_Disc. ?. fecuring happlnefs, and averting mifery ; though fome- thing further may be neceflary, which depends not on our exertions, but on the blelnng of heaven, 7. In the hand of God it is, to limit the duration of human greatnefs. The diflinctions on which the mofl exalted of mankind value themfelves, are tranfi- ent and uncertain. The pre-eminence acquired by ge- nius, fometimes fecretly and flowly decays : and fome- times is fuddenly darkened by the appearance of a ge- nius flill fuperior. Human greatnefs, when it has reached a certain point of height, begins to defcend. The caufes which once elevated the great, nov/ operate to raife another above him. They who have reached the pinnacle of human glory, lofe their ability or mo- tives for exertion, and fall into obfcurity and forget- fulnefs, through the fuccefsful efforts of others to ac- quire fmiilar diftindions. — But, never do we fee more clearly, that there is an end of all perfection ; and, never do we feel more deeply, that all is vanity and vexation of fpirit :. than, when death has dominion over men truly great. In removing from the v/orld, the prudent, the ancient, the eloquent, and the ho- nourable : the voice of Providence to furvivors is, ^' Ceafe ye from man, whofe breath is in his noftrils ; " for wherein is he to be accounted of'?" — " His '' breath goeth forth, he returneth to his duft : in " that very day his thoughts perilh. Happy, there- " fore, is the man, who hath the God of Jacob for ** his help ; whofe hope is in the Lord his God J. '* The great and the wife die, as well as the fool and brutifh perfon. No man hath power over the fpirit, to retain the fpirit in the day of "death. There is no difcharge in that warfare : and, by the brightnefs of his \ if. il. 23. ; — iii. i — 3. J Pf. cxlvi. 4, 5. Disc. 8.] IN HUMAN GREATNESS. 25^ his talents, no man can prevail, to prevent, or even to delay, the execution of the fentence-— " Duft thou *'• art, and to the duft tliou Ihalt return. '* The man of mofl diftingulfned abilities, may be racked v/ith pain, and weakened by difeafe, and muft be conquer- ed by death ; as well as he who knows not his right hand from his left. This is the end of all men. How- ever great they once were, the duft muft cover them ; the wonn muft feed upon them ; and the place which once knew them, and admired them, and was under their influence, muft knov/ them no more. — How, then, iliould we hate fm, the evil one, and the ene- my, who has brought on the moft efteemed and be- loved of the human race, all this mifcry and deftruc- tion ! How highly fnould we value, and how earn- eftiy fiiould we feek, a name and a place in thofe up- per courts, where forrow, and ficknefs, and death, can never enter ! They, who now aft the moft honoured and diftinguifhed parts on the theatre of the v.Oiid, foon miift go the way v/hence they fnall not return j and, in a courfe of years, the remembrance of many of them will ceafe. But the glory of the faithful fer- vants of God, fades not, v/hen they die. In a better country, even thofe of them, who lived and died ne- glected or defpifed, Hiall iliine as the brightnefs of the firmament, and -as the ftars, for ever and ever. Su'ucr me, now, to lead you to the pradical improve- ment of what I have faid on the agency of God in hu- inan greatnefs. I. I begin with addreiling thofe, whom the hand of God hath made great. — Whatever knovvledgs you have acquired, whatever virtues- you polfefs, and, to whatever honours you have been advanced ; remem- ber. 6 THE AGENCY OF GOD £D/SC. 8. ber, that by the free, fovereign, unmerited favour of God, you are what you are. Adore the goodnefs, which beftowed on you fuch valuable faculties, and fuch diflinguiflied advantages for their cultivation and improvement. Never forget, that the difpofals of Providence, or the influences of grace, are the fource of all that is truly great. " Every good gift, *' and every perfed; gift, is from above, and cometh " down from the Father of lights ''.'* Think not, therefore, of yourfelves, more highly than you ought to think. Serioufly reflect on the Author of your greatnefs. " Who maketh thee to differ from ano- " ther ? and, what haft thou, that thou didft not re- ^* ceive ? Now, if thou didft receive it, why doft " thou glory, as if thou hadft not received it ^ ?'* Let not, therefore, the wife man glory in his wifdom, nor the orator in his eloquence, nor the honourable man in his fame ; but, let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord. — Maintain a habitual fenfe, that, as you de- rive your greatnefs from God, you are accountable to God for the ufe of it. Gain the affedion, or, at leaft, command the refpeft of your inferiors, by modera- tion, affability, and condefcenfion. God m.ade you great, for the general good, and not merely for your own pleafure or profit. God endued you with fa- gacity and genius, for a better purpofe, than miflead- ing the judgements, and corrupting the hearts of your fellow men ; and for a higher and nobler end, than affording you agreeable amufement, or gratifying your paffion for applaufe. Diftinguiftied talents were be- ftowed, that, with fuccefs, you might guide others to wifdom, to religion, to happiiiefs ; that you might mitigate diftrefs, inftrud ignorance, and direct per- plexity. ^ Ja. i. 1 7, ' I Cor. iv. 7. Disc 8.] IN HUMAN GREATNESS. 2.57 plexity. Even in this world, you will find the labour, anxiety, and felf-denial, with which you purfue thefe pious and benevolent defigns, amply recompenfed, by the pieafure of knowing, that God*s glory, and the good of mankind, were your fmcere aim ; and that your exertions for promoting them, were not in vain in the Lord. Yet, alas! to many, who have favour- able opportunities for gratifying benevolent aifedions, thefe pleafures are unknown. They pervert to idle or hurtful purpofes, the fine abilities, which, rightly employed, would lelTen the miferies, and increafe the joys, of their fellow men. Such proflitution of your noble powers, though it may excite admiration, will neither fecure efteem, nor captivate the heart. God, by bellowing upon you diftinguifhed genius, calls you to generous arid elevated defigns. Difcharge, therefore, with dignity, difintereflednefs, and honour, the trufts to which your ti^lents have railed you ; and thus fpread around you, religion, peace, and joy. Let it be your ambition, to difcharge every duty which your offices require. Does thy lofty ftation tempt thee to defpife thy inferiors, or to treat them with infolence and fcorn ? Remember, that thou needed their aid, and depended more upon them, than they do upon thee. Wretched wouldfi: thou become, though they fhould not hurt thee, if they withdrew from thee their neceffary fupport. 2. Let me next addrefs thofe, whom a fcanty mea- fare of natural talents, or acquired accomplifnments,' confines to a lower, and more ignoble, and laborious line of life. Bev/are of envy and difcontent. Do you repine, that you have not the genius of a great man, and cannot afpire to his honourable rank ? This is as abfurd and criminal, as "to repine that you are men, and not angels. " Should the thing formed, fay to S " him 25S' THE AGENCV OF GOD ]^DlSC.^. " him who formed it, why had thou made me " thus""?" Inferior ftations, though accompanied with much hardfliip, and Httle honour, are as necefTary for the general good, as the mofl eminent ftations. The allotments of Providence, at which, pride and felfifhnefs murmur, are kind and wife. If you defcrt the pod affigned you, and attempt to devolve it on another, whofe education has not fitted him for per- forming the duties, and bearing the inconveniencies of that poft, you rebel againfh the Ruler of the uiiiverfe. In your prefent meaner department, you are ufeful r but, from want of fuitable talents and preparation, you could do little fervice, probably might do much hurt, in that more exalted ftation to which you eagerly afpire. — Imagine not, you would be happy^ could you exchange your condition with his, whom the hand of God hath made great. Perhaps the height he has reached, kindles or inflames a torment- ing ambition to afcend ftill higher. Nothing poflefled pleafes, when a roving imagination perceives fome- thing defirable, not yet attained. Where the gain of godhnefs and contentment is unknown, all fituations are embittered, by reftlefs, repining labour: the eye is not fatisfied with feeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. — In the mean time, let the brother of low- degree, rejoice that he is exalted. The higheft honour, the moft folid and fubftaiuial greatnefs, is equally open and accelBble to alK A high way condufts (o it, in which the wayfaring man, though a fool, ihall not err. Thofe, defpifed as the filth of the earth, and the offscourings of all things, may, not- withftanding, be as a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and as a royal diadem in the hand of their God. — Still you aik : Is it crimiqal to widi to ba greatly ? Rora. ix. 20^ Disc, 8.] IN HUMAN GREATNESS, '^^g greatly iifeful ? No. But it is criminal to ftrive with your Maker, what Ihall be the fphere of your ufeful- nefs. Encroach not, therefore, on the province of Another : clog not his exertions : hinder not his ufe- fulnefs. Diligently, faithfully, and fteadily, difcharge the^ duties of your own flaticn. Improve, to the beil purpofes, the gifts of nature and of Providence, and thus manifeft your gratitude to the Giver. Injure not fociety, and proclaim not your own folly, by coveting a ftation for which you have no capacity. Prefer pub- lic, to private interefl : and exchange not your prefent fituation for another more eafy or honourable, but in which you could contribute lefs to the welfare of fo- ciety. There is little cheerfulnefs or enjoyment, with- out health : and the labours and reflraints to which your ftation fubjects you, tend to fecure health, by promoting temperance and exercife. If mean circum- ftances exclude from many comforts, the profpe£t of bettering one's fituation by honeft induftry, is no fmall comfort : and when there appears no probability of acquiring greatnefs, dehre of it is feldom violent. 3. But there is another fource, from which envy and difcontent more abundantly flow. — Perhaps a com- petitor outfliines you, in accomplifliments which your rank, your office, your bufmefs, your genius, or tafte, lead you chiefly to cultivate : and you plead, it cannot be criminal, earneftly to covet the beil gifts, the gifts bed for you in particular, and which may qualify you for difcharging, ulefully and honourably, the duties of your ftation. — I condemn not your cultivating fuch accomplifliments, and wifliing for higher meafures of them. Your wiflies, and the ftudies or labours to which they inftigate you, are a part of your duty, ^provided they are accompanied with rvfignation to S 2 the S^O THE AGENCY OF COD l^DlJC. ^. die will of God. Far be it from me, to cenfure a ge- nerous emulalion; ardour to excel in what is truly excellent ; aiid \igoroiis efforts to equal, and even to furpafs, tlie.fairdl and brighteft models. — Yet, I wonid feew you a mor^ excelitnit way. Cultivate that cba- lity wHch envietli not. Doll tiiou affect to defpife anil depreciate the perfections of another in thy Dwn liiie of life ; and wouidil thou gladlv deilroy and aii- mhilate them, were it in thy power? Now walkeil Xhe.u not charitably, 'llie extenfive knowledge, the }v.:Me and elevated defigns, the bright genius, the difiingiiiDjed talents, from which thoulaiids, and tens of thoufand.^, derive ufeful injlrudion, or innocent .entertalnnient, cannot giieve thee, if thou love thy neighbour as thyfeif. And if thou doft not thus love him, the love of God dwelictli not in thee. Mean and fordid is his foul, who tliinks himfeif wretched, impoveri&ed, and difgmced, by the fuperior intellec- tual enjoyments or horiours of his brother. If thou art toAnented, becaufe the approbation, efteem, and refped, is bello\^-ed npon another, which that other jullly merits ; thou art tormented, becaufe multitudes are pieafed, and grateful, and jull. If, from pious and benevolent motives, thou defireU diftinguilhed talents ; jfrom .thefe motives, rejoice that others poffefs them, though you do not. If, the fuperior talents of thy neighbour are abufed, thou haft caufe to pity and pray for hini : if they are employed for the glory of God, and the good of ms^ldnd, it becomes thee to bl^fs God on his behalf. Imitate, fo far as thou canll, "w^hat is great and noble in thy neighbour. If thou canft not reach his . accompiiflimeiits, .rejoice in them, as if they were thine own : and, content with the lit- tle Disc. 8.] IN HUMAN GREATNESS. iSl tie which God beftows upon thee, carefully I'mprove it for his glory. 4. To conclude. — Let all be exhorted, to give ho- nour, to whom honour is due. Are men raifed up, who are the beauty 2iid ornament of ciYil, of religious, or of h'teraiy focieties ? Acknowledge and adore the hand of God in this, and be fuitabiy thankful. Does a great man fall r Deep fenfibility, raouniing for our lofs, humbling ourfelves under the mighty hand of God, and ferious attention to the vanity and uncer- tainty of worldly diilincHons, are feafonable and be- coming exercifes. Surely, when the bodies of fuch are laid in a grave, their memories ought not to be buried in forgetfuhiefs. Though the counfcis and arms of Abner, for a confidei-able time, oppofed, with fuccefs, David's obtaining the government of the ten tribes ; yet, w-hen that brave general was treacheroufly flain, the generous prince bitterly laments his fad and untimely fate, throws a vail over what was amifs, and extols what was great in his characler. Deteftable is that bigotry and party fplrit, though, alas, not un- common, either among thofe diftinguiflied for zeal, or thofe who wifh to be thought moderate men, which deftroys the feelings of humanity, fteels the heart a- gaiiift the dictates of juflice, and is too blind to difcern, or too difhonefl to acknowledge, the excellencies of thofe, whofe fentlments and conduct, efpecially in mat- ters which appear to them important, happen to be op*^ pofite to theirs. S3 APPF.N^ APPENDIX. PART OF A SERMON, Preached prevloufly to the foregoing one, but on the fame Day, from 2 Peter i. ii — 14. With Historical Additions, Intended to illullrate fonie Obfervatlons in faid foregoing Sermon on i Chron. xxix. 12. Y, OU need not be told, my dear hearers, the fuit- ablenefs of the fubjecl, which I have fhortly and ini- perfectly handled on this mournful occafion. The death of one, near thirty years your minifter, calls you to imitate whatever was laudable and exemplary in his temper and conduct, and to recolleft and im- prove whatever was ufeful and important in his paftor- al inftruftions. His death is, to me, d, folemn and flriking call, what- ever my hand findeth to do, to do it fpeedily, and with all my might. Our age was nearly equal. Our acquaintance commenced 1737, at the humanity clafs in Edinburgh college, then taught by Mr John Ker " ; and, a Mr Ker had pecuIiaTitles in his marmcr of teaching: and, per- haps, from an enthufiallic pafTion for the books he explained, fonie- tiines imagined elegance and force of expreffion, where there was none. Yet, great was his merit, in gaining the affeftion of his fcho- lars ; and great his fuccefp, in exciting and dIrcAing their ft«dy of the Latin claffics. APPENDIX TO FUNERAL SERMON, kc. 26;^ and, from fondnefs for the fame ftudies, foon produ- ced intimate familiarity, and imprelfions of mutual re- gard. This was one circum.ftance which prevented from degenerating into perfonal rancour and animofity, the oppofite fides we afterwards took in debates about church government, in the political queftions of the American war, and Popifli bill : and even our different fentiments, as to fome points of religion and morals : as to the propriety of preaching at all, or preaching frequently on certain fubjefts : and, as to the fitted: and fafefl m.ethod of explaining and inculcating, v/hat, we were agreed, was neceffary to be taught. Often, with painful pleafure, I recoiled the agreeable, and, I hope, not idle and ufelefs, hours, which, almofl fixty years ago, we fpent in each other's rooms, and fomstimes under the hofpitable roof of his uncle-in-law, Mr William Adam. He was ordained minifter of Gladfmuir, in the prefbytery of Haddington, and I of Kirkintilloch, in the prefbytery of Glafgow, May 1744. He was admitted minifter of Lady Teller's, and I of the New Gray friars church, in this city, June 1758: and, fmce July 1767, we have been colleague minifters of this church. He was defcended from the Robertfons of Gladney ; many of which family have been remarkable for good fenfe, for acute and penetrating geniufes, and for diftiii- guifhed eminence, in their different lines of life. ' ■ His father, Mr William Robertfon, was minifter, firft at Borthwick, in the preft-)ytery of Dalkeith, next in Lady Yefter's, and then in the Old GraylTiars, in this city. He and his wife, Mrs Eleonora Pitcairn, of the Dreghorn family, died the fame week. Though in circumftances far from affluent, he grudged no pro- per expence in the education of his children j the hap- S 4 py 264 APPENDIX TO FUNERAL SERMON py efteds of which, appeared in his Hfetime, and, ftill more, after his death. His courteous and engag- ing manner, and his franknefs and eale in converfa- tion, rendered him highly agreeable and ufeful, both to his own family, and to the young people who vifit- ed them. As a clergyman, his character was refpecl- able. He was efleemed a Calviniil divine, and a ufe- ful praftical preacher. Liberality of mind gave a place in his libraiy, which, though fmall, was well chofen, to authors, whofe fcheme of divinity, and ideas of the moft profitable manner of preaching, were very different from his own ; and what might be learn- ed from them, he candidly pointed out to his fon. Probably, from this circumftance, my late colleague contrafted his early and high elleem, for the works of Le Blanc, Limborch, the younger Turretine, and efpecially Werenfeifius ^ : and afterwards adopted feme of their pecuHar fentiments aiid modes of expref- fion, not relillied by many Calvinifts. Rafli, how- ever, and unjufl it would be, to infer from this, that he approved " thofe of their leading opinions, plainly oppcfite to the Weilrainfter confellion. He conflant- ly difcouraged fch ernes for abolifhing or altering the fubfcription to that formulary, required of miniflers and preachers of the church of Scotland, though fug- gefted or fupported by men, whofe characters he re- fpefted, and vvho had ability and inclination to afTifl his meafures of church policy. To young men enter- ing on the fludy of disinity, who afiied his advice, he ufually recorrimended Vincent's explanation of the Weflminfler I' He particularly admired Werenfeifius de Logonjachiis erudite- rum, et de meteoris orationis. He thought the falfe fublime, expofed in the laft, might have been amply exemplified in paffages from Lor4 ^baftfoury. ON HYL ROBERTSON. ^65 "Wefiiminller AfTembly's fliorter catechifm, as an ex- cellent comprehenfive view of the -doctrines and du- ties of Chriftianity. I need not obferve, that Vincent has given a fcriptural account of jufliiication tlirough imputed righteoufnefs, and other important articles of faith, very different from that of fome of the above mentioned foreign divine]. Intimate acquaintance with the Greek and Latin claffics, furnilhed him with a rich fund of inflrudion and entertainment ; improved his fine and delicate taile, and trained him for compofmg, in the clear, eafy, and manly ftyle, of thofe great models of elo- quence. Edinburgh College then abounded with youth of confpicuous talents, and indefatigable application to fludy ; many of whom, afterwards, rofe to high emi- nence in the flatc, in the army, and in the learned profeffions, efpecially the law department. Well con- dutled literary focieties were, indeed, at that time, lefs frequent, than they have fmce become. One compa- nion, however, llimulated and aided another, in the purfuit of knowledge ; and able and diligent teachers encouraged and direfted their efforts. Hitherto, little had beeii taught in the logic clafs, unlefs dull and dry di^tindions, and the doctrine of fyllogifms. Thefe, and other thir^gs in the old logic, ufeful, if not for difcovering truth, at leaft, for the more eafily detefting and confuting error, Mr (after- wards Dr) John Stevenfon, profeffor of logic, did not difcard. But he attempted, and attempted with fuc- cefs, greater things. A morning hour he fpent in reading, firft a book of Homer's Iliad, then Ariflo- tle's art of poetry, and laftly, Longinus on the fu- l?lime J and illuftrated the beauties of the firil, and the 256 APPENDIX TO FUNERAL SERMON the rules of the two laft, by appofite paflages from Greek, Latin, French, and Englilli authors. I need not fay, how entertaining and ufeful this part of his courfe muil have been, when the college had no pro- feflbr of eloquence. In the forenoon's hour, he pre- iefted, firil on Heineccius's logic, then on Bilhop Wynne's abridgement of Locke's eiTays, and on De^ vries's metaphyfics. An afternoon's hour was employ- ed, three days of the week, in preleding on Heinec- cius's hijRicry of philofophy. Thus, the elements of criticifm were taught by flriking examples, rather than by intricate precepts. The fteps were traced, by which fome had inveftigated truth, and by which o- thers had been betrayed into error. Youth were ex- cited to obferve and imitate the excellencies, and warn- ed to avoid the blemiflies, of celebrated writers. The acutenefs of fludents was exercifed, by impugning a philofophic thefis : and difcourfes were prefcribed on fubjeds connefted with eloquence, logic, metaphyfics, and the hiflory of philofophy, that they might learn to apply the rules of compofition. Dr (afterwards Sir) John Piingle, taught at the fame time the moral philofophy clafs. His lectures were not on fo large a fcale. He entered not into curious difquifitions on tlie foundations of morality, or on the progrefs of fociety ; and foon diii^atched what he chofe to fay on pneumatics and natural reli- gion. Perhaps his thoughts were not always ar- ranged in the beft method, and perhaps his llyle was fometimes carelefs and unpolifhed. But thefe defe6l§ were more than balanced by his excellencies. His ledures were calculated for doing good, not for a difplay of his talents, or for gaining applaufe. They led his hearers to acquaintance with the world, ?.nd to ON DR ROBERTSON. 267 to the knowledge of their own hearts. They taught what difpofitions and conduft were good and juft, wile and honourable. So far as reafon gave light, they delineated the paths by which individuals and families might probably reach fafe and innocent en- joyments, and liates acquire and preferve profperit)'- ; warned againft the dangers to which human virtue and happinefs are expofed, and recommended various means for repelling them. — Generoufly imwilling to grafp the honour, to which, in his opinion, another had a jufter claim, he often illuilrated and confirmed his important remarks on morals, on oeconomy,, on government, and on police, by reading long paflages from Plutarch, Montaign, Charron, Bacon, Sidney, Harrington, Molefworth, and others. — To thofe, with whofe proficiency he \vas bed fatisfied, he prefcribed difcourfes, fonietlmes in Englifn, fometimes in Latin. Kvery one was allowed to compofe on natural reli- gion, morals or politics, as his genius and inclination prompted. But, the particular fubje^l was deter- mined by lot. Many from other clafles attended the delivery of thefe difcourfes. That great encourager of the'fludy of the claflics, and of moral and poli- tical fcience, Dr William Wifliart, Principal of the College, often honoured thefe difcourfes v»'ith his pre- fence, lillened to them with attention, criticifed them with candour ; and, when he obferved indications of good difpofitions, and difcerned the bloffoms of ge- nius ; on thefe occafions, and afterwards, as he had opportunity, teftified his efteem and regard. Profef- fors Stevenfon and Pringle were equally attached to thofe of their fludents, who in any meafure merited it, and often invited them to fpend a morning hour with 26S APPENDIX TO FUNERAL SERMON with him, when the converfation was chiefly directed to literary fubtecls. . Gratitude to Inftruclori:, whofe memory is dear to me, and v/ho, perhaps, had fome influence in en- couraging and direding Dr Robertron*s very extra- ordinary talents, is ray bcfl apology for this long (ii^ gTeffion, Other caufes, however^ belide acadc^rm'c inftruc- tion, now roufed the genius of North Britain. Scotf- msn, of wealth and influence, favoured oppofite iide&, in the political queflions keenly agitated about the tad of Sh Robert Walpole's adminiftration. The fpeeches of Argyle, Carteret, Cheflerfield, Walpole, Pultney, Littleton, Polwortb^ and others, in both houfes of Parliament, were read with avidity; and many a young reader caught their manly animated manner. The Court of SelHon was then adorned by s Prefident Forbes and a Lord Amiiton ; and the bar, by a Craigie, a FergulTon, and a Lockhart, who w^efl knew how to convey found reafoning, in clear and perfaaiiYe language. The ft ate of pulpit eloquence, at that time, re^ quires a fuller difculiion than would be proper on this occafion. Some fons of the clergy, unjufl to their worthy fathers, afcribe to Dr George Wifliart the honour of firil: introducing to our pulpits, a rational, accurate, and ufeful llrain of preaching. Surely they could not be ignorant how much the writings are ftill admired of Leighton, Scougal and Dunlop, who lived znd died long before the amiable Dofbor. I acknow- ledge, the cruel perfection after the Refloration, oblig- ed many minifters to preach with little fludy, and with little accuracy. Afraid they might never enjoy another opportunity of addreffing their beloved hear- ers 5 ON BR ROBERTSON. 26^ CIS ; they often crowded a vaft iraiiety of matter into one difcoiirfe. The multitude, too, of their diviiion^ aod fabdivifions, would have blunted the force of tnith, had not an uncommon meafure of divine in- Euence accompanied Jind blelfed their honeil and ha- zardous kbours. After the Revolu-tlon, from hal^it tliey often retidncd a manner of preaching,, which had no longer the apology of necelTity- In this, they were too m\ich imitated by fomc of the next gene- ration, who jiiflily I'^xilued their piety and zeaL By de- grees, however, the good fenfe of a large proportion of our clergy, and their acquaintance with the bdl compofitions of Engliflj divmes, both of the Church and Diffenters, corre^ed thofe blemilhes, imp]\->ved their tafte, and convinced them riiat tke charms of truth might be concealed by a fordid and jQoTenly di-efs. About 1730, a few young minifters and preachers, avoiding a negligent ftyie, and an unne- ceiiary multiplying of heads, were beti-ayed, by a bhnd admiration of Lord Shaftsbury, into the oppo- fite extreme, of pompous, florid, and ill conneded harangoes. Happily, however, this flimfy tafte wa^ foon checked ; not only by the contempt and dif- pleafure of the greater part, both of minifters and people, but by the tranllation of Fenelon and RoJlin's writings, and the juil fentiments of eloquence which they inculcated. From thefe, and other caufes, about the time of Dr Robertfon's academical education, and immediately after it, perhaps as much as at any period, a great part of the minifters of Edinburgh, and of the country, endeavoured, with fuccefs, to gain the attention and efteem of their hearers, not to themfeives, but to the glorious truths and dudes which they taught. Perhaps, few of them equalled Dr ifi APPENDIX TO FUNERAL SERMON Dr George Wifliart, or Dr Patrick Cumniing, in an cafy, fluent, neat and elegant ftyle : Dr Gumming, in extenfive hiftorical and critical knowledge, judicioufiy applied for the purpofes of inftrudion and edification ; Dr Webfter, in a tender, pathetic addrefs ; and Dr Wallace, and Dr William Wifliart, in depth of thought, originality of genius, and the art of gain- ing attention to the moil common and neceffary fub- jeds, by new refleftions, illuftrations and arrange- ments '^. But many of thofe, from unwearied iludy, both of the doftrinal and practical part of the facred oracles ; from acquaintance with the human heart, and Chriflian experience ; though lefs admired as po- lite or as popular preachers ; yet, feeling what they preached, kept back from their hearers nothing pro- fitable, and approved themfelves workmen who needed not be afhamed, rightly dividing the word of life. It is to be regreted, that the modefly of thofe excellent men has deprived poflerity of the edification which it might have received from their writings : fo that Crawford's Dying Thoughts, and Zion's Traveller, Bannatyne's Miftakes about Religion, and Maclaurin's poflhumous fermons and effays, are almoft the only larger publica- tions of divines of thofe times, to which I can appeal in *^ I fhall give two inftances. Dr Wallace, on week-day evenings, preached feveral fermons on the permiffion of evil, in which, depth of thought, and plainnefs of language, were equally confpicuous. Dr WiUiam Wifliart, to whofe abilities and worth, lefs juftice has been done, than to thofe of his brother, preached, 1746, a courfe of fermons in his own church, on the new birth. What he faid of the change, made by regeneration, on thejmderftanding, will, and aiTeftions, 1 do not recollcft ; but I well remember In how beauti- ful and Interefting a manner he flluftrated the change made on felt- lore, the focial principle, and other fprings of action in the human heajrt. The Doftor was unjuftly accufed of herefy, for maintaining, ♦hat true religion Is influenced by higher motives, than fclf-love» ON DR ROBERTSON. lyt in proof of what I have now obferved. The evange- lical ftrain of Bofton of Etrick, and fome of the firll leaders of the Seceffion, is, indeed, juftly valued by many ferious Chriftians of almofl all denominations. Their works, however, would have been more gene- rally read, and probably proved flill more extenfively ufeful, had they avoided blemiflies of ftyle, now be- come lefs common, than in the end of the laft, and beginning of the prefent, century. Few minds were naturally fo large and capacious as Dr Robertfon's ; or flored, by iludy, experience, and obfervation, with fo rich endowments. His iman-ination was corred:, his judgment found, his memory tenaci- ous, his temper agreeable, his knowledge extenfive, and his acquaintance with the world and the heart of man very remarkable. Livehnefs of thought, clear and di(lin£l concep- tions, quick recollection of ideas, and eafe in com- paring or contrafting them, qualified him to bear fo wife, pertinent, and entertaining a part, in converfi- tion, that he v/3.s often the fpirit and life of company. Yet, he knew too well the value of time, to walle, in unprofitable vifits, hours which he could more ho- nourably and ufefully employ : and he knew too well the decorums of his ftation and character, to pleafe, by improper freedoms, the thoughtlefs and gay. Nor did he, in company, pompoufly difplay his learning ; treat thofc of inferior genius with arrogant contempt ; or introduce fubjefts, in which he v/ould have fhonc unrivalled, and others prefent could have taken no part. His fpeeches in church courts, w^re admired by thofe, whom they did not convince, and acquired and prefervcd him an influence over a majority in them, which 272 APPEI-TDIX TO rtJNtRAL SERMON which none before him enjoyed : though his meafures were fometimes new, and warmly, and with great ftrength of argument, oppofed, both from the prefs, and in the General Aflembly. To this influence, many caufes contributed. I mij^ht mention, befides, his. talents as a public fpeaker ; his firm adherence to the general principles of church policy, which he ear- ly adopted ; his fagacity in forming plans ; his fteadi- nefs in executing them ; his quick difceniment of whatever might hinder or promote his defigns ; his boldnefs in encountering difficulties ; his prefence of mind in improving every occafional advantage; the, addrefs wilh which, when he faw it necelTary, he could make an honourable retreat ; and his ikill in flating a vote, and feizing tlie favourable moment for ending a debate, and urging a decifion. He guided and governed others, without feeming to alTume any fuperiority over them : and fixed and llrengthened his pov^^er, by often,- in matters of form and expediency, preferring the opinions of thofe with whom he a6ted, to his ov.n. In former times, hardly any rofe up to fpeak in the General Allembly, till called upon by the Moderator, unlefs men ' advanced in years, of high rank, or of eitablifhed charaders. His example and influence encouraged young men of abilities to take their fhare of public bufmefs ; and thus deprived mo- derators of an engine for preventing caufes being fair- ly and impartially difcuiTed. The power of others, who formerly had in fonie meafure guided ecclefitfflical affairs, was derived from miniflers of Hate, and 'ex- pired with their fall. His remained unhurt amidft frequent changes of adminiftration. Great men In office were always ready to countenance him, to co- operate with him, and to avail themfelves of his aid. But» ON DR ROBERTSON. I'Jl But, he judged for himfelf, and fcorned to be their Have, or to fubmit to receive their infl:ru£lions. Hence, his influence, not confined lo men of mercenary views, extended to many of a free and independent fpirit, who fupported, becaufe they approved his meafures ; which others, from the fame independent fpirit, thought it their duty fteadily to oppofe. Dehberate in forming his judgement, but, when formed, not eafily moved to renounce it, hefometimes viewed the altered plans of others with too fufpicious an eye. Hence, there were able and worthy men, of whom he exprefled himfelf lefs favourably, and whofe latter appearances in church judicatories, he cenfured as inconfiftent with principles which they had former- ly profelTed : while they maintained, that the fyftem of managing church affairs was changed ; not their opinions or conduft^ Still, however, keen and de- termined oppofition to his fchemes of ecclefiaftical policy, neither extinguilhed his efteem, nor forfeited his friendly offices, when he faw oppofition carried on without rancour, and when he believed that it origi- nated from confcience and principle, not from perfon- al animofity, or envy, or ambition. In fludy, or in bufinefs, he could drain every nerve, and endure long and difficult application. His mini- flerial work, his office as principal of the college, and the many church aifairs which he conducted, prevent- ed not his allotting much of his time to literary re- fearehes, and to preparing for the prefs the hiftorical works, which have acquired him fo high, and fo de- ferved reputation. Strangers might naturally con- clude, that he had no other bufinefs to interrupt or divert his attention from collecting and arranging ma- terials for his elaborate works, arid clothing his narra- T tives. 274- APPENDIX TO FUNERAL SERMON lives, defcriptions, and reflexions, in language, where eafe, energy and beauty, are equally confpicuous. Envy, though fometimes loud and liberal in extol- ling thofe, whofe diftinguiflied honours were gained by attainments, after which fhs never afpired ; artful- ly depreciates their merit j who, in the paths where flie purfues fame, are her chief and mod fuccefsful com- petitors. Our hiftorian, who needed not thefe low diflioncft tricks, for building his ovv^n reputation on the ruin of another's, faw, acknowledged, and admir- ed, the beauties in the hiftories of a Hume, a Vol- taire, and a Gibbon. Blinded by the excellencies, and overlooking the defe(5ts and blemifhes of their compolition, he even fometimes, in a manner too warm, and with too little referve, beftowed upon them that praife, which their carelefs and partial reprefenta- tions of fads, and their unjufi: and malevolent attacks on Chriftianity *=, would have vindicated him in with- holding. For feveral years before his death, he feldom wrote his ferraons fully, or exaftly committed his older fer- mons to memory, though, had I not learned this from, himfelf, I could not have fulpedled it ; fuch was the variety and fxtnefe of his illullrations, the accuracy of his method, and the propriety of his flyle. His dif- courfes from this place were i'o plain, that the moil illiterate might eafily underltand them, and yet, fa correft, that they could not incur their cenfure, whofe tafte was more refined. He did not wander from his fubjea, e Dr Macqueen's letters on Hume's" hidory, Dr FInlay's vindica- tion of the facred books, Lord Hailes's inquiry into the fecondaty caufes which Mr Gibbon affigned for the rapid growth of Chrifti- anity ; contain clear proofs of this charge; not to mention Whitaker, and other able Jinglifli writers.- ON DR ROBERTSON. 1J ^ Aibjefl, or handle it fuperficially, though he often ■mproved incidental occurrences for the purpofes of edification. Sometimes he preached on the evidences of Chriliiaiiity, or fome of its peculiar dodrines : but more Ijequently on the various duties of religion, on their diihculties, and on the helps for performing them. His expofitory ledures, though they might appear lefs laboured than his fermons, were perhaps more ufeful. In thofe on the Gofpels, Ads, and fome of the lefTer epillles, he exhibited a variety of charaders, partly for caution, partly for imitation : reprefented in a (triking light the proofs of Chrifti- anity, refulting from the inftruflions, exhortations, or miracles, which he explained : and often availed himfelf of thofe Opportunities, for fhewing, that the divinity and atonement of Chrifl, the depravity of human nature, the infufficiency of repentance and re- formation to expiate the guilt of fin, and to purchafe the divine favour, and the neceffity of the influences of the Spirit, were do£lrines clearly afferted in the facred oracles ; and that the Scriptures urged againft them, admitted an eafy and natural interpretation, confiftently with their truth. Yet, I am perfuaded, few of his expofitory lectures v/ere heard with greater pleafure and profit, than thofe on the book of Proverbs^ I'hey judicioufly defcribed the fnares and allurements by which error and vice deceive their votaries, and prevent their hearkening to the counfels of heavenly wifdom. They contained exhortations, warnings, and reproofs, highly important to ail, but peculiarly necef- fary to thofe entering on the journey of life. I regret that he feldoin preached on paffages in that book. Sermons on. fubjecls, which- his fagacity, experience, and hiftQrical im*owledg'e,"-,peeuliatily qualified him for T 3 difcufling, 276 APPENDIX TO FUNERAL SERMON difcufFing, would have given him opportunity of a deeper fearch into the extent and ufefulnefs of religious and moral maxims, which, when expounding a large pafi'age of Scripture, he could only hint. Though, from his earlieft to his lateft; years, he devoted much time to thinking, to reading, and to compofmg ; yet, this did not four his temper, blunt his relifli of focial and domeftic comforts, or unfit him for the common duties of life. To his family and friends, he was the delight of their cheerful hours, and the foother and comforter of their forrows. They gratefully remember what they once enjoyed in him, and deeply lament what they have now loft. May the ali-fufficient God be a friend to thofe, from whom a dear friend and acquaintance has been taken away ; a father to the fatherlefs, a hufband to the widow, and the orphan's flay ! His learning had no tindure of pedantry. Far from aiFefting to know, what he was ignorant of, or vainly afpiring after univerfal learning, he confined his ihudies to branches of fcience, for which his genius beft qualified him, or which his ftation and office in life rendered neceflfary. He enjoyed the bounties of Providence, without running into riot ; was temperate, without aufterity ; cheerful, without levity; condefcending and affable, without meannefs ; and, in expence, neither fordid nor prodigal. He could feel an injury or affront, and yet bridle his paflion ; was grave, not fullen ; fteady, not obftinate ; friendly, not officious ; prudent and cautious, not timid. He bore the fevere and tedious diftrefs, which iflued in his death, with remarkable patience and ferenity, and with expreffions of gratitude to God, for the many ON DR ROBERTSON-, 277 many comforts with "which, for a long feries of years, he had been blefled. Among thefe, he mentioned to me, with peculiar emotion, the tender afFedion of his wife and children ; their kind and fympathizing attention in his hours of languifhing and pain ; their refpe£l:- able characters in life, and the comfortable lituation in which he left them. In one of his laft conveifations with me, he exprefled his joy in reflecting, that his life on earth had not been ahogether in vain ; and his hopes, that, through the merits of Jefus, the God, who had fo fignally profpered him in this world, would, in another, and better world, be his portiou and happinefs. T3 DIS- DISCOURSE IX. IN THREE PARTS. THE PEOPLE OF GOD CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. Preached at Glasgow, April 1745. -5 . — «— ~ Isaiah Ix. 21. THY I'EOPLE Also shall be all righteous *. PART I. G LORIOUS things are fpoken, in this chapter, of the city of our God ; of the v/ealth and riches of the . New Teftament Zion ; of the refped: which was to be paid her, even by thofe ^vho were once her great- eft * Thefe three fermons, were defigned as warnings againH: the dehifions of the mere Moiah'ft, on the one hand ; and of the En- thufiaft and Antinomlanj on the other. It was foon wiiifpered, that certain expreffions in them were intended as reflections againfc fome truly refpeftable charafters. Even their general ftrain, was reprefented in a mod difadvantageous light to feveral perfons in Glafgow, who had not heard them, and ftill more, in places diflant from that city. The Author, for his own vindication, publifhed them in a month after they were preached, and precifely as they were delivered. The cenfnres thrown out againft them, fpeedily fub- fided ; and many, who had rafhly credited thefe, were now convinced that they were ill-founded and unfair. Perhaps, there is as much occafion for republifiiing them, 1798, as there was for compofing and preach irq; , Part I.] THE PEOPLE OF GOD, kc» 1']<^ eft enemies ; of the peace and happinefs llie was to enjoy under the divine, govemment and protetlion ; and of the multitude of thofe, who were to become her citizens. Thefe views of the church of God, arc painted to us in fuch beautiful and lively colours, as can fcarcely fail at once to attract the wonder, and excite the joy, of every fiilcere difciple of Chriil. But^: who are the members of this bleffed 'rommunity ? "What is the . character, and what the marks, of thofe thrice happy perfons, '* who fliall afcend into the *' hill of the Lord, and who fliall (land in his holy "' place ; " who can juftly lay claim to the privir leges of God's people, both in this, and in a better world ? — To this important inquiry, our text affords a fatisfying anfv/er, " Thy people fliall be all righteous. " How glorious a character is this ! and how noble a fource of fatisfadion and delight ! WeU, indeed, may thofe " greatly rejoice in the Lord, and their *' fouls be joyful in their God, v»4iom he hath cloth- *' ed with the garments of falvation, and covered " with the robe of righteoufnefs. They are precious *' and honourable in the fight of God, a crown of '' glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem ^^ in the hand of their God ^. " Though, to carnal T 4 men, preaching tliem, 1 745. By adding new illiiltrqtions and reafonlngs, and leaving out feiitences lefs uecefTary, they would have appeared in a drefs fitter for public view. But it would have been unjuft to the acciifers, to have rendered fentiments and language more guarded, arid lefs liable to exception, than when they incurred their blame. One paragraph, however, is expreffed more cautioufiy, which gave no offence when preached, but which the author was convinced, by a worthy friend, now deceafed, might eaGly convey a fentiment stty different from what he intended to CKprefs. * J fa. xliii. 4. & Ixii. 3. ito THE PEOPLE OF GOD \^DisC. 9. men, they may appear as the filth of the world, and the ofFscourings of all things ; yet they are accounted the excellent ones of the earth, by all who know how to prize men and things according to their true worth and value. Such having a right and title to the di- vine favour, and being in fome meafure made meet for the inheritance of the faints in light, may there- fore die in hope of the glory to be revealed ; and reft affured, that, when they leave the church below, they fhall join that triumphant aflembly above, who are employed in finging praifes to Him that fitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb, for ever and ever. But it muft be of the greateft importance, to confider in what fenfe the people of God are all righteous ; that, by ap- plying thefe marks to ourfelves, we may be able to judge whether we are among the happy number. Upon inquiry, it will appear, that the word " righte- " ous, " as defcribing charader ; in fcripture language, has quite another meaning, than what many now affix to it : thofe only having that honourable title given them in mod paiTages of holy writ, who have an imputed righteoufnefs to found their claim to hea- ven, an inherent principle of righteoufnefs to quahfy them for the enjoyment of it, and who give evidence J:hat this is their true charafter, by abounding in the outward fruits of righteoufnefs, to the divine praife and glory. In thefe refpeds, the people of God are all righteous. I. The people of God are all righteous, as' they are all interefted in the righteoufnefs of Chrift Jefus. Without a title to heaven, and a righteoufnefs to found that title, we can have no well-grounded hopes of ever arriving there. This, then, is the firft; thing Part I.] CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. ^Sl to be Inquired after, Wherewithal fhall I appear be- fore the Lord, and prefent myfelf before the Moft High God ? How fhall I, finful duft and afhes, dare to approach the Lord, and hope to obtain his favour and approbation ? Without queftion, in a ftate of in- nocence, happinefs would have been fecured by the perfeft and perpetual obedience of our firft parents ; not indeed that they, in a proper fenfe, could merit any thing at the hands of God ; but becaufe God was gra- cioufly pleafed to bind himfelf by covenant, that upon condition of this their obedience, they fhould be crowned with a glorious reward. But, that it is now become impoflible to obtain a title to life in this way, may be eafily proven. That there is fuch a thing as fin, and that this is at leaft in fome degree blameworthy, is fo plain and evi- dent, that, even thofe who pretend to deny it, difcover fufficiently, that in their denial they are infincere, by the bitter complaints they make againfl others who affront and injure them, and, in return for favours, treat them with ingratitude, treachery, or contempt. Of the degree of punifhment which fin may de- ferve, men mull needs be incompetent judges in their prefent corrupt ftate. So natural is it for our affec- tions to bias our judgment, and bribe our reafon, that it is no wonder, when fin has polluted the one, that it (hould pervert proportionally the other alfo. How different the views of the demerit of fin, which ac- company different degrees of wickednefs on the one hand' or different degrees of holinefs on the other ! And with what eafe and indifference can one perfon indulge himfelf in that, which another cannot even think of, without deteftation and horror ! From this fa£i:, we may reafonably conclude, that a Being, who 2S2 The people of gop \^Disc. 9. is himfelf infinitely holy, is the fittefl: to judge of the evil of fm. This circumftance fhould confirm us in believing what fcripture teaches us of the guilt of fm, and of the juf- tice of God in threatening and inflifting the fevered punifhments, even though we iliould not be able, by our own reafon, to perceive fuch evil in it as the word of God afiures us there is ; feeing God cannot but fee the evil of fin in a truer light than we can do ; and the ends and defigns of his government, which none of us can pretend thoroughly to penetrate, may poffibly require that finners fhould be treated in quite another manner than our corrupt reafon would be apt to fug- gefl. But we need not infill upon this, fince prin- ciples, which all muft allow, demonflrate the truth of what fcripture has taught on this point. If there is any evil in fm at all, that evil arifes from its oppofition to certain obligations we were under. The higher, then, thefe obligations are, the evil of counteracting them muft be the greater. The more a being defences to be loved, honoured, and obey- ed, the greater nmfl be the guilt of refufing him ei- ther love, or honour, or obedience. But God is in- finitely worthy of all thefe ; and confequently, to de- ny them to him, muft carry in it an infinite guilt, or, in other words, deferve an infinite punifliment. — Some have alleged, that this way of reafoning would equally prove that there is an infinite value in holinefs, fince that too has an infinite object. But, in realit)', the argument, from parity of reafon, will carry in 'it the reverfe. For the evil of difrefpect, is in proportion to the obligations that lye upon us to the objed offended ; which obligations are moft evidently increafed by the dignity and excellency of that objed, and the mean- F,7rt I.] CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. 2S^ nefs and Inferiority of ihe perfon guilty of the offence. But the value of obedience or refped, rifes in propor- tion to the value of the perfon who yields it ; and the lefs confiderable we are, the lefs are our refpect and o- bedience worthy of notice and regard, feeing, in giv- ing them, we can give no more than ourfelves ; fo that they are woithlefs, and not worthy, in proportion to the diflance betwixt God and us. — It has likewife been objeded, that to fuppofe fm infmitely heinous, is to make all fms equally fo, feeing it is impoffible any degree of blame can be m.ore than infinite. But this will only prove that all fins are equal, with refpeft to that aggravation which arifes from the woithinefs of the obje£l offended ; but does nqt hinder fome fins to be more heinous than others in other refpefts, and confequently, in thefe refpeds, worthy of greater punifliment. And. thus, too, a punifliment may be infinitely dreadful, by reafon of its continuance, and therefore ip t^iat refpect incapable of increafe ; when yet it may become vaflly more terrible, by an ad- dition of new kinds, or new degrees, of torment and pain. Thefe confiderations ferve to fhew, that any the leall offence deferves an infinite punifliment ; and, if fuch a puniiliment is deferved, it may, in a confifteiicy with juflice, be infli^led. For, how can it be unjuft to treat one according to his defeit ? And, if God, in a con- fiilency with juftice, may inflict fuch a punifliment ; what certainty can we have, that it Ihall not in hd: be inliicled ? Muft not a fenfe of guilt fill the confci- ence of the finner, if it be not fafl afleep, with the mofl melancholy apprehenfions of divine vengeance ? He knov/s he is neceffarily under a law to God, a law of perpetual obligation, rcfulting from the dignity of the divine 2B4 THE PEOPLE OF GOD [^DiSC, 9^ divine nature, and the unalterable relation between God and man. He knows that this law is holy, juft, Ttnd good. He knows that the law is fpiritaal, and the commandment exceeding broad j taking cogniz- ance of every thought, word and a6:ion ; and ftri£lly forbidding even the leafl appearance of eviL He knows it is equally impofiible for this law to be abro- gated or difpenfed with, or even the obligation of one of its precepts to ceafe, or in any meafure to be relaxed. He knows, I fay, that this is equally impoffible, as it \yauld be for God tcf quit his throne, and ceafe to be holy. A righteoufnefs, therefore, anfwering the pu- rity and perfeftion of that Jaw, he muft needs have ; feeing God will never juftify the fmner in a way that fliail eclipfe the glory of the law, and call a cloud up- on his fpotlefs purity and awful juftice. ^* Far be it *^ from God that he fhould do wickednefs, jmd from *' the Almighty that he fhould commit iniquity. For " the work of a man fhall he render unto him, and " caufe every man to find according to his ways ^. " " If we fm, then he marketh us; and will not," without a fuitable reparation of the honour of his law, " acquit us from our iniquity ^. " " God is of " purer eyes than to behold evil ; and cannot look *' on iniquity ^. '* " God is jealous, and the Lord " revengeth ; the Lord revengeth, and is furious : the *' Lord will take vengeance on his adverfaries, and " he referveth wrath for his enemies ^ " How de- plorable, then, muft the condition of thofe be, if not interefted in a better righteoufnefs than their own, who, fo far from yielding complete obedience to the divine law, are chargeable with the breach of every precept ! b Job xxxiv. 10, II. * Job X. 14. d Hab. j. 13. « Nahumi. 2. Fart I.] CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. 1%^ precept ! and where fliall fuch be provided whh a righteoufnefs, in which the juftice of God lliali ac- quiefce ? Can we find it in ourfelves ? Are there any difpo- fitions inherent in us, or any a<5tions performed by us, upon which we can found our title to pardon of hvi^ and acceptance with God ? " I'he bed, ala? ! '* is ihorter than that a man can (Iretch himfelf q>\\ it, " and the covering narrower than that he can wrap '* hirafelf in iL Judgement will God lay to the Une, " and righteoufnefs to the plummet; and the hail *' ihall fweep av/ay fuch refuges of lies ^. " " We *' are ail as an unclean thing, and ail our righteouf- ** nelTes are as filthy rags ^- '* In many things we offend aU : and there is not a jufl nitan upon earth who doeth good and fumeth not. Our hearts are de- praved and ajrjupted ; and our hQ&. obedience can i(it\-Q.r rife higher than the fpring from whence it flows- "" How then can man be jullified with God ? ** 'or, liow can he be clean that is lx)m of a woman ?" Could wo. even obey the law perfeftly for the future : yet, what atonement couid this make for a pafl of- fence \ Paying a new debt, will never procure a dif- charge for an old one. Even one tranfgreffion, ren- ders the linner infinitely guilty m God's fight, i. e, infinitely hateful to him, and infinitely the obje^ of Jjis difpleafure and wrath. God, therefore, can never jullify the fimier, from a regard to the excellency or goodnefs of any qualification, or a£i:, or courfe of acb of his own ; for, God beholding him as he is in himfelf, his goodnefe mull be viewed by God as -put in the fcales with his hatefulnefs and guilt ; and his guilt being infinite, and his goodnefs but finite, the latter ■f Ifa. xsviii. 17. 20. ^ Ifa. ixiv. 6. 286 THE PEOPLE OF GOD ^DIsC. g. latter bears no proportion to the former, and has no worthinefs to balance it. Thefe are the jiifl conclufions of reafon : and they are the fentiments alfo of the mod holy fervants of God in all ages. Nehemiah, chap. xiii. 22. pleads, that God would fpare him, according to the greatnefs of his mercy, even in thofe duties in which he had ex- preffed the moft becoming zeal for the divine honour. «c j£ '» ^f^yg JqI^^ chap. ix. 20, 21.) "I juftify my- " felf, mine own mouth fhall condemn me : If I fay I *' am perfect, it alfo fhall prove me perverfe. Though " I were perfect, yet would I not know my foul : I *' would defpife my life. '* And a little after, ver. 30, 31. " If I walh m.yfelf with fnow-water, and make " my hands never fo cleaft ; yet fhalt thou plunge me " in the ditch, and mine own clothes fhalL abhor me." The Pfalmifl's prayer was, Pfal. cxliii. 2. " Enter " not into judgement with thy fervant ; for, in thy " fight, no flefh living iliail be juflified." And his re- folution, Pfal. Ixxi. 16. "I will make mention of thy " righteoufnefs, O God ; even of thine only." Da- niel, chap. ix. 18. declares, " We prefent not our *' fupphcations before thee for our righteoufneifes, but " for thy great mercies. " — But we need not infill ori particular inltances. The apoille Paul has exprefsiy declared, that " by the deeds of the law, no flefii fliall " be juftined in God's fight ^ :*' A paflage fufficient^ to decide the controverfy, notwithftanding the faifc in- terpretations which fome have attempted to put upon it. We may fhortly mention fome of them, to ihow their weaknefs and abfurdity. Thus, it. has bedn argued, with a great fhew of karningy that the apoflle only iur tended to exclude the works of the ceremonial law from !» Rom. iii. 20, JPart i."] CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. 2S7 from juftification ; the fondnefs of judalzing Chriflians for thefe, being the fole occafion of his writing. But, fhould it be granted that this was the occafion of the e- piflle ; yet, how will it follow, that upon that occafion the apoftle did not write againft trufting in all works of righteoufnefs whatever ? It is not denied, that the works of the ceremonial law are included ; and there- fore, arguments to prove them included, are to no purpofe, unlefs they prove that no other works are intended. And, that this can never be proved, is a- bundantly evident from the whole flrain of the apoflle's reafoning. He proves his affertion by arguments, e- cjually applicable to the moral as the ceremonial law ; and which, therefore, if good in the one cafe, are as much fo in the other. Thus, he argues, that lince, *' by the law, is the knowledge of fin ' ;" fmce " the " law worketh wrath ^";" fmce we mud be juflified in a way by which " boafling is excluded " ; '* fince, " as many as are under the works of the law, are un- " der the curfe,'* the curfe extending to every the leaft aft of difobedience ' ; that, therefore, it is vain to look for juftification by the works of the law. Ei- ther, therefore, we mufl fay, that the apoftle's rea- fonings are inconclufive ; or it will follow, that, whe- ther the apoftle direftly intended them or not, yet that the works of the moral, as well as of the cere- monial law, muft be excluded from juftification. But we need not infift on this, fmce there are fo many e- vidences that the works of the moral law were dired:- ly intended. The apoftle is treating of that Jav/, whofe *' doers fhall be juftified ™ ^ " — " by which every "-/mouth is ftopt, and all the world becomes guilty .•i;.itfLv^';h\: " before i Rom.' 111. 20. J RoiTi. iv. 15'. ^ Rom. iil. 26. 28. : •— Eph. ii. 8, 9. I Gal. lii. 10. ™ Rom. ii. 15, 288 THE PEOPLE OF GOD \^DisC, ^ « before God ' : '* that law, " which, if a man do *' the works of it, he fliall Hve in them";" that law *' which is eflablifhed by faith '' :" defcriptions which, with no tolerable propriety, can be applied to any law but the moral. And how flrong and full are thefe expreflions ! " To him that worketh not, but be- *' lieveth on him that juliifieth the ungodly, his faith ''* is counted for rigliteoufnefs *'. " How can the god- linefs, how can the works of a perfon, be the ground of his jullification, who, before his juftification, is reprefented as deflitute of both ? Going about to e- ftablifh our own righteoufnefs, of whatever kind, is afcribed by the apoille, Rom. x. 3. to ignorance of the righteoufnefs of God. And Tit. iii. 5. he de- clares, that " not by works of righteoufnefs which we *' have done, but according to his mercy, he faved *' us. '* But, enough has been faid on this head.-^ Others again allege, that the apoflle only excludes from jullification the outward works of the law, or works performed without an inward principle of faith, or of the fear or the love of God ; works which flow barely from a fervile refpect to the threatenings of the law, or a proud conceit of merit in the performance of them. But this pretence is equally vain ; for the vi^orks excluded, are works which the law requires : but God never could give a law requiring only out- ward fervile performances. Befides, the works of A- braham are exprefsly excluded from his jullification, which furely were not works of the kind above repre- fented. Vain, then, and prefumptuous are thofe hopes, which are built upon no better foundation than our own righteoufnefs. " Rom. iii. 19, ° Rom. x. 5. ; Gal. Hi. X2. •* Roro. iii. 31. ^ Rom. iv. 5. Part I.] CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. C89 righteoufnefs. Our obedience at befl has but a finite value, and therefore can never atone for an infinite guilt J and yielding obedience in one period of our lives, can never be conflrued as fulfilling that law which requires obedience at all times. A righteouf- nefs we need, the worthinefs of which might be an- fwerable to the unworthinefs of our difobedience : and fuch a righteoufnefs none could work out, but a per- fon of infinite dignity ; One who was as great and worthy, as we were guilty and mean. The mod pure and fpotlefs fpirit in Heaven, nay, all the angels who encircle the throne, could not furnifh out fuch a righteoufnefs for one foul. But, blelfed be God, " He, who was higher than the heavens j He, who was " made fo much better than the angels, as he hath *' by inheritance obtained a more excellent name " than they ^ ; '* " He, by whom all things were " created that are, in heaven, and that are in earth, " whether they be thrones or dominions, or princi- " palities or powers ^ : '* He, I fay, hath become the Lord our righteoufnefs, and gracioufly fupplied us with that which nowhere elfe could have been found. In our room and (lead, he fulfilled all righteoufnefs ; and ever did the things which pleafed God. " He " hath finiflied tranfgrefiion, made an end of fin, " made reconciliation for iniquity, and brought in an *' everlafl:ing righteoufnefs <^.'* A righteoufnefs per- feft and complete, and fully anfvvering the utmoft de^^ mands of law and jufi:ice : A righteoufnefs of infinite value, being wrought out by One of infinite dignity: A righteoufnefs which reflefts a higher honour on the law of God, than all the other obedience that ever was, or ever Ihall be, paid to it through all eternity : A righ- U teoufnefs, a Heb. i. 4, b Col. I, 16, c Dan. ix. 24. 290 The people of god [^Disc. 9. teoufnefs, in confequence of which, the fmner is ab- folved from guilt, and freed from condemnation ; ac- cepted as righteous in God's fight, and entitled to all the bleffings of the well ordered covenant : A righte- oufnefs, which the Chriflian can plead againfl the ac- cufations and challenges of all his enemies; which can quiet the terrors of confcience, and lay the furefl foundation for inward peace. " For he was made fin " for us, who knew no fin, that we might be made " the righteoufnefs of God in him ^. " " He is the " end of the law for righteoufnefs to every one that " believeth «. '* "As by the offence of one, judge- " ment came upon all men to condemnation ; even " fo, by the righteoufnefs of one, the free gift came " upon all men unto juftification of life. For as by *' one man's difobedience many were made finners, " fo by the obedience of one {hall many be made " righteous *. " Well then we may defire to be " found in him, not having our own righteoufnefs *' which is of the law, but that which is through *' the faith of Chrifl, the righteoufnefs which is of *' God through faith s." This is the righteoufnefs., how much foever impious wits may dare to ridicule it, through which all the feed of Ifrael are juftified, and in which they glory. To deny this, and to fup- pofe that God, when about to raife the poor guilty finner from his mifery, and lift him up to the enjoy- ment of himfelf, fets thefe favours to fale for the price of our virtue and obedience ; fuch a fcheme is highly derogatory to the honour of God and the Re- deemer, and leads us to build our hopes of falvation on another foundation than God hath laid. It in elfedt ^ 2 Cor. V. 2[. ' Rom. X. 4. f Rom. V. 18, 19. ^ Phil. Hi. o. .Parti.'] CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. 29I effe£l makes man his own faviour, by putting his virtue in the room of Chrift. Happy are they who fubmit to the rlghteoufnefs of Chrift, counting their own righteoufnefs as lofs and dung ! Happy are they, who by faith receive abundance of grace and of this gift of righteoufnefs, or (as it is elfewhere expreifed) to whom the Lord imputeth righteoufnefs, witho-it works! And how vain and foolifli, as well as i;npious, is it, to cavil at that, in which we can never enough exult, and for which we can never be fufficiently thankful ? The beft excufe for thofe who do fo, is, that they fpcak evil of the things they know not. But, it is to be feared, there are fome amongft them ■who are willingly ignorant, and who perverfely labour to exhibit an important do6trine in a ludicrous form. When we talk of an imputed righteoufnefs, they afk with a fneer, How can what we never performed be accounted ours ? and how can God fee things in a wrong light, and miftake us for Chrift, in fo far as to count him the fmner, and us the righteous perfons ? But all this ridicule is founded on mifreprefentation. We do not affert, that the God, whofe judgement is ab.vavs according to truth, judges the righteoufnefs of Chrift to be a righteoufnefs wrought out by us in our own perfons ; or that he takes it from Chrift, and transfers it to us. All we aifert, is, that God places it to our account, deals well with us for the fake of it, and gracioully accepts it for our pardon and juftification. And what is there in this, of vvhich rea- fon needs to be aftiamed? When a debt I owe, is paid for me by another, may hot the creditor reafonably enough place it to my account? And will his doing fo pi-o^/e, that he has fo far forgot the traniaclion, as to imagine that I myfelf paid the debt? Or, is there any U 2 thincj 2g2 THE PEOPLE OF GOD [D/jf. 9. thing more common, than for men to receive kind- nefs for the fake of others, which they could never expe£l for their own? If there is one who has done us eminent fervices, we count it reafonable to reward his merit, not only in his own perfon, but by beftowing favours upon thofe wich whom he is nearly connected, and for whofe interefl: he difcovers a concern. Since, then, the Chriilian, by believing on Jefus, becomes, in an important fenfe, one with him ; is it any thing flrange, that, to the Chriilian, the merits of Jefus Ihould be imputed ? And here we may take occafion to clear up an exprefiion which has often been the caufe of angry debate : I mean, in what fenfe we are juftified by faith ; or, faith is the condition of our jufli- fication. In one fenfe, the fuiferings and obedience of Chrift are the only condition ; thefe, alone, founding our claim to pardon and acceptance. In another fenfe, love, meeknefs, and all the other graces of the Spirit, as well as faith, may be termed conditions : feeing, thefe graces and juftification are always connected ; fo that, where the one is, the other is alfo. But there is a fenfe in which juftification is by faith only, as diftinguifhed from all other graces ; even as faith unites to the Mediator, in and by whom we are juf- tified. And furely there is nothing more reafonable, than that union with Chrlft (hould found a right to all his benefits ; even as the relation of the wife to the hufband, with which that union is fometimes com- pared, is the ground of her joint interefl in his eflate. And how fit and fuitable is it, that thofe, and thofe alone, who are one with Chrift by their own a£l, Ihould, in a law fenfe, be looked upon as one with him, and fo receive the advantage of his merits and fatisfa^ion ? God delights in order, and not in con- fufion } Part I.] CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. 293 fafion ; and therefore looks upon Chrift's merits as theirs, and adjudges his benefits to thofe, and thofe alone, whofe hearts and fouls are aftiveiy united to him ". But it is now time to draw to a clofe. It greatly concerns us all, ferioufly and diligently to inquire, if, in this fenfe, we are righteous. Let us then afk our confciences, If they have ever been filled with deep and lively convi6lions of the necelTity of this righteoufnefs, and the abfolute infufficiency of any righteoufnefs of our own, for our juflilication be- fore God ? Have we by faith received the righteouf- nefs of Jefus, and been brought to a humble and fled- fafl reliance upon it ? Have the views we have had of our obligations to Chrift, kindled in our bofoms real and fupreme affedions to him ? Does our faith purify the heart, work by love, and overcome the world ? Then may we fafely believe, that Jefus is made unto us righteoufnefs ; nay, we ought to take the comfort of it, giving to God the glory. Let us improve this righteoufnefs as the ftrongefl: motive to a holy life ; thus judging, " That if one died for all, " then were all dead : and that he died for all, that " they which live, fhould not henceforth live unto *' themfeives, but unto him which died for them, and " rofe again ° .** Let us apply to, and plead this righ- teoufnefs, under a fenfe of our fins and mifcarriages, our wants and weaknelles, our troubles and aiFiicliohs, U 3 and " Thofe who would defire a particular folution of other objecllons againft the imputation of Chrift's righteoufnefs, and a fuller illuftra- tion of the proofs of this doftrine, may confult Dr Owen on jufti'r fication, Richard Rawlins's fermons, Prefident Edwards on jufti- fication, and Maclaurin on prejudices againft the gofpel. On this branch of my fubjcft, I have been greatly Indebted to the two hft. ° 2 Cor. V. 14, 15. 294 "^^^ PEOPLE OF GOD \^Disc. g, and the near profpe6l of death and eternity. — And let thofe who are yet in their fins, be exhorted not to add this to their former provocations, that when God has provided for them fo glorious a righteoufnefs, and made a fall and free offer of it in the everlaflin--^ gofpel, that yet they defpife the counfel of God a- gainft themfelves, and count themfelves unworthy of eternal life. PART 11. We were naturally led from thefe words to confider. In what fenfe the people of God are all righteous. And v;e obferved, in the firft place, that they had a full and complete righteoufnefs, anfwering the utmofl demands of the law, to found their title to the divine favour. The neceiTity of fuch a righteoufnefs we en- deavoured to prove, and that it is nowhere elfe to be found, fave in the obedience and fulferings of JefiiSj imputed to every believing foul. But, ere I go on to the next general head, I can- not but take notice of a ridiculous opinion, highly de- rogatory to this dodrine, v;hich the prefent age, fruit- ful in abfurdities, has greedily imbibed. " We do " not deny (fay fome) that a title to life is given be- *' lievers, as a reward of the fatisFadion and rightc- " oufnefs of Chrifl : we only m.aintain, that an inte- " reft in that fatisfaflion and righteoufnefs, is beftowed " as a reward of our fmcere (though imperfect) obe- " dience." But, let me alk thofe who maintain this doctrine. If our obedience is of fuch a value, that God, as a teflimoiiy of his regard to it, rewards it with an in- tereft Tart 2.] CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. 295 tereil in Jefus Chrlft ; Would it not then have been of fufficient worth to purchafe falvation direftly, with- out the intervention of Chrill's righteoufnefs ? The gift of Chrift, is greater in itfelf than the gift of hea- ven. If, then, the gift of Chrift, a gift greater than that of falvation, is beftowed on account of our obe- dience ; Why might not falvation itfelf have been gi- ven as its reward .? And why was Jefus fent to pro- vide us with a righteoufnefs, if our own obedience might have fufficed ? And may we not, upon this hy- pothefis, when it is inquired, " Who made thee to " differ from another ? " fafcly enough anRver, Our own righteoufnefs made us thus to differ ; the worthi- nefs of that, being the reafon why we, not others, were interefted in Jefus, and fo made partakers of eternal life. II. It is now time to proceed to the fecond parti- cular, to fhov/ that thofe are righteous, in the language of fcripture, who, by the influences of the Holy Spi- rit, have an inherent righteoufnefs wrought in them. This is a principal bleffing promifed to the New-Tef- tament church ; " It ihall come to pafs, that he that ^'- is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerufalem, *' fhall be called holy, even every one that is written " among the living in JerufaJem ''." " And a high- *' way fhall be there, and a way, and it fhall be called *' the way of holinefs ; the unclean lliall not pafs over *' it, but it (hall be for thofe: The WTiyfaring men, *' though fools, fliall not err therein ^. " " Thus faith *' the Lord of Hofts, the God of Ifrael, As )'ct they *' ihall ufe this fpeech in the land of Judah, and in the "^' cities thereof, when I fliall bring again their capti- U 4 " vity, f Jfa, iv. 3. ^ \h. xxsv, 3, 296 THE PEOPLE OF GOD [^DisC. 9. " vity, The Lord blefs thee, O habitation of Juflice, " and mountain of Holinefs ' .*' " Then will I " fprinkle clean water upon you, and ye fhall be " clean : from all your filthinefs, and from all your " idols will I cleanfe you. A new heart alfo will I *' give you, and a new fpirit will I put within you, " and I will take away the ftony heart out of your " flefh, and I will give you an heart of flefh. And I " will put my fpirit within you, and caufe you to walk " in my ftatutes ; and ye fliall keep my judgments, " and do them '" . '* Indeed, an inherent righteoufnefs is as neceflary to our happinefs, though in a different refped, as an in- tereft in the obedience and fufferings of Chrift. A right to heaven will never bring any there, who are not in fome meafure made meet for the inheritance of the faints in light ; and none are thus meet, but thofe who are renewed in the fpirit of their minds. There is fomething of a relifli, without which, joys of any kind are taftclefs and infipid. The moft beautiful pictures will afrord little pleafure to one who has no tafle for painting ; nor the finefl mufic, to one who has no ear. Scripture hath aifured us, that " with- " out holinefs, no man fhall fee the Lord ; and that " there fhail in nowife enter into the heavenly Jerufa- " lem any thing that defileth, neither whatfoever' *' worketh abomination, but they which are written " in the Lamb's bcok of life. " And indeed the rea- fon of the thing is abundantly plain :- A foul immerfed in fenfuai enjoyments would not be happy in heaven, w^ere it admitted there ; but, amidfh the delights of thofe blciled manfions, would find nothing to gratify its unruly defires. How could he fpend an eternity in •■ J^r. xxxi. 23. f Ezck. xjcxvi. 25, 26, 27. Part 2.2 CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. 297 in ferving and praifing God, who counts it a wearl- nefs to fpend a few hours in thofe exercifes, and the language of whofe heart is, " When will the new " moon be gone, that we may fell corn ; and the Sab- " bath, that we may fet forth wheat ? " Or what fa- tisfaction could he have in " afcribing bleffing, and " honour, and glory, and power, to Him that fitteth *' on the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and " ever ; ** whofe heart never felt the leaft fentiment of gratitude to redeeming love ; nay, whofe delight it was, to tarnifh and obfcure the glory of the exalted Redeemer ? Would he be a lit inhabitant of that country, where perfe6l love and harmony Ihall for ever dwell, whofe heart burns with envy, malice, and revenge, and who is never eafy and pleafed, till all about him are miferable ? Or, would it give him joy, to be brought to mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerufalem, and to the ge- neral affembly and church of the firft-born which are written in heaven, and to the fpirits of jufl; men made perfeft ; who, fo far from efleeming the faints the excellent ones of the earth, counts them the filth of the Vv'orld, and the offscourings of all things, and cakes a pleafure to reprefent them to others in fuch a light, as may render them univerfally odious or con- temptible ? A fociety compofed of members, whofe principles and tempers were fo highly oppofite, would foon fall into confufion and diforder : for, as the a- poftle flrongly reafons, " What fellowlhip hath righ- " teoufnefs with unrighteoufnefs ? And what com- *' munion hath light with darknefs ? And what con- *' cord hath Chrift with Belial ? Or what part hath " he that believeth, with an infidel ? " It is neceflary, then, we fhould be all glorious within j or, in other words. 298 THE PEOPLE OF GOD [^Dl'sC. 9, words, adorned with all the different graces of the Spirit, if we would " enter into the King's palace. '* But, how far is this from being the condition of any by nature ? Man was indeed, at firft, framed a glorious and excellent creature, capable of knowing, ferving, and enjoying God : But the bright attire of innocence and integrity, he foon call off, exchanged the image of God for that of the devil, and became regardlefs of his trueil interefls, and the wiHing flave of his worft enemies. This depraved and polluted nature, he communicates to all his poflerity ; and in thefe wretched circumftances do they all lye, till effec- tual grace bring them out of them. " All have fm- " ned and come fhort of the glory of God. There *' is none righteous, no, not one : There is none that " underftandeth ; there is none that feeketh after <* God. They are all gone out of the way ; they are " together become unprofitable ; there is none that " doth good, no, not one ^ '* " The heart is de- " ceitful above all things, and defperately wicked ; *' who can know it " ? ** When we hear of the black- ell villanies, or the vileft monCters of impiety, wc may view, in them, what we ourfelves, nay, what the befl of men, naturally are. If all run not into the fame excefs of riot, and are not guilty of the fame particular aftual fins, yet the bitter fource of original corruption is in all the fame ; and the only reafon why it does not difcover itfelf equally in all, is the difference of perfons, conftitutions, and natural tem- pers; the different circumftances of life in which they are placed ; the inconfift^ncy between different vices, and the reflraining or fanftifylng influences of the Spirit of God. There is an ocean of corruption wlth- .<: Rcir., iii. 10, II, 12. " Jer. xvli. 9, FarL 2.] CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. 299 \n US, which, in unregenerate men, carries all before it. They are flaves to divers lufts and pleafures, and led captive by Satan at his will. Their own unruly appetites fay to them, Go, and they go ; Come, and they come ; Do this, and they do it. " Their under- ^' landing is darkened, being alienated from the life " of God, through the ignorance that is in them, " becaufc of the blindncfs of their hearts =^. " Their will is enmity againfl Go4, not fubjecl to his law, ii'jither indeed can be. Their affections earthly, fen- fual, devilifli. Their consciences often feared as with a hot iron, and infenri'Je of their dangerous condi- tion ; or, at bell, void of a true fenfe of the fpirituality and extent of the divine law, and their obligation in every inftance to obey it. They that are thus in the fiefh, cannot pleafe God. They have no capacity or meetnefs for either ferving or enjoying him. They have no relifh for communion with Cod, nor can they perforin any one aftion accept- able in his fight : for, when the thing they do, is ma- terially good, the virtuous principle w-hence it fhould ilov/, is ftill wanting. They may indeed declaim hand- fomely on the natural beauty of virtue, and the hateful- nefs of vice, and even find a delight in refiecling on thefe things. But, not to obferve, that to talk is one thing, and to ad: another, and that it is eafier to ap- prove a virtuous character, than to imitate it ; I would iit prefent only inquire, what is that virtue of which worldly men fo often vainly boaft ? Is it not a crea- ture of their own, independent en God either for di- reftion or aiuftance ? a beautiful chimera, that may delight the fancy, but can never mend the heart .? Is it not defedive in its principle and motives? -And when they have {trained things to ihe utmofl, and drefTed f Zph. iv. IS. 300 THE PEOPLE OF GOD [_DisC. 9. dreffed them up in the moft favourable light ; yet, is it not plain, that ftill a regard to the Divine authority and approbation, are not viewed by them as the found- ations of morahty, but rather a defire of felf-approba- tion ; /. e. in other words, a refined pride, which pleafeth itfelf in admiring their own notions, conceit- ing themfelves of fuperior excellency to others, and imagining that complete happinefs may be found, without looking abroad, or being obliged to any for it but ourfelves ? — Is not their virtue hkewife defective in its extent ? Perhaps, they can talk fluently in praife of univerfal benevolence, and a chai'itable can- did difpofition ; yet, when they come to explain their fentiments by their condud, this charity is confined to thofe who favour their opinions, or who pofiibly are indifferent about religion altogether ; while the leaft appearance of ferious devotion, and fervent zeal for God, is enough to forfeit it. Indeed, their cha- rity is as myftierious as the faith of the molt bigotted Catholic. It is equally full of contradidions, and feems refolved to found itfelf, not upon evidence, but upon the want of it. Where every thing has the woi-ft appearance, there they will believe well : but, where the outward conduct is blamelefs, they candid- ly fufpe£t that nothing but hypocrify lies at the bot- tom.— But, perhaps, there are others not chargeable in this refpeft. They injure no man in his character and reputation ; and, with Samuel, can challenge their adverfaries, '* Whofe ox have I taken ? or ** whofe afs have I taken ? or whom have I defraud- *' ed ? whom have I opprefled ? or of whofe hands *' have I received any bribe, to blind mine eyes there- ^' with ? They defpife the gain of oppreflion ; they f fliake their hands from holding of bribes j they flop " their part 2.] CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS.' ^of *' their ears from hearing flander j and fliut their eyes " from feeing evil. '* And happy were it for fociety, did many come even this length ! But, how far fhort is this negative holinefs, of that inherent righteoufnefs which the gofpel requires ? True religion will dif- pofe us, not only to do no man harm, but to contri- bute, as much as pofTible, to promote the befl inte- refts of mankind. It will lead us to mind, not our own things only, but the things of others alfo ; and to have a tender regard, not only to their temporal welfare, but alfo to their eternal happinefs. But, alas ! how many are there, who, while they talk of difm- tereftednefs, can facrifice the honour or intereil of their friend or country, to gratify a lazy, indolent, or cowardly difpolition ? Such fhould remember, that not only the wicked, but the unprofitable fervant, (he who did not fquander away his talent, but only hid it in a napkin), was cafl into outer darknefs, where there is weeping and gnalliing of teeth. — But, there are fome who advance ftill higher. They lay out their time and talents for the benefit of others, and are at once ornaments and bjeffings to their country, and all conne(5ted with them. Their character is like that of Job, chap. xxix. ii — 18. " When the ear hears them, " then it blelTes them ; and when the eye fees them, " it gives witnefs to them : becaufe they delivered the " poor that cried, and the fatherlefs, and him that " had none to help him. The bleffing of them that " were ready to perifli comes upon them, and they " caufe the widow's heart to fing for joy. They put " on righteoufnefs, and it clothes them : their judg- " ment is as a robe and a diadem. They are eyes to " the blind, and feet are they to the lame : They are " fathers to the poor j and the caufe which they " knew J02 THE PEOPLE O^GOti ^DisC. 9. " knew not, they fearch out: And they break the " jaws of the wicked, and pluck the fpoil out of his " teeth. " And, in fo far, their charafter is truly amiable and praifeworthy. But, while they render to Csefar the things that are Csefar's ; do they alfo ren- der to God the things that are God's ? While they admire the beauty, the harmony, and proportion of created objedls ; what reliOi do they difcover for con- templating that Being, compared vvith whom, all cre- ated beauty Ihrinks, as it were, into nothing, and ut- terly difappears ? While they blame the man who forgets his obligations to his friend or country, they themfelves overlook obligations infinitely greater, which they are under to that God, whofe is their life and breath, and to whom alone they owe all their happi- nefs. Infinite excellence, they judge too m.ean an ob- je6: to employ their thoughts ; and the favours con- ferred upon them by the goodnefs of God, too infigni- ficant to ralfe in them one fentiment of gratitude. And can thofe be the objeds of divine favour, and God approve them as dutiful fons, who forget Him their heavenly Father, merely becaufe they are not for- getful of each other's interefts ? As well might a So- vereign look with approbation on a company of trai- tors who had combined to dethrone him, when ha viewed their f?.ithfulnefs to each other in carrying on that defign. — But fome of our moralifh go ftill far- ther. They work themfelves up to a kind of mecha- nical devotion, picture to themfelves a god made up of nothing but mercy, and then fail down and worfliip him. But, alas ! what do they do but worfliip an i- dol, the creature of their ov/n fancy ? We can never worfliip God aright, vv^ithout viewing him as he really is, /. e. as not only infinitely merciful, but infinitely juft. Tart 2.] CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. ^^J juft. And, in that view, the guihy finner can never love him, till he be led to Jefus, who has at once glo- rified the mercy and jaflice of God, and has given the brightefl difplay of the former, without eclipfing the luftre of the latter, fweetly uniting both in the finner's intereft. But we need not enlarge on this head. The befl of natural men, did they fift themfelves to the bottom, might find the luft of the eye, the lufl: of the flefh, or the pride of Ufe, the fprings of their highefl: attainments ; and that, to one or other of thefe idols, their devotions were conftantly paid. And furely, attainments which flow from no better a fource, will never render us meet for the inheritance of the faints in light, or conftitute us inherently righteous, in the gofpel fenfe. But there are other attainments of a different kind, equally unprofitable to the perfons themfelves as thofe already mentioned, and even llill lefs beneficial to fo- ciety, from which notwithflanding men are apt to take up a favourable opinion of themfelves, though flran- gers to reftltude of heart : I refer to certain religious impreffions made upon their minds, and a certain train of experiences, carrying in them a great refemblance to a work of converfion, and yet falling fhort of it. Take heed therefore that a foundation be laid, able to fupport your religious difpofitions, whatever florms may beat againft them. And as a mifl:ake here, may be attended with the mod fatal effeds, leading you to neglect opportunities of bettering your condition, and thus bringing you to the grave with a lie in your right hands ; beware of taking up with flight evidences, and raflily pafllng judgment that things are right with you, —Perhaps you have felt inward legal terrors, and qualms of religious melancholy, nay, even deep con- victions 304 THE PEOPLE OF GOD [D/V. 9. virions of fin, joined with defires of forgivenefs. But, is the feeling a difeafe, the fame with its cure ? Or, is the fear of hell one moment, any reafon for confidently expelling heaven the next ? Such impreffions may be owing to nothing but felf-love, and the workings of a natural confcience. And, fliould they be indeed the ef- fedl of immediate Divine influence, as no doubt in ma- ny inftances they are ; yet (till there is a danget, left perfons in thefe circumftances quench the Spirit, nay, rebel and vex him, whereby he may be turned to be their enemy, and fight againft them. — Nor is every feemingly pious defire, every fudden ftart of devout affeftion, to be efleemed fufficient. From a natural fenfibility of temper, the paiTions of fome are eafily wrought upon, by lively reprefentations, whether of a pleafant or terrible nature ; the eloquence of the preacher, and the afFeftionate way in which he paints objedis, moving their minds, juft as an interefting llory is apt to do. Hence, the ftony ground hearers received the word with joy ; but, having no root in themfelves, foon fell back. Their joy had not for its root an inward principle of grace, but only a feries of beautiful words and images, ftriking their imagination with pleafure and delight, and perhaps for a time di- verting their thoughts fo much to a new channel, that their outward condudl has been greatly reformed, and their corruptions laid under a powerful arreft. But foon they fall back ; the relilh which novelty produced, by degrees fubfides j the weight that moves them is ta- ken off, and they return to their former courfe. Nay, it is poffible that they may not experience even fuch a change as this. Ezekiel was to- many as the fong of one that had a pleafant voice, and could play well on an inflrument, who yet remained difobedient to his meffage. Part 2.] CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. 305 meflage. The fentiments which a preacher delivers, may be admired and applauded ; while yet they may have as little influence to mend the heart or reform the life, as the perufal of a philofophical diflertation on the beauties of virtue, or a lively fatire againft vice. — There are again others, vi^ho, in confequence of a good education, the company they converfe with, or fome remarkable incidents in their lives, may contradl a kind of liking to religion, and be greatly affeded with a fenfe of its beauty. . Thus, Jehoafh did that which was right in the fight of the Lord, all the days where- in Jehoiada the pried inflru<^ed him : But the death of his teacher was foon followed with the death of his piety ; and he fo far degenerated, as to ftone the fon of Jehoiada, for daring to reprove the wicked courfes in which he was engaged. What lively views of di- vine things had Balaam ! How ftrong a fenfe of the fafe and happy ftate of God's peculiar people ! How deep were his rehgious imprelTions ! And what firm refolutions did he form, of holding fad his integrity, in fpite of all that Balak could do to cdrrupt him ! Yet, from the whole of his hiftory, it is plain, that all this while he was tio faint.— Let me not be miftaken : I am far from faying, that deep conviftions of fm, or lively imprefllons of divine things, occafioned perhaps by a moving fermon, a good education, the company we converfe with, or fome remarkable incident of life, do not often ilTue in a faving change. Thefe are hopeful appearances, and loudly call for joy and praife. But Hill there is a danger, left, by laying too great (Irefs upon them, thofe that are almoft perfuaded to become Chriflians, and feem not far from the kingdom of God, fhould yet lofe the things they have wrought, and fall fliort of the expefted reward. There is a danger, X left. 3C^ THE PEOPLE OF GOD [^Disc. 9* left, while they fay and think they are rich, and in- creafed in goods, and ftand in need of nothing, they be not indeed wretched, and miferable, and poor, and blind, and naked ; fondly imagining therafelves the friends of God, but in reality at enmity with him, in the gall of bitternefs, and bonds of iniquity. The goodnefs of fuch has often proved as the early cloud, and morning dew, which foon pafs away : Their goodly appearances have withered and decayed ; and their after-conduft evidenced that an effeftual change never pafTed upon them. After having efcaped the pol- lutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift, they are again entan- gled therein, and overcome ; and the Tatter end is worfe with them than the beginning. Inherent righteoufnefs is fomething of a more glo- rious and durable nature than the higheft of thofe at- tainments. It is defcribed in fcripture, as the being re- newed in the fpirit of our minds ; the putting on the new man, which after God is created in righteoufnefs and true holinefs ; the nev/ creature ; the being trans- formed by the renewing of our minds ; the having a clean heart created, and a right fpirit renewed within ws ; nay, even as having Chrift formed in us, and being made partakers of the Divine nature. It is the healtli and profperity of the foul, as it cures the fpiritual dif- tempers which the fall brought upon us, and reftores the due exercife of the powers and faculties which God has given us. It capacitates us for knowing, ferving, and enjoying God. All old things are done away, and all things become new. The underftanding, fonie- time darknefs, is now light in the Lord. The glorious perfedions of the Divine nature, the vanity of this world, the pleafures of communiojj and fellowlhip with God, JP aft 2.2 CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. 307 God, the infinite evil of fm, the beauties of hoHnefs, the mifery of a natural ftate, and the all-fufficiency of the Redeemer, are now apprehended in another light than befare. The things, which formerly were viewed only in a fpeculative light, now appear as realities of the laft importance. The eyes of their underllanding are opened, to perceive what is the hope of God's call- ing, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the faints, and what the height, and breadth, and length, and depth of the love of God, which pafles knowledge. Their judgment is now practically con- vinced, that the enjoyment of God and conformity to his blelfed image, are abfolutely neceflfary to their hap- pinefs. In confequence of this, their wills, formerly bent to evil, and averfe to good, become in fome mea- fure conformed to the Divinb will ; their affedlions, v/hich formerly grovelled upon this earth, are fet upon the things which are above, where Jefus fitteth at the right hand of God ; and their paffions are reduced un- der a right government. They are fandified through- out, in foul, body, and fpirit. They prefent them- felves a living facrihce, holy and acceptable to th^ .Lord, which is their reafonable fervice. They efteem God's- commandments above geld, yea, much fine gold. They count all his precepts concerning all things to be right, and hate every falfe way. Let me then afli you the queition, or rather entreat you to afk it at yoiirfelves,. wjiich Jehu afked Jehona- dab ere he would intruft him with his counfels. Is thy heart right ? Have you that good and perfect heart which David prayed for to Solomon his fon ? A hear^t full of love to God, breathing after communian and fcillowihip with him, choofmg the things which pleafe him; and devoted to his fervice ? A hsart which, X 2 confcious 3oS THE PEOPLE OF GOD J^DisC, 9. confclous of your own iinworthlnefs, leads you to look for acceptance only through the Well-beloved ; which approves of, and acqulefces in, the plan of redemption through a crucified Redeemer ; and rejoices, that though poor in yourfelves, yet in him you are com- plete ? A heart full of love to Jefus, efteeming him as the chief among ten thoufands, and altogether lovely, and folacing itfelf in him as your beloved and your friend ? A heart inflamed with zeal for the divine glory, and which prefers Zion, and the Interefts of ZIon*s king, to its chiefeft earthly joy ? A heart burn- ing with love to mankind, efpecially thofe that are of the houfehold of faith ? A heart which mourns and la- ments over the remainders of corruption, preifes after perfection in holinefs, longs for that ftate where we lliall fm no more ; ancJ, in a word, whofe high eft am- bition it is, here to glorify God, and hereafter to be with him where he is, to behold his glory ? A heart, where love, joy, peace, long-fufFering, gentlenefs, goodnefs, faith, meeknefs, temperance, and all the other graces of the Spirit, do now refide ? Happy they who feel the beginnings of fuch a difpofition ! The Spirit has been at work with them, and produced in them a begun meetnefs for heaven. And God is the rock, and his work perfed. He that hath begun a good work in: them, will carry it on to the day of the Lord, when they fhall appear without fpot or wrinkle, or any fuch thing. The day of their complete redemp- tion draweth near. The Spirit is preparing them for heaven ; and Jefus, who has gone to heaven to pre- pare for them a place there, will ere long return, and receive them to himfelf, that where he is, there they may be alfo. PART Part 3.] CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. 309 PART III. In addrefling you on two former occafions from thefe words, we viewed the people of God as poirelled of an imputed righteoufnefs to found their right and title to heaven, and as inherently righteous, and thereby made meet for the inheritance of the faints in light. We go on, III. To view them as evidencing themfelves righte- ous in the fenfe formerly explained, by abounding in works of righteoufnefs to the praife and glory of God. But here two cautions are neceflary, to prevent niif- takes : i. Virtuous actions do not conilitute a per- fon inherently righteous, but declare him fo ; as good fruit is rather a declaration of the goodnefs of the tree, than the thing which conflitutes that goodnefs. And therefore, 2. Virtuous actions cannot be faid to be neceflary to falvation, in the fame fenfe in which inhc'* rent holinefs is fo : for without holinefs, no man can fee the Lord. But it is poflible, that, where holinefs is implanted, life may be fo quickly taken away, that there fhall be no room for its difcovering itfelf by the outward behaviour. The cafe of fuch of the elecl as die in their infancy, appears one proof of this ; and that of fuch of them as are converted on a deathbed, ano- ther. The laft of thefe has indeed been reprefented, by fome, as a cafe never exifting ; to which they have probably been led by a notion, that, as habits of any kind are only to be acquired by a repeated courfe of adlions, it is abfurd to fuppofe virtuous difpofitions in- ftantaneoufly implanted in the foul. But fuch in fo far do err, not confulering the fcriptures, neither the. X 3 power 5IO " THE PEOPLE OF GOD [_DtSC. 9. power of God. The power of God, in this cafe, can- not be queftioned ; fince he who created our firft pa- rents perfectly holy, and adorned the human nature of Chrift, fo foon as it exifted, with all the lineaments of the divine image, can eafily in a moment reflore that image where, by fm, it has been loft. But the fcrip- ture feems to intimate, that this is more than a mere poffibility ; and tliat not a few individuals only, but even great numbers, may be thus fuddenly wrought upon : " "" Before fne travailed, fhe brought forth ; be- " fore her pain came, Ihe was delivered of a man *' child. Who hath heard fuch a thing r who hath " feen fuch things ? Shall the earth be made to bring " foith in one day, or fuall a nation be born at once ? '* For as foon as Zion travailed, fhe brought forth hev *• children.'' And in the i8th Pfalm it is promifcd, that '• a people . whomi the Mefnas had not known V fiiould ferve him, and as foon as they heard of him " fhould obey him. " And, that this was literally ac- cofnpliilied in the firft ages of Chrifdanity, the three thoufand converted by Peter's fermon are a fiifficienu proof; miany of whom, as v/e may learn from Peter's fermon, had been accefibry to crucifying the Lord of Glory : not to obferve in how many inflances the preaching of the word fmce that time, and the martyr- dom of Chriftians, have produced a real, though fud- den change, on ihofe v.hofe prejudices againft the gof- pel feemed to have been moft riveted. But it will be faid, fuch had their lives lengthened out, to give evi- dence that their converfion was genuine. It migiit be replied, that probably this was not always the cafe, fmce we read of fome, whofe converfion was inftantiy followed by fuffering martyrdom for Chrift. Let me further Part 2-1 CONSIDERED AS AI,L RIGHTEOUS. 3x1 further Inquire, if we are not bound in charity to be- lieve that virtuous difpofitio-ns were implanted in thofe men, when they difco>'ered fo de«p a regard to religion, as to filed their blood for the fake of it ? And if theft; difpofitlons would not have made ther.i meet for hea- ven, though their lives had been inilantly cut off in a natural way, and no oppoa'tunity given thus remarka- bly to fignalize their zeal for Chrifi: ? Kas not God declared, that where there is a v/illing mind, it is ac- cepted according to what a man hath, and not accord- ing to what he hath not ? If it be further argued, that Chriilians at their fu-ft converfion are in an infant ftate, and that greater ripenefs is necelTary ere they be tranfr planted to glory ; I Ihall anfwer in the words of the prophet Ifaiah, " ^ There fhall be no more thence an " infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled *' his days ; for the child fliall die an hundred years *' old." It is eafy for God, even in a moment, to take from a foul its filthy garments, and clothe It with fpot- lefs purity and perfection. Let none imagine, from what has been faid, that they may fafely put off thoughts of religion to a death- bed. How many are thete, who are. called off the ftage of life, without -any warning of their approaching diffo- lution ! " The day of the Lord cometh upon thertL " as a thief in the night. For when rhey fay. Peace *' and fafety, fudden deflrudion cometh, as travail up- *' on a woman Vvdth child ; and they cannot efcape. " God fets them in flippery places, and caffs theni *' down into deftruttion. Hovv^ are they brought into " defolation as in a moment ! they are utterly confum- *^ ed with terrors ' ." Thoufands there are now lift- ing up their eyes in torments, who may afcribe their X 4 eternal y Chap. Ijv. 20. » Pfal. Ixxili. 18, 19. 312 THE PEOPLE OF GOD [D/j^. 9. eternal ruin to their foolifh expedation of a hereafter they never enjoyed ! But, fhould life be prolonged ; is it to be thought that our confciences will become more tender, or our vicious inclinations lefs ftrong, by our continuing fo much longer in our rebellion and apollafy ? Or, is rejeftion of the merciful calls and invitations of the gofpel a probable method of recom- mendmg us to the Divine favour ? How awful is the threatening, " '^ Becaufe I have called, and ye refufed, " I have flretched out my hand, and no man regard- "=' ed ; but ye have fet at nought my counfel, and '^' would none of my reproof: I alfo will laugh at your '^^ calamity, I will mock when your fear cometh ; '■• when your fear cometh as defolation, and your " deflruclion cometh as a whirlwind ; when diflrefs " and anguifh cometh upon you. Then Ihall they *' call upon me, but I will not anfwer ; they Ihall " feek me early, but they fliall not find me ! " But though the man mufl; have little fenfe of the value of eternal happinefs, who can venture his intereft in it on a thing fo precarious as the continuance of life ; and though perhaps there is not, one inflance among ten thoufand, where death -bed conviftions iflue in a faving change; yet, to limit the grace of God fo far, as utterly to deny the poflibiiity of it, appears to me highly dan- gerous. But to return. Taking thefe cautions along with us, the neceffity of works of righteoufnefs, though not as a ground of our jullification, yet, as an evidence of it, can never be too flrongly afferted. " He that foweth to the " fleih, fliall of the flefli reap corruption ; but he " that foweth to the fpirit, fhall of the fpirit reap life " everlafling ' ." "In this the children of God are " manifeft^ ^ ProvJ. 24- 2 S. " Gal. vl. 8, Part 3.] CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. 3I3 " manifeft, and the children of the devil : whofoever " doth not righteoufnefs, is not of God, neither he " that loveth not his brother".'* " To them only " who order their converfatioji aright, will be fliown " the falvation of God ^ ." " Jefus being made per- " feet, is become rhe author of eternal falvation unto " all them that obey him * , " The end of his death was, to " redeem us from all iniquity, and purify " to himfelf a peculiar people, zealous of good " works ^ . " " God will render to every man accor- " ding to his deeds : to them who, by patient conti- " nuance in well-doing, feek for glory, honour, and "• immortahty ; eternal Hfe : but unto them that are " contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey " unrighteoufnefs ; indignation and wrath, tribulation " and anguifh upon every foul of man that doth evil, " of the Jew firfl, and alfo of the Gentile ^"--The doclrine then of juftification by an imputed righteouf-^ nefs, is by no means a pillow for floth and fecurity. 'The complete title the believer has to the forgivenefs of fins, does not in the leaft diflblve his obligations to the ftricleft obedience. Every motive, whether from intereft or gratitude, whether from the beauty of reli- gion or the pleafures of a virtuous hfe, ftill remain in full force. Hence, multitudes who were firmly perfuaded that their right to pardon and eternal life was founded only on the merits of Jefus, have at the fame time been fenfible, that they would never in fact be delivered from the wrath to come, or at- tain the recompenfe of reward, if they wickedly departed from their God : and hence they have viewed their own good works as comfortable evi- dences « I John lif. 10. d Pfal. I. 23. « Heb. v. 9. ^ I'it. if. 14, ^ Roir.. ii. 6 — 9. 314 THE PEOPLE OF GOD \^DlSC. 9. dences of forgivenefs of fins and acceptance with God, and encouragements to a holy confidence in expefting them. " Deflruclion from God was a ter- " ror to Job ^." " Paul kept under his body, and " brought it in fubjedion ; left, when he had preach- *' ed to others, he himfelf fhould be a caft-away ' . '* Mofes efteemed the reproach of Chrift greater riches than the treafures of Egypt, becaufe he had refpecl to the recompenfe of reward. And how often do we find Nehemiah, Job, David, and others, reflecting with pleafure on a well-fpent life, and comforting themfelves from the remembrance of it, even in their jnoft dark and melancholy hours ! To afiert, then, the neceffity of good works, throws not the leaft reflec- tion on the fulnefs of Chrift's purchafe. Jefus has purchafed for believers the blefiings of this life, as well as of eternity. But does this purchafe fuperfede the necefllty of proper means for obtaining them ? Who will fay, that becaufe the long-fuffbring of God in preferving our natural life, is purchafed for us by. Chrift, therefore we fliould not eat, or drink, or fleep, for life ? Equally abfurd are the reafonings by which fome would conclude, that in no fenfe whatfoever we are to work for life eternal ; which would infer, that we are not, by patient continuance in well-doing, to feek for glory, honour and immortality j and that Paul's divinity is to be rejected. It is true, he who Is once interefted in the favour and friendfhip of God, can never fall from it ; but it is as true, that fuch a perfon can never apoftatife from. God's ways. And, were the laft of thefe pofiible, the firft would be fo likewife. For, " if any man draw back, God's foul *' {hall have no pleafure in him ''." And whatever your ^ Chap. xxxi. 23. 'I Cor. ix. 27. ^ Heb. x. 38, Part 3.] CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. ^I^ your pretenfions to religion are, " if you live after " the flefli, you (hall die '. " — It is alfo to be remark- ed, that there is nothing inconfiftent in a juftined jDcrfon fuffering temporal affliclions for fm : for it was no end of Chrifl's fatisfaftion, to prevent this ; though it was one end of It, that thefe affliclions might prove medicinal to them, and fooner or later work together for their good. Plence, fuch fafferings have been threatened againft faints : " "^ You only " have I known of all the families of the earth ; " therefore u-ill I punifh you for your iniquities. " ^' " But I will correct thee in raeafure, and will not " leave ^hee altogether unpuniflied. " Nay, they have been aftually inflicted : " Thou \vz{i a God that " forgaveil them, though thou tookeil vengeance on ^' their inventions °. " Indeed, fm being blotted out, in fuch a fcnfe, as that we fliould feel none of its uneafy ejefts, appears a bleffing referved for " the " times of refrefhing which ftall come from the pre- " fence of the Lord at the fecond appearance of f' Chrift Jefus p. '* . Nor is this any more inconfiftent with believers being complete in Jefus, than their imperfeft fantlification, and their not being imme- diately admitted to glory. God has indeed, from all eternity, purpofed to pardon their fms ; Jefus has purchafed for them that pardon, and promifed to be- llow it. But, may not a father intend to make a fon his heir, purchafe an eihte for him, and promife to make over a right to it, while yet putting him in pre- fent poffefiion is for wife reafons delayed ? And if the fms of believers are not fo pardoned while in this life, as to exclude fatherly chaflifements for fin, much lefs ' Rom. viii. 13. "* Amos iii. 2. " Jer. xxx. 11. " Pf. xcix. 8. P Ads iii. i<). j Sec Ifa. xi;>;i:i. 2.^, — xl. 2. 3l5 THE PEOPLE OF GOD ^DIsc. g, lefs are they pardoned before they are committed. Otherwife we mult fay, either that forgivennefs is not the diffolving an obligation to puniflnnent ; or that an obligation may be diflblved before it is contraded ; or that an obh'gation to punifhment may be contra£l:ed where there is no (in : Suppofitions which are all e- •qually abfurd. We may further obferve, that the reward of faints hereafter, fhall bear fome proportion to their progrefs in holinefs here below. " As there is one glory of " the fun, and another glory of the moon, and ano- " ther glory of the flars, and one ftar differs froni " another in glory ; fo alfo is the refurreclion of the " dead and the fiefh, lufting againft the Spirit, caufes me tp fwerve from the paths of duty ; Is my heart tender ? Is my confcience quick in checking me for fm ? And do I feel that godly forrow, which worketh a repent- ance not to be repented of, and which excites me to Y make 3"22 THE PEOPLE OF GOD [^DisC. ^V make frefli applications to the blood of Jefus for par- don and cleanfing ? Do I cherifh the influences of the Spirit, and the warnings of my own confcience, and cheerfully comply with their defign ? " Is my obedience fincere? How do I (land affeft- ed to thofe parts of religion, to which God and my own confcience alone are witneffes ? Am I fatisfied with making clean the outfide of the cup, and of the platter ; folicitous to efcape the cenfures of men, but regardlefs of the Divine approbation ? Can I indulge myfelf in drawing nigh to God with the mouth, and honouring him with the iips, while the heart is far from him ? Or, is my obedience not only fincere, but willing and cheerful ; performed with all my heart, with all my foul, and with all my might? Am I fervent in fpirit, ferving the Lord ? Does the zeal of God's houfe eat me up ? When I pray, do I, like Jacob, weep and make fupplication, and earneft- ly wreftle for the needful bleffing ? When I attend the preached word, do I take heed how I hear ? When I give alms, do I draw forth my foul to the hungry? And, in every inftan^re, is it my meat and my drink to do the will of my heavenly Father ? " It is almoft impoflible for the backflrding Chriftian, whofe graces have been weak, and his corruptions ftrong, to avoid anxious perplexing thoughts, when confcience demands an anfvver to fuch queftions. And if fmners, incapable of giving a fatisfadory an- fwer to any of them, fliould live in hope, we muff be allowed to fay, death fliall utterly deflroy their hopes; and they fhall find, when too late, that " not every " one that faith, Lord, Lord, fhall enter into the " kingdom of heaven ; but he that doth the will of *[ our Father, which is in heaven. " If, then, you, would Piirt ^.'] CONSIDERED A3 ALL RIGHTEOUS. 323 would ihew yourfelves to be the people of God, a- bouud in thofe works of richteoufnefs which are to his praife. " Be blamelefs and harmlefs, the fons of God *" without rebuke, in the midll of a crooked and per- '* verfe nation, fhining as lights in tlic world. What- " foever things are tiiie, whatioever things are honeft, " wliatfoever things are juft, whatfoever things are *' pure, \vhatfoe\ cr things are lovely, whatfoever things *'• are of good report : If there be any virtue, and if '*• there be any praife, think on thefe things. '* IIow happy a people would we be, did thefe pre- cepts meet with a fuitable regard 1 And how happy a world fhali it be, when the gofpel fhall in faft have fuch an influence on the lives of thofe to whom it is preached ! And fuch effecls, the God, who cannot lie, hath aflured us it Ihall produce. "He that hath clean " hands and a pure heart, who hath not lifted up his " foul to vanity, nor fworri deceitfully : he fhall re- '' ceive the bleffing from the Lord, and righteoufnefs " from the God of his falvation ^. " " In his days *' fhall the righteous flourifn, and abundance of peace, " fo long as the moon endureth ^. " " The righteous " fnall flourilh. like the palm tree, he fhall grow like a *' cedar in Lebanon. They that be planted in the " houfe of the Lord, fhall flouriih in the courts of our " God. They fliall bring forth fruit in old age, they ", ihall, be fat and flotlrifhing ^. " *• The wolf alfo '• ihall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard fnall lye " down with the kid.; and the calf, and the young " Hon, and the fatling together, and a little child fhall f';Ieadthem. And the cow and the bear fhall feed, ^* their young ones fliall lye down together : And the '' lion, fhall eat ftraw like the ox. And the fucking Y 2 *' child * Pfal, s.xiv. -^, r« b Pfal. Ixxii. 7. ' ^ Plal xdi. 11, J 3, 14. |24. 1'^^ PEOPLE OF GOD [^DlsC. g, ^« child fliall play on the hole of the afp, and the " weaned child fhall put his hand on the cockatrice- *' den. They Ihali not hurt nor deftroy in all my *' holy mountain : For the earth fhall be full of the " knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the " fea ^\ " " The heart alfo of the rafh fhall under- " Hand knowledge, and the tongue of the ftammer- " ers ihall be ready to fpeak plainly. The vile perfon *' fhall be no more called liberal, nor the churl faid to *' be bountiful. But the liberal fliall devife liberal " thiilgs, and by liberal things fliall he Hand. The .^' Spirit fhall be poured upon us from on high, and '•^ .the wildernefs be a fruitful field, and the fruitful " field be counted for a forefl. Then judgment fhall " dwell in the wildernefs, and righteoufnefs remain " in the fruitful held. And the work of righteouf- " nefs fnall be peace, and the effed: of righteoufnefs " quietnefs and affurance for ever ^ " " Violence fhall *' no more be heard in thy land, wafting nor deftruc- " tion /v/ithin thy borders ; but thou fhalt call thy " v/alls falvation, and thy gates praife ^ " " The " remnant of Ifrael fhall not do iniquity, nor fpeak *' hes ; neither fhall a deceitful tongue be found in *' their mouth : for they fhall feed and lye down, and *' none fhall make them afraid ^. '* " In that day " fhall there be upon the bells of the horfes, HOLI- « NESS UNTO THE LORD ; and the pots in the " Lord's houfe ftiall be like bowls before the altar. " Yea, every pot in Jerufalem and in Judah fhall be " holinefs unto the Lord of Hofts ; and all they that " facrifice, fhall come and take of them, and feethe " therein : ^ Ifa. xl. 6, 7, 8, 9. c Ifa. xxxii. 4, 5, 8, ij, 16, 17. f Ifa. Ix. 1 8. « Zeph. Hi. 13. Part'2,'^ CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS, 325 " therein : And in that day there fiiall be no more " the Canaanite in the houfe of the Lord of Hofts ^. '* If we would indeed wifli for thefe things, let us be- gin with reforming ourfelves ; and, for this purpofe, let your loins be continually girt about, and your lamps burning. Watch againll every occafion of fm, every appearance of evil, every thing that may darken your evidences for heaven, or caufe your graces to languifli and decay. Avoid things in themfelves law- ful, when you have caufe to apprehend from them fuch confequences : and, flill more, avoid what feems direct- ly calculated to efface impreffions of religion, to in- flame our irregular appetites, to excite contempt of every thing ferious and facred, as well as gradually to extinguifn that fpirit of induftry for which this place has been defervedly efleemed. Purchafe not the plea- fure of a few hours with that which bids fair, if en- couraged, for ruining at once your temporal and eter- nal welfare. Improve ordinances, improve providen- ces, improve converfation with Chriftians, improve the fliining examples of fome, and the falls and mifcar- riages of others, as fpurs to you in your Chrillian race, and means of drawing forth your graces into more fre- quent and lively exercife. And, above all, look up to the exalted Head of influences, that his grace may be fufficient for you, and his flrength made perfed: in your weaknefs ; while you derive from his fulnefs grace for grace. You in particular, who have been lately fitting down at the table of the Lord *, as you have received Chrift Jefus, fo walk in him. Have you embraced him as a Y 3 prophet ? ^ Zech. xiv. 20, 21. * The facrament of the Lord's Supper had been difpcnfcd in Glafgow the preceding Sabbath. 320 THE PEOPLE OF GOD [^DlSC. g. prophet ? Receive then the law from his mouth, and treafure up his words in ^^our heart. Read his word with conflancy and devotion, hear the meflages of his • fervants with reverence and attention, and cheriih with care the enlightening influences of his Spirit on yoiu- fouls. Have you received him as your King ? Make it A^our conllant ftudy to promote the interefls of his Idngdom, and to regulate your hearts and lives bv the law he has given you. HaA-e you received Chrift a? your ftrength ? Continue then to truft in him as fuch, looking to him for ardour and help in the nioll hard and difficult fervices. Have you accepted him as your prieft ? By him then offer up the facrifice of prayer and of praife continually, and rely on his me- rits alone for the acceptance of your perfons and per- formances with God. Crufh every motion of fpiritual pride, and be convinced there is Cm enough in the beffc thought ever you framed, to found a fentence of con- demnation, fhould God examine it in ftri£t juftice. Such a humble fenfe of your own vilenefs, will draw after it tendernefj of confcience, and fear to offend any more. Let fuch as have fallen from their firft love, r; fleet on the diiTerence betwixt their prefent condition and the happy circumxilances in which they were once pla- ced. When they flrft received the Saviour, v/as it not with fuiglenefs of heart, with enlarged afieftions, with joy and delight, with gratitude and ihankfulnefs, with earneil defires after conformity to him, and the full and uninterrupted enjoyment of fellowfhip with him ; tvith fervent love to the children-of God, and with fm- cere endeavours to bring forth fruit ? What godly forrow was there then in you ; yea, what carcfulnefs ; yea, what clearing of yourfelves ; yea, what indigna- tion ; yea, \vhat fear; yea, what vehement defire ; yea. Fart 3.] CONSIDERED AS ALL RIGHTEOUS. 327 yea, what zeal ; yea, what revenge ! Godly forrow for your pad offences ; carefulnefs that you might not offend any more ; indignation at yourlelves, on ac- count of the remainders of corruption ; fears, led by means of thefe you iliould fall from your ftedfaflnefs, and bring a reproach on the worthy name by which you are called ; vehement defires afttT a ftate of finiefs perfection ; and zeal and eagernefs, that others alfo may partake of the fame grace. Such were your hap- py difpofitions in the day of your efpoufals, and the day of the gladnefs of your heart. Ye did run well ; who did hinder you, that you fhould not continue to obey the truth ? Are you willing it fliould be thought, that, after having tried a life of Uriel holinefs, you found no fuch pleafures in it, as the vv'ord of God has reprefented, and therefore have bid it adieu ? O ge- neration ! fee ye the word of the Lord. Have I been a wildernefs to Ifrael, a land of darknefs ? Wherefore fay my people. We are lords, we will come no more to thee ? What can you gain by continuing in your re- bellion ? Thine own wickednefs, O Tmner, fliall furely correct thee, and thy backflidings Ihall reprove thee. Know therefore, and fee, that it is an evil thing, and a bitter, that thou had forfaken the Lord thy God. Re- member, therefore, from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do thy firfl works. And, for thy encou- ragement, know, if thou return to the Almighty, thou flialt be built up, thou flialt put away miquity far from thy tabernacles. For then fnalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and fnalt lift up thy face unto God. Thou iliak make thy prayer unto him, and he (hall hear thee ; and thou flialt pay thy vows : thou flialt al- fo decree a thing, and it fliail be eftabliflied unto thee ; ;ind the light fliall fliine upon thv wavs. y 4 ' ^ D 1 3" DISCOURSE X. , ' IN TWO PARTS. THE-IMFORTANT MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION. 1 Timothy ili. 15, 16. THE PlLiAR. AND GKOUN'D OF TRUTH, AND WITHOUT CONTROVERSY GREAT IS THE MYSTERV; OF GODLINESS, GOD WAS MANIFEST IN THE FLtSH. PART I. B] 'E not furprifed, that I confider the words, " the; *' pillar and ground of truth, " as relating to the great myilery of godlinefs. Indeed, by the common divifion of the New Teftament into verfes, thefe v/ords relate to the Church ; and hav;3 l^een explained, as relating to it, by many ancient and modern divines. Little flrefs, however, can be laid on thefe confiderations ; for the miftakes arifing from the divifion of Scripture into ver- fes, are many ; and expontors often follow one another, blindly, and without examination. It doth not feem natural, that, in the fame fentence, the Church Ihould firll be compared to a houfe, and then to a pillar. Though one would think Timothy muft have eafily underftood wliat was meant by the " houfe of God ; " Paul iiH mediately explains that expreffion by another, ^' the church of the living God. '* It cannot, there- fore, be fuppofed, that, in the next fentence, he would rhre the Church an honorary title, more difficult to be undcrftood. Fart I.] THE IMPORTANT MYSTERY, ^C. 329 underftood, without any explication. For though I need not help you to perceive the defijjjn of the meta- phor, " pillar and ground of truth, " if it refpe£ts the great myilery of godlineis ; much reflexion and ftudy is neceiiary to find any tolerable fenfe, in which it will apply to the Church. Nor is it enough to fhow, that the Catholic church, or the clergy as her reprefenta- ^ives, merit this title. They who adhere to the pure, uncorrupted doctrine of Chrift ; who publifh, iliuftrate and defend it ; and who tranfmit the truth, and the fa- cred oracles in which it is contained, to fucceeding ages : they, we readily acknowledge, contribute to the firmnefs and liability of truth. But here, Paul fpeaks not of the church in general, or of faithful pallors and teachers as her reprefentatives. lie fpeaks of the fmall inconfiderable church at Ephefus, where as yet there were few church officers, and in which he was direfting Timothy how to conduct himfelf till Ins return. And, was that church, with all her weak- neffes and imperfections, the great prefer ver of purity of doctrine from corruption or ruin ? Did (lie fup- port the fabric of truth, and keep it from failing ? and was the deflruction of the Ephefian church as fatal to the gofpel, as the removal of a foundation or pillar is to a building ? If we refer the words, " pil- " lar and ground of truth, " to the great doctrine of our Lord's incarnation, the meaning of them is plain and eafy, and could not be miflaken by the Jews, with whom it was ufual to term important doctrines, pillars of faith, or grounds of truth. The particle and farther confirms thefe reafonings, as it evidently con- nefts the words, " pillar and ground of truth, " in the J 5th verfe, with the words, " without controverfy " gre^it is the myllery of go^ilinefs, " in the i6th. It '330 'the important mystery [^DIsC» 10* It fhall be my bufinefs, at this time, firft to illuftrate the doftrine of God manifeft in the flefh, and then to dire£l you to the praftical improvement of it. I referve to another opportunity, Paul's account of that doctrine, as the pillar and ground of truth, and withcmt contro- verfy a great my fiery of godlinefs. I. I am to illudrate the doctrine of God manifefl in the flefh. It is an undoubted truth, that the perfections and •glory of God the Father, were manifefled in the in- carnation, life and death of his Only Begotten Son. If thefe, in one refpecl, veiled the Divine glory ; they gave, in another, a new and fuller view of its bright- nefs. ,Never was there fo flriking and fenfible a mani- feftation of the greatnefs and majefly of God, as •when, to do honour to God, his Eqaal and Fellow humbled himfelf, and made himfelf of no reputation. On earth, weak, and wretched, and fmful man, alone does homage to God. In hell, the moft hateful part of the creation involuntarily proclaims his fpotlefs purity, irrefiflible power, and tremendous juftice. In hea- ven, indeed, the fpirits of jufl men made perfect, and angels, who excel in wifdom and in flrength, pro- ftrate themfelves before the throne of his glory. Yet, exalted as thefe creatures are, they are nothing more than creatures; and, compared with God, are as the drop of the bucket, and the fmall dufl of the balance. All they can do, to give to Him the glory due to his name, is, like themfelves, finite and imperfeft. But, in Chrifl, the glory of God is re- vealed and adored in another manner. The glorious, the holy, the infinitely happy Son of the Higheft, alTumes Fart I.] OF THE INCARNATION. 331" afTumes human nature, that, by the mofl: exalted obe- dience, and unparalleled fufferings, he may manifelt the greatnefs of the Being, whom by fm we had offend- ed, and magnify to the whole creation the facred rights of His majefly, perfection and government. Thus, we have difplays of the venerable, adorable, amiable perfeftions of God, which no creature in the heights above, or in the depths beneath, by the joy or anguifli of eternal ages, could have equally af- forded us. In our text, however, the term God cannot mean the Father. To Him, the expreffions, made fiejl^^ and come in the f.efh •>, evidently parallel to the cxpreiTion here ufcd, manifeji in the jiejl). cannot apply. Nor can it be faid of the Father, as it is here faid of God manifeil in the flefli, that he was juflified in the fpirit, and re- ceived up into glory. Perhaps, I cannot better ex- plain the words, God was manifeji in the fie^J^ or more convincingly demonftrate their meaning, than by re- ferring you to what the beloved difciple fays of the fame fubjccl : " = That which was from the btgin- " ning, Vvmich Vve have heard, which we have {Qtn "with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and " our hands have handled of the Word of life ; (for " the life w^as- manifedcd, and v/e have feen, and " bear witnefs, and fliew unto you, that eternal life " which was with the Father, and was manifeiled " unto us) : that which wc have feen and heard, de- " clare we unto you. " He, ivho ivas in the begin* ning, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the firft and the lafl j He, v/ho was with God, and '' Jo, i. I/}. ; I Jo, Iv. 2. ; where the word flefli relates to the foul, as well as the body. See Matth. xxiv. 22.; Luke iii. 6.; Afts ii. 17. ; Rom. iii. 20, ; i Cor. 1. 29. '^ j Jo. i. r — 3. 33^ 'I'HE IMPORTANT MY3TERY [D/Vr. 10. and was God ; the word of life, who with a word coin- municated life to a vafl variety of creatures ; ihe Ife, who has hfe in its fource, fuilnefs and perfection, hav- ing life in himfelf, even as the Father harh life in Him- felf ', the eternal Ife^ who, being indebted to none for life, by none can be deprived of it ; though the invifi- ble God, vi'as' fo manifefl in the flefl-j, as to become the objed of man's bodily fenfes, to be heard, feen, looked upon, and handled ; fo that, in a literal fenfe, it was faid to the cities of Judah, " Behold your God ^. " He, who faw Jefus in the days of his humiliation, though he faw immediately his flefh or human nature only, yet really faw the Only Begotten of the Father. And, notwithflanding his two natures, the Chriflian, by faith, difcerns in him, one Mediator, and one Per- iow only : for his human nature had no feparate fub- fillence of its own, but, from the firll moment of its exiftence, was the human nature of the Son of God ; fo flriclly and intimately united to him, that what it did and fuffered, was jufdy confidered as done and fuffered by Him, who was indeed God. The fame in- dividual perfon, was a child bom, and the Mighty God ^. " He, who was in the form of God, and no " other, took upon him the form of a fervant ; and " being found in failiion as a man, became obedient " to death f. '' He, therefore, who became obedient to death, was God ; though it was in his human na- ture he yielded that obedience. Jklarvellous and aftonifhing event ! The Creator takes into union with himfelf, a creature, not of the higheft rank and order ; a fpirit, dwelling in a cottage of clay^ nay, not the fpirit only dwelling in flefh, but the fle/li alfo j and this, not when the nature united to d If. xl 9. ' If. ix. 6. f Phil, ii. 6—8^ part 1.] or the incarnation. 33^ to him, was In its primitive gloiy, but when reduced to circiimftances mean and wretched. He afluines a true body, fubjeci: to hunger, third, weannefs, and other common finlefs infirmities ; and a reajonable foul, ful'ceptible of fear, anger, forrow, conipaffion, and ever}^ other innocent affection and paifion of hu- manity. The fcrlpture conceals not the reafons, why God wa? tlms manifeft in the fleih. His incarnation qualified him to mediate peace, by his interefl in both the pardes at variance. Had he not been m.an, his terror in pro- claiming to us the meiiages of heaven, would have made us afraid. Had he not been more than man, he would not have been great and honourable enough, to negociate our caufe with our injured Sovereign. He became our near kinfman, bone of our bone, and flcfli of our fleflij that the right of redemption might belong to him; that as by man came death, by man alfo might come the refiirrection from the dead ^ j and that, as the devil, by tempting the woman, had defiled the work of God, fo God, by the woman's feed, might deftroy the works of the devil. Without fhedding of blood, there was no remiffion of fm \ Forafmuch, therefore, as the children to be redeemed, were par- takers of flefh and blood, the Son of God alfo took part of the fame ^, that, by his death and fufFerings, he might expiate our guilt. In confequence of this, his human nature was enabled to bear the wrath of God, without fmking under it : and the fufFerings en- dured in that nature, became of infinite value, the perfon who fuffered being God. The Lord of glory was crucified ^. The Church was purchafed with the blood * I Cor. XV. 21. f Heb. ix. 22. « Hcb. a. 14. * I Cor. if. 8. J34 "^^^^ IMPORTANG MYSTERY \_DisC. IC. blood of God '. Hence, too, the people of God have the more comfortable fenfe of the meeknefs, kindnefs^ and gentlenefs of Chrift, by contemplathig his expe- rience of human infirmities. He felt not indeed every particular grief which men feel ; but he felt enough, to excite his fympathy with them in every poffiblc diftrefs. Though he was never fick, yet, from weari- nefs, pain, hunger, and thirft, the man Chrift Jefus learned what the fick fuffer. Though fecured, by per- fe6l holinefs, from the torments of a felf-condemning confcience, his bearing the wrath of God, as the fure- ty of fmners, produced the tendereft pity for thofe v/ho are thus tormented. I jQiall only add : The Son of God alTumed our nature, with all its fmlefs infirmities, that, by his example, as well as by his dodlrine, he might promote heavenly-mindednefs, a contempt of fublunary enjoyments, humility, patience, meeknefs, and forgive- nefs. Perhaps, fome may inquire, How can it be faid, that God was manifeft in the flefh ? Did not the nature he afTumed, and the purpofes of humiliation and fuffering for which he aiTumed it, obfcure, rather than manifeft, his Deity ? Did he appear the Everlafting Father by becoming an infant of days ; He, whom the heavens, and heaven of heavens, cannot contain, by being wrapt in fwaddling clothes, and laid in a manger ; the Lord of the univerfe, by becoming a fervant of rulers ; the Holy One of God, by being charged with the mon- ftrous crimes of deceit, rebellion, riot, and blafphemy ; the Source of blifs, by becoming a man of forrows, and by being made a curfe I — To all this I need only reply, that the exprefTion, God was manifejl in the fejh, is fufHciemly juftified, if the perfon who appeared, and was feeii in a human body, was indeed God j though many, \ Acts XX. 28. Fart I.] OF THE INCA'RNATION. 33^ many, who faw that body, difcerned not his Deity. The fplendour of God's majefly was too bright for mortals. It would have dazzled and bhnded the eye, and flruck the heart with unfupportable allcnilhment and dread. It was neceffary that the excellent glory fliould be fo tempered, by veiling it with flefli, that men might be able to endure its luftre, and, without terror or alarm, converfe freely with God. — If, however, fome circum- fiances of Chriil's incarnation, indicated meannefs and abafement ; in others. Divine majeily and greatnefs were maniferted. Heaven and earth, angels and devils, kings and fnbjecls, friends and enemies, unite to do honour to his birth. God Ihakes the heavens and the earth, and fhakes all nations, before the Defire of ail nations comes '. A general expectation is raifed, of an illuf- trious and univerfal monarch about to be born. At his birth, the oracles of the Heathen become filent. An- gels quit their native heavens, jfinding no tranfacHons there, more worthy of their admiring thoughts, than thofe now commencing in our lower world. A new liar appears to point out the incarnate God. The Hiep- herds of Bethlehem, the wife men from the Eafl, the venerable Simeon, the pious Anna, join their praifes to thofe of the heavenly hoft ; and talk, in rapturous llrains, of the great things, which the child, born at Bethlehem, was about to accomplifli. Let not, there- fore, the incarnation of Chrifl, and the low, afiiicled circumftances in which he appeared, be any Humbling block to your faith. Beams of his majefly, as the Only Begotten of the Father, darted through his out- ward meannefs, fufficient to enlighten, and fo convince, ' the attentive fpeftator. His outward condition well fuit- cd the ends of his milTion; which was defigned to expi- ate 1 Hag. H. 6, .7, 53^ THE IMPORTANT MTSTEHY [DVif. I O'. ate our guilt, and to blefs us, In turning us away from our iniquities; not to conquer the Romans, and to ereO: a temporal monarchy. As our furety and facrifice, his abafement was neceiTary : as our teacher and example, it was highly expedient. Many things, in God's go- vernment, which, confidered feparateiy, feem. to have no beauty ; when viewed in their connexion, appear tranfcendently gioriou,^. Let me now direct your attention to the praclical im- provement of this fubject. Judge not the opinions, or character, of any man, or fociety of men, by their outward circumftances. Def- pife not, for his birth, his poverty, or mean appear- ance, the man who teaches an excellent doctrine, or, who exhibits an eminently virtuous example. Jull ideas, and a corrcfpondent behaviour, not wealth or indigence, are the true tefts of worth. Wifdom and virtue are not engroffed by the high and honourable. A fine fentiment Is not a whit the worfe, though firfl uttered by a man in rags. Contemn not thy brother on grounds, acknovv-lcdged by thyfelf, to be weak and fri- volous, wlien pleaded by the jews- for contemning Jefus. , Turn afide, and contemplate, with facred awe, God manifefl in the fleili. The father of the faithful, flruck with religious reipect, fell on his face, when he faw fome preludes of the incarnation. Jacob, upon a vi- non of the ladder, which was only an obfcure figm-e of this myftery, cried out, " How dreadful is this *' place ! This is none other but the houfe of God,- " and this is the gate of heaven " ! '* With what fu- perior emotions of reverence and godly fear, fhould we, polluted dull and aflies, behold the Sovereign of the ^ Gen. xsviii. 17, j[*art I*] OF THE INCARNATION. 337 the univerfe, defcending from the height of his hea- venly fanduary, to tabernacle, for a feafon, in our wretched and worthlefs world ! With what profound veneration Ihould v/e receive the vifit of Him, who came in the name of the Lord our God to fave us ! Think, how wretched and forlorn thy circumftan- ces, which required fo great and aftoniflnng means of deliverance. We ertimaie the extremity of a diflrefs, • or the greatnefs of a danger, by the act or force em- ployed to extricate out of them. What then mufl their mifery be, fo fave whom, the Son of God took upon him the form of a fervant, and was found in. fafhion as a man ! Sinners could find no facrifice fufficient to expiate their guilt ; and yet, in order to their pardon, the juftice of God, which he could not po^ibly renounce, demanded fuch a facrifice.' God*s fending his Son, in the likenefs of finful flelh, and mak- ing him a fin-olfering, mufl. have been to accomplifli, what the law, what man*s obedience to the law, could not do, in that it was weak through the flefh. Admire, and improve, this amazing condefcenfion. Should the mightieft earthly potentate leave his throne, lay afide his royal robes, vifit the tottering cottage of a beggar, place himfelf in his room, and, to fave him from fome imminent danger, put on his rags : fliould an angel, yea, (hould the whole hoils of heaven be degraded into the form of ugly and poifonous reptiles: the wonder would have been lefs ; for, between the highell and loweft ranks of creatures, the diftanc^ is finite. But, that the Everlailing Father fjiould he feen in a weeping fuffering babe, was fuch a thought, as could never have entered into the heart of men or angels ; or, if it had entered, could not have been en- tertained by them, without arrogance and blalphemy. Z Yet, 53S THE IMPORTANT MYSTERY [^DlSC. IC Yet, for our fakes, did Infinite Majefly ftoop thus low. Think it not much, then, to ftoop to the meanefl: of- fice for Chrifl, or thy Chriftian brother. Deem it not abafement to ferve him, for whom He, who was in the form of God, took upon him the form of a fervant. " He emptied himfelf, and made himfelf of no repu- " tation K '* Let not falfe honour, let not a criminal fhame, reftrain thee from embracing any opportunity of ufefulnefs. Learn from the Son of God, humility, condefcenfion, and love to all thy brethren of man- kind. God was manifell in the flelti, that in the flefh he might obey and fuffer. Aifedl not independence. Murmur not at the precepts of God's law, or at the difpofals of his providence ; and let not that aftonifli- ing event, which hath united heaven and earth, and changed the face of the univerfe, leave thy heart unchanged. Let the warmeft gratitude inflame every breaft, while contemplating the love which gave rife to this condefcenfion. It was goodnefs in God, to beftow his favour and image on that, which, a httle ago, was nothing. But, to become man, that rebels might fee delivered from extreme and endlefs mifery, .was goodnefs infinitely greater. Behold a creature, who perfeflly knew his duty, and had fufficient ability to perform it, inverted with dominion over this lower ■world, and advanced to fellovf-fhlp with God himfelf; only, as a mark of homage to God, who gave him all things richly to enjoy, required to forbear the fruit of one tree : Behold that creature, on a trivial temptation, tranfgrefTmg his duty, rebelling againft his rightful Lord, and proving ungrateful to his beft benefa^or: Yet, even then. He, who could have glorified I PhU. If. 6, 7, Tart I.] OF THE INCARNATION. 339 glorified himfelf by puniihing the guilty rebel, In His love and pity, vifits and redeems him. The Only Begotten and Well-beloved Son of God, a Son of the fame nature with himfelf, befides whom, he never had, never could have another, comes in the flefii, to purchafe, for worthlefs man, the adoption of children. The brightnefs of the Father's glory, and the exprefs Image of his perfon, comes to reftore man to God's image. He, who, from eternity, knew only joy, that eternal forrow might not be our portion, is made ac- quainted with grief. He is born, not to live and reign, but to fuffer and die. Who can fufficiently admire and adore that Infinite Goodnefs, which, to exalt us, (looped fo low ! What tongue can utter, what heart can conceive, the length and breadth, the height and depth, of redeeming love! Praife your Redeemer with your lips. Say, with Mary, " My foul doth " magnify the Lord ; and my fpirit hath rejoiced in " God my Saviour "'. " Praife him with your lives ; and let your condud teflify your high efteem of, and thankfulnefs for, his tranfcendent goodnefs. Labour, that he who was manifefted in your na- ture, may alfo be manifefted in 3^0 ur perfons : or, as Paul exprefles it, " that the life of Jefus may be " made manifefl: in your body ". '* Copy after the fpotlefs pattern of Jefus ; and thus manifefl to all men, that he is formed in you, and that you are ani- mated by his Spirit. By tabernacling in your nature, the Son of God paved the way for dwelling in you, and abiding with you for ever. Give no reft to your eyes, nor flumber to your eyelids, till, in your hearts, a habitation is prepared for the Mighty God of Ja- cob °. Let thofe gates and everlafting doors be lifted Z 2 up, "^ Luke i. 4C, 47. n 2 Cor. iv. 10. " Pf. cxxxii. 4, 5. 34^ THE IMPORTANT MYSTERY [_DisC.lC. tp, that the King of Glory may come in " ; and prove to your own confciences, and to the world, that Chrift is indeed in you, by living as the children of God, the brethren of Chrifl, the temples of the Holy Ghoft, the companions of angels, and the heirs of glory. As the Son of Gqd was heard, and feen, and looked upon, and handled ; let the men of the world hear, and fee, and feel, that you are the fons ^nd daughters of God, by pious edifying difcourfe, by good works, and by the offices of piety and benefi- cence. God was manifefl in the flefh, that he might deftroy fm, and re-eflablifh holinefs and righteoufnefs in the earth. He took on him the nature of man, that men might become partakers of a divine nature. Let a tender, circumfpecb, exemplary behaviour, dif- cover that thefe important purpofes are fulfilled in you. Refle^l, how highly human nature is dignified and ennobled, by the incarnation of the Son of God. Man was made, at firfl, a little lower than the angels : but, lo ! the human nature is now advanced to an ho- nour above the angelical. " For, verily, the Son of " God took not upon him the nature of angels ; but " he took on him the feed of Abraham ''.'' Take on you a holy flate. Honour that nature, which God ho- noured. He alTmned fleili and blood, in all their natural properties refembling thine. Defile not thy body, fo nearly related to that of the Lord of Glory. Debafe it not, by enflaving it to fin and Satan. De- file not thy foul by pride, by malice^ by revenge. Improve and exult in the foundation laid, by God manifefl in the flefh, for the encouragement of faith. It was for great and glorious purpofes that the Al- mighty P Pf. xxiv. 7. 5 Heb. ii. 16. Part I.] .OF THE INCARNATION. 24^ mighty and Immortal God, appeared as a weak and mortal man. It was, that, where fin had abounded, grace might much more abound. It was, that con- fcience might be emboldened to approach the Judge of all the earth, with hopes of acceptance. Suck, O awakened foul ! and be fatisfied with this bread of confolation, which can never run dry. Never did any, in thy fearful, anxious circumflances, entertain too large expectations, from fuch condefcending good- nefs and love. Defpair not of efcaping deferved ven- geance ; for, lo ! God hath appeared to fliield froni it the v^ry chief of fmners. Say not, thy wound is grievous, and thy bruife utterly incurable. Behold united, in the Surety for fmners, the nature that owed an infinite debt to Divine judice, j?nd the nature which alone could pay it ; the nature that could fufFer and die, and the nature that could give to fufferings and death an infinite value. Repel every defponding thought ; for He came to purchafe falvation ; ^id He now comes, in the gofpel, to offer it, whofe dignity the combined excellencies of creation could not equal, and whofe forrows were a full compenfation for all the pains thou haft merited. Sink not under thy doubts and fears j for, to refcue fmners from deftruc- tion, He, who was in the bofomof the Father, pledged his heart as their ranfom, that, as their Advocate, he might approach to God, and fuccefsfully plead their caufe. An thou dead in irefpaffes and fins ? The Source of life can eafily impart it to thee. A mere creature, who was originally nothing, and who, had it not been for the will and power of another, would have remained nothing, cannot have in himfelf that infinite inexhauftible fulnefs of fpiritual life, necefTary for thus imparting it. Angels live, and are wife, and 'iz holy, 342 THE IMPORTANT MYSTERV [^DtSC. XO. holy, and good ; yet they are not life, and wifdom, and holinefs, and goodnefs. Their hfe is like the oil in the veflels of the wife virgins, who had none to fpare for their companions. But the life, the eternal life which was with the Father, was manifefled to men. He, in whom the fulnefs of the godhead, the fulnefs of life, dwells bodily, came, that the fpiritu- ally dead might hve. And thou, O perplexed and anxious foul ! art even now warranted, invited, com- manded, to come to Chrift, that thou mayefl have life. - : Truft, O believer, and be not afraid : for, behold ! God is become thy falyation. It is true, thy multi- plied, heinous, and highly aggravated tranfgreffions, have offended God : But it is alfo true, God was ma- nifeU: in the flefli, to make fatisfadion for the offence. Thy fms were as crimfon and fcarlet 5 but the blood ilied to wafh thee from them, was the blood of God. Indulge, in the thoughts of this, a joy unfpeakable and full of glory. " Dreadful, indeed, it would be, *' for a fmner fuch as I am, to approach an abfolute *' God, a confuming fire. But, God appearing in my *' nature, born of a virgin, lying in a cradle, fucking " the breafts, fweating, and bleeding, and dying for " me, opens to me a door of hope ; condufls me to " a fountain of comfort. The proclamation, 7'^our *' God hath come to fa-ve you, ftrengthens my weak *' hands, confirms my feeble knees, and fays to my " fearful heart. Be ftrong ; fear not. Manifold are *' my wants : but, in the fulnefs" of my Immanuel, I " am complete. I know in whom I iDelieve. He is " my friend, my kinfman, my brother, who feels for " me the tenderefl pity. He is God, who knov/s the ** things I need before I alk him j aad can do for me ^^ exceeding Part I.] OF THE INCARNATION. 343 " exceeding abundantly beyond vhat I can afk or " think. Why art thou caft down, O my foul ! and *' why art thou difquieted ^vithin me ? Hope thou in " God ; for I (hall yet praife him, who is the health " of my countenance, and my God. Lo, this is our ♦ God ; we have waited for him, and he will fave " us. This is the Lord; we have waited for hiin> ^' we will be glad, and rejoice in his falvation. " PART II. I endeavoured, on a former oceafion, firft to illuf^ trate the doctrine of God manifefl in the flelh, and then to dired you to the practical improvement of it. I fhail now confider Paul's defcription of this doc- trine as the pillar and ground of truth, and without controverfy a great myftery of godlinefs. That account is an encomium, not on the general fyftem of Chriilianity, but on one particular dotlrine, which was the foufidation and fecurity of all the reft : for the pillar and ground of truth, though a moft ne- ceifary and important part of truth, is not the whole of it ; even as the pillar or foundation of a building, Is not the v/hole building. Some confine the defcrip-. tion now to be confidered, to the firft: propofition, God was manifejl in the Jie/Iy ; of which they think the five following propofitions, of which many had been, and, as to fome of them, ftill were eye wit- nelTes, arc only introduced as proofs. Others ex- tend the defcription to thefe alfo. How hr it is ap- plicable to them, will better appear, when they are Z 4 particularly 344 THE IMPORTANT MYSTERY [^Disc. 10. particularly explained. It is fufficient for my prefent purpofe, and admits no doubt, that it relates to the doQrine of God manifeft in the flefh. I. Paul defcribes this dodrine as a myftery. The word ?}iv/hry, is borrowed from the fecret religt>' ous rites and exercifcs among the Heathen, to which only a few, after trial of their fecrecy, were admitted by the Hierophant or Myflagogue. Hence, it is transferred to the incarnation of Chrift, and its im- portant caufes and confequences, which could be dif- covered only by the Spirit, not by our fenfes, imagin- ation, or intelle6lual powers. To men, who had no other guide than nature's light, the wonders of re- deeming love were wholly unknown : and unknown they mufl have for ever remained, had not the firll flewards of the myfleries of God learned them by in- fpiration, and been authorifed to teach them. Under the Old Teilament, the Jews had only dark types, and obfcure prophecies, of thofe good things to come. The wifdom of Gcd in a myftery, was a hidden wif- dom, which none of the princes of this world knew ; for, h^d they known it, they would not have cruci- fied the Lord of Glory ^. A veil was put over the face of IMofes, fo that the children of Ifrael could not ftcdfaitly look to the end of that which is aboHflied ^. They v/ho prophefieJ of the grace which lliould come to us, knew not, or imperfectly knew, and therefore inquired and fearched diligently, what, and what man- ner of time, the Spirit of Chrift which was in them did fignify, when it teftified beforehand the fufferings of Chrifl, and the glory that Ihould follow ^. Hence, the apoflle of the Gentiles reprefents the gofpel as th? myflery ' I Cor. i;. 7j 8. i> 2 Cor^ iil,.i3« f i Pet. I. lo, ii- THrt 2. J OF THE INCARNATION. 345 niyfteiy which hath been hid from ages and genera- tions '', kept fecret fince the world began % and from the beginning of the world hid in God ^. It is with refpecl to the wonderful love difplayed in the Son of God, rending the heavens, and coming down for our ♦redemption, that Ifaiah fays ^, " For, fmce the be- " ginning of the world, men have not heard, nor ^' perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye feen, O " God., befides thee, what he hath prepared for him " that waiteth for him. *' The prophet, or church, ardently longing for the incarnation of the Son of God, here addrefles him as a didind perfon from the Father. None, befides thee, O Son of God ! hath known, what the Father hath prepared for thofe who wait upon him. The ufe which Paul makes of this prophecy, i Cor. ii. 9. confirms thefe remarks. Perhaps Ifaiah's worJs are alkided to by John '^ : " No man hath feen God at any time ; the Only Bc- " gotten Son, which is in the bofom of the Father, " he hath declared him.. " And more clearly by our l.ord himfelf ^ : " No man knoweth the Son, but the ^' Father : neither knoweth any man the Father, fave <' the Son, and he to whomfoever the Son will reveal " him.'* It was the apollles, who, according to the commandment of the Everlafling God, by explaining ancient prophecies, and comparing them with the e- vents in which they were accomplifhed, made known this myftery to all nations i. How Ihould we value the clear revelation of a plan, fo highly important to the human race, which yet, before its execution, not to man only, but to principalities and powers in the heavenly places, was fo imperfedly known ! We might ^ Col. .1. 25, 26. *^ Rom. xvl. 25. f Epfi. iii. 9. 8 If. Ixlv. 4. " Jo. i. i^. ' Math. xi. 2^, j Rom, xvl. 25, 26. 34^ THE IMPORTANT MYSTERY [^DlsC. 10* might have lived in one or other of the four thoufand years which elapfed before the Gentiles heard the joy- ful found : or in tha,t long and gloomy period, when, by the corruptions of Popery, the glory of the gof- pel was obfcured, and men removed from the grace of God unto another gofpel. God is the Lord, who hath caufed light to arife upon us ^. This light, the enemies of the divinity and atonement of Chrift may endeavour to extinguifh : but He, who hath ordained a lamp for his Anointed, will clothe their efforts with fiiame '. " Bleffed be his name, when it feems even- '' ing, there {hall be more abundant light *"." " Ma- " ny (hall run to and fro : and knowledge (hall be " increafed ".'* " Yea, the earth (liall be full of the " knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the « fea °. " Again; — The gofpel is a myflery : for, to few who enjoy the external difpenfation of the gofpel, is its na- tive beauty and divine energy inwardly revealed. Let it not feem (Irange, that at a time when it was preach- ed to every creature P, Paul (hould reprefent it as a myflery only made manifeft to God's faints *J. Saints alone are divinely enlightened to perceive its certainty and glory. To fome, Chrift crucified is a ftumbling- block 5 and, to others, foolilhnefs ; and only to them that are called, the wifdom of God, and the power of God ^ The natural man, the man who has no o- ther and better principles, than thofe derived from nature, or the improvement of nature, receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolifli- neis to hirh : neither can he knov/ them, becaufe they are i- Pf. cxvlii. 27. 1 Pf. cxxxil. 17, 1 8. ^ Zach. xJv. 7. " Dan. xil. 4.' " If. xi. 8. p Col. i. 25. 9 Col. i.26. ' I Cor. I. 24, Fart 2.3 OF THE INCARNATION. 347 are fpiritually difcerned K Puffed up, as many uncon- verted finners are, \yith their extenfive learning, and particularly with their knowledge of Divine thinirs, they know nothing yet as they ought to know ^ They have only a form of knowledge, and of the truth ". Their carnal minds mould the gofpel into the fhape 'eaft pffenfive to their pride or to their profligacy. If any man be in Chrilt, even with refpedt to knowledge, all things become new ' . The things hid from the wife and prudent ; through the fovereign pleafure of God, are revealed unto babes '". In fuch alone, the promifes are fulfilled : " All the children Ihall be taught of the *' Lord ". " " They fliall all know me, from the " leaft of them to the greatefl of them, faith the " Lord y. *' Bleffed are they ; for it is given to them to know the myfleries of the kingdom of heaven, when to others it is not given. Flefh and blood hath not revealed thefe things to them, but the Father which is in heaven ^. For, Chriflians of all denomi- nations, believe, and are fure, that Jefus is the Cbrifl, the Son of the living God ''. Though they may be in- capable to anfwer the fubtile objeftions of the adverfa- ries of thofe fundamental articles of faith, there is a glory in them, which they clearly perceive, and which is hidden only from men whofe eyes the God of this world hath blinded. The Spirit of wifdom and re- velation enables them to difcern their excellency, to believe their certainty, and to feel their force. This heavenly Teacher, can give wifdom where he finds none J and, under His inftrudion, the dullefl fcholar needs ' I Cor. u. 14. ^ 1 Cor. vi'ii. 2. u Rom. u. 20. " z Cor. V. 17. w MaUh. xi. 2J, 26. ^ If. liv. 13. ' Jer. xx.xi, 34. z Matth. xiii. II. ; svi. 17. *• Jo. vi, 65. 34^ THE IMPORTANT MYSTERY [^Disc. 10, needs not defpair of making progrefs. Through his influence, the commandment of the Lord enlightens the eyes, and his teftimony makes wife the fimple. The deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind fee out of darknefs, and out of obfcurity. We cannot, however, warrantably expe£t thofe influ- ences, if we fearch not the fcriptures, which are able to make us wife unto falvation ; or if we negled the ordinances which were infliituted to open the blind eyes, and to turn men from darknefs to light. II. The doclrine of our Lord's incarnation, and of its caufes and confequences, is, without controverfy, a great myflery. It has not only been conflrmed by the fullefl: evi- dence ; but it is without controverfy, to all to whom Jefus hath manifefled the Father's name : for, as I have juft now fiiown, they know that in a peculiar fenfe he is the Son of God, and came forth from God. Well, too, may this doclrine be termed great. It exhibits truths in their own nature tranfcendently ex- cellent. It is the hiflory of the Equal and Fellow of the Almighty ; of his progrefs from a throne to a crofs, and thence to a throne again ; and of the occa- nons, motives and eftefts of thefe aftonifliing tranf- ^(Sions. It exhibits truths, to us fmful men, of infi- nite importance ; brings to all nations glad tidings of great joy ; points out the path of pardon to the guilty, of liberty to the captive, - and of fpiritual life to thofe dead in trefpafles and fins. Great are thefe do^lrines ; for they have produced the greateft and moft. amazing revolutions in the tempers and lives of men. The eyes of the blind have been opened, the ■ ears Pjr/2.] OF THE INCARNATION, 349 ears of the deaf unftopped, the lame man hath been made to leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb to fmg, by waters breaking out in the wildernefs, and ftreams in the defert ^. The healing waters of the fanduary change the bias of the heart, cure the moft dangerous moral difeafes, and turn the ftream of the affeclions into a new and oppofite channel. By the river, the flreams whereof refrefli and make glad tht city of our God, contentment is produced in poverty, and peace and joy created in the depths of outward diftrefs. The doctrine of our Lord's incarnation, even when preached in weaknefs and in fear, and in much trembling, has proved mighty through God to the pulling down the flrong holds of fm and Satan. Great and glorious in itfelf, it has damped a great- nefs and glory on thofe who receive it. For all, who, with open face, behold as in a glafs the glories of the Lord, are changed into the fame image from glory to glory, even by the Spirit of the Lord " . A learned and ingenious commentator has, how- ever, argued, that the words, ivlthout controverfyy can- not relate to the dodrine of the incarnation, con- fidered as real or important, becaufe in both refpecls it was controverted. It was denied in the apoftoiic age by the Gnoflics, and has fmce been, and ftill is denied by many.' And not a few feem infenfible of the dignity and worth of this doftrinc, who would not be thought to call in queflion its truth'. He therefore thinks, that the words, without controverfy great, refpeft only the greater myfterioufnefs of this dodrine, in which it differs from other articles of faith lefs myflerious. A great myftery is a doctrine, which paffeth all underftanding '^ : which, even when revealed, '' If. XXXV. s-(>' "2 Cor. ill. 18. d Phil. 4. 9, i^O THE IMPORTANT MYSTERY [^Disc 10, revealed, remains a myftery ; which cannot be con- nefted with the truths of reafon ; and which, in the prefent ftate, none can clearly and fully conceive. Now, that the dodrine of the incarnation of the Son of God is thus inconceivable, not friends onlv, but eneiTiies allow; the lad rejedling that doctrine on ac- count of its myfterious darknefs. Whether this criti- 6ifm is, or is not received, the diftinftion it was meant to eftablilh, muft be admitted. There are truths in the facred oracles, which we knew not, and which perhaps we could not have known without revelation, which yet, after they are revealed, we can clearly con- ceive ; and, if we cannot demonftrate their truth, we can at leaft fhew their poffibihty, from rational princi-^ pies. But, there are other doftrines, which, though revealed, remain imperfeftly underflood* Another re- velation would be neceffary to difclofe to us the inward nature of thefe do£lrines, and their confiftency with o- ther truths. Probably our faculties are at prefent too weak and Ihnited, for receiving and availing ourfelves of fuch an exphcation, if it were vouchfafed. I need not employ many words to jfhew, that the doftrine of the incarnation is in this refpecl a great mydery. The perfon manifeft in the fiefli, juftified in the fpirit, kc. who can be no other than our Redeemer^ Is here exprefsly called God, without the leaft intima- tion that the word God muft be ufed in a lower fenfe, than that in which it is ordinarily ufed. The perfon termed God, cciuld not be manifefted in the flefh, or render himfelf vifible in human nature, if he had not united himfelf to that human nature. In this union, there are heights and depths, which, at leaft in this life, furpafs the comprehenfion of oiir underftandings, however purified and ftrengthened. For, God mani- feft Part 2.] OF THE INCARNATION. j;^f feft in the flefh, is not reprefented as a double or a complex perfon; but, the being thus manifeft, jufti- fied in the Spirit, feen of angels, and received up into glory, are defcriptions applied exclufively to one indi- vidual perfon. If the union of Chrifl with believer^ is termed a great myftery % much more may we give this title to the Word made flefh for man's redemption. Here, all is wonderful : The Divine nature the fame ia all the perfons of the Trinity ; and yet the Son only made flefh. His two natures and their properties re- main diftincl ; and yet thefe diflinct natures and oppo- fite properties belong to one perfon. The reputed fon of a carpenter, is the real Son of God. file who cre- ated the univerfe, and fills heaven and earth, is fliut up in a virgin's womb. The Everlafling Father becomes an infant of days. Defcended from fmful men, he de- rives from them no corruption. PofTefTmg, as God, infinite joy ; he feels, as man, forrow inexprefTible. All this, however, will not excufe our Humbling at this wifdom of God in a myflery, or thefe deep things of God f. If the words of a wife man are as deep waters ?, it need not furprife us, that one taught by in- fpiration the myflery of redemption, and who had made it his principal ftudy, faw caufe to cry out, O the depth of the riches, both of the wifdom and knowledge of God ^ ! The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is un- fearchable '. The fprings of aclion, in the minds of kings, may be influenced by a thoufand circumflances, unknown to their fubjecls, without the knowledge of which, the beauty and propriety of their conduct, can- not be difcerned. Arrogant, therefore, they are, who pretend * Eph. V. 32. f I Cor. ii. 7, 10. ^ Prov. xviil, 4* ^ Rom. xi. 33. » Prov. xxv. 3. '352 THE IMPORTANT MVSTERY [_DisC. IC. pretend to fathom His councils, who, in forming them, viewed every poflible fyftem of worlds, and feries of events. Man, who is of yefterday, and knows nothing, takes too much upon him, when he dares to pronounce, that, in the wide extended creation^ Omnipotence could not, for wife reafons, produce relations, and unions, and dependencies, which man cannot explain. — You afK, how a perfon infinite, felf- exiftent and independent, and a nature finite, and produced in time, could be^fo joined as ta conflitute one perfon ? You alk, how He, who gave being to everv creature, could derive being from the work of his own hands ? Refolve me firft the eafier quedion, how fpirit and matter are fo united, as to conftituce one man ? Or, if you cannot refolve it, be not fur- prifed, that God is pall finding out. You receive the witnefs of men, for a thoufand appearances in nature, and events in providence, which you cannot compre- hend. You no more doubt a report from one, of whofe fenfe and integrity you are fatished, than you doubt the tetlimony of your own fenfes. Surely, then. His teftimony deferves credit, who can neither deceive nor be deceived; v.^ho knows infinitely more than you know, and perfeftly comprehends what to you is incomprehenhble. If thou knoweft not, how the bones grow in the womb of her that is with child ' ; expecl not to fathom the works, the councils, the nature of Him, who maketh all things. In the eter- nity, omniprefence, and foreknowledge of God, truths which even natural religion teaches, there are depths -which you cannot penetrate. The knowledge of the manner of thefe things is too wonderful for you. It is high. You cannot attain to it ". You cannot find out .' Ecd. xl. 5. ^ Pf. cxxxix, 6. Part 2.] OF THE INCARNATION." 353 out the Almighty to perfedlon '. You are not wife enough to unfold thofe councils, which were from of old, from everlafting. If the manifeflations of God in nature and providence, are not without myftery^ obje<^ not to myftery in the revelations of his grace. To God, as a Lord and Ruler, you are bound to facrifice eftate, honour, eafe, every outward enjoy- ment, however valuable, and even life itfelf. And ii> no fubmiflion and reverence due to God as a Teacher? If your will fhould bow to his authority, by obeying unpleafant and difficult commands, tell me, if you can, is there any impropriety in your underflanding doing homage to his wifdom, by believing what you cannot comprehend? Plead not, that a revelation of myfleries is ufelefs, and that a rule of duty is the only thing important in religion. That is not ufelefs, which, by difcoveries beyond the reach of nature, abates the pride of knowledge, humbles man in his own eyes, excites his prayers for the fpirit of wifdom and rev elation j and inflames his defires of that flate, in which he fhall no more fee darkly and through a glafs, but face to face, and fhall know, even as he is known "*. The reafonings, therefore, of the enemies of mylle- ries, originate from pride of heart, not from foundnefs of judgment. To get rid of myfleries, one rejeds the facred volume, in which, he acknowledges, they are clearly contained. With an air of triumph, he demands. Why is not every doftrine in revelation free from darknefs and difficulty ? This is, indeed, to afk. Why man is not as wife as his Maker ? Why his underflanding is fmite ? Or, Why what is finite cannot comprehend what is infinite ? It would be an. inquiry lefs foohfh, why a child, of five years of age, A a cannot 1 Job, si, 7. " I Cor. xHi. 12. 354 THE IMPORTANT MYSTERY ^Dl'sc, IC» cannot undcrfland an intricate feries of mathematical or philofophical propofitions. — Another fets out with the fame idea of the extent and ftrength of his un- derftanding ; but, unwilling to pronounce the apoflles impoftors or enthufiafts, or to deny the infpiration of their writings, proceeds, by a road lefs dired, to his" conclufion. By forced unnatural criticifm, he wrefts Scriptures to a fenfe, which, fuitably to his ideas^ banilhes myflery from the gofpel. He fuppofes, that he can exprefs himfelf with greater clearnefs and ac- curacy, and better explain the mind of Jefus, than it ■was explained by his firfl difciples. If men of this temper are in the right, they may claim the honour, without the leafl breach of modefly, that their depth of penetration has enabled them more clearly to dif- clofe the nature, genius, and tendency of Chriflianity, than they who learned it from the mouth of Jefus, and were by him commiffioned to teach it to the world. Thefe feemed to fay, that the dodrine of the crofs was, to the wifdom of the world, fooliflmefs ; and that angels delighted to contemplate it, and more fully to know it. But the reformers of the eighteenth century teach, that the doclrine of the crofs is eafy to- be underflood ; and that men of ordinary capacities may, with little if udy, know all of it, that is worthy to be known. Judge, whether you will credit the plain text of the apoitles, or thefc mens ingenious, but {trained interpretations. III. The doclrine of our Lord's incarnation, is a myftery of godlinefs. It is allowed, that truths, altogether unknown, and dodrines perfectly unintelligible, can be no motives to piety. But, notwithftanding this, motives to piety may be Pari!.'] OF THE I NCARNATION. ;555 be derived from that, in a myftery, which is known and underflood. Though I cannot comprehend the dodrinc of the Trinity, or the Divinity and Sonfhip of Chrift, I may underftand enough of the love of the Father, in fending his Son to be the Saviour of the world, and of redemption being purchafed by his blood, to influence my temper and condud. Arti- cles of natural religion deeply affedt us, which yet are obfcurely and imperfedly known. God, as the Author and Lord of the univerfe, may be worfhipped and ferved, though we cannot explain the connexion be- tween the will of God, and the univerfe rifmg from nothing to exiftence. Obligations to Providence may be gratefully felt, though we are ignorant how God operates on bodies and fpirits ; and how he preferves every part of the fyilem of nature, and the parts of every part. Mens condud may be influenced, by their believing that the foul fhall exifl: in another (late, whofe knowledge of the human mind, and, ilill more, of the world to come, is extremely imperfed. GodHnefs, in the apoftolic writings, fignifies the fear and love of God, and the fteady refolutions and endeavours, flowing from them, to do his will ; and that myftery, which contains the ftrongeft motives to godlincfs, and, when rightly believed, produces it, may well be termed a myftery of godlinefs. The coming of Chrift in the flefh, to obey and fuf- fer, was intended, not only to reftore to man the fa- vour of God, but aifo to reftore his conformity to the image and will of God. For this purpofe was the Son of God manifefted, that he might deftroy the works of the devil ". He gave himfelf for us, to re- deeni us from all iniquity, and to purify us to himfelf a peculiar people, zealous of good worKs °. He was A a 3 made " J John iil. 8. f Titus ii. 13. 35^ THE IMPORTANT MYSTERY \^DlSC. lO. made a curfe, that we might receive the promife of the Spirit through faith p. Now, all this was revealed, that we might be fandi- fied through the truth. The view which it exhibits, both of the JLiftice and goodnefs of God, affords the ftrongefl motives to reverence of God's authority, va- lue for his favour, trufl in his mercy, and obedience to his laws. To thee, O prefumptuous tranfgreflbr I it proclaims, that God is a confuming fire, of purer eyes than to behold iniquity with indifference, or to fuffer it to efcape unpunifhed. The judgement inflicted by God on his dearly beloved Son, binds thee to ferve him with reverence and godly fear, and tells thee what mull be the end of thofe who lead an ungodly life. To you, who are weary and heavy laden, who fay, our fins are upon us, we pine away in them, and how fhall we live ? it opens a door of hope, and prepares you for hearkening to the call, Turn ye, turn ye, from your evil ways, for why will you die ? By inflaming gratitude, and by affuring you, that, through the pur- chafed Spirit, your labours fhall not be in vain, ic light- ens the yoke of duty, and beftows freedom, ferenity, and delight in the worOiip and fervice of God. The aftonifliing difcovery of the love of the Father, in fend- ing his Son to refcue finners from guilt and mifery, may find men alienated from him, and enemies to himj but cannot, when truly known and believed, leave them in that ftate of diftance and enmity. A lively con- vidion, that we are beloved by one, whofe rank and charader we refpeft, by the inftindts of nature, kindles a reciprocal affeftion, and a warm defire to preferve that love, and to exprefs for it correfpondent grati- tude. How powerful, then, muft be the influence of the P Gal. iii, 13, 14. Tart 2.] OF THE incarnation. 357 the fenfe of the love of God, in fendmg his Son, foed •abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghoft 1 How facred and venerable the precepts and fandlions of that law^ which, God nianifeft in the flelli, h'ath, by his obe- dience and fuiferings, magnified and made honourable. I How tranfcendently excellent, and how tenderly af- feding, the pattern the Saviour hath given, of love to God, benevolence to man, humility, meeknefs, for- givenefs of injuries, and a felf-denying, patient obe- dience ! Rob not that pattern, my dear hearers, of its pecuhar and diftinguiiliing , lovelinefs, and glory and efficacy, by imagining it the pattern of a mere creature, though of the higheft order. Forget not the dignity of His perfon, to whofe blood, merits, and in-, terceffion, you are indebted, for all you have in time, and hope for through eternity. Forget not, that He was infinitely near and dear to the Father, who, in his name, by his authority and appointment, came to fave you. This, rightly remembered, tvill ezidear his ex- ample, recommend his precepts, and fweetly conftrain you to love him, and to live to his praife. Strip reli- gion of this myflery, and you flrip it of that, which, above every other dodrine, kindles and cheriflies the facred flame of gratitude in the heart, and excites to run with cheerfulnefs and conftancy in every path of commanded duty. The moments of temptation often leave little leifure for refieftion, and hurry men on to criminal indulgence, ere reafon andconfcience can exert their power. But the greater myflfi'y of godlinefs, re- quires no long and difficult recolleftion, is eafily re- membered, awakens attention, roufes from fecurity,- penetrates into the inmofl receifes ; of , the foul, and brings the aifeclions into a willing captivity. " Shall *^ I do this great wickednefs, and fin againft Kim, A a 3 " who 35^ THE IMPORTANT MYSTERY [Dwr. 10. *' who was made man, lived and ^ied, to deliver me " from going down to the pit ? Shall I count any " duty difficult, any mortification rigorous, any fuf- *' fering fevere, to teflify my regards to Him, vi^ho, '' though rich, for my fake became poor ?" They mufl be foolilh and unbelieving, who feel not the ob- ligations refulting from this myftery. The frame and conflitution of human nature, admits not fuch infenfi- bility, where it is indeed underllood and believed. Exclaim not, therefore, againft that doiStrine, as bar- ren fpeculation; which, while it gives peace to the con- fcience, and firmnefs and elevation to hope, betters the heart, and amends the life. If thou art a friend of virtue, keep it as the apple of thine eye ; pre- ferve it facred and inviolable. If it be denied, or, by falfe interpretations, be explained away ; the flrongefl reftraint from fm is removed, and holinefs is deprived of its chief nourifliment. Difficult it often is, to main- tain confciences void of offence towards God, and to- wards man. Difficult to hold fall integrity, and not let it go, notwithflanding the felicitations of indwel- ling corruption, the afPaults of the powers of darknefs, and the allurements and terrors of the world. Wrefl not from the Chriflian, the fword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Break not the point of that fword ; blunt not its edge. Weaken not the efficacy of the word of God, by overlooking, or rejecting, the animating truth, that God in our nature is the be- liever's Captain and Defender; and that he aflumed our nature, to fave his people from their fins, to bruife Satan underneath their feet, and to dehver them from a prefent evil w^orld. — Other principles may produce a lifelefs fhadow of holinefs, a form of godlinefs, with- out the power thereof. Inward vital godlinefs they cannot part 2.] OF THE INCARNATION. 35^ cannot produce. The heart is firft purified by faith in gofpel myfteries ; and, without this faith, fpiritual life can be no more fupported, than natural life with- out food. But thefe inyfteries, feen in a true light, received as faithful fayings, and worthy of all accepta- tion, infpire correfponding fentiments, alTeClions, and refolution^, and excite to a fuitable practice. Spiritual light is accompanied with fpiritual life and heat. It is impo/rible to underftand and realize the w^onders of redeeming love, and yet not love him who firft loved us ; or to love him, and yet habitually and prefump- tuoufly trample under foot his authority, and do the evil and abominable thing which his foul hateth. IV. The doctrine of the Incarnation, is the pillar and ground of the truth : not of truth, or even religious truth in general, but of the word of truth, the gofpel of our falvation, in w^hich that plan of redemption is publifhed, which reafon could never have difcovered. Much idle learning has been employed, in illuftrat- ing the word pillar^ from the pillar of fire and cloud which directed the Ifraelites ; from the pillars before judgment-halls, on which laws w^ere often infcribcd ; and, from the pillars in the temple of Diana, at Ephe- fus, which, by the images and narratives there engrav- ed, taught fables, idolatry, and immorality. But it cannot be afcertained, by any good rule of interpreta- tion, that Paul alluded to thofe, or any other particular kind of pillars. The word pillar, by itfelf, fuggefts no more, than that wood, or ftone, on which part of a building refts, and by means of which it is preferved from finking, or falling. A dodrine is the pillar of other truths, which fupports and defends them, and A a ^ which 560 THE IMPORTANT MYSTERY \^DisC. lO. which muft be maintained, if we would not weaken their authority. The original word, rendered ground, occurs nowhere elfe in the facred writings. By its derivation, however, it evidently fignifies, that upon which any thing firmly refls. Here, therefore, where it relates to a building, and is joined to the word pillar, it means foundation. A pillar only fupporcs part of a fabric. A foundation bears the weight of the whole building. The metaphor intimates, that the dbdrine of the per- fon and incarnation of Jefus, is neceflary to the fupport of the whole dodrine of redemption ; and that, if the doctrine of the Incarnation were taken away, the whole dodrine of Redemption would fall to the ground. E- very other article of. faith relfs upon, and derives fta- bility from its connexion with this. If the Son of God did not affume a true body and a reafonable foul ; he was not the Lamb of God, who taketh away the fins of the world. Sins could not be forgiven through his blood, who had no blood to fhed : his birth, his life, his deaih, his refurreclion, were appearances only, not realities. Jefus could be no more than a Divine mef- fenger, fent to teach men the difpofitions and duties by which they were to fave themfelves. Man, by the proper exertion of his own powers, could cure his mo- ral diforders, and recommend himfelf to the Divine favour. All this was accordingly taught by the an- cient heretics, who denied the Incarnation. By their fyilem, Jefus was only an ccon, fent from above, to teach fouls, imprifoned in bodies" by the evil principle, to whom they afcribed the creation of the material world y how, by enfeebling their impure bodies, they might free themfelves from that prifon, and render themfelves worthy of afcending to the manfions of the Supreme Part 2.3 OF THE INCARNATION. 361 Supreme God. — 'The dodrine of redemption Is equally deflroyed, by modern fyflems, which acknowledge, that Jefus was partaker of flefh and blood, but deny his proper divinity. Very confiftently with this fun- damental error, thefe fyilems affert, that the death of Chrift was no atonement of infinite value ; and that, indeed, no fuch atonement was neceflary, the guilt of fm being in no fenfe infinite. Do we require proof that the Incarnation is a funda- mental dodrine ? Paul, who expefted foon to fee Timothy, left he fhoukl tarry longer, inftruds him how to conduct himfelf in the church of the living God ; and particularly, what fubjefts of difcourfe were moft neceflary and important. And he does It thus : " A pillar and foundation of truth, is that great myf- " tery of godlinefs, God was manifeft in the flelli. '* Doth not this ftiew hov/ deeply Paul was concerned, that all the hearers of the gofpel lliould know, believe, and be deeply affected with this doctrine ? The beloved difciple propofes this myftery, as the great criterion for diftinguilhing true embalTadors of Jefus from falfe teachers. " Hereby know ye the Spirit of God. E- " very fpirit that confefTeth that Jefus Chrift is come " In the flefb, is of God ; and every fpirit that con- " feffeth not that Jefus Chrift is come in the flefh, is " not of God : and this is that Spirit of Antichiift, " whereof you have heard that it fliould come, ; and, " even now, already it is in the world s. '* In thofe early times, fome, who acknowledged the Divine mif- fion of Jefus, difputcd againft his perfonal dignity, or his affumption of human nature. John, in his gofpel, had confuted their opinion, from the words of Jefus himf jlf J and, in his epiftle, declares, that he confix dered ° 1 John iv, 2; 3. 3^2 THE IMPORTANT MYSTERY \^D!sC, 10* dered thofe who maintained that opinion, not as Chri- ftians, but as enemies and oppofers of Chrift. It is the glory of our rehgion, that it reveals a plan by which fm is pardoned, in a way honourable to the Di- vine perfections and government, and which gives no encouragement to future tranfgrefTion : as an indemni- ty to offenders, merely on account of repentance and reformation, muft have done. The idea of our being delivered from going down to the pit, by Jefus paying for us a ranfom of infinite value, falls to the ground, if his blood was not fhed, or if it was not the blood of the Son of God. But, if a perfon fo glorious was treated as a fmner, that we might be treated as righte- ous ; deeper imprefTions mufl be made of the fpotlefs purity, and tremendous juftice of God, on every mind capable of juft refleftion, than if the tranfgrefTor, in his own perfon, had fuffered the juil punifliment of his deeds, or even if a world of tranfgreffors had been doomed to the vengeance of eternal fire. The firll thing in a building, is the laying the foundation ; and the firfl thing peculiar to Chriftiani- ty, which the apoftles taught, was, the incarnation of Jefus, and his redeeming us to God through his blood : though, to pave the way for this truth being received, they alfo inculcated the principles and obHga- tions of natural religion, and the evidences of Chrifti- anity, from prophecy and miracles. Thus, Paul ac- quaints the Corinthians "■, " Moreover, brethren, I *' declare unto you the gofpel which I preached unto " you, which alfo you have received, and wherein '' you fland. By which alfo ye are faved, if ye keep " in memory what I preached unto you, unlefs ye *' have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you, } Cor. sv, I — 3. Pari a.] of the incarnation. 363 *-^ firjl of all, that which I aho received, how that " Chrifl: died lor our fins, according to the fcrip- " tures. '* Peter, in his firfl fermon to the houfe of Ifrael, tells them, God had made Jefus, whom they had crucified, both Lord and Chrifl : and, in his next fermon, charges them v/ith having killed the Prince of Life C Human policy firft prefents the fair and favourable fide of a fvftem ; begins her leffons with what is mofl plain and agreeable, and proceeds, by flow fleps, to what is more difficult and unpleaflmt. Not fo, the firfl difciples of Jcfus. They well knew, that many would confider them as men of difordercd brains, for combining the ideas of God and flefli, e- temlty and birth, immenfity and a manger, a fliame- ful death, and bringing many fons unto glory. They were fenfible, that Chrifl crucified for the falvation of finners, was to the Jews a flambling block, and to the Greeks fooHfhnefs. The wifdom of the world would fuggefl, that the preaching of the crofs, at leafl the delivering that dodlrine to their hearers firfl of all, tended inllantaneouily to raife prejudice, and to expofe them and their religion to contempt. Had they been impoflors, they would never have formed fo unpromifing a plan for gaining profelytes. But, knowing they were Chrift'c cmbaffadors, inflead of walking in craftinefs, and handling the word of God deceitfully, they flriftly adhered to the inflruftions of their Lord and Saviour, v.hofe almighty power, they were fatisfied, could fecure a reception to their mef- fage; and, furely, fuch manifeflation of the truth, would better commend modern teachers to every man's confcience in the fight of God, than omitting, or f Ads 11. 36. ; III. 13, 3^4 THE IMPOPv-TANT MYSTERY \^Disc. lO. or difgulfing in fermons, or chatechetical inftruclions, thofe great things of the gofpel. But, why do I fpeak of omiffions or difguife ? There are many, who declaim againft that doftrine as an uncertain fpeculation, of little or no importance, which the apoflles fo often reprefent as the very foun- dation of Chriftianity. But, if Jefus was divinely com- miffioned, even for no other purpofe than to enlighten and reform mankind ; furely, he would not have incul- cated upon the apoflles, as worthy of all acceptation, and the great mean of advancing holinefs and virtue, what was either oppofite to truth, or what had no ten- dency to promote right difpofitions and conduft. Je- fus was too wife, to addrefs his familiar friends by pompous and abftrufe language, which they could not underftand : or to attempt enlightening the world, by involving himfelf in a darknefs, which deceived even thofe, who had the bed opportunities and ad- vantages for underftanding him. If the apoflles un- derflood not, what Jefus had often, and in the plain- eft manner repeated to them, and fo miflook the mind of their Mailer, as to imagine he was revealing myile- ries, when he was only enforcing moral precepts : their dulnefs and flupidity muft have rendered them very incompetent witnefTes of what he taught. If they deliberately mifreprefented, what they fufficiently underftood ; they mufl have been deteflable impoftors. On either fuppofition, their Mafter was neither pru- dent, nor fortunate, in employing them to communi- cate his inflrudions to others. If the paiTages of the New Teftament, which affert the truth or importance of the myftery of redemption, were, after the deaths of the apoflles, inferted in their writings by ill-defign- ing men : the ufe of divine revelation is deftroyed ; and \\ Part 2.] OF THE INCARNATION. C.^^ and men may afcribe what part of the New Teftament they choofe, to Chrift and his apoflles ; and attribute what they dislike, to thofe corrupters of their writings. If dodlrines are contained in the genuine text of fcrip- ture, and are fo interwoven with the whole of revela- tion, that, if they are denied, revelation mufl fall to the ground : our dark and imperfect conceptions of thofe dodrines, and the difficulties we find in recon- ciling them with, other truths, are no reafons for our explaining words and phrafes in a manner oppofite to their natural meaning, to the connexion in which they ftand, or to the general fyftem of the facred ora- cles. Paifages in Plato's Dialogues, obfcure and hard to be underftood, would not vindicate us in giving them an interpretation, which the grammatical import of the words, or the known ideas of that philofopher, do not admit. Yet, by the arts ufed to torture texts, which prove the divinity and atonement of Chriil, a fubtile genius may find any thing in any writer ; the doctrines, for inftance, of Epicurus, in the Dialogues of Plato, or the meditations of Marcus Antoninus. They, therefore, who arraign the do6trine of the In- carnation, if they would reafon confidently, mufl ei- ther deny the truth of the Chriflian revelation, or maintain that it is dark and obfcure, and an infuffici- ent rule of faith and pradice. With no greater juf- tice can fuch claim the Chriflian name, than others might pretend to be Platonifls, or Stoics, who rejeft- ed the diflinguifhing opinions of thofe fchools, and on- ly received, what they held in common with Epicu- reans. And now, what is the conclufion of the whole matter ? Think ^66 THK IMPORTANT MYSTERY [Z)//r. 10, Think it not flrange, that the gofpel often meets with bad entertainment, that fome pronounce the my- fteries of it fooHfhnefs, and others account the godli- nefs thefe myfteries tend to produce, an infupportable yoke. The fentiments and pradices of a world, accuf- tomed to fpeak evil of things which they know not, are probably wrong, at leaft are a dangerous and deceitful guide. Form your ideas of the great myftery of god- linefs, not by the fyftem which chances to be moft fafhi- onable, or mofl popular ; not by the changeable opini- ons of fallible men ; but by that word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. Study the facred volume, which is able to make you wife unto falvation, through faith in Chrifl; Jefus. As this myftery is peculiarly made manifeft to the faints, ye, who would under- ftand it, ought firft of all to be felicitous that you are indeed faints. The gofpel reveals a highway to fal- vation, which the unclean fhall not pafs over ; while the wayfaring man, though a fool, fhall not err there- in \ Preferve the myftery of faith, in a pure con- fcience ". Endeavour, by converfmg with living faints, and perufmg the writings of dead ones, to fup- ply what is wanting in your knowledge. If angels learn from the Church ", and a Paul expected improvement by converfmg with the Chriftians at Rome "' : let not the beft inftrufled defpife opportunities of learning from men of meaner talents. The eye cannot fay un- to the hand, I have no need of thee ^ The myftical body of Chrift: muft grow up to its full ftature, by that which every part fupplieth K The church, in one age and country, may often greatly avail herfelf of the light and knowledge of the church in another. Above ' If. XXXV. 8. u I Tim. ill. 9. ' Eph. iii. 10. ^ Rom. i. II, 12. ^ I Cor. xii. 21. ^ Eph. iv. 16. Part 2.] OF THE INCARNATION. 367 Above all, remember, that none teacheth like God. Afk, therefore, wifdom of Him, who giveth to all li- berally, and upbraideth not, and it fhall be given you ". Learn, from this fubjeft, to diftinguifh true religion, and genuine piety, from counterfeit appearances. Hea- thenifm and Popery have their myfleries ; but they are myfteries of iniquity. Socinianifm extols piety and virtue ; but renounces the myfteries which alone can produce them. True Chriftianity reveals myfte- ries, to humble pride, and, at the fame time, to mor- tify and fubdue corrupt inclinations. The religion of fome is all in their underftandings, and never pene- trates to their hearts. Their knowledge is barren and unfruitful. Of the Trinity, Incarnation, and .Atonement, they can difcourfe learnedly. The re- covering the image of God, and fellov.ihip with him, and being faved from the dominion of fm, though chief ends of the coming of Chrift, arc none of their care. Others, who imagine themfelves pious and holy, having no light and difcernment in the myfte- ries of the kingdom, are hurried on, by a blind zeal to a faith and practice, in which there is no beauty, harmony nor regularity. Faith and godlinefs, lio-ht and heat, muft be united in the true Chriftian. Pietv without myftery, wants her moft effeclual motive, and firnieft fupport. And the myftery of godlinefs will foon be corrupted, when men receive not the truth in the love of it, but imprifon it in unnghteoufnefs. Entertain tliis duclrinc in a manner fuitabic to its nature. It is a myftery. Affect not to be wife above what is written. Admire and adore, what thou canft not fully comprehend. Let thy underftanding do homage to 68 THE IMl>ORTANT MYSTERY, &C. \^DisC. 10, to the Divine teflimony. Receive this doftrine, not as the word of man, but, as it is in truth, the word of the living God. It is a myftery of godlinefs. By indulging eafe and fecurity, while profligate and immoral, ad not as if it were a myftery of iniquity. Remember that mere fpeculative knowledge will condemn, not fave thee. Suffer the truth to have its proper and full influence on thy temper and behaviour. Adorn the doftrine of God our Saviour in all things, that they who believe not the word, may be won by thy amiable and exem- plary converfation. It is the pillar and ground of truth. Prize that gofpel, which has publiflied to thee a doctrine fo tranfcendently glorious and important. Count all things elfe lofs and dung for the excellency of the knowlege of Chrifl:. Every thing in the world, yea, the world itfelf, will be little and inconfiderable in thine eyes, if this myftery is feen by thee in its true greatnefs. Blefs the Lord, who hath caufed light to arife upon thee ; and pity and pray for thofe who yet remain in darknefs. A P P E N APPENDIX. THE COMMON REABIl-IG I TiM iil. 1 6. VINDICATED. k>0?vlE, who deny the divinity of Chriil, to. blunt the force of the argument in favour of that doclrine, from the words God was mamfeji in the flsfi^ allege, that the word God^ eioc, was by fome blind zealot folded into the text after the apoflollc age ; and that the true reading is, either oc, as in five manufcnpts of fome antiquity, or o, as in the old Clermont manufcript at Cambridge, and probably as in the kyen manufcripts, from which the Vulgate, the A- rabic publiflled by Erpenius, both^ the Syriacs, the Coptic, the Armenian, and the Ethiopian verfions, are tranilatcd. But, is it fair, to prefer a reading in five manufcripts ; or a fecond, by the maft favourable reckoning, only in eight ; to a third, in an hundred ? k cannot be the true reading ; for there is no preced- ing word, to which it can refer. The rules of gram- mar do not admit, that the neuter, fAv^i^m, fliould be antecedent to the mafculine c?. h will indeed better conneft with juv^i^toy. But the allowing the authority of eight manufcripts in fupport of that -reading, is a concefTion much too liberal. I fliall fay nothing -of the Clermont manufcript. The examining its autho- rity, and its genuine reading in this paffage, is too long and difficult an inveftigation for an appendix. The teflimony of the above mentioned tranfiations, is Bb far 27<3 APPENDIX TO DISC. X, far from declfive. The Arabic,' publifhed by Er- penius, mud be flruck out from the lift, as it was only made from the Syriac ; whereas, an excellem: Arabic tranilation from the Greek, pubiifned by Wal- ton, confirms our reading. The reading, in the ma- nufaipt ufed by the publiflicd Syriac verfion, is un- certain : for the author employs the word dalyth^ which, often has the feme fignification as the Greek 0?/ : he may therefore have read 0e5<, and yet not fet it down, becaufe it occurred a little before. The. unpubliilied Syriac is of ftill lefs weight, if Wetftein is in the right, that many abfurd readings were added to- it by Thomas Charckell. Equally ftrong exceptions to the evidence from the Other four verfions, may be found in Bengelius's Apparatus, and in Baumgarten's Vindicius vocis Gtcc, i Tim. iii. i6. Hall. 1754. The teftimony of almoft all the' Greek and Eaftern fathers, v.ho read ©ee? as we do, deferves greater regard, than that of Latin fathers not earlier than the fourth cen- tuiy, very imperfeftly acquainted with the Greek, and who therefore adopted, what they found in the Latin verfioi>, the Vv-ord quod inftead of Dens. It isr not clear, that qiwd there fignifies that : it may alfo be ti'anilated becau/e^ or Jifice. And then the fenfc will be, " Without controverfy great is the myfterr " of godlinefs, becaufe, or fincc. He " (/. e. tiie living- Ood, mentioned a little before) " was made manifeft ^^ in the flefli. '* The- variety of readings is eafily ac» counted for, if we fuppofe ©io? the original reading : for, when that word was contracted into Q'S, a tran- fcriber might negled, or write faintly, the middle ftrokc in the firfl of thefe letters ; and another might- hence naturally fuppofe that the word was k. A third,, obferving that k vrould make the fentcnce ungram- maticalj APPENDIX TO DISC. X, 374 rrlatical, might change it into o. Now, they who think k, or o, the true reading, cannot fo ealily account for either of thofe being changed into Qtoi. I'he fup- pofing 0fsf a defigned falfification, is altogether unrea- fonable ; for there was no temptation to have made this falfification ; that name being given to Jefus, in texts, where the reading is uncontroverted. Wetflein Indeed appeals to Liberatus, Hincmar, and Fulbert, as relating, that, to favour the Neflorlans, Macedonius, in the fixth century, changed k to 0ecf ; for which falfification of fcripture, he was depofed and banifhed by Anaftafms. I will not repeat what has been urged by Pearfon, Bentley, Baumgarten, and Pfoffius, to demonftate the ridiculoufrtefs of this charge. It cannot be true ; for the writings of the Greek fathers, long before the fixth. century, prove that 0£fc was the reading In their copies- If thefe tefhimonies prove that Macedonius corrupted this paflage, they equally prove that the corruption was difcovered, and the true reading rellored. How then. tan it be accounted for, that almoft all our manufcripti have 0£oc, not oc F — Internal probablHty alfo favour* the common reading ; according to which, nothing is alferted, which does not perfectly correfpond with other iexts of fcripture, which Ipeak of " the Word as God," and " the Word as made flefh " — " the Son of God ^' as come in the fleih, " kc. That k cannot be the true reading, has been already proved. If we read o ; /'.ortj'.'cK, the antecedent to o, muft eitlier meaii a doc-- trine, or a perfon. If myflery means a do£lriac, as it generally does in the facred volume ; vyhat can W3 make of thefe words, " Great is the myflery of god- " linefs, which was manifeft in the flefli — and received ^' itp into glory ? " Or, if we lefs naturally* interpret myftory, of a perfon, and fuppofe that the Redeemer Boa,' is 372 APPENDIX TO DISC. X. is termed the my fiery of godlinefs : they who deny his divinity, will gain nothing : as he who is firft fty- led the myftery of godlinefs, is evidently diflinguiflied from the flefh in which he was raanifefted, and there- fore muft poiTefs fomething greater and more myfte- rious, than that flefh or humanity. Wetflein, to avoid fome of thefe difficulties, conjectures that the word Tfe'/o fliould be inferted before o, and that the paflfage fnould be rendered thus : " The myftery of godlinefs " is great ; that which was manifefted in the flefh, " was juilified in the fpirit, " &c. But no manufcript authoriles this conjefture. No account can be given, why the apoflle fpeaks of Jefus (of whom this hypo- thefis acknowledges that he fpeaks) in this unufual manner, " that which was manifeft in the fiefli ;" and does not rather fay, " Jefus was juftified in the fpi- " rit ; '* or, " he who was manifeft in the fiefli, was " juftified in the fpirit. " Should we even fuppofe, that fpeaking of Chrift as a thing, and not as a per- fon, was natural ; ftill, the words, " that which was " manifeft in the flefh, " fuppofe that he, who was manifefted in human nature, had another nature, fu- perior to that in which he was manifefted. I have abridged thefe criticifms from the learned Moflieim's German commentary on this epiftle. The abfurd attempts of fome older Socinians, who difputed not the common reading of this fcripture, to reconcile it with their ideas of the pejfon of Chrift, are well expofed in Dr Abbadie's ingenious Treatife on the Divinity of Chrift, fed. 3. chap. 2. DIS. DISCOURSE XL JESUS JUSTIFIED IN THE SPIRIT. 1 Timothy ili. i6. GOD WAS MANIFEST IN THE FLESH, JUSTIFIED !^' THE SPIRIT. A ROM thefe words, I ihall firfl explain how the Di- vine Perfon, manifefted in the flefli, was juflified in the fpirit ; and then direct you to the praclical im- provement of the fubject. I. Jaftifying, is the abfolvlng from a charge, and pronouncing innocent. Thus, Wifdom is juftitied of her children. They clear her from the accufations of her enemies, and declare their fentiments of her, as excellent and lovely. Some think, that the fpirit, here, means the divine nature of Chrifl, becaufe it is oppofed to the fiejlo^ in which he was manifefted ; for which reafon, they in- terpret the ^'oxdi fpirit in the fame manner, becaufe diftinguiflied from his humanity In other three palfa- ges of fcripture : " ^ How much more fliall the blood *^ of Chrift, who, through the Eternal Spirit, offered " himfelf without fpot to God, purge your con- *^ fcience from dead works to ferve the living God ?'* " b Who was made of the feed of David, according '* to the ^q{[-\, and declared to be the Son of God ^* with power, according to the Spirit of holinefs, by B b 3 " the ^ Heb. ix. 14, •» Rom. i. 3, 4. 374 JESUS JUSTIFIED \^Disc. II. " the refurre£lion from the dead. " " "^ Chrlft was *' put to death in the flefii, but quickened by the Spi- *' rit. " Others think, that the Spirit, here, means the Holy GhoR, the Third Perfon of the Trinity. A de- tail of the criticlfms, by which both interpretations have been ably fupported, would be unedifying to ma- riy ; and the giving either a preference is needlefs j as, in both fenfes, Jefus was jullified by the Spirit. But, fro7/'i tuhat charge %uas he jujl'ificd^ It is :-in important truth, that, by his glorious rc'rurre(flion, and the confequent effufion of the Spirit, he was de- clared abfolved from the fms which were laid upon him as our furety and fubftitute. He bare our fms in his own body on the tree. He was made a curfe. for us. He was made fm for us, who knew no fm. But, as he bare, fo he expiated our guilt. He freely paid the debt we owed to Divine Juftice, and ceafed not to fuifer, till he could fay. It is finljhed. The debc being paid, the bonds of death are loofed, the prifoa of the grave is opened, and the furety is releafed, and receives a full difcharge. All this v/as through his Di- ^'ine nature. That enabled him to oifer himfelf an ac- ceptable facrifice to God. For, had he not been the "brightnefs of the Father*s glory, and the exprefs image ■'of his perfon, he could not thus by himfelf have pur- •ged our fms. Probably, however, our text relates to the charge brought againfl Jefus, by the ignorance ;ind malice of men, rather than to that brought ^gainli him by the juflice of God. I obferved, in a former difcourfe, that God was manifefl in the flefh, not only as he alfumed human nature, but as he alTumed it in circumflances of the lowed abafement. He had no form nor comelinefs in I I Pet. Hi. 18, Disc. II.] IN THE SPIRIT. ^75 in him, why he fhftuid be defired. Poverty, reproach and perfecution, veiled, from the carnal eye, the glories of his divinity. He was in the world, and the world v/as made by him : yet, fuch was his outward meannefs, the world knew him not. They imagined him a blafphemous impoftor, who falfely pretended that he was indeed the Son of God, and the Saviour of the world. Nov/, from thefe charges, he was juf- tified by the Spirit, whether we underlland, by fpirit, his Divine nature, or the Holy Ghoft. I. lie was juftified by his Divine nature, or by fhofe beams of divinity, v^^hich often broke forth, and brightly {hone, in his darkeft nights of humiliation and fuffering. He did not dilplay his royalty by a fplendid equipage, by fumptuous entertainments, or by advancing his followers to worldly honours. But he difplayed it more glorioufly, by giving, what no earthly prince could give, health to the difeafed, life to the dead^ virtue to the profligate, and pardon to the guilty. Though a poor and mean woman was his mother, he was conceived and born of a virgin, the Holy Ghofl coming upon her, and the power of the Higheft overfliadowing her. Though born in a liable, and laid in a manger, the wife men of the Eaft, taught by a fupernatur?.! ftar, difcover Deity amidfl this abafement : Nay, an innum.erable multitude of the heavenly hoft, join together in folemnizing his feem- ingly ignoble birth. He fpoke and acled, not as a man only, but as God. When he difcovcred the figns of hu- man infirmity, he alfo difcovercd the attributes of Divine glory and power. He v/as tempted of the devil. But the devil could not enter the mofc defpicable animal, without his permifTion. As a man he hungers, and is r,iaint?.ined by the kindnefs of pious women, who mini- :B b 4 fter 3/6 JESUS JUSTIFIED (^DiSC. II.' fter to him of their fubftance. As God, he miraculonfly feeds thoufands with a few loaves and fillies. He is bap- tized by John. But, at his baptifm, the Father pro- claims, " This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well " pleafed." One moment, weary with labour, he falls afleep ; a great fiorm of wind arifes; the waves beatj and the iliip, where he fleeps, feems ready to fmk. But, in that dangerous crifis, he rebukes the wind ; fays to the fea, " Peace, be ftill: '* and lo ! the ftorm is turned into a calm, at his command and will. By paying tribute to Casfar, he appears a fervant of rulers. By caufuig a lilh fetch him the tribute money, he manifefts, that the filh of the fea, and whatfocver paiTeth through the paths of the fea, are under his dominion. Did the charader and circum- ftances of his difciples obfcure his glory ? His -deter- mining them with a word to forfake all, and follow him, fliewed, that even the hearts of men are in his hand, and that he turneth them which way foever he w^'l. The foolifiiiids of God appears wifer than man, and the v/eaknefs of God flronger than man, when he beftows ou thofe his dcfpifed followers, mi- raculous powers, and a mouth and wifdom whicli their enemies cannot gainfay or refift. As a par- taker of ileili and blood, he hath compaffion on the wretched. As God, he reheves them. His humanity is touched with the cries and fupplications of the blind, the lame, the lepers : but the hand ftretched out in their behalf, is tl:e hand of the Almighty. He wills, and the blind fee ;. the lame- walk ; and tha lepers are cleanfed. He fympathizes, as man, with the weeping widow of Main. Through his power as God, the only fon, vv^ho was carrying to his grave, is reftored p his mo.thei-. As man, he weeps at the grave of his beloved J^isc. 11.] IN TFIE SPIRIT. 377 beloved Lazarus. As God, he fpeaks with power, '* Lazarus, come forth ! " Vv hen apprehended as a malefactor, he demonflrates, that no man could have taken his life from him, if he had not of himfelf been willing to lay it dovv-n. He alks thofe fent to apprehend him, " Whom feek ye ?" and inftantly they go back- ward, and fall to the ground. If men infult his faffer- ings, the fun is darkened, the earth trembles, and all nature feems convuli'ed, when the Lord of nature fuffers. When, by the fentence of earthly judges, he is nailed to the accurfed tree, even then he fpoils prin- cipaiiries and powers, and makes a ihew of them open- ly, triumphing over them on the crofs. When pour- ing out his foul unto death, he divides a portion w^ith the great, and divides the fpoil with the (Irong. He faves others, wlien his enemies fcornfully fay, that himfelf he could not fave. He hangs on a crofs be- tween - two thieves, who, in the beginning of his crucifixion, profanely joined in reproaching and up- braiding him. Bv an act of unmerited and Almighty- grace, he refcues one of them as a brand out of the burning ; convinces him that he was a Prince and Saviour, and -beifows upon him a place in paradife. When brought to the dull of death, and feemingly overcome ; invifibly he conquers, and by death de- flroys death, and him that had the power of it, that is, the devil. Perhaps fome may plead, that the miracles of Jefus prove indeed rhat he was an embaflador fent from God ; but no more prove his deity, than the deity of the apoftles can be proved, from their doing the works that Cihrid did, and even greater works than thefe, according to his promife, Jo. xiv. 12. The preceding part of that chapter, where our Lord argues. 5/5 JESUS JUSTIFIED [^Disc, II# argues, from his miracles, that he was in the Father, and the Father in him, and that he who had feen Iiim, had feen the Father, fugged a fufficient, though Ihort reply to that objedion. So far were the apoflles from claiming deity, that they abhorred and rejected the divine honours fome offered them. Jefus wrought miracles, and profeffed to work them in his own name, and by his own power ; the apoflles declared, that they wrought them, only in the name, and by the power of Jefus. 2. Jefus was juflified ; and the charges of enthu- fiafm or impofture, which ignorance or malice brought ugainfl him, were confuted by the Holy Ghofl. The charaders of the MelTiah, which infpired prophets had delineated, fully proved, that Jefus was indeed the Chrift. His Spirit that was in them, teflified, long before his appearance, the time, place, and manner of his birth ; the circumflances of his life and death ; his deep humiliation and abafement ; and the glory which fliould follow. John, who was filled with the Holy Ghofl from his mother's womb, pointed him cut as the Lamb of God, which taketh away the fm of the world. At his baptifm, the Holy Ghofl de- fcended as a dove, and refled upon him, as the Spirit of wifdom and underflanding j the Spirit of counfel and might ; the Spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord. God gave not to him the Spi- rit by meafure ; but fo anointed him v/ith the Holy Ghoil, and with power, that he fpake as never man fpoke ; healed all manner of ficknefs and difeafe ; by the Spirit of God cafl out devils ; and appeared mighty in word and in deed, before Cod, and all the people. — Yet, it was chiefly after his refurreclion, that the Spirit bafe witnefs to his Divine million. Till Disc. I 1.3 IN THE SPIRIT. 379 then, the Holy Ghoji ivas not given, in fo plentiful a meafiire of his miraculous gifts or gracious influen- ces, becaiife yefiis was not yet glorified *. Hence, he tells his difciples ^^ But when the Comforter '=■ is comcj whom I ivill fend unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, ivhich procccdeth from the Father, he fjull tejtify of vie. How amazing the fmall progrcfs which the apoflles made in knowledge, under the per- fonal miniftry of the Son of God ! When their Maf- fer fpeaks of his approaching fufferings, Peter re- bukes him, and fays, " Be it far from thee : itt not " this thing come unto thee. '* Here, as in the mount of transfiguration, he will not what he fpake ; for, if our Lord had hearkened to his counfel, he, and we, mufl have been for ever miferable. But, when the Spirit is poured out upon him, he glories in that, v;hich formerly he accounted fooliflmefs. " Thcre^ *• fore, let all the houfe of Ifrael know affuredly, " that God hath made that fame Jefus, whom ye have " crucified, both Lord and Chriit '^. " liiiterate lifli- ermen, never bred up at the feet of any Gamaliel, are fuddenly enabled to fpeak to men of various nations, in their refpective languages, the wonderful works of God. Their falfe ideas of religion ceafe ; they ara led into all truth : And, though rhey had behaved in the moll daftardly manner, when their Lord was ap- prehended ; now, when the danger is greater, they are bold and intrepid. They preach the gofpel, with th^ Holy Ghoil fent down from heaven, in his gracious operations and miraculous gifts. Thoufands are con- verted by one fermon. Many, even of thofe who had imbrued ^ Jo. vii. 39. ^ Jo. XV. 26. c It might better be rendered the Advgcate, 4 A<^-s ii. 36. 380 JESUS JUSTIFIED [D/Vc. I I. imbrued their hands in the blood of Jefas, are pricked to the heart, and cry, " Men and brethren, what fhall " we do ? " Signs and wonders were wrought by the apoitles, in the name of the Holy Child Jefus : and, by the laying on of their hands, many of the firft con- verts to Chriftianity, were enabled to prophefy, to heal the fick, to work other miracles, or to fpeak lan- guages which they had never learned. Let it not be alleged, that the apoftles only pretended to, and did not poffefs, the fupernatural powers to which they ap- pealed, in proof of their Mafler's refurredion. Had that been the cafe, a claim fo notorioufly falfe, would have confuted itfelf, and juftly expofed the men who urged it, to univerfal derifion. When Paul folemnly told the Corinthians % " Truly, the figns of an apof- '•' tie were wrought among you, in all patience, in " figns, and wonders, and mighty deeds : '* if the reverfe had been true, muft: not every Corinthian have defpifed the folly of Paul, or detefted his impu- dence ? If the miraculous extraordinary gifts of the Spirit had not been beftowed upon many in that church, he muft: have loft all credit, by writing a grave epiftle, in which he diredls them how to exer- cife thofe gifts, and cenfures their abufe of them. The blefied fruits, which, through the influences of the Spirit, the religion of Jefus has in all ages produ- ced in the hearts and lives of true believers, are a far- ther juflification of the claims of its Author. That doctrine muft be of God, which forms the depraved heart to his love and likenefs, infpires hatred of fm, and excites fervent defires after perfection in hoIinefs» Such miraculous changes in the natural and moral world, were full and clear evidences that Jefus was indeed ^ 2 Cor. xij. 12. Disc. II.] IN THE SPIRIT. 3^1' indeed rifen from the dead, and afcended up to hea- ven, as he could not otherwife have poured down the Spirit from thence on his followers. An impoftor, who had promifed that he would rife from the dead on the third day, but who had not in truth thus rifen, could not have endowed his difciples w'nh. miraculous powers, and could not have cured the deep-rooted dif- orders of their underflandings and hearts. — But, the witnefs of the Spirit to the Deity and Meffiahlhip of Jefus, is too large a fubje6l, to be illuftrated to advan- tage in a fingle difcourfc. Thefe fliort hints, however, may, I hope, affift your private meditations, on the various branches of that argument. A few refleclions on what hath been faid, fliall conclude this difcourfe. Did beams of divinity iliine in the darkeft nights of Chrifl's humiliation ? And did the effufion of the Spirit declare him to be indeed the Son of God ? We may hence infer, that, though he was a teacher fent from God, the chief defign of his vifuing this earth, was higher and more import- ant; even that, through his blood and merits, fmners might be pardoned and accepted. One of lefs dio-. nity, could have communicated to mankind a divine revelation, and confirmed it by his death. In facl, the Chriftian, as well as the Mofaic religion, v/as taught and eftablilhed by mere men : for it was ellablilhed, not fo much by Chrift while he hved on earth, as by his apoftles. The inftrudions of his perfonal miniftry, extended not to Heathen nations, were defpifed by the bulk of the Jews, and left his difciples under much remaining ignorance, not removed till the outpouring of the Spirit, after his afcenfion ^ The apoftles were to ^ See Jo. xvi. 12—14. 3^5 JESUS JUSTIFIED [D/Vf. li. to do greater works than Chrlft; ^ This, whether ■we explain the aflertion of their miracles, or of their dodrine, and the effefls of it, in converting men, proves, that the Son of God was fent to be the Saviour of the world, not merely as he was fent, to deliver it by his do£lrine from ignorance and error : For, if he had acted on earth only as a teacher, the apoftles would have had an equal title to the character of Saviours ; as, under their miniilrations, true religion was more fully underftood, and more eagerly em- braced. But, the Equal and Fellow of the Almighty, had another work to perform ; in the glory of which, no mere man could fhare. The chief of the apoflles could not redeem his brother, or give to God a fuffi- cient ranfom for his foul. Was Immanuel juftified in the Spirit ? Baniili thy fears, O Chriftian, and cherifh the pleafmg hope, that his caufe, and the caufe of his church, (hall at length be fully juftified in the eyes of all men. The Sun of Righteoufnefs, though in the morning he may be darkened with clouds, fliall gradually difpel, or break through them all, and in due feafon fhine forth glo- rioufly in his meridian fpkndour. The fuccefs of Chrifl's perfonal miniflry was inconfiderable. lie laboured in vain, and fpcnt his ftrength for nought, while Ifrael was not gathered. But when, after hi? afcenfion, the Spirit takes of the things of Chrift, and ihews them to men ; a little one becomes a thouHmd, and a fmall one a great nation. They who had coii" demned and crucified Jefus, now condemn themfelves, juftify him, and fee and acknowledge his glory, as the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and of truth. They, vrho accounted his apoflles ''• Jo. xlv. n. ViSC, II.] m THE SPIRIT* 35^ apoftles and followers the filth of the earth, and the ofF- fcourings of all things, receive them as angels of God, and, if it were pofTible, would pluck out their eyes, and give unto them. How encouraging this, when religion is at a low ebb, and when the charader of the Chriftian is unjuftly traduced ! The path of the jufl, of Chrifl the King of faints, and of all the members of his myfti- cal body, is as the (hining hght, that fliineth more and more unto the perfect day. God will bring forth their righteoufnefs as the light, and their judgment as the noon day. In the mean time, let your temper and condud juf- tify thofe claims of Jefus, which others rejeft and con- demn. Juftify his claim of divinity. Trufl in him at all times ; pour out your fouls before him ; and make him your refuge. Juilify him, as indeed the Prophet like unto Moles ; as the great High Prieft of your profeffion ; and as the King whom God hath fet over his holy hill of Zion. Receive the law ; receive the gofpel from his mouth ; and treafure up his words in your heart. Build your hopes of acceptance -with. God, only on his fufferings and merits. Truft not in your own obedience : for tliis is faying that righteouf- nefs comes by the law, and that Jefus died in vain. Submit to the government of Jefus. Acknowledge -all his commandments, concerning all things, to be right; and acqulefce in all the difpenfations of hi* providence, as holy, juft, and good. Did Jefus, by the Spirit, juftify his claims? Un- der the influence of the Spirit, juilify your pretenfions to the cliaracter of Chriftians, and difplay the excel- lency of that character. The world is ready to flandcr Chriftianity, as a weak and impotent, or as a dull and melancholy thing. J3eware of juflifyin^, by your con- dud, '3S4 jEsits jusTiFiEt>, kc. ^Disc, I'ii duft, thefe llanders. Furiiifli not the haters of vital piety, with a plauiible pretext for that cutting quefti- on. What do ye, more than others ? Shew, that Di- vine truth, when rightly known and embraced, chan- ges the manners and temper, and transforms lions into lambs, and 'ferpents into doves. Aft, in every in- ftance, under the guidance of the Spirit. ConduQ; your fecuiar affairs with that fpiritual frame which be- comes the difciples of tlie Holy Jefus. ManifejR;, that you are animated by other and nobler principles than the bulk of mankind. Abound in thofe fruits of the Spirit, mecknefs, patience, forgivenefs of injuries, felf-denial, integrity, and mercy. Let your converfa- tion thus vindicate the ufefulnefs and efficacy of gof- pei ordinances, and of g(;fpel motives. Let the v/orld fee, that the power which raifed Jefus from the dead, hath raifed you to a heavenly and divine life ; and that you now live joyfully, honourably, and ufefully, through Chrill living in you. Juliify your Chrillia- nity, by difcovering a fpirit, that, in the utnioft per- plexity, againlt hope believes in hope ; that fmks not in adverfity ; that is not inmioderately elated by pro- fperity ; and that hath learned, in every ftate whereiii Providence hath placed you, therewith to be content. DIS. DISCOURSE XII. JESUS SEEN OF ANGELS. Timothy iii. 16; dOD WAS MANIFEST IN THE FLESH, JUSTIFIED lH THE SPIRlTj SEEN OF ANGELS *. A HE fmall number, the low abilities, and the mean rank, of thofe who glory in the crofs of Chrift, prove to many a fatal flumbling block againft the gofpel. I would this day attempt to remove that (tumbling block. I am to proclaim a truth, lefs at- tended to, believed and improved, than It ought : even, that the admirers of the gofpel fcheme of falva- tion, are more in number, of fuperlor abilities, and higher in honour, than thofe who defpife it. To con- vince you of this, I mufl indeed turn your thoughts from what is feen, to what is unfeen. But, how oft- en is that neceflary to reftify fentiments and condud, even in ordinary life ? Some of you may remember, my confidering, from I Pet. iii. 12., thofe properties of the angels, which lead them to pry into the myftery of redemption. Their wifdom with pleafure contemplates what is ex- C c cellent: * Moflicim, and other able critics, think that the word rendered firigeh, fliould rather have been tranflated mejfengers ; and refers to the apoftles, as witnefles of the refurredion and afcenfion of Jefus. Their reafonings, however, though Ingenious, in my opinion are not conclufive. But I fee no occaHon for entering into that queflion. 386' JESUS SEEN OF ANGELS. [^DisC. 1 2* cellent : their love to God delights in what advances his glory. Their benevolence is gratified by the hap- pinefs of mankind ; and offices are alligned them, for the benefit of the r-edeemed, in which their active fpirits love to be employed. I fhall, at this time, place the fubject in a difterent point of view, and o- mit, or briefly hint, many particukrs, then more ful- ly difcufl'ed. I. For explaining this fubjecl, I obferve, (i.) Angels were witnefies of the mofl important e- vents which concerned the Redeemer. When man,, feduced by Satan, fell from his original happinefs and integrity^ may we not conclude, that the heavenly hods were informed of the firfl promife, that the feed of the woman fhould bruife the ferpent's head ; and that, at leaft, fome dark difcoveries were vouchfafed to them of that amazing plan, by Him, who, in the fulnefs of time, vifited and redeemed our fallen race ? Under the Patriarchal and Mofaical difpenfations, the Son of God, as a prelude of his future incarnation^ often appeared in human fhape, and was attended, on. thefe oGcafions, by created angels. At the plains of Mamre, ihree angels appeared to Abraham, in thu- form of men. The two who left him, and came to Sodom at even, were created angels. But the third, vWth whom, after ^heir departure, Abraham continued to talk, is termed Jehovah, and the Judge of the ^hole earth =»-. When the Lord, the Angel of the co- venant, defcended on Mount Sinai, and fpoke witit Mofes, thoufands of angels were his attendants ^. — With louder fhouts of triumph, they witnefTed his refurre6lion ; a Compare Gen. xviii. 2, i6, 22. ; th. u b See Exod. xix, 18. ; Afta vii. 3O. /)/Vr. 12.3 JESUS SEEN OF ANGELS. 587 l-efurrcf^lion ; they witnefTed and accompanied his glorions afcenfion to heaven ; they now behold and praife him itl his exalted date ; and on a day, yet future, they ihall maice up a part of his fplendid. retinue, when he comes again to judge the quick and the dead. Nor need it furprife us, that, in thefe majcltic appearances, the hofts of heaven attended their Lord.^ — But, how different the fcenes which they witneffed, when God was manifefled in the flefh I The Everlafting Father became an infant of days! He, whom the heavens, and heavens of heavens, cannot contain, v rapped in fwaddling clothes, and laid in a manger ; living a life of meannefs, reproach, and per- recuiion ; and at laif fubmitting to a painful, ignomi- nious, and accurfed death! — Nor did they only witnefs this outward abafement, and thefe bodily fufferings. They witnefled fcenes of forrovi^, into which the mortal eye could not penetrate. Men faw the Holy One, and the Jufl, jiailed to a crofs. But, angels alfo beheld his agony of foul in the garden, when inward anguifli, not bodily torture, forced him to fweat great drops bf blood falling to the ground. They beheld the^ powers of darknefs, daring with their fiery darts to aliault Him, at whofe majelly, even devils were wont to tremble; They beheld that God, v/ho delights iri holinefs, and who doth not afflicl willingly, nor grieve the children of men, pleafed to bruife his Holy One'j and to put him to grief, and treating one who had never finned, as if he had been the worft of finners. *lliey beheld the brightnefs of the Father's glory, and the exprefs image of his perfon, amazed, very heavyj yea, exceeding forrowful, even unto . death. Well might the earth tremble, the fun vail himfeJf in C c 2 darknefs. ■5^8 JESUS SEEN OF ANGELS. \^Disc. 12. darknefs, and the hods of heaven (land aftonifhed, at fo marvtllaus a fight. (2.) The angels, -^vho beheld this amazing fcene, were honoured to niiiiiRer to Jefus in thefe his fuf- ferings. Thus, after our Lord's temptation in the wildernefs, we read, Matth. iv. ii., " Then the devil " leaveth him, and, behold, angels come and minifter " unto him. " Probably they miniflered food to fup- ply his necellities, as they had before done to fupply the neceffities of Ifrael in the wildernefs ; on which account, manna is termed angels food, Pfal. Ixxviii. 25., becaufe angels were employed as inftruments in bringing it to Ifrael. And, when he prayed, " Father, ^' if thou be willing, remove this cup from me ; " neverthelefs, not my will, but thine be done : *' we are told, Luke xxii. 43., " There appeared unto him " an angel from heaven, ftrengthening him. " What a dignity conferred on the highefl created angel, to be employed in fuch an office ! But, what a ftoop in Him, by whom all things were created and made, to receive it even from an angel's hand! On both occa- fions, with what wonder, with what reverence, with what devotion, with what warmth of affection, would thofe holy fpirits approach the illuftrious fufferer ! " All our ftrength, all our comfort, is derived from " thee; and doft thou need, doft thou fubmit, to be " comforted and ftrengthened by us ? All things *' come of thee, and it is of thine own we are ho- " noured to give thee. Yet, our honour tempts us " not to pride. The view of thy abafement, fecures " and increafes our humility. " (3.) Angels behold and pry into the grand defigns, for which Infinite Wifdom ordained all this fcene of condefcenfion and fuffering. They not only faw God manifeft Disc. 12.] JESUS SEEN OF ANGELS. 389 manifefl in the flefli, but they faw the purpofes for which he was thus manifefl, for which he lived, for which he died. They beheld him appearing to put a^ way fm by the facrifice of himfelf, to make reconcilia- tion for iniquity, to bring in an everlafting righLeouf- nefs, and to deliver from the fnare of the devil, thcfe who were led captive by him at his will. Th'^y ad- mire, they adore, the Infinite Wifdom that connived the amazing plan. They admire, they adore Him, who came in the name of the Lord to execute it. If, when the foundations of the earth were laid, thefe morning ftars fung together, and all thefe fons of God fhouted for joy y v/ell might they raife their notes higher, when, by the incarnation of the Second Perfon of the Trinity, they faw a foundation laid for a new and nobler creation. In the firil creation, God. from nothing produced an univerfe. But here, hap- pinefs is produced from mifery, and glory from fhame. Here, pardon is created to the guilty ; peace to the wounded in fpirit ; and to the Have . of Satan, the glo- rious liberty of God's children. And, while men fee what is the fellowfhip of the myflery, which, from the beginning of the world, had been hid in God,, who created all things by Jefus Chrifl : even untO' principalities and ■ powers in the heavenly places, is made known, by thofe wondrous tranfadions for the redemption of the Church, the manifold wifdom of God '=. Need we, after this, inquire, v/hy the fu.fTer- ings of Chrift, and the glory that hath followed, tjic gofpel preached, and the Holy Ghofl fent down from heaven to render it effrdtual, are things which angels defire to look into '^ ? Though much they know, they defire ftiil to know more, and never grow weary of C c 3 giizing f Eph. Hi. 9, 10. "i I Pet. i. II, 12. 390 JESUS SEEN Of ANGELS. \^DisC.. I2» gazing on this delightful object. This is reprefented^ Exod. XXV. 2 0., by the two cherubims, with their faces towards the mercy-feat. The mercy-feat, which co- vered the ark wherein lay the book of the bw, was a type of Jefus, whom God hath fet forth as the true mercy-feat, and who covers and fiielters his people from the curfe of the law, having become a curfe for them. Upon Him the eyes of angels are fixed. In Him, they at once fee righteoufnefs and judgement the habitations of God's throne, and mercy and trutli going before his face. They admire the fuitablenefs of the Redeemer's perfon, for accomplifliing his worW The vail of flefli hid not from them the majefty of the God. In their eyes, he is glorious in his apparel, though his garments are dyed with blood. They dif- cern a dignity in his fufferings, a luftre in his abafe- ment ; feeing, for purpofes infinitely important, he fuffered, and was abafed. Hence, when the Father^ bringeth in the Firfl Begotten into the world, he faith, *' Let all the angels of God worlhip him <= ; " and, %vhen the angel revealed to the fhepherds the birth of the Saviour, fuddenly there was with the angel a mul- titude of the heavenly hoft, praifmg God, and faying, " Glory to God in the higheft, and on earth peace, *' good-will towards men ^. " If now they furround the throne of the exalted Redeemer, and honour him, even as they honour the Father ; what he did and fuf- fered for mankind in his humbled ftate, is one chief foundation of their praife. " I beheld, " fays the difciple who lay in Chrifc's bofom, " ^ and I heard '' the voice of many angels round about the throne, " and the living creatures, and the elders : and the *' number of them was ten thoufand times ten thou- " fandp ' Heb. jo 6, f Luke ii. 8—14. *! Rev. v. 11, i? B'lSC. 12.] JESUS SEEN OF ANGELS* ^9? ** fand, and thoufands of thoufands ; faying, with a *' loud voice. Worthy is the Lamb that was flain, to ■*' .receive power, and riches, and wifdom, and llrength, '^' and honour, and glory, and bleffing. " (4.) While beholding the love, which prompted the Son of God thus to condefcend, and thus to fufier : nngels learn to love, and willingly to attend upon, and minifter to the nieanefl: of thofe, whom the Lord of angels loved, and for whofe falvation he (looped fo low. When God drove out Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden, he placed at the eafl: of it cherubims, and a flaming fword turning every way, to keep the way of the tree of life ^. Angels could not be friends to thofe, to whom God v,-as an enemy. But, Jefus, having made peace by the blood of his crofs, by him it pleafed the Father to reconcile all things unto him- felf,- whether they be things on earth, or things in heaven '. We have a beautiful emblem of this in Ja- cob's bream : " J He dreamed, and behold a ladder " fet upon the earth, and the top of it reached to hea- " ven : and behold the angels of God afcending and *' defcending upon it. " Jefus, who, as man, is the fruit of the earth, though, as God, higher than the hea- vens, is the great medium of friendly inrercourfe be- tween angels and men. Angels rejoice to be inftru- ments, as in advancing the glory of the Redeemer, fo alfo in promoting the profperity of the redeemed. What they do to the leait of thefs his brethren, they know he accounts as done to himfelf. Angels rejoice in the graces and good works of true Chriftians, Hence, Paul recommends even external marks of re- verence, when we attend ordinances, becaufe of the C c 4 angels ) ** Gen. ill. 24. i Col, i. 22. f Gen. xxviii. I2» 3951 JESUS SEEN OF ANGELS. [^DisC. 12. angels * ; becaufe they witnefs our condu£l in religi- ous aflemblies ' , and are grieved with every thing in- decent, and much more with every thing hypocritical or profane. But, what joy is felt by thofe benevolent fpirits, over one fmner that repenteth " ! Every one added to the triumphs of fovereign grace, is alfo add- ed to their delightful charge. For " are they not *' all miniftering fpirits, fent forth to minifler to them " who {hall be heirs of falvation " ? " The great and mighty of the earth may plot their deftrudion. But, there are in heaven, principalities and powers ready to proted them. Becaufe, O Chriflian, thou haft made the Lord thy refuge, even the Moft High thy ha- bitation, he fliall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They fhall bear thee up in their hands, left thou daih thy foot againft a ftone " . Whether this promife was originally made to Jolhua, or to the Captain of Salvation, of whom he was a type, it furely belongs to all who fight under the ban- ners of Jefus. Upon Jefus, angels attend, for his own fake : upon his people, for his fake, and by his dire£lion and command. Their Maker is the friend, yea the hufband of believers : and refped and aifeftion to him, lead them to love, to honour, and to dehght in performing offices of kindnefs to perfons fo nearly re- lated to him, and fo precious in his fight. We are come, even in a prefent hfe, to an innumerable com- pany of angels ^. "We form one fociety ; we have fel- lowfliip with them, fliare in their friendfhip, and reap advantages from their labours of love. Thefe fervices are not the lefs real or important, becaufe we difcern not hew they are perform.ed, Horfes and chariots of fire k t Cor. xi. 10. • I Tim. v. 21. °^ Luke xv. 10. " Hcb, i. 14. ° Pfalmxci. 9, 11, i:?. ^ Heb.ixif. 22. Disc. 12.'] JESUS SEEN OF ANGELS. 393 fire were round about Eli (ha, though the fervant of that man of God faw them not, till the Lord miracu- louily opened his eyes ^. Never was earthly prince fo magnificently attended, and fo ftrongly guarded, as thofe who, being wafhed from their fins in the blood of the Lamb, are made kings and priefts unto God and the Father. Hearken, O blinded world, to the words of the faithful and true witnefs. " ^ Take heed, " that ye defpife not one of thefe little ones ; for I fay " unto you, that in heaven their angels do always be- " hold the face of my Father, which is in heaven. " God's angels are alfo their angels. The little child, juil beginning to lifp out the praifes of God, the bro- ther of low degree, he who hath not where to lay his head, he whom men defpife ; yet, if he has grace, though fmall as a grain of muftard feed, may fay, " My angels behold the face of my heavenly Father. " Lover and friend may be removed far from me, " and my acquaintance into darknefs. Mighty and " malicious foes may encompafs me about as bees. " But, 1 have friends who can never die. Angels, " who excel in flrength, are commiffioned to accom- ** pany and defend me, through all the dangers of " this my pilgrimage ftate ; or to carry my departed " fpirit, as they did that of poor Lazarus, to Abra- " ham's bofom. Grieve not, O my foul, by hearken- " ing to the folicitations of fin, thofe holy and bene- " volent fpiriis. Let Michael and his angels, let not *' the dragon and his angels prevail. " And here, permit me to hint, that though the Holy Ghoft alone can renew and fandify the heart, yet good fpirits may have as much accefs to our minds as evil ones. If the lafl: prefent to the imagination objects that tend to inflame ^ 2 Kind's vl. 17. ^ Math, xviii. 10. 394 jESUS SEEN OF ANGELS. (^DIsC. 12, inflame corrupt appetites : why fliould it be thought a thing incredible, that the firft fhould fuggeft fenti- ments and reflexions, tending, through the blefling of God, to excite pious afFeftions and refolutions, in ourfelves or in others. They are wife, powerful, ac- tive fpirlts : and, if it is no blemifh in God's govern- ment, that devils are peraiitted to tempt to wicked- jiefs, furely it cannot be deemed unworthy of God, to employ good fpirits in fuggefling what is profitable. I fee not upon what principles this can be denied, un- lefs we abfurdly imagine, that evil fpirits, by rebelling againft God, acquired new pov^^ers and faculties, eafier accefs to the human mind, or greater fl^iU in influen- cing it. If good fpirits are employed to minifler to the heirs of falvation, it is natural to think, that fpiri- tual fervices, for which their noble powers and holy difpofitions fo lignally quahfy them, are one part of their miniftry. They are at lead equally defirous, that men Ihould be holy and blefied ; as evil fpirits are, that men fliould remain wicked and miferable. Why then fliould we fuppcfe their activity lefs in pro- moting, than that of evil fpirits in obfl:rucling, the pro- grefs of truth and virtue ? Imagine not, that this view of things, in any degree, diminiflies our obligations to God's providence or grace. God remains the author of every good and perfect gift, when he employs our fellow mortals in conveying temporal or fpiritual be- nefits. Shall then the inftrumentality of angels, who, in all their fervices, do God's commandment, and hearken to the voice of his wordj diminifli obligations to Him, without whom the hoflis of heaven neither could nor would help ? God can do all things by the word of his power. Yet, his wifdom and goodnefs appear, in the vmion, harmony, affection, and fympa- thetic Disc. 12.] JESU.3 SEEN OF ANGEL5?^ ^g^ thetic joy .J which he diffufcs through creatures of the fame or various orders, by the fcrvices one perfonns, and another receives. (5.) Angels, who faw God manifefl in the flefh, were the nrft pubhfliers to man, of fomc of the moll import- ant events which they witneffed. An angel acquaint, ed Daniel, that the Meiliah (hould be cut oiT, though not foi' him-felf. ^ An angel was the hrft publiflier of the Saviour's birth. " ^ There were in the country, " fhepherds abiding in the field, keep^ig watch over " their f.ocks by night. And, lo, the angel of the *' Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord " Oione round about them ; and they were fore afraid. *• And the angel faid unto them. Fear not ; for, be- " hold, I bring to you good tidings of great joy, " which fliall be to all people. For unto you is born " this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is " Chriil the Lord. " If the auiience was mean, the preacher v/as honourable. An angel of the Lord, whofe countenance was like lightning, and his rai- pient white as fnow, was the firil who proclaimed the joyful event that Chrilb was rifen. " " He faid unto " the women. Fear not ye ; fur I know that ye feek " Jefus, who was crucihed. He is not here: for ^' he is rifen, as lie faid. Come, fee the place where " the Lord lay." Angek allured the apoflles, that their Lord was afcended lo heaven, and would defcend from it again to judge the world. " " While they *' looked ftedfaflly toward heaven a- he went up, be- " hold^ two men flood by them in white apparel ; " which alfo faid, Ye men of Galilee, why ftand ye f' gazing up into heaven ^ Thii; fame Jcfus, which is " taken ^ Dan. I'x. 20—26. ' L',ike ii. S— 12. .^ M:itth. xy.viii. 3—7. ^ ^ Aft-: i, IQ, 11, 39^ XESUS SEEN OF ANGELS. [^Disc. 12. " taken up from you into heaven, fhall fo come, In " like manner, as ye have feen him go into heaven. " — Defpife not thofe myfteries, which angels firll preach- ed. Defpife not that office, in which angels were firfl employed. If, inftead of thofe glorious fpirits, men, formed like thyfelf out of the clay, are now entrufted with thefe treafuires, it is wifely and gracioufly ordered, that their terror make thee not afraid. Let not novices in years, in knowledge, or in Chriflian experience, raflily imagine, that they are called and qualified for teaching thofe great things of God, of which angels were the firfl teachers. And let others beware of choofnig fuch novices for their fpiritual guides. And, now, to conclude with a few practical reflec- tions. (i .) How lliocking the folly and ingratitude of many ! Angels defire to look into the myiteries of grace : and men, more nearly concerned in them, efleem it a dif- paragement to beflow upon theni^one lerious thought^ They fhut their eyes, defpife and fcofi' ; while angels gaze, and wonder, and adore. Thus abfurd is the be- haviour of many, who would pafs for ftandards of wife conduct and deep penetration. They perufe with pa- tience, perhaps with rapture, a genteel, though tri- fling play or romance. The myflery of godlinefs has no form nor comeiinefs to attrad their attention. When truths are explained, which angels efleem the noblefl entertainment : their hearts fay, what a weari- nefs is it ? To their depraved appetite, the hufks that fwlne do eat, the empty vanities of time and fenfe, have a more exquifite relifh than angels food. Lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord, and what tafle, what wifdom is in them ? Foolifh and wicked, they Disc. 12.] JESUS SEEN OF ANGELS. 397 they deign not to fix their eye upon Him, who is the ftu- dy and the delight of angels. Indeed, this need not fur- prife. Angels are angels, wife and holy fplrits. Men are men, fallen creatures, blind to, and hence little con- cerned about the glory of God, or their own duty and true happinefs. Yet, what need not amaze, Ihould deeply affect. It is not thofe only, immerfed in grofs fenfual pollutions, whom we have caufe to lament. Men, who fpend their time more laudably in (ludy- ing the works of nature, are often content with igno- rance, or fuperficial knowledge, of God manifefl: in the fleili. Soon fhall the heavens pafs away with a great noife, the elements melt with fervent heat, the earth and all the things in it be burnt up. Tlie fubject of. the naturalift's refearches fliall be no more found. That myftery of God, even the Father, and of Chriit, which now is as nothing with many, fhall fill up eternity, and to the bleffed be all in all. It is not by a tranlient glance of this glory of the Lord ; it is by gazing upon it, as they who through a glafs fleadily behold diftant objects, that men are changed more and more into the image of the Lord, from glory to glory. (2.) Imitate angels. — The fufferings and glory of the Redeemer, are their favourite meditation. Let them alfo be yours. Count all things lofs and dung, for the excellency of the knowledge of Chrift. The Fa- ther calls you. " "^ Behold my Servant, whom I up- " hold; mine Elect, in whom my foul dehghteth. " " "^ Go forth, ye daughters of Zion, and behold Zion's " King, with the crown wherewith his mother crown- *' ed him, in the day of his efpoufals, and in the day " of the gladnefs of his heart. " The Saviour him- felf calls you. He fays, " '' Behold me, behold me, " unto "^ If. xlli. I. ^ Song, ill. M. =^ If. Ixv. I-; xlv. 22, $9^ ttSUS SEEN Of a!ngels. [D/Vr. ii.' •* unto a nation that was not called by his name. " Look unto me, and be ye faved, all the ends of the ** earth ; for I am God, and there is none elfe* " The difeafed, dangerous Hate of your fouls, to which, nothing but a fight of Chrift can afford health and fafety, demands your fpeedy compliance with the call. * For, as the ferpent v/as lifted up in the wildernefs^- even fo, was the Son of man lifted up ; that whofo- ever, feeing his ability and willingnefs to fave, believ- eth on Him, might not perifh, but have everlafling Jife. Imitate angels, in miniflering to Chrifl;. Though you cannot minifler to his perfon, you may minifter to the members of his myftical body. Efleen? not thyfelf too great or good to ferve even the mean- eft of thofe, whom angels difdain not to ferve. They deem it no difgrace to attend upon men, whofe na- ture, the incarnation of the Son of God hath dignihcd and ennobled. To protecl, to relieve, to comfort a Chriftian, is their employment, and their joy. It is diabolical pride, or criminal coldnefs of heart, which thinks it difhonourable or unpleafant, for fuch pur- pofes, to floop to the lowed offices. O, let not the little fliort-lived diftinctions of rank and fortune, puii' thee up with arrogance and vanity, and make thee forget the intereft of thy Chriftian brother! Imi- tate angels, in proclaiming to others the glories of the Redeemer. I mean not, that private Chriftians fliould renounce their refpedive callings, and commence pub- lic teachers : that they Hiould caft pearls before fwine, by introducing religious converfation, when it is more likely to hurt, than to profit : or that they fhould ob- trude upon others their own peculiar fentimcnts of difficult ^ Jo. III. 14, 15. ' Disc. 12.] JESUS SEEN OF ANGELS, 399 difficult and difputable queftions. Without incurring fuch blame, Chriftians may find favourable opportuni- ties for exercifing their fpiritual prieflhood, and hold- ing forth the word of life. When fuch opportunities prefent themfelves, improve them carefully. Be not alhamed of Chrift's words and ways, in this adulter- ous and perverfe generation. Angels condefcended to preach, not only to the apoftles of Chrift, and to the women weeping at his fepulchre, but alfo to the iliepherds of Bethlehem. Let your lips feed many. As ftars, or rather as angels, point out to your fellow • fmners the way to Jefus. Imitate angels in love to God, and the Redeemer. " Why fliould they love *' God and Jefus, more than I do ? For me he died, " not for them. God never forgave them one of- " fence : but, through the blood of Jefus, he has for- " given me ten thoufand. " (3.) Rejoice, that he, who was feen of angels, was manifefl in the flelh. Triumph, O Chriftian, in that name, Immanuel, God with us. "In creation, man was made a little lower than the angels. In redemp- tion, the Son of God, by alTuming our nature, has done infmitely greater honour to us, than to them. " ^ For, verily, he took not on him the nature of " angels, but took on him the feed of Abraham. '^ God in our nature, our friend, our kinfman, our brother, is worfliipped by angels. " ^ For, when God *' bringeth in the Firfl Begotten into the world, he *' faith. Let all the angels of God worfliip him. " He, to whom angels minillercd in his humbled fulFcr- ing ftate, came not to be miniilered unto by m.en, but to minifter, and to give his life a mnfom for many. The Head of angels, is the Hufband of the Church. Angels » Heb. li, x6, f Heb. I 0, 4CO JESUS SEEN OF ANGELS. ]^DisC. 1 2. Angels beheld his fufferings and glory. He fuffered, and entered into glory, for guilty, polluted man. Angels fmg S " Worthy is the Lamb that was llain." The ranfomed among men join in the fong, and add to it, " For thou haft redeemed us to God by thy " blood. " (4.) Afk your hearts, Have we ever feen the Lord ? You have heard of him with the hearing of the ear. Have you, by the eye of faith, fo feen him, as to abhor yourfelves, and repent in duft and aflies ? Doth beholding his glory remove prejudice a- gainft him, captivate your hearts, and transform you to his image ? Having, in ordinances, feen him dark- ly, and as through a glafs ; do you long for the blef- fed day, when, as the angels do, ye fhall fee him face to face ? Then, the glories of Immanuel fhall fhine far more brightly than they did on the mount of tranf- figuration; and your ravifhed fouls fhall cry out, " Lo, " this is He, who was wounded for our iniquities, and " bruifed for our tranfgeffions ; He, who was preached *' to us in the gofpel ; He, in whom we believed! But, " how little did we fee, how little did we know, either " of his majefly, or of his grace ! It was a true and *' a good report we heard of him in a diftant land : " but, lo ! the one half was not told us. " In the mean time, until the day dawn, and the (liadows flee away, you who have feen, you who have known, fol- low on to fee, and to know the Lord. Frequent the places where he is wont to be feen. Say to the Saviour ^, " Tell me, O Thou, whom my foul loveth, " where thou feedeft, where thou makeft thy flocks " to lye down at noon : for, why fliould I be as one " that *^ Rev. V. 1 2. 9. ^ Song, I. 7. Disc. 12.] JESUS SEEN OF ANGELS. 40I " that turneth afide by the flocks of thy compa- " nions ? " Plead for larger meafures of the fpirit of wifdoni and revelation in the knowledge of Chrift, that ye may comprehend what is the height, and depth, and length, and breadth, and know the love of Chrifl, that paffeth knowledge, that ye may be filled with all the fulnefs of God. Dd DIS- DISCOURSE xiri*^. JESUS PREACHED UNTO THE G>ENTIL£S.. I Timothy iii. i6. GOD WAS MANIFEST IN THE FLESH, JUSTIFIED TO THE SPIRIT^; SEEN OF ANGELS, PREACHED VNTO THE GENTILES . W: E were lately CGiDfidering Jefus as [ten of angek^ and receiving the cheerful homage of thofe nobles of heaven. It was not however intended, that they ihould be the only witneffes to the hiftory of afi in- carnate God. The joyful tidings, that Chrift came in the name of the Father to fave as, muft be pro- claimed in every ccwner of the habitable earth : And men of all' kindreds, nations and langLiages, muil re- pair to the Saviour, for a portion in the ineftimable bleflings of his purchafe. The falvation acquired by the blood of the Son of God, muft be applied by his word and fpirit ; or, in the words of my text, Chrift muft be preached to the Gentiles, and believed on iiT the world. Angels defire to look into, not only the fufferings of Chrift, and the glory that hath followed, but the gofpel preached, and the Holy Ghoft fent down from heaven to render it effedual. And furely, a * This and the following difcourfe were haftily compofed ; are Sketches, rather than fermons ; and contain obfervations more fully illuftrated by the Author in other difcourfes. He has little profpeft of leifure to fupply their defeds : and therefore, in compliance with many folicitations to publifh all his ferraons on this tcxt^ imperfed as- they are, prefents them to the public Disc. 13.] JESUS PREACHED, ScC, 40^ a fubjeft i'o noble and interefting, merits the folema attention of the fons of men. What I intend from thefc words is, to reprefent in what manner Chrlfl was preached to the Gentiles, and in what refpeds this event was a myftery. I. I ain to reprefent in what manner Chrifl was "preached to the Gentiles. And, (i.) The great truths which relate to Chiift, were declared and explained to them. Other truths were publilhed to heathens, to make way for the gofpel : fuch as, the being, perfections, and providence of God ; our obligations to love and ferve him, and to live fober, righteous and ufeful lives ; our violation of thefe obligations, and the danger incurred by that violation. — Other truths were alfo to be inculcated on converts to Chriflianity, as we find from the epiftles. But they were preached in their reference to Chrifl, and as connected with him ; not in the flrain of a hea- then phiiofopher, or mere moralifl. If the majefty of God was publifhed, it was to exalt the riches of his grace and condefeenfion in Chrifl. If the happinefs of believers was reprefented, Chrift was pointed out as the purchafer and beflower of ?11 that happir fs. If the humane and focial virtues were recommended, it was o-n confiderations founded on the fcheme of fal- Vation through Chrifl. " Flee fornication. What ! " know ye not that your body is the temple of the " Holy Ghofl, which is in you, which ye have of '' God, and ye are not your own .? For ye are " bought witli a price : therefore, glorify God in " vour body, and in your fpirit, which are God's ^. '* *' Walk in love, as Chrifl alfo hath loved us. Huf- D d 2 *' bands, *^ 1 Cor, vi. 18—20. 404 JESUS PREACHED [^DlSC I3. *' bands, love your uives, even as Chrlft alfo loved ** the church ; and gave himfelf for it ^. " " What " glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, " you take it patiently ? But if, when ye do well, " and fuSer for it, ye take it patiently, this is accept- " able v.ith God. For even hereunto were ye called : ** becaufe Chrifl alfo fuifered for us, leaving us an " example, that ye fliould follow his fleps : Who, " v.hen he Was reviled, reviled not again ; when he ** fuSered, he threatened not ; but committed him- *' felf to Him that judgeth righteoufly <^. ** Nay, our natural depravity, and the doctrine that free grace alone hath made a difference between us and the vilefl of men, is improved as an argument againft evil fpeaking ^. Chrifl, therefore, Was the chief, though not the only ftibjeft of the apoftles fermons ; and every thing elfe was preached in reference to him. What we are told of Paul's fermons at Corinth and Rome, is equal- ly true of the fermons of the reft of the apoftles. Wherever they miniftered, they determined to make nothing known in comparifon of Chrift and him cru- cified ^ They preached the kingdom of God, or gofpel difpenfation, and taught thofe things which concern the Lord Jefus ^. What were the things concerning Chrift, which they taught, it is impolTible to fay in one fermon. To lead you to the knowledge of them, in all our fer- mons, is, or ought to be, our chief bufmefs. Let me juft hint a few particulars. The undertaking of Chrift in the covenant of re- demption, and the promifes then made him by the Father : •• Eph. V. 2, 22. <= I Pet. if. 20 — 23. ^ Tit. iii. 2 — 7. ! I Cor. li. 2. f Ads xxviii. 31. Disc. 13.] UNTO THE GENTILES. 405 Father : His perfonal glory, both as the Equal and Fellow of the Almighty, and as anomted in his hunaan nature with the Holy Ghofl: and with power: His fitnefs as God-man for redeeming loft manldnd : His incarnation, his life, his death, his" refurreclion, his afcenfion to heaven, the glory with which he is now. invefted, and the character of Univerfal Judge, in which he will one day appear : His glory as the true Light of the world, the Accompiiflier of the law for. rjghteoufnefs to every one who believeth, the Sacrifice for our fms, our prevailing Advocate, our King and Ruler, the Channel through which all divine influence is imparted to us, and the perfect Pattern of every thing good and excellent : His ability and willingnefs to fave the very chief of fmners : The privileges he hath purchafed for his people : The returns of grati- tude and obedience, due for thefe privileges : The, means of obtaining an aftual intereft in all that ha hath done and fuffered : And the glory of the Divine perfeftions fhining in Him, and in the plan of redemp- tion through Him : — Thefe are themes, which can ne- ver be exhaufted. In them, is boundlefs room for thought to expatiate, and for the moll exalted genius to entertain itfelf with pleafure and advantage. The higheft angels efleem the Redeemer infinitely wortliy of their attention and praife. And fhall not we, who have lefs clear and extenfive views of God, under other confiderations of him, than they have, and who are more nearly related to Chrift, and need him niore than they do, reckon it our honour to proclaim to our fellow fmners, His majefty, and His love ? Shall there be lefs of Chrift in the fermons of a Chriftian minifter, than in the writings of a Jewifh prince or prophet ? Shall we call ourfelves teachers of Chnf- Dd-3 tianity. 406 JESUS PREACHED [D/V^. 1 3, tianity, and yet omit fubjecls which conftitute its pecu- cuhar beauty and glory ? Is he a faithful ambaffador of Chrift, v/ho feldom or never fpeaks in his favour :' We muft not indeed be wife above what is written, and attempt to explain what God hath kept fecret, and what in this imperfeft Hate we cannot compre- hend : Still, however, fomething of thofe glorious myfteries may be underftood ; otherwife they could not promote the exercife of grace and the practice of duty ; and would not merit the name of niyfleries of godlinefs, or dodrines according to godlinefs. A doftrine which we in no degree underftand, like a found, which conveys no idea or fentiment, can fev0 no influence on the will or affections. (2.) The apoftles laid before their hearers fufficient evidence of the truths concerning Chrift, in which they were inftrucled. Thus, Paul confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damafcus, proving that Jefus is very Chrift ^ . At a fynagogue in TheiTalonica, as. his manner was, he went in unto ihem, and three Sabbath days reafoned with them out of the Scriptures, opening and alleging, that Chrift muft needs have fuf- fercd, and rifen again from the dead, and that Jefus is the Chrift ^. Apcllos mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, ftiewing by 'the Scriptures, that Jefus was Chrift ". The epiftles, not content with af- ferting the doctrines of Chriftianity, demonftrate them from fads, from the principlej of natural religion, or from the prophecies of the Old Teftament. Minifters are unfit for their office, who are not able, by found doctrine, both to exhort and convince gainfayers ' . If private Chriftians, furely much more teachers of Chriftianiiy, f A6lsix. 12. e Aasxvil. 2, 3. ^- Ads xvlii. 2S. ' Tit. i. o. Disc. 13.^ UNto THE gentiles; 407 Chriftianity, fhould contend earneflly for the faith once delivered to the faints j : not by giving bad names ot bad ufage to thofe who oppofe it, boit by ftrong and unanfweraMe arguments in fupport of truth, and fa- tisfying replies to the plaufible objcclions made againft it. If fome fix upon this, the odious charge of preach- ing controverfy 9 permit me to remind them, that Jefus and his apoftles were in this fenfe preachers of contro- verfy, and that every preacher mufl be fo, who leads his hearers to underltand the grounds of faith. (3.) The apoftles invited and commanded their hear- €rs to believe on Chrift, to receive him, and to reft on him alone foT falvation. Chrift, and the bleffings of his purchafe, were freely offered to all, and all were invited and injoined to accept them. Our Lord's commifTion to his difciples, is in thefe terms : " Go " ye into all the world, and preach the gofpel to e- *' very creature ". " Now, the gofpel is properly the glad tidings that Jefus is able and willing to fave, and that even the chief of fmners are warranted to come to him for falvation. It was our Lord's charge to his apoftles, " That repentance and remiffion of fins " ftioiild be preached in his name among all nations, " beginning at Jerufalem '.'* Peter calls on his hear- ers, " Repent, and be converted, that your fins may *« be blotted out ; '* and telieth them, " Unto you *' firft, God, having ralfed up his Son Jefus, hath fent *^ him to blefs you, in turning away every one of you " from his iniquities "'. '* This cannot mean, that ^// of them fliould be converted ; for we are immediately told, that many of them which heard the word, be- lieved " ; which furely implies, that a!/ were not believ- D d 4 ers. j Jude 3. ^ Mark xvi. 15. ' Luke xxiv. 47^ =^ Adsili. J 9, 26, ' ° Aasiv. 4, V 4o8 JESUS PREACHED [^DisC. I3, ers. Peter therefore only means, that Chrift was of- fered to every one of his hearers, and that all of them were warranted to apply to him for the bleffings of his fpirit and grace. Paul thus addrefles his hearers at Antioch in Pifidia : " To you is the word of fal- ** vation fent : Through this man is preached unto *' you the forgivenefs of fms :*' And yet, at the fame time, he cautions them againfl defpifmg, and wonder- ing, and perifhing : And fome, to whom he thus pub- lifhed the word of God, put it far from them °. This was agreeable to the method of the Old Teflament prophets, who abound in calls and invitations to fm- ners, to fecure a portion in faving bleffings. " Wif- dom crieth without ; fhe uttereth her voice in the ftreets ; faying. How long, ye fimple ones, will ye • love fimplicity, and the fcorners delight in their ' fcorning, and fools hate knowledge ? Turn you at ' my reproof: behold, I will pour out my Spirit un- ' to you, I will make known my words unto you ^ '* ' Look unto me, and be ye faved, all the ends of ' the earth ; for I am God, and there is none elfe ''." ' Ho, every one that thirfteth, come ye to the wa- ' ters ; and he that hath no money, come ye, buy ' and e"L , yea, come, buy wine and milk, without ' money, and without price. Wherefore do ye fpend ' money for that which is not bread, and your labour ' for that which fatisfieth not ? Hearken diligently ' unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let ' yeur foul delight itfelf in fatoefs. Seek ye the ' Lora, while he may be found j call ye upon him ' while he is near. Let the wicked forfake his way, « and the unrighteous man his thoughts : and let hini " return 9 Afts xiii. 26, 38, 4T, 45, 46, P Piov. i. 2C, 22, 33. ? Ifa. xlv. 22. Disc. 1-3.] UNTO THE GENTILES. 409 " return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy up- " on him ; and to our God, for he will abundantly " pardon '. " This was the method of Chrift him- felf. " In the laft day, that great day of the feafl, " Jefus flood and cried, faying. If any man thirfl:, " let him come unto me, and drink *. " And on an- other occafion — " Come unto me, all ye that labour, *' and are heavy laden, and I will give you reft \ " And again — " As Mofes lifed up the ferpent in the " wildernefs, even fo mud the Son of man be Ufted " up ; that whofoever believeth in him fliould not " perifli, but have eternal life ". '* This farely is a plain declaration, that as every Ifraelite, flung with the fiery ferpents, had a right to look to the brazen ferpent for outward healing ; fo, every finner, to whom the gofpel is preached, hath a right to look to Chrifl for fpiritual health. Hence, in the parable of the marriage fupper,, even thofe are reprefented as bidden, who made excufe, and thus provoked the Lord to fay to his fervants, that none of them fhould talle of his fupper ''. Unto the Gentiles was Chrill thus preached, as well as to the Jews, to whom the calls of the gofpel were firfl directed : to unbelievers, for their conver- fion, of which we have many inftances in the Acls of the apoflles : and to thofe who had received Chrifl Jefus the Lord, that they might walk in him, rooted and built up in him, and eflabhfhed in the faith \ Many are of opinion, that there is no need of preach- ing Chrill, except to infidels; that the bulk of profeffed Chriflians know what is fufficient of the myfleries of religion j and that, therefore, morahty is the only proper ' I fa. Iv. I, 2, 6, 7. « Jo. vii. 37. ' Mattb. xf. 2?. •J Jo. iii. M, 15. ^ Luke xiv. 16—24. ^ Col. ii. 6, 7. 41 0 JESUS PREACHED [^Disc. J^* proper fubjecl of fermons to them. But, the epiftles direfted to the fandified in Jefus, evidence that this was not the fentiment of the apoftles. They account- ed growing in the knowledge of Chrift, the bed mean of growing in grace * ; and they directed thofe fet apart to the miniflry, to affirm conftantly, juftification by free grace, that they which believe in God might be careful to maintain good works ''. They negleded not, therefore, to put their converts in remembrance of thofe things, though they knew them, and were eflabliflied in the prefent truth. Many of their epiftles fet out with a large explication and defence of the fcheme of Divine wifdom and grace in man*s redemp- tion through Chrift ; and then proceed to improve thefe do6lrines, for exciting men to holinefs and new obedience. The edification and comfort of fmcere Chriftians, are much promoted, by frequent difplays of what Chrift is in himfelf, what he is to them, and hath done and fuffered in their room ; what bleffings he hath purchafed for them, and what returns of gra- titude and obedience he expeds and demands. II. I am next to fhow, in what refpe^l Chrift; preached to the Gentiles is a myftery. It was myfterious, that, for a long period, God fuffered them to walk in their own ways ; giving his ftatutes unto Jacob, and his teftimonies unto Ifrael, while he dealt not fo with other nations. This, however, was a myftery of wifdom. The time of the coming of Chrift, and of the preaching the gofpel to the Gentiles, was the fulnefs of time, the beft and fitteft for thefe purpofes ; purpofes, indeed, highly important to mankind, but no way neceffary for vin- dicating the juftice of God's difpenfations to the hea- ther}. X 2 Pet. iii, 1 8. ^ Tit. U'u §c Disc, 13.] UNTO THE GENTILES. 41 f then. They had finned againfl: nature's light. When they knev/ God, or might have known him, they glorified him not as God, neither were they thankful. They deferved not, therefore, the light of revelation, having imprifoned in unrighteoufnefs the truths rea- fon taught them. Still, however, it remains a myftery, that to the Gentiles Chrift was preached, when they were at the very worft. Search the infpired epiftles, and tell me, was Rome, Corinth, Ephefus, or Crete, celebrated for fobriety, chaflity, juilice, benevolence, and other hu- mane and focial virtues, when the apoilles were fent to publifli in their ears the religion of Jefus ? Did they generally refemble a Socrates, an Ariftides, a Fabrici- us, a Camillus ? Alas ! wifdom and goodnefs were far from them. Many of them were the moil abandoned profligates, fornicators, adulterers, effeminate, abufers of themfelves with mankind, thieves, drunkards, re- vilers, extortioners. Confult impartially the hiftory of the Roman ^mpire in the apoftolic age, and per- haps you will find, that no period was ever funk deep- er in cruelty, treachery, and the mod unnatural pollu- tions, or was better entitled to be accounted the Iron Age. Philofophy, learning, and eloquence, indeed flourifhed, at leafl in the beginning of that period. Virtue was explained, and recommended in an ingeni- ous and entertaining manner, by fome of the fined pens; though, unfortunately, the lives of fome, who v/rote well, were little of a piece with their noble fen- timents. Curious inquiries were made into the found- ation of morals : but, what many talked and difputed, about, fewpradifed. The temperance, integrity, pub- lie fpirit, and contempt of riches and pleafures, for ■vvhich the Romans had been lb illu(lriou§ before the deilru(^ioa 4.12 JESUS PREACHED rDlSC. I3. deftruftlon of Carthage, were now fucceeded, at Rome, and throughout the empire, by a felfifh, interefled fpi- rit, unbridled licentioufnefs, venality and corruption, infolence to inferiors, and abje£l flattery of thofe in power. Yet, when ages, comparatively virtuous, were left to fit in darknefs j on this abandoned age, the light of the gofpel firft fiiined. What can we fay to thefe things ? How unfearch- able are God's judgements, and his ways paft finding out I Perhaps, in the preaching the gofpel to the Gentiles, as in the converfion of their great apoftle, God was willing to fhev/ forth all longfuffering, for a pattern to them who (hould hereafter believe. Per- haps, he meant to exhibit a flriking evidence, that he will have mercy on whom he will have mercy, and will have compaffion on whom he will have compaf- fion. When o^ers of faivation were made, in the ani- pleft manner, to a generation fo enlightened, and yet fo profligate : does not this maniteit, that all, however vile and unworthy, are welcome to the Saviour ? The confirmation of Chrirtianity might be another end of this myfterious difpenfation. The gofpel was intended to fubdue finners to Chriif. God, therefore, firfl fends it on that defign, in an age where it was to meet with the greatefl oppofition, that its amazing conquefts might manifeft its Divine original. And this leads me to obferve, that the elTeds of the preaching of Chrifl to the Gentiles, were myfterious and amazing. When the men of Cyprus and Cyrene fpoke to the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jefus, the hand of the Lord was with them ; and a great num- ber believed, and turned to the Lord ^. And, while Peter was telling Cornelius, and thofe aflTembled with him^ ' Adsxi. 20, 21, Disc. 13.] UNTO THE GENTILES. 41^ him, that, through Chrift*s name, whofoever believed on him fliould receive remiffion of fins ; the Holy Ghoft fell on all them who heard the word ^ Thus, the Gentiles received the Spirit by the hearing of faith ^ ; and the gofpel proved to them the mini- ftration of the Spirit, and of life ^. No wonder that Paul, deeply imprefled with thofe happy eiFefts of a preached gofpel, entertained fo warm and grateful a fenfe of the honour done him, in employing him in that office, and in rendering his labours fuccefsful. " To me, who am lefs than the leafl of all faints, is " this grace given, that I iliould preach among the " Gentiles the unfearchable riches of Chrifl, and to " make all men fee what is the fellowfliip of the my- '* ftery, which, from the beginning of the world, *' hath been hid in God, who created all things by " Jefus Chrift 'l " *' For I am not afhamed of the " gofpel of Chrifl : for it is the power of God unto " falvation, to every one that believeth, to the Jew " iirll, and alfo to the Greek ^ " " Now, thanks be " to God, which always caufeth us to triumph in " Chrift, and maketh manifeft the favour of his " knowledge by us in every place ^. " It was this, too, that led him to declare, wherever Chrift was preached, even from motives blameworthy, herein he did rejoice, yea, and would rejoice s. Every one who fees his ns in a juft light, will ac- knowledge it a my ftery of free unmerited goodnefs, that to him, in particular, Chrift is preached. God might have fent meflengers of wrath, to have dragged his rebellious fubjecls to endlefs deftruftion. But, lo ! a Afts X. 43, 44. ^ Gal. ill. 2. <= 2 Cor. iil. 6—8. d Eph. iil. 8, 9. *" Rom. i. iC. ^2 Cor. u". 14. s Fhll. i. 18. 4^4 JESUS PREACHED [_Disc. 1 j* our juftly ofiendcd Sovereign, who, with infinite eafe, could frown us into mifery, fends us an embaify of peace. " We," fays Paul in the name of all who preach the gofpel, *' are embaffadors for Chiifl, as though " God did befeech you by us ; we pray you, in '* Chrift^s (lead, be ye reconciled to God ^. " And, *' How beautiful upon the mountains, are the feet of *' him that bringeth good tidings ; that publiflieth *' peace ; that bringeth good tidings of good ; that " publiiheth falvation ; that faith unto Zion, Thy ** God reigneth ' ! '* What thanks do we owe to God, for fuch merciful treatment ! To millions of infolent and ungrateful offenders, an indemnity is proclaimed, and not one is excepted in it, who does not deprive himfelf of it, by neglecting to plead it; The gofpel is indeed our glory and crown : and to thofe who hear this joyful found, we m.ay well apply the words of Mofes, " What nation is there fo great, " who hath God fo nigh unto them, as the Lord our " God is in all things that we call upon him for J ? '* But, how melancholy is it, that though in our land Chrift is preached to the Gentiles, many remain igno- rant of him ; and though, for the time, they might have been teachers of others, need that one teach them again what be the firit principles of the oracles of God ^ ! They know not, neither will they under- fland. Though light is come into the world, they love darknefs rather than light K Some refuf^ a hearing to the embaffadors of ChriO:, while others pour con- tempt on their embaffy, not atte'nding to it, and hear- ing it as if they heard it not. May not God be juflly provoked to deprive thofe of the precious light of the* gofpel, * 2 Cor. V. 20. . i ir. III. 7. J Deut. iv. 7. *■ Heb. V. 22. ' Jo. iii. 19. Disc. 13.] UNTO THE GENTILES. 4f^ gofpel, who thus undervalue it ? If they perfifl: in their contempt, blacknefs of darknefs fhall be their portion hereafter. It fhall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, than for them ; every difcovery of Chrift, againft which they have fhut their eyes, every offer of falvation through him, to which they have turned a deaf ear, adding a new fling to their anguifii and re- morfe. Upon the entertainment given a preached gofpel, depends endlefs happinefs or wo. Happy will it be for thee, who hearkened to its calls, that ever thou heardft of Chrift. But thou who rejeclefl: them, art lofl and undone. O foul, empty of every thing good I all the treafures of mercy and grace, which can enrich thee in time and through eternity, are at Chri{l*s difpofal, in whom it pleafed the Father that all fulnefs fhould dwell. If thou repair to him for fupply, he will caufe thee to inherit fubflance, and fill all thy treafures. If thou wilt not, thou mull remain poor and wretched, and perifli and pine away in thine iniquities. Jefus, who Hands in no need of thee, ten- derly and affeftionately entreats thee to come to him. And wilt thou, who Handefl in infinite need of him, refufe to be entreated ? For thy fake, he vailed the glories of his Divinity, and fubmitted firil to a forrow- ful life, and then to a painful, fhameful, and accurfed death. And wilt not thou, for thine own fake, cheer- fully comply wiih his kind invitations ? He comes to thee with a heart full of love, and with hands full of blelTmgs. He comes, not to bereave thee of any thing valuable, but to beftow upon thee grace and glory, an4 every good thing. Often, as the deaf adder, thou haft refufed to hearken to the voice of this heavenly charmer, though charming never fo wifely. Yet, he is loath that thou fhould perifh ; he remembers not againfl ^l6 JESUS PREACHED, Scc [^DlSC* 1 3. agalnft thee all thy bypaft obftinacy and ingratitude ; he (till (lands at thy door and knocks j he waits that he may be gracious. How gladly would thofe pur- chafe fuch offers, who now fuffer the vengeance of eternal fire ! Ah, the madnefs of mankind, who will not guard againfl deftrudion, till deftruftion is inevi- table ; and will not be ferious, till the elements melt with fervent heat, and the earth, and all the works that are therein, are burnt up. The ferious thought- fulnefs, forced upon them by approaching mifery, will no more profit them, than that of the old world pro- fited them, when they perceived the warnings of Noah well-founded, by the flood coming and fweeping them away. Chrift now addreffeth the fons of men with a voice full of compaffion, and often they refufe to hear- ken. The day cometh, when he will fpeak to fuch refu- fers in a voice of terror, to which, however unwilling, they muft attend : " Thefe mine enemies, who would " not that I fliould reign over them, take them, and " flay them before me. " Confider well, O finner, ere thou again refufe or delay to accept the Saviour, if thou canfl bear the thoughts, that God Ihould prove an inexorable Judge to condemn thee, and a confum- ing fire to deftroy thee, in that awful day. Thy life is uncertain ; and, if death find thee a defpifer of Jefus, thy damnation is fure. DIS- DISCOURSE XIV. JESUS BELIEVED ON IN THE WORLD. I Timothy iii. 16. COD WAS MANIFEST IN THE FLESH, JUSTIFIED IN THE SPIRIT^ SEEN OF ANGELS, PREACHED UNTO THE GENTILES, BELlErSD ON IN THE frORCD. VV E fet before you, lafi: opportunity, a myflery of free, fovereign, unmerited mercy, in God*s vifiting with gofpel light, an abandoned, profligate generation. The words now read, prefent to your view a myflery of Divine grace and power, working faith in multi- tudes, flrongly prejudiced againft the gofpel, by falfe principles of religion, or by love of vice. The elo- quence of the ablefl advocate, even when pleading the juftefl: caufe, is often unable to perfuade. The words of Chrift are fpirit and life. Divine energy accompa- nies Divine truth. The Lord himfelf gives the word: the leaders of the hofts of hell are fpoiled, and their captives delivered. Hence, the gofpel of our falva- tion is termed the word of faith, becaufe by it God works faith in his eleft. ,,^ Without thofe powerful operations of the Spirit, the purchafe of redemption, and the preaching of the goi- pel, would be in vain. It is not enough, that God has provided a robe of righteoufnefs and garment of falvation : The flume of our nakednefs muft appear, Ee ' if 4-15 JE-US BELIEVED ON \^Disc. I4. if we refufe to put them on. It is not enough, that there is balm in Gilsad and a phyfician there : His pre- fcriptions, though of fovereign efficacy, leave all difeaf- ed, who will not ufe them. The Ifraehte, flung by the fiery ferpents, was not reheved by the brazen ferpent lifted up in the wildemefs, if he did not look to it for healing. And the Gentiles niufl feek to the root of JelTe, who flands for an enfign of the people, if they would enter into his glorious reft. But, v/as faith the only fruit of the preaching of the gofpel ? Was this the only myflerious effect of the doctrine of Chrift ? By no means. Never did any other caufe produce fo amazing, and fo happy a revo- lution in the ftate of the moral world. The tempers of men were altered, and their lives reformed. The moft vicious fuddenly became the mofl virtuous of mankind. All old things are done away, all things become new. Inftead of the briar, fprings up the fir tree ; and inftead of the thorn, the myrtle tree. The wolf dwells with the lamb, and the leopard lies down with the kid. Yet, here, nothing of this is mentioned. We are only told, Chrift was believed on in the world. But, indeed, when we are told this, we are told all. This was itfelf the greatest miracle ; and with this all the other wonders I have mentioned were naturally and neceifarily conne£ted. It is faith, which infufeth fupernatural life and vigour into every faculty of the foul, and infpires it with piety, benevolence, patience, meeknefs, temperance, fortitude. It is faith, which derives from Chrift's fulnefs grace for grace. It is faith, which raifes the affeftions from earth to heaven, and teaches to count all things lofs and dung in com- parifon of Chrift. No fodner did Zacheus receive the Saviour joyfully, than covetoufnefs and oppreffion give way Disc. 14,] IN THE WORLD. 419 way to juftice and generofity. " And Zacheus flood, " and faid unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of *' my goods I give to the poor ; and, if I have taken *• any thing from any man by falfe accufation, I rc- " ftore him fourfold ^. " Faith is a conquering, tri- umphing grace ; ftrips pleafure, riches, and honour, of their alluring difguife ; abates the terror of temporal evils ; and animates, in fpite of the world's frowns and flatteries, to hold fafl integrity, and not let it go. The world can bribe with nothing fo good as the favour of God, and threaten nothing fo bad as his difpleafure ; and therefore faith hearkens not to her deceitful foli- citations. Indeed, if his own intercft were no how con- cerned, more generous motives would powerfully de- termine the believer, to abound in the fruits of righte- oiifnefs, which are through Chrill to the glory of God. Faith in Chrifl warms the heart with love and grati- tude ; and thefe, again, excite earnellnefs and aftivity, in whatever may promote the Redeemer's honour. Faith, therefore, is mentioned in our text as the eflecl of a preached gofpel, becaufe faith engenders every other holy difpofition, and is the radical grace, which it moft of all concerns us to water and cherilh. I am naturally led from thefe words to confider, firft, the import, and then the myfLerioufnefs of Chrilf's being believed on in the world. L The import of Chrifl being believed on in the world. Doubtlefs Paul here fpeaks of faving faith. What that is, we are told : " ^ Whofocver behevrth " that Jefus is the Chrift, is born of God. " Faith is therefore a perfuafion, that Jefus is the anointed Sa- viour of the world j anointed to the offices of prophet, E e 2 - pried, a Lu?ic xIm. 8. b I Jo, V. r. 420 JESUS EZLIETED ON ^DlSC. I4. prieft, aiid king, that he may thus be made of God to his church, xvifdom, righteoufnefs, fanftification, and redemption. And this perfuafion fuppofes convidion of our natural guilt, wretchednefs, and inability to help ourfelves. If we are not blind, guilty, defiled, enllaved to fin and Satan, we need not Chrift to ref- cue us from biindnefs, guilt, pollution, and flavery : and to fuppofe him anointed to an unneceiTary office, w^ould be blafphemous. It is not, however, a perfua- fion of Chriilian doclrines, derived from the prejudices of education, or barely founded on external evidence, \vhich is faving faith. His faith only is faving, whofe perfuafion of thefe, flows from fpirituai difcoveries of then* importance, beauty, and glory ; and whofe foul, in confequence of it, betakes itfelf to Chrift, as able and willing to fave to the uttermoft, and refts and re- lies upon him alone for falvation. The light in the underftanding powerfully attracts to Chrift, and cap- tivates the heart, fo that it can no longer flight or re- ject, but muft open to' the King of Glory. Hence, our Lord imputes to the ignorance and unbelief of the Sa- maritan woman, her not applying to him for heavenly blelTmgs. " If thou kneweft the gift of God, and " who it is that fiiith to thee. Give me to drink ; thou " w^ouldft have afked of him, and he would have given " thee living water ^. " Yet faith, though it views Jefus in all his mediato- rial charadters, in its firft a£ts chiefly beholds him, as purchaftng for us falvation by his meritorious fufier- ings : And hence, in many fcriptures, the death and facrifice of Chrift is reprefented as the peculiar objed of faith ^. XL ^ Jo. iv, 10. * Rom, iii. ?5. j iv. 24, 25. j V, 9, 10, j 2 Cor. V. Jp— 2i. Disc, 14.] IN THE WORLD. 42I II. I am now to confivjer the m^flerloufnefs of Chrift being believed on in the world. It has been alleged, that laying much ftrefs on faith, is teaching men an eafy, and coiifcquently a decei'Jui way to heaven. I might reply, that fmcere faith teaches a more difficult religion, and a more diffi- cult morality too, than many of the objeftors think necelTary. My fubject, however, leads me to another anfwer. Faith itfelf is no eafy attainment. It is a myftery, that any, even mider the greateft external advantages, favingly believe. It was peculiarly a myf- tery, that fuch multitudes believed in the apoftolig age. (i.) It is a myftery, that, even under the moft en- couraging external circumftances, men favingly be- lieve. Many are fo immerfed m buiinefs, or intoxi- cated with pleafure, that their attention is in vain courted to objecls which llrike not their fenfes. There is no perfuading them ferioufly to feek the fa- vour of God : there is no alarming them to dread his vengeance. — It is equally difficult to beat down the falfe refuges of the thoughtful and ferious. Pride, fooUfli and blind, naturally doats on her own imagin- ed excellencies. Men would wilhngly be their own faviours, or at leaft come in for feme fhare in the glo-. ry of their falvation. They fence themfelves agauifl the difagreeable difcovery, that all their righteoufnefies are as filthy rags ; and that their prayers, refoluticns, and endeavours, can no more alter the corrupt bias of their hearts, than tlie Ethiopian can change his fkin, or the leopard his fpots. — Even when a fmner fees himfelf unworthy and helplefs i it is not eafy to per- fuade him to look and hope for falvation, through the merit and ftrength of another. Indeed, little will E e ^ brin^ 422 JESUS BELIEVLD ON \^DlSC. I4. bring thofe, who think their difeafe flight and incon- fiderable, to an imaginary truft in Chrift for a cure ; a truft, founded on perfuafion, that their danger is fmall and infignificant, and their rehef eafy. Thev behave in Chrift, becaufe they beheve they have little need of Chrift. It is othervyife, when the Spirit fnews unto men their iniquities and tranfgreffions wherein they have exceeded ; difcovers the dreadful plagues of their hearts, and hides pride from them ; fo that they fee God might juftly infiicl upon them the fiercenefs of his wrath. In this fituation, nothing, fave an ex- ceeding greatnefs of Divine power, can convince fm- ners that there is help for them in Chrift ; that his obedience and fufterings are fullv fufticient to atone for their guilt, and to purchafe for them the her.A'enly glory ; that his Spirit is able to fubdue their corrup- tions, and to make them partakers of God's holinefs ; and that they are v/arranted, vile and unworthy as thev are, to come to God, through Chrift, for thofe bleiTrngs. It muft be fomething beyond nature, which thus, againft hope, believes in hope, and encourages itfeif in the Saviour, when every thing within is dark and dircouraging. A humbled, felf-condemning fm- ner, coming boldly to the throne of grace, for mercy to pardon, and grace to help, is indeed a wonderful fpeclacle. Faith is the gift of God ; and no. common inconfiderable gift. (2.) In the apoftoiic age, the multitude brought to beheve, Y/as niyfterious. Though Jefus, during his perfonal miniftry, fpoke as never man fpoke, teftifying what he had feen and heard of the Father ; yet no man received his teftlmony. lie came to his own, and his own receiv- ed him not. Though, in his own name, and by his own Disc. 14.] IN THE WORLD. 423 own power, he did among them fuch works as no o- ther man did ; yet he was defpifed and rejected of men. If the nation which eagerly looked for the coming of the Meffias, gave him fuch treatment : was it probable that Gentiles, flrangers to the cove- nants of promife, and not prepared for His gracious meffage by any former difpenfation, would receive it more favourably ? Yet, in fad, it was thus. God had foretold : " To Him, whom man defpifeth ; to " Him, whom the nation abhorreth ; to a fervant of " rulers : kings fliall fee and arife ; princes alfo fliall " worfhip ?. " He, who had fo little influence while lie tabernacled on earth ; now, when men fee him no more, becomes the defire and dehght of all nations. In about thirty years after Chrift's refurredion, Chri- ftianity gains ground in mod of the provinces of the Roman empire, and penetrates to Parthia, India, and other remote corners of the earth. Hundreds, nay, fometimes thoufands, were converted by one fermon. The bufy, the idle, the profligate, the civilized, the court, the camp, the fchools of philofophy, all ai- forded trophies to the crofs.—Nor did Chriflianity thus gain ground in a dark, illiterate, fuperltitious age. Never v^^as there a period when impolture bid fiiirer to be detected, and every cunningly devifed fa- ble, or fpecious argument, -to be thoroughly fifted. — The religion preached among the Gentiles, did not favour their prejudices, flatter their^ pride, or footh their depraved appetites and pafiions. It called them to abhor, what, from their intancy, they had been taught to venerate ; to embra^ce opinions, which the men of wifdom pronounced foohflmefs ; to own one, as their Saviour and Lord, who hung on a tree j and E e 4 n(.t e If. xli'x. 7. 424 JESUS BELIEVED ON ^Disc. 14. not to indulge even in fins, once dearer to them than a right hand, or a right eye. Great was the oppofition the gofpel had to encounter. The fuperftition of Heathens, the bigotry of Jews, the wifdom of philo- fophers, the eloquence of orators, the ridicule of men of wit, the authol-ity of princes, the craft of priefts, joined in alliance againfl the gofpel, with every vici- ous inclination, every emotion of pride in the human heart. — To oppofe the efforts of this formidable con- federacy, men are employed, of no rank and fortune, no power and influence, no policy or learning. The bold attempt provokes the vengeance of earth and hell on them and their followers. Yet, fines, banilhment, torture, death, inflicled with every circumftance of cruelty, could not deter multitudes, of the tendered age and fex, from boldly and openly profefTmg a reli- gion, againfl which, a little before, they had been deeply prejudiced. Tentmakers, publicans and fifher- men, by preaching llie plain truths of Chriflianity, without the orna^raeniis of eloquence, or enticing words of man's wifdom ; by enforcing duties contrary to eve- ry corrupt affeftion ; and by patiently fuffering perfe- cution for the vv'ord of their tefliraony ; are honoured, as the infrruments of accomplifliing a great and mpfl improbable change in the fentiments, tempers, and manners of men. The more they are perfecuted, the more they grow. They who led them captive, are themfelves captivated by Divine truth. Meannefs proves an. overmatch for grcatnei's, fcoiillmefs for wif- dom, weaknefs for ftrength. Philofophy is baffled and filenced by unpoliflied fimpiicity. The fheep o- vercome the wolves, the lambs the lions, the doves the birds of prey ; and the gofpel treafure is in earth- en vefibis, that the excellency of the power might ap- pear 1 4-] JN THE WORLD. 425 pear to be of God. The gracious influences, and mi- raculous gifts of the Spirit, were the only adequate caufes of thofe triumphs of the gofpel. If thefe things are fo, let none employed in preach- ing the gofpel, defpair of fuccefs. The weapons of our warfare, though not carnal, have proved, and ilill may prove, mighty, through God, to the pulling down the ftrong holds of pride and depravity. The Spirit of God can level every mountain of oppofidon into a plain. The captives of the mighty may be re- lieved, and the prey of the terrible delivered. The mod abandoned profligates, monfters of wickednefs, and bitter enemies of Chriitianity, have been gained by the gofpel. God's hand is not now fliortened, nor his grace diminiflied, ' He that gathereth the people to Shiloh, can, and will, gather others unto him, befides the multitudes whom he hath already ga- thered. Great as the evil and enmity of men may be, God can overcome their evil with his good. The caufe of the gofpel, is a caufe, which the mercy, the faithfulnefs, and the honour of God, are engaged in profpering : a caufe, in fupport of which, the Al- mighty delights to make bare his arm, Thoufands of the Gentiles, who never enjoyed fuch advantages as you, have believed on Chrift. Do ye alfo believe ? and, is your faith the myfterious faith of the operation of God ? Is it built on the gofpel teftimony ? Hath it come by reading or hearing the word ? Art thou, my fellow fmner, encouraged, by the full and free offers of Chrilt, to. look to him for falvation ? And, didlt thou iind it impofllble for thee to do this, till He, with whom all things are poflible, wrought in thee all the go:od pleafure of hjs goodnefs^ and ?i work of faith with, power? Or. i^ thy faith built 426 JESUS BELIEVED ON \^DisC, I4. built on a prefumptuous conceit, that the law of God, or the obligation flridly to obey it, is now relaxed, and that, with all thy defects, thou hafl worth and excellency fuflicient to recommend thee to Chrilt ? The faith of God's eled mud light, and flrive for its life, with Satan, the world, and the flefh, thofe pow- erful enemies, who unweariedly feek to deftroy it ; and, were it not upheld by the Everlafting Arms, would fight and flrive in vain. If thy faith has been eafily attained, and eafily preferved, thou haft caufe to fear, it gives no alarm to the powers of darknefs. Thou, who art hitherto an unbeliever, be exhorted now to believe on Jefus. Faith unites to Him, and that union infures pardon of fin, freedom from the curfe of the law, peace and friendlhip with God ; an intereft in His fatherly care, conduft, provihon, and protection ; boldnefs of accefs to a throne of grace ; all needfal influences of the Spirit here, and the hea- venly inheritance hereafter. But, without faith, thou canft have no intereft in Chrift, no intereft in thofe in- eftimable blelTmgs of his purchafe. The gofpel was written and preached chiefly for this end, that thofe naturally dead in treflpalTes and fins, might believe that Jefus is the Son of God, and that, believing, they might have life in his name % The word preach- ed, if not mixed with faith in thy foul, inftead of profiting thee, aggravates thy guilt here, and will add to thy mifery hereafter. This is God's command- ment, that we fliould beUeve on the name of his Son Jefus Chrift '. If thou hearkeneft not to this com^ raandment, thou muft perifli with the children of dif- obedience. Thy prayers will not be anfwered, thy duties will be rejeded, and all thy endeavours in re- ligion ^ Jo. XX. 31, • I Jo. iii. ?3, Disc. 14.] IN- THE AVORLD. 427 ilgion loft. For, where the golpel Is preached, the faithful and true witnefs hath afllired us, « He that *' bclieveth, and is baptized, (hall be faved ; but he " that bclieveth not, iliaii be damned ^. " You, who through grace believe, adore the Al- niigiity and compaffionate God, who, notwithflanding the oppofition of your own depraved inclinations, and of the numerous hofls of your fpiritual enemies, hath conquered and captivated your hearts. Had not Di- vine grace and power been thus marvelloufly exercifed towards you, you had died in unbehef, and thus died iJi your fnis. Walk worthy of God, unto all well- pleafing ; and fnov/ forth the fmcerity of your faith, by being careful to maintain good v/orks : and, as you would wifh to grow in holinefs, ftudy to grow in faith. Faith blunts the edge of temptation, llnelds a- gainft the aiTaults of the powers of darknefs, encou- lages to undertake the moft difficult fervices, and can do all things, through Chriil ftrengthening. How a- nimating the thought, O believers, that your merci- ful High Fried:, perfumes your facrifices with the in- cenfe of his merits and intercefTion ; and that your meaneft acts of obedience, performed with fmcerity and fmglenefs of heart, (liall in nowife loi'i^ their re- v^'ard ! From ftrong and lively views of this, be fted- faft and immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour fliall not be in vain in the Lord. You have the honour and hap- pinefs of ferving a Mafter, who will take in good part the labours you undertake, and the fufferings you endure, for his name's fake. Trull in the Saviour, both for ftrength to perform duty, and for the accept- ance of your perfons and perlormaiu-c>;. This will enlarge £ Mark xvi, iC. 4-0 JESUS BELIEVED ON, &C. [_D}sC, I4. enlarge your hearts to ran in the ways of God's com- mandments. Chrifl crucified, is meat indeed, and drink indeed : and, by feeding on this glorious pro- vifion; inclination, ftrength and fpirit for duty, fhall be conveyed to your fouls. To conclude. We, according to God's promife,. wait for a period, when the great things contained in our text, fhall be better underflood, by being more fully accomplilhed^ The happy day fliall dawn, when,, in every corner of the habitable earth, Chrift fliall be preached to the Gentiles, and believed on in the world. The glory of the Lord fliall be revealed, and all flelh fhall fee it together : for the mouth of the Lord hath fpoken it ^ Let it be our united prayer : " Now, O *'^ Lord God, the word thou had fpoken concerning *^^ the Saviour, and concerning his fpiritual feed, e- *^ ftablifh it for ever, and do as thou haft faid L " '' IL xL 5. » 2 Stim. vH. 25. DIS^ DISCOURSE XV. JESUS RECEIVED UP INTO GLORY. I Timothy iii. i6. rn-On WAS MANIFEST IN THE FLESH, JUSTIFIKD IN TH E SPIRIT, ■SE'ETJ OF ANGELS, PREACHED L'NTO THE GEMTJLES, BELIEVED ON iS THE WORLD, RMCRlfED VF INTO GLORY. X HIS is the laft branch of the mylliery of godli- nefs, as defcribed in my text. And indeed, the power and raajefly of the exahed Jefus, mufl terrify, not comfort the foul, which has not firfl viewed him, aflfuniiug human nature to purchafe redemption, offer- ed to every one in the gofpel, and united to all who believe as their huiband and friend. When we thinlc, that he who afcended, iirfl defcended into the lowell parts of the earth, and both defcended and afcended, was humbled and exalted for our benefit ; then, and. fiot till then, comfort and joy fpring up, from v/hat •would otherwife fill with dread. Whether we confider thefe. words, as relating to the perfon of Jefus, or to his mediatorial chariicher, they contain an incomprehenfible myflery. His glory as God could not be diminiflied or increafed. Ai man, he was the chief among ten thoufands, and alto- gether lovely. In his lowed abafement, he remained the brightnefs of the Father's glory, and the exprefs image of his perfon. His humanity, as united with his divine perfon, had a right to the glory of heaven, and 43^ JESUS RECEIVED [^Disc. 1 5, and to every thing great and honourable. Had he hov/ever exavfted this right, the great end of his in- carnation, even his dying for lofl mankind, could not have been accomphflied. Plad the princes of the v/orld known him to be, vvhat indeed he was, they Y/ould not have crucified the Lord of glory a. For our fakes, therefore, though he was in the form of God, and thought it not robbery to be equal with God, he made himfelf of no reputation, took upon him die form of a fervant, and was made in the likenefs of men''. Rich in his original honours and blifs, he became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich " . Though he had a fufficient title to glory for himfelf, he fufpends his claims, till he procure us a title to it alfo. The low circumftances in which he appeared, vailed and obfcured his native dignity. His excellencies flione not with fuch a glare, as to flrike the vulgar eye, or to be admired by the unenlightened foul. The greater part of his cotemporaries perceived no form or comelinefs in him, why he flrould be de- fired '^. In his humbled ftate, he fet the Lord always before him ; and becaufe God was at his right hand, was never moved in any inflance to fwerve from the paths of duty ^ He glorified the Father on earth, and faithfully performed, and completely finifhed the arduous work given him to do ^ There- fore the Father, who had bruifed him and put him to grief, in teilimony of full fatisfaclion with all that he had done, leaves not his foul in the" feparate ftate, and fufFers not his body to fee corruption : but fliov/s him the path of life, and welcomes him to His prefence, where is fulnefs of joy ; and to His right hand, where arc ^ I Cor. ii. 8. b Phil. 11. 6, 7. c 2 Cor. vlii. 9. 'i L^. lili. 2. ^ rf. xvi. 8. f Jo. xvii. 4. Disc. 15.] UP INTO GLORY. 431 are pleafures for evermore p. The man of for rows, ceafes from his works, reds from his labours and fuf- fcrlngs, and alone, of all mankind, enters the heaven- ly manfions by the gate of his own perfonal merit and righteoufnefs. He who, on earth, was in all the fm- lefs infirmities of humanity made like to his breth- ren ; nov.^ pofielfeth our nature in its highefl luftre and perfeclion. He, who hid not his face from fhame and fpitting, is now fet down on the right hand of the Majefty on high ^. The vail which hid his glory is removed ; every circumflance concurs to manifeft it j and faints and angels, with v/onder and joy, behold his human nature as fubfifling in the perfon of the Son of God. I am not, however, to enlarge on thefe things, but rather confidej the glory into which Jefus is received, as Mediator. And here, (i.) He is invefted with the glorious office of inter- ceding for lofl fmners, and thus procuring their re- conciliation and acceptance with God. Never was there a prielt or advocate fo truly glorious. What glorious things are fpoken of the Redeemer in the c- piftle to the Hebrews ! and yet, tHis is reprefented as the fubftance of them all : Heb. viii. 1,2. " Now, of *' the things which we have fpoken, this is the fum : *• We have fuch a High Pried, who is fet on the " right hand of the throne of the Majed y in the hea- " vens ; a minider of the fanduary, and of the true " tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. " And, what is his minidry in the heavenly tabernacle ? Doubtlefs, he precedes in the wordiip and fervices of his church. If the holy place made with hands, w^as the figure of the true, heaven, like them, is the place of £ Pf. xvi. 10, II. ^ Hcb. I. 3- 43^ JLSUS RECEIVID [£>/jY. 15. of folemn worfhip. The blefled above are before the throne of God, and ferve Him day and night in his temple '. With incefTant delight and exultation, that augufl aflembly of angels and men, join in cele- brating the praifcs of God. But, in thefe praifes, Jefus takes the lead. Hence he is reprefented faying, Pf. xl. 1 — 3. " I waited patiently for the Lord, and *' he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He " brought me up alfo out of an horrible pit, out of " the miry clay, and fet my feet on a rock, and efla^ " bliftied my goings : And he hath put a new fong " in my mouth, even praife unto our God. '* Of this worfliip, in which the Redeemer precedes, we have alfo a defcription, Rev. xiv. i — 3. " And I " looked, and, lo, a Lamb flood on the mount Sion, " and with him an hundred and forty and four thou- " fand, having his Father's name written in their *' foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as " the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a " great thunder ; and I heard the voice of harpers, " harping with their harps : and they fung as it were *' a new fong before the throne, and before the four « beafts and the elders : and no man could learn that " fong, but the hundred and forty and four thoufand, «' which were redeemed from the earth. " — Yet, ic is not fo much in his leading the worfliip of the redeem- ed, as in the procuring the acceptance of their per- fons and fervices, that his Tiiiniflrations in the heaven- ly fanduary appear glorious. In the height of his dic^nity, he forgets not the meanefl: of his people. Like Aaron, who carried the names of all the tribes of Ifrael upon his breallplate, when he entered the ta- bernacle j this greater than Aaron, bears upon his heart lCV, v.i. K. Disc. 15.] UP INTO GLORY; 4'?'> heart the names and circumflances of all his people ; knows their manifold neceffities, and prefents to the Father his own obedience and fuiferings, as an ever- prevailing motive for beflowing upon them what in- deed is bed. " For Chrift is not entered into the " holy places made with hands, which are the figures " of the true, but into heaven itfelf, now to appear " in the prefence of God for us J ." God can deny him nothing, and therefore will not deny us any thing which we afk in his name. The friendfhip of the greatell favourite in the court of an earthly prince, may prove of no avail. Jonathan, the fon of King Saul, pled with his father in behalf of David, and pled in vain. But .God hath given to his Only Begot- ten Son, his heart's defire 5 and never hath, never fhall, withhold frorn him the requefl of his Ups ". This is our privilege under the gofpel difpenfation, that we are come to Jefus, the Mediator of the nev/ covenant, and to the blood of fprinkling, which fpeak- eth better things than that of Abel '. "When the trembling finner (lands before the angel of the Lord, clothed with filthy garments, and Satan ftands to re- fifl him in his humble approach to the mercy-feat ; the angel fays unto him, " Beliold, I have caufed " thine iniquity to pafs from thee, and I will clothe " thee with change of raiment '"." He ftands at the altar, having a golden cenfer ; and there is given un- to him mucli incenfe, that he fiiould offer it, with the prayers of all faints, upon the golden altar, which is before the throne". And, O how comfortable the thought, that whereas the priefts of Aharon's race, were not fuffered to continue by reafon of death ; this F f man, j Heb. Ix. 24. ^ Pf, XX-:. 2. » Heb, xii. 24. Hi Zech. jii. 1—4, ' ^ Rev. vlil. 3. 434 JESUS RECEIVED \^Disc, 15. man, becaufe he contlnueth ever, hath an unchange- able priefthood ! wherefore he is able alfo to fave them to the uttermoft, that come unto God by him, feeing he ever liveth to make interceffion for them" . In adt- ing on earth as a prieft, he bore the curfe of the law, the hidings of the Father's face, yea, the direful ef- fedls of his indignation. But, now, the reproach of the crofs is done awav ; the prieftly office, as well as the prieft, is glorified ; while the Saviour fits as a priefl on his throne ''j and, with a voice full of ma- jefty, not, as in Gethfemane, with ftrong crj^ings and tears, claims the bleffings upon his people, for which he obeyed, and for which he fuffered. (2.) Jefus is in veiled with the high and honourable office, of imparting faving light and Hfe to the world, by the influences of his Spirit and grace. I mean not here to confider the glory of Jefus as the head of the glorified creation, the medium of all the communica- tions of blifs they receive from God, and the bond of union between things in heaven and things on earth ; though, what Scripture hints on that fubjed, Eph. i. 10. and Col. i. 20., merits our devout attention. I only fpeak of Jefus, as the channel through which all bleffings are conveyed to his ranfomed ones. On the crofs, he encountered and overcame the powers of darkuefs. When he afcended on high, he led capti- vity captive ''. Having fpoiled principalities and pow- ers, he made a fliew of them openly, triumphing over them ' , dragging the vanquifhed foes at his chariot- wheels, in fight of the attendants of his afcenfion : and all this was, that, having received gifts, he might beftow them upon men, even the rebellious *" . In him, ? Heb. vli. 23—25. P Zcch. vi. 13. 1 Eph. iv. 8. ! Col. a, ^5. £ Pi» Ixviix. i8. Disc* 15.] UP INTO GLORY. 435 him, it pleafed the Father, that all fulnefs fhould dwell t. All our well fprings are in him " ; and from him only, our fruit can be found \ He was indeed the head of influences, even to faints under the Old Teftament. But this branch of his glory was little known in that darker difpenfation ; and his falutary influences were then imparted to fmaller numbers, and in a lefs plenteous degree. The grand outpour- ing of the Spirit, was referved to do honour to a rifen and afcended Redeemer. This we are exprefsly taught, Jo. vii. 38, 39. ; xii. 31, 32. ; xvi. 7. What a com- fort is it to unconverted finners, convinced of their guilt and depravity, that God, having raifed up his Son Jefus, hath fent him to blefs us, in turning us from our iniquities * ! And though, as to his vifible prefence, he is now no more in the world, and the heavens mufi: retain him till the time of the reflitution. of all things : what a comfort is it to faints, that, in a fpiritual and more important fenfe, he hath faid, " Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the " world, * ** to maintain, to flrengthen, and increafe in you the divine life ! God hath fet Chriil as King on his holy hill of Zion >'. He procures himfelf, from the midft of his enemies, multitudes of willing fub- je6ls, by a day of his Almighty power ^. He rules the fpirits of men ; he alters their natural bias ; he fubdues their unruly appetites ; and turns the ftreani of their affedions into a new and oppofite channel. Having imparted the fpark of divine life ; even in the midft of ftorms and tempefts, he preferves it from be- ing extinguifhed. Glorious Sovereign, v/ho makes F f 2 all t Col. ;. 19. u Pf. Ixxxvii. 7. ' Hof. xiv. 8. * Afts iii. 26. '' Matth. -xxviii. 30. ' Vi, ii. 6. » Pf. ex. 2, 3. 43^ Jtsus RECEIVED \^Disc. 15, all his fubjecls inwardly beautiful and glorious ! Glo- rious empire, ivhere all derive from their Sovereign, rlghteoufnefs arid peace, and joy in the Holy Ghoft ! Better to. have the Spirit of Chrift, without his bodily prefencc, than to have liis bodily prefence without tiie Spirir. Myllerious as thefe things are, they are not incredible. If the influence of an earthly prince aches to every corner of his wide extended domini- ons, though his prefence is confined to one place ; and, if the fun, though at fo vail a diflance from our globe, incelfantly enlightens, warms, and cherifhes it, by his refreihing beams : fhali men pronounce it im- poUible, tliat \iiliie, conimunicated from an afcended Redeemer, Ihould revive the parched, withered, de- cayed graces of his people, and impart laving light to them that fit in darknefs, and in the region and fha- dow of death ? (3.) Jefus is ad%-anced to the glory of univerfal do- minion* To Him, whom men defpifed ; to Hira, whom the nation abhorred, to a Servant of rulers ; domiiiion, and glory, and a kingdom, are given, that all people, nations and L'ingaages, Ihould ferve him. Not only is he confiituted head of influences to the Church, but head of dominion over all things for their benefit K All power is given to him in heaven and in eartli ^ ; and therefore, no event can fall out, in the vifible or iiivifible world, \iithout his permifiion. The reins of government, O believer, are entiTilfed to thy belt friend ; and, when the church is ioweft, her head fits at the right hand of God. And, tell me, does he fit there, and do nothing ? No, my brethren, he is thus exalted, that he may make all his enemies his footllool c. Though, for a feafon, enemies may trample a Eph. i,22. b Matth. xx?iii. 18. f Pf «♦ 1, Dhc, 15.] UP INTO GLORY, 437 trample his church under foot, ere long he fhall trample under foot the moll powerful of thols ^ene- mies. He fits at the helm : and, though flo; ms may arife and tofs the (liip, while he feems afleep, yet no ftorm {hall be able to fmk her. The gates of hell fhall never prevail againfl her. Winds may blvow, and waves may beat upon her ; but (he Ihall ftand, being founded on a rock. Though the bufii, where the angel of the covenant i^ prefent, may bum, it (hall never be confumed. The imited power of men and devils, mull prove too feeble, in oppofition to the .thrice happy men, who have God for the fhield of their flrength, and the fword of their excellency. If the Church is cad into a furnace, in that furnace fhe only lofes her drofs, and is brought out of it, as gold tried in the fire, pu- rified feven times. Let not her enemies rejoice over her : for, though flie fall, fhe fnall arife again ; though fhe walk in darknefs, the Lord will give her light. There is no counfel or might againfl the Lord. All created power is upheld and limited by him, and there- fore can never act v%dthout his wife permillicn : and that permifTion then only he gives, when it is truly befl for his people that he fnould give it. AH things therefore fhall work together for good, to them that ■ love him, and that are the called according to his purpofe. (4.) Chrifl is received into glory, as the forerunner of his people, and the pattern of their approaching blifs. When the faral apoflafy had debarred our ac- cefs to the heavenly paradife, a new and living way was opened, through the obedience of Chrifl, and the rent veil of his flefli. The God of Peace hath brought again from the dead our Lord Jefus, the great Shep- herd of the Iheep, and hath thereby declared the per- F f 3- fctlioi; 438 JESUS RECEIVED [^DIsC* I5. fedion and acceptablenefs of his obedience and faeri- fice : for had they been imperfefl:, God would not have thus taken him from prifon and from judgement. Chrift having therefore paid the debt of punilhment, which we owed to Divine juftice, and purchafed for us the heavenly bhfs ; it remained, that, as our repre- fentative and harbinger, he fhould in our name enter into the polfeffion of the purchafed inheritance. And hence, certainty arifes, that as the natural body of Chrift has been received into glory, every particular member of his myftical body fliall be received into it alfo : for it was to purchafe glory for his myftical bo- dy, that he took upon him flefti and blood. In the name of his Church, he lived, he died, he rofe again ; he was received into glory. On this account, we are faid to be quickened together with Chqft, to be raifed up to,, gether, and to be made to fit together in heavenly pla- ces ^. We have a glorious life hid with Chrift in God. And when Chrift ftiall appear, that life ftiall be reveal- ed, and we alfo fliall appear with him in glory ^ Hence, our Lord thus comforted his difciples : "In " my Father's houfe are many manfions ; if it were *' not fo, I would have told you. I go to prepare a " place for you. And, if I go and prepare a place '' for you, I will come again, and receive you to my- " felf, that where I am, there you may be alfo ^. '* As the earthly paradife was provided for Adam, be- fore he was created ; fo a place was fecured for the Chriftian in the heavenly paradife, ere ever he was born. When we behold our pious friends breathing their laft, or when we ourfelves walk through the dark valley and ftiadow of death, let us rejoice, that they and we are haftening to that better country, whither the ^ Eph. ii. 5, 6. * Col. iii. 3, 4. f Jo. xlv. 2, 3, Disc. 15.] UP INTO GLORY. 439 the forerunner hath for us entered ^ " There firs " my Saviour in glory. There hath he prepared for " me a houfe, not made with hands, eternal in the " heavens. What though I have vvandered in a folitary " wildernefs, and found no city to dwell in, if God is " leading me in the right way to the heavenly city of " habitation? What though I am accounted the filth " of the earth, and the offscourings of all things ? " Time was, when my Saviour and Lord fuifered *' like ufage. None was ever fo abufed, and none is *' now fo exalted. And, through my glorified head, " I truft, that my lowed abafement fhall be the " forerunner of my advancement and glory. My " Saviour, who was once fcourged and fpit upon, *' and nailed to a crofs, is now highly exalted, and *' has all things put under his feet. If I futTer with " him, I fliall alfo reign with him. I hear the Son of " God fpeaking in the language of authority: Father, " Iwill that they alfo, whom thou haft given me, '* may be with me, where I am, to behold my glory. " The will of men may be fruftrated by their weak- " nefs, or by their death ; but Chrift lives and reigns *' in heaven, to make eifedual the kind purpofes of " his heart. Not content to be glorified alone, it is " his gracious will, that his people fit down with him " on his throne, even as he fat down on the Father's *' throne. No wonder, that Paul was willing to be " abfent from the body, and prefent with the Lord. " No wonder, that he longed to depart, and to be " with Chrift. Surely this is better than the beft that " can be enjoyed in this pilgrimage ftate. Earth can " afford nothing fo dehghtful and Satisfying, that the « fpoufe of Chrift would deign to compare with the F f 4 «« immediate 8 Heb. vi. 20. 440 JESUS RECEIVED. [D/j^. 1 5. " immediate prefence and fellowfliip of her Hufband «' and Lord. " I now conclude, with feme iinprovenient of the fubjea. (i.) Let our converfation and hearts be, where our Lord is. As men rifen with Chrill:, as men for whom he is preparing manfions of blifs, let us feek the things which are above, where he fitteth at the right hand of God. Let us Tet our afFedions on ihings above, not on things below. Fix thine eye, fix thy thoughts on heaven, and on Him who purchafed heaven for thee, and afcended thither as thy forerunner. Thou WMnildfl not remain fo cold and comfortlefs a Chriflian, didft thou oftener behold the King in his beauty, and the land that is afar ofi'. Did 11 thou keep thy heart nearer the Sun of Righteoufnefs, opening it to his warming, enlightening, enlivening rays : holinefs and joy would not be fuch drangers there. If thy devout mtditations dwelt more with Chrift in his glory, thy lii'e would breathe more of he.aven ; and courage, vi- gour, and activity, in the fervice of thy God, would become natural and eafy. Thou woukiil find lefs leiiure to attend to the foliciiarions of an enfnarinff o v/orld. And if the world frowned, thou wouldfl take it joyfully; knowing that thy light afHidions, which are but for a moment, work for thee a far more ex- ceeding and an eternal weight of glory. Yet, though growth in holinefs, and increafe- of comfort, are fo much promoted by frequent devout meditation on an enthroned Redeemer, how difEcuitly are men engaged in this delightful, improving exercife ! How eafy to think on that which is mean and trifling! How painful to fix our thoughts on that which is infinitely excellent! ^ ■ - • : If Dhc. 15.] UP INTO GLORY. 44 1 If Jefus had not thought more about us, than we or- dinarily do about him, what would have become of us ? Mean and vile as we were, he entertained thoughts of redeeming, fanclifying, glorifying us. Yea, from eternity his delights were with the fons of men. And, (hall it be fo hard a matter to fix our thoughts on Him, whofe lovelinefs is infinite, and whofe love to us hath no parallel? Is this an evidence of our love to the unfeen Jefus ? It is an evidence, that, if we have any, it is weak as a fmoking flax. If an ange] were commiffioncd to affure thee, that next month thou fnouidft be with Chrifl in paradife; would it be with thee, as it now is? Would not things invi- fible make other, and more powerful impreffions on thy heart ? And how knoweft thou, that thy birth- day into glory is even at that diftance ? Ere another week, ere another day, thou mayeft join the augufl: af- fembly of l^iints and angels, and enter into the joy of thy Lord. Ah ! that the fliort-iived unfatisfying en- joyments of fenfe, and the converfation of gay and thoughtiefs finners, fliould divert thy attention from fuch exalted profpeG:s. Thy country, thine inheri- tance, thy huiband, thy head, is in heaveri. (2.) Let, O Chriftian, the majelty and greatnefs of thy Lord, excite thee to a bold undifguifed profeffion of thy regards to him. Let not the fcorns and jeers of profane witlings make thee afliamed of thy glorious head. I^et not th*e fears of reproach, difgrace, or perfecution, betray thee to rilk His difpleafure, who hath all pov/er in heaven and inearth. Thinkell thou that the bleffed in heaven are alhamed of their ardent love to Chrifl, and their diligence, circuuifpcclion, and ftedfaftnefs in Llis fervice ? When ihou tliyf^jlf ilialt enter the invifible world, is there not more danger thou 442 JESUS RECEIVED [^Disc. 1 5, thou prove afiiamed of the fmallnefs, than of- the great- nefs of thy fervices ? Indeed, thy warmeft love, and mofi: a6tive felf-denying obedience, can never be great enough, for One, fo glorious in himfelf, and to whom thou haft been fo deeply indebted. Chrift, in all his glory, mean and polluted as thou art, is not afhamed to call thee brother. Be not thou afhamed, to call One, fo greai and fo good. Saviour and Lord. (3.) Debafe not that nature, which God hath thus exalted in the perfon of Chrift. Our nature, in him, is advanced above the angels, and is next in dignity to the nature of God. It was impoffible, that human na- ture, remaining fuch, could be advanced higher. Our nature, in Chrift, is gone to the higheft place in hea- ven ; is advanced above all principalities and powers, and inverted with univerfal dominion. And ftiall we difhonour, ftiall we defile and pollute it, by the igno- ble flavery of fm and Satan ? No, my brethren. Let us acl worthy of our characters as members of the myf- tical body of Chrift. Let us condu£l ourfelves fuita- bly to our own dignity, and to the dignity of our ex- alted Head. Upon earth, let us begin the life of hea- ven; and prove, that our hopes of being like Chrift in another world, are well founded, by purifying ourfelves as he is pure. Refemble him in grace we muft, ere we refemble him in glory. God will not fill the hea- venly manfions with thofe, who on earth are the fcan- dal of their Chriftian profeflion, fulfilling the defires of the flefh and of the mind, and 'habitually negleCling the plaineft duties. Without holinefs, no man ftiall fee the Lord. (4.) How great the happlnefs of thofe, who are ad- mitted to heaven, and who there behold the glory of the Redeemer ! How inexpreffible their tranfport, who, Disc. 15.] UP INTO GLORY. 443 who, having pafled the ftorms and tempefls of morta- lity, find themfelves with their bed friend, fee his glory, and fee and feel their own intereft in it ! With what love to their brethren yet on earth, do they be- hold Jefus prefeniing their prayers before the throne, making interceflion for them, pleading their caufe a- gainfl: all their ^idverfaries, tranfading all their affairs in the court of heaven, and taking effectual care that none of them perilh ! They fee that glory of Chrift, in the difcharge of his prieftly office, within the fanc- tuary, of which the ceremonies of the law were an obfcure reprefentation, and which, even under the clearer light of the gofpel, were very imperfedlly known. With rapture they fee Him as a prieft upon his throne, invefled with fovereign authority, and en- dued with Almighty power, to accomplifh all that for his Church, on account cf which he thus intercedes. The afcenfion of Chriff into glory, and his minifter- ing in the heavenly fancluary, were confiderable addi- tions to the happinefs of faints who had departed this life under the Old Teftament difjoenfation. Till then, they could not behold the glcry of God, in Chriff's ac- tual purchafe of redemption. Till then, there was no throne of grace erected in heaven, no high prieft ap- pearing before it, no lamb as it had been llain, no joint afcription of glory to Him who fitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb j God having ordained fome better thing for us, that they, without us, fhould not be made perfect ''. They had believed the promife of grace and mercy through the Meffias to come. But the way in which the Redeemer was to procure thofe blef- fmgs, the fufferings of Chrift, and the glory that ihould follow, neither they nor the angels could di- flinaiy ^ Hcb. xi. 39, 40. 444 JESUS RECEIVED, &c. \^Disc. 15. ftlndly apprehend ' . Saints knew that fomething far- ther was to be done, for exalting God*s glory in their complete falvation. What that fomething was, with joy they perceived, when Chrifl: entered into the hea- venly iantluary. With ineffable delight, they now behold the realities, which the patterns of things in heaven had fliadowcd out. They now fee, what they had defired, and prayed, and longed to fee, in the days of their fiefli. Even the knowledge and happi- nefs of angels were hereby increafed ' . God recon- ciles all things to himfelf, whether things on earth, or things in heaven ^. Angels rejoice more than ever in man's falvation ; for more than ever they now fee the glory of God great in that falvation. The admiration and praife of thofe benevolent fpirits, and of the na- tions of the redeemed, abundantly compenfate all the contempt caft on Chrid's mediation by thofe who dwell on the earth. Even New Teftament faints ex- change their enjoyments and fervices, for enjoyments and fervices infinitely fuperior. The heavenly Jerufa- iem hath no need of the fun, neither of the moon to fliine in it : for the glory of God doth lighten it, an4 the Lamb is the light thereof K » I Pet. i. 10 — 12. i Eph. iii. 9, 10, ^ Col. j. 20. ' Rev. xxi. 23. D I S. DISCOURSE XVL IN THREE PARTS. l>OV»'£R GIVEN TO CHRIST FOR BLESSING THE ELECT. John kvII. 2. as thou hast given him power over all plesh, that he £kouldgive eterkal life to as maky as thou hastgi- VtS HIM. PART I. i HESE words prefent to our contemplation, three glorious myileries of vvlfdom and grace. The founda- tion of redemption, laid before the world was ; power exerdfed, in time, for the benefit of the elect; and complete happinefs conferred upon them, when time ihall be no more. All thefe, the facred oracles declare in many refpeds incomprehenfible. We cannot fathom the reafoij, why fome of Adam's poflerity, rather than otheri, u'ere given to Chrift, in the covenant of re- demption p but mull fay, with the apoftle, " ^ O the *' depth of the riches both of the wifdoni and know- " ledge of God ! How unfearchable are his judge- ^* ments, and his ways pall finding out ! '* Equally unfathomable is the government of the Vi'orld, uni- formly conduded by Chrill £0 promote the good of his church, even when it feems to thwart it. " ^ As ** thou knowell not the way of the Spirit, nor how "the t Rom. %.l 13. ' b Ecdef. xl. 5. 44^ POWER GIVEN TO CHRIST [^DlsC. 1 5. " the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with *' child : even lb, thou knoweft not the works of " God, who maketh all. " The fame may be obferv- ed of the exceeding great and eternal weight of glory, v.'hich God hath prepared for his people. " '^ It doth " not yet appear what we fiiall be. " Something, how- ever, may be known of thofe myfteries, even in this flate of darknefs and imperfediion. To lead you to fcriptural fentiments, and a fuitable pradical improve- ment of them, we have made choice of thefe words : And, in difcourfmg from them, (hall, ^rji, explain. The gift of the elect to Chrid ; 2dly, The power over all flefli, given to Chrifl, in behalf of thofe given him by the Father ; 3G THE ELECT. 43 1 have juft now fluown, that none given to ChriH: fhall finally perilh, as it is certain, and generally acknow- ledged, that many oF mankind fhall. My text informs us, that ChriR's pov;cr extends over all ilefli, or over mainland, without exception. If his commiffion to give eternal life, had not other limits than his empire of providence ; why would our Lord, in defcribing the extent of that commiffion,. have varied the expref- fion, from all, to as many as zuere given him? This variation more than iiifinuates, that, though many were given him by the Father, to be fafely conducted to the heavenly blifs ; yet, that all, without exception, were not included in. that gift. As election was not a decree to fave all mankind, what I have obferved on a former head, proves, that it was not barely a decree to fave fuch who fhould happen to believe. The good or bad fuccefs of the fchemes of God, was not left to the accidental choice of man. Cer- tain determinate perfons were frnglcd out from among the relt of the human race, and abfoliuely ordained to eternal life. Hence we read, Luke x. 20, of thofe whofe liames were written in heaven. The decree which de- termined who fhould be Head of the redeemed, alfo determined who Ihould be the members of his myfli- cal bcdy. If, as David obferves % all the members of our natural body were written in God*s book, when as yet there were none of them : doubtlefs ths members of Chriil, as Head of the Church, were re- giftered there. When it was determined that Chrift Ihould die for fmners of Adam's race, it was alfo de- termined, what benefits this or the other individual iliould derive from his death. We are told % that feats in heaven, of greater or lefler dignity, fliall be G g 2 given y Pf. cxxxix. 1(3. 2 Math. xx. 23. 45^ rOWER GIVEN TO CHRIST [Z)/jY. i6.- given to th^m for whom they were prepared of the Father. Various manfions - of blifs were therefore prepared, not indefinitely for fuch who fhould happen to attain particular meafures of faith and holinefs, but for certain perfons, whofe names were written in the Lamb's book of Yiie, and for v/hom the kingdom was prepared before the foundation of the world. The oppofite opinion, which reprefents God as equally de- figiiing the happinefs of all mankind, on the uncer- tain conditions of their repentance, faith and perfever- ance, fuppofes that Code's gracious defigns are either accomplifhed or baffled, as the fovereign choice of man decides ; fo that God can extend his love and mercy, no farther than man thinks fit to allow. How different this from the Scripture doflrine, that God will have mercy on whom he will have mercy, and that the purpofe of God, according to eledion, muH: fland ! 4. The perfons thus given to Chrift:, were unworthy of eternal life, yea, worthy of damnation as well as others ; and therefore, were not chofen on account of their own merit and excellency. The purpofes for which they were given to Chriit, prove that they were not given in confequence of their own merit ; becaufe thefe purpofes argue want of merit, yea pofitive guilt: and pollution. If one died for all, then were all dead ^. If one undertook to die for all, then m that undertaking all were confidered as worthy of death. If righteoufnefs came^ or coul'd have come by the law, by man's own obedience to it, then Chr'ijl lived and died in vain ^. If the eled deferved not wrath, the condemning them would have been unjuft, and Chrifl^s engaging to fuffer in their room unneceflary. To fup- ,: , pofe t 2 Cor. V. 14. ^ GaL ii. z\. Tart I.] roR blessing the elect^ 455 pofe God demanded an atonement, to favc men from a punilhment, which, without injuiUce, he could not inflia, is fliocking bkfphemy. If the eleft merited heaven ; though the Son of God had never aiiumed their nature, heaven would have been their portion : and there was no need of the Spirit to renew and fandify them, if they were naturally meet for the in- heritance of the faints in light. In the fcheme of re- demption through Chrift, grace and mercy glorloufly fnine. But grace and mercy, fuppofe unworthinefs, Ais well as mifery, in thofe towards whom they are exerciied. We read, Rom. xi. 5, of a remnant ac- <:ording to the eledion of grace. An cleclion of ^•race iiecelTarily excludes works from being in any ienfe the foundation of the choice. For, as it imme- diately follows, v. 6, '" If by grace, then it is no " more of works, otherwife grace is no more grace. " But if it be of works, then it is no more grace, " otherwife work is no more v/ork. " The eleft are reprefented -as chofen out of the world''; and, there- fore, were conhdered as lying under the fame guilt and pullution with the reft of mankind. They v/ere -clay, out of which the potter, if he pleafed, might have made vcfiels of difhonour'^ ; /. c they were men whom God might have j'uftly rejecled and punirued. 5. It v/as therefore, m tliis refpecl, an a£l of fove- reignty, that fome were given to Chrift, and not o- thers. Paul teaches us tliis do«!ilrine ^ : " Having pre- " deftinated us to the adoption of children by Jefus *' Chrift to himfelf, according to the good pleafure of ^' his will, to the praife of the glory of his grace, " wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved. " Our Lord tells his difciplcs % '* It is your Father's G g 3 " good ' Jo. XV. 19. d Rom. ix, 21. e Epl). i. ^, 6. i Luke xil. 32. 454 POWER GIVEN TO CHRIST. [D/i