V t ScS * ll 3X ON INTERESTING SUBJECTS. BY THE REV. ROBERT BALFOUR, D.D. LATE MINISTER OF THE OUTER HIGH CHURCH, GLASGOW. *■ For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing . aavaaaaaaa-a,a.a.a a aa aAA yAA/A/yyyyyryyy STim.iv. 6— 8. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.' . Acts vii. 60. GLASGOW: Printed, by Young , Gallie Company, FOR MAURICE OGLE, WILSON STREET} OGLE, ALLARDICE & THOMSON, WAUGH & INNES, AND W. OLIPHANT, EDINBURGH: AND OGLES, DUNCAN & COCHRAN, LONDON. 1819. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2018 with funding from Princeton Theological Seminary Library https://archive.org/details/sermonsoninteresOObalf Sermon I....Preached in the High Church of Edin¬ burgh, before the Society in Scotland, for propagating Christian knowledge; at their Anniversary meeting, 5th June, 1789.— Sermon II....Preached before the Glasgow Missionary Society, 14th April, 1796.— Sermon III. ...Preached before the Missionary Society in London, 10th May, 1798. . '■ ; •> ' " • • • *- fc CONTENTS. SERMON I. LIBERAL CHARITY STATED AND RECOMMENDED ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE GOSPEL,.....PAGE 9 2 COR. IX. 6. “ He which soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully.” SERMON II. THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN NECESSARY AND CER¬ TAIN,... .. 61 EZEKIEL XXXVII. I—10, “ The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,—And caused me to pass by them round about; and behold there were many in the open valley; and lo, they were very dry.—And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answer¬ ed, O Lord God thou knowest.-—Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear ye the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones, Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live,—And I will lay sinews upon you, and shall bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you; and ye v--. 8 CONTENTS. shall live, and ye shall know that I am the Lord.—So I pro¬ phesied, as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.—And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above; but there was no breath in them. Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, Son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God, Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live —So I prophesied, as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.” SERMON III. HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED BY THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST,........159 COLOSSIANS I. 19, 20. <£ For it pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness dwell: And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself, by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” > i SERMON I. i LIBERAL CHARITY STATED AND RECOMMENDED ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE GOSPEL. 2 COR. IX. 6 . —LAST CLAUSE. lie which someth bountifully shall reap bountifully. The Scriptures abound in a great variety of the most beautiful images, and figurative allusions. These are sometimes employed as the only fit con¬ veyance of spiritual truths to our minds; some¬ times as apt and affecting illustrations of known truths; and sometimes to press them more forc¬ ibly upon our attention, and allure us into a more cheerful compliance with their design. In this and the preceding chapter the apostle urges the Corinthians to be charitable to the poor saints. By the most insinuating address he takes posses¬ sion of every avenue to their hearts, and puts them under the pleasing necessity of yielding to B 10 LIBERAL CHARITY STATED his generous design. However, lest covetousness should exert a secret counteracting influence, and suggest that the required liberality would subject them to a great and unproductive expence, he fully obviates the objection, without formally stating it, for he reprobates the gift bestowed with reluctance, and promises ample returns to the cheerful giver. The instruction thus given, needed not the assistance of metaphor, to render it intelligible : But it is admirably illustrated and enforced by the choice of a similitude, perfectly expressive of his intention. “ He that soweth c< bountifully shall reap bountifully.” As well might the husbandman look upon the seed, unspar¬ ingly scattered in his field, to be for ever lost, as the truly bountiful man suppose, that the riches, which, with a liberal hand he hath expended upon the poor, are thrown away. The expectations and returns in the one case, are not more reason¬ able and certain, than in the other. The general sentiment then is, that liberal charity shall receive a rich and Tull reward. I leave the metaphor to illustrate this sentiment. Such a subject cannot be unsuitable, when met to give our countenance and support to a charitable institution, great in its designs, and extensive in its operation. We AND RECOMMENDED, 11 pay a just, respectful, and grateful tribute to the memory of its first founders, and to the present members of the very respectable society, whose unceasing exertions and influence have been so honourably and successfully employed in following out the original scheme, when we assemble at their desire, to worship that God, who alone can crown their labours of love, and our co-operating charity with a rich and effectual blessing. To di¬ rect and animate our prosecution of this important object, I shall endeavour, through divine grace. First, To delineate the character represented in the text; and Secondly , To illustrate the meaning and design of the promise annexed. Let us begin with calling your attention to the character here represented, —And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with s/cin, and put breath in you; and ye shall live, and ye shall know that I am the Lord.—So I prophesied, as / was commanded; and as I prophesied, theie was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone .— And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above; but there was no breath in them. Then said he unto me. Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, Son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God, Come from the four winds, 0 breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.—So I prophesied, as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. 6‘2 THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN It pleased God to speak unto the Jewish Church by the prophets, at sundry times, and in divers manners. Sometimes Divine revelations were made by symbolical language anc^ actions, which were immediately explained, or easily un¬ derstood ; at other times they were left in the obscurity of figurative representation, in order to excite humble enquiry, or to try the faith and patience of his people. In the passage which I have now *ead, the prophet Ezekiel relates a vi¬ sion of a very striking, affecting, and instructive nature. lie is not himself permitted to remain a moment in doubt of its intention, nor does he conceal it from the people. The solemn moving scene, divinely exhibited to his imagination, and the inspired interpretation, evidently refer us to the history of Israel in her captive state, and de¬ termined deliverance. But the description is throughout so applicable to the circumstances of the heathen world, the design of God respecting it, the means proper to be used for its salvation, and their final efficacy, that the accommodation of” it to that subject appeared to me natural, and may be useful on this very interesting occasion. Both in the sacred and in profane writings, we find such transference of subject not unusual, NECESSARY AND CERTAIN. 63 and the application when correctly made, comes home generally with a power peculiarly impres¬ sive. We are particularly warranted in thus improving the history of the Jews, as we are taught in scripture to consider them in a typical character. Being this day met then for the express pur¬ pose of uniting our prayers that the heathen may be converted and eternally saved, of uniting our praises for the divine grace and truth which pro¬ mise salvation to them as well as to us, and of * uniting our benevolence and exertions to send to them the gospel of this great salvation, I think this portion of scripture cannot fail to bring that object before us in all its importance, and both direct and encourage us in prosecuting it with honest unwearied zeal. Let us therefore take a more particular review of it, and collect its various instructions under a few plain remarks. Observe then in the first place, the state of Is¬ rael in captivity, as strongly descriptive of the state of the heathen, verses 1 , % 11. “ The “ hand of the Lord,” says the prophet, “ was “ upon me, and carried me out in the Spirit of “ Lord, and set me down in the midst of the i 04 THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN “ valley which was full of bones; and caused me “ to pass by them, round about; and behold they “ were many in the open valley, and lo! they “ were very dry, then he said unto me, Son of “ man, these bones are the whole house of Is* “ rael! behold they say, our bones are dried, “ and our hope is lost; we are cut off for our “ parts.” What a melancholy heart-rending scene! how would the prophet’s heart meditate terror, when he first entered this valley of woe, but he must proceed and go the sad rounds of minute inspec¬ tion and increasing horror. Throughout the whole valley he does not meet with a single object to relieve his eye or his heart. Say not, my friends that this dreadful representation was made by a gloomy distempered imagination, it was the object of prophetic vision. “ The hand of the “ Lord was upon Ezekiel, the Spirit of the Lord <£ carried him out, and set him down in the midst “ sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of “ the earth. As for thee also by the blood of thy “ covenant, I have sent forth thy prisoners out “ of the pit wherein is no water. Turn ye to “ the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope; even to- “ day, do I declare that I will render double un- “ to thee.” Accordingly when this Divine Prince and Saviour actually appeared, though he came first to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, he makes this most comfortable declaration, John x. 16, “ Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; “ them also must 1 bring, and they shall hear my fi voice; and there shall be one fold and one (t shepherd.” How appropriate then are the apostolic exhorta¬ tions and instructions, 1 Tim. ii. 1—9, “ I ex- “ hort therefore that first of all, supplications, “ prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be “ made for all men, for kings, and for all that *• are in authority, that we may live a quiet and “ peaceable life in all godliness and honesty; for “ this is good and acceptable in the sight of God “ our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved, “ and to come unto the knowledge of the truth: “ for there is one God and one Mediator between “ God and man, the man Christ Jesus: who 86 THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN “ gave himself a ransom for all , to be testified “ in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a “ preacher and an apostle, (I speak the truth in “ Christ, and lie not,) a teacher of the Gentiles in “ faith and verity, I will therefore that men pray “ every where lifting up holy hands, without “ wrath and doubting.” After so many express testimonies of the love of God to mankind in general, let us not say, nor whisper, nor for a moment harbour the thought, that it is a thing incredible that God should raise the heathen from spiritual death; these are the true sayings of God. Hath he spoken and shall he not do it? hath he commanded and shall he not bring it to pass? we believe and are sure, that he who raised up the tribes of Jacob, and re¬ stored the preserved of Israel, will also be the salvation of God, unto the ends of the earth, that his name shall endure for ever;. that men shall be blest in him, and all nations shall call him blessed. But when and how is all this to be brought to pass? I answer in general, just when the means of divine appointment are used in faith and with diligence, and accompanied with the divine blessing; upon all these this passage furnishes us NECESSARY AND CERTAIN. 87 with clear and full information—let me request your serious and careful attention to the instruc¬ tions given to the prophet Ezekiel in similar cir¬ cumstances—these appear to me to be a complete directory in this important work.-—They shew that three things must be united to ensure suc¬ cess;—the word of prophecy—the influence of the Holy Ghost, and prayer. Dry as the bones were, Ezekiel must speak to them—must prophesy upon them; but not what his own mind might suggest, or worldly policy dictate, or the wisdom and sagacity of others ad¬ vise. He is expressly ordered to speak the word of the Lord, and that alone; he must declare the grand and gracious purpose and promise of sal¬ vation, not only of deliverance from captivity, and removal from Babylon, but of restoration to their own land, and to all their former privileges, and means of improvement and happiness, as the peculiar, acknowledged people of God.—But while thus assured of the returning favour of their of¬ fended God and King, the manner of attaining that important object, is not referred to their in¬ dividual or collected wisdom and exertions. Je¬ hovah claims the exclusive direction and execu¬ tion of the whole design. They are only required 88 THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN to believe his word, trust his faithfulness, pray for the performance of the mercy promised, de¬ pend upon the power of his arm, and the grace of his Spirit, and follow his providence.—What else can be the meaning and design of verses 4, 5, 9. Though Lzekiel prophesied as he was coiii- manded, it was necessary that he should speak the word of the Lord, not only unto the dry bones, but also to the wind; that is, should ask and de¬ pend on the accompanying influence of the power and Spirit of the Almighty—-till this is divinely sent forth in all active energies, the full effect was not, and never would have been produced.— The same view of things is given to the prophet Zechariah, in order to direct and animate the faith and perseverance of Zerubbabel in rebuilding the temple. Chap. iv. 1—8, particularly verses 6, and 7, “ This is the word of the Lord unto Zerub- “ babel saying, not by might, nor by power, but “ by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Who “ art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubba- “ bel, a plain, and he shall bring forth the head- “ stone with shoutings, Grace, grace unto it.” Now, my friends, is not this the precise plan of providence to be adopted and prosecuted in con- NECESSARY AND CERTAIN. 89 verting and saving the heathen? It has been al¬ ready proved, and is surely believed by every Christian, that they shall be saved. Had we no more information, would not this of itself be sufficient to justify every possible attempt in their favour? But as the design was too great for hu¬ man conception, so the mode of accomplishment, could not be left to the erring counsel and feeble arm of man. Let us therefore take our measures from the God of salvation. He hath counsel—he hath might—he hath prescribed the means, as well as ascertained the end. And what else hath he said on this subject, but what he commanded the prophet Ezekiel; even to speak to these dry bones, saying, “ Hear the word of the Lord.” Our first duty then is to make them acquainted with the will of God—as soon as they are capable of reading and understanding, to put the scrip¬ tures into their hands, to let them see with their own eye§, hear with their own ears, and judge what we say, concerning God, and Christ, and eternal life. This appears from the 110th Psalm, the 2d chapter of Isaiah, and many other places, to be the predicted plan of salvation to the whole world. This was the word of salvation sent to the Jews, and there is no other gospel for the M 1)0 THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN heathen. This is Paul’s view of the matter, Rom. x. 11 — 18 , « For the scripture saith, whosoever “ believeth on the Lord Jesus, shall not be a- “ shamed, for there is no difference between the “ Jew and the Greek; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all who call upon him : for who- “ soever shall call upon the name of the Lord 4 ‘ shall be saved. How then shall they call on “ him, in whom they have not believed? and “ how shall they believe on him, of whom they c£ have not heard? and how shall they hear “ without a preacher ? and how shall they “ preach except they be sent? as it is writ- “ ten, how beautiful are the feet of them that “ preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad “ tidings of good things? but they have not “ all obeyed the gospel: for Esaias saith, Lord, cc who hath believed our report? so then faith “ cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word “ of God.” In this manner did all the Apostles fulfil their ministry. If we have obtained salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, we cannot doubt that the means and influence effectual in this country, are equally designed and adapted to the same end in every country, for there is no other name given NECESSARY AND CERTAIN. 91 under heaven, or among men, by which we can be saved. Whosoever then would be the minister of spi¬ ritual and eternal good to the heathen, must de¬ termine like the Apostle Paul, to know nothing among them save Christ and him crucified—to preach not himself, but Christ Jesus, the Lord, not in the enticing words of men’s wisdom, but in the w r ords which the Holy Ghost teacheth. He must not be “ as many which corrupt the “ word of God, but as of sincerity, but as of God, “ in the sight of God must he speak in Christ, “ renouncing the hidden things of dishonesty, not ** walking in craftiness, not handling the word of “ God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the “ truth, commending himself to every man’s con- ** science in the sight of God.” In this plain and honest way, upon scripture authority alone, must he witness both to small and great, testifying repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ-—he must let them know their immediate and abso¬ lute need of such a Saviour, as being in them¬ selves poor, helpless, perishing sinners—that it is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN sinners—that God is in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them—that without the favour of God, no man can be truly happy—that this having been forfeited by transgression, can - only be regained by connexion with Christ—that this Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God—that he was in the form of God, and thought it no robbery to be equal with God—that he is the Creator and supporter of all worlds—that without him was not any thing made, which is made—that he was before all things, and by him all things consist —that though the object of the Father’s infinite and eternal delight, God, even the Father, so lov¬ ed the world, as to give his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have eternal life—that though equal in all divine perfections, he condescended to visit our guilty world, assume our nature, and become our surety to the law and justice of God —that he actually satisfied both, by a perfect meritorious obedience, and immaculate expiatory sacrifice—that having purged our sins, he sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high —-that he now intercedes and reigns in heaven, and sends the Holy Ghost, to carry into full ef- NECESSARY AND CERTAIN. 93 feet the purpose of his Father’s love, and the purchase of his own blood, in the complete re¬ novation, progressive sanctification and final per¬ fection of human nature in all who believe and obey him. That when the scheme of Provi- dence and Redemption is thus finished, this world will be destroyed, the graves opened, the dead raised, the quick and dead judged by the same Jesus Christ, and that his sentence will be final and effectual in justifying and glorifying all his people with eternal life, and in condemn¬ ing and punishing with eternal destruction all his enemies. These and all the truths connected with, im¬ plied in, and dependent on them, as contained in the sacred scriptures, must be addressed to the people of all lands, as the word of the Lord, the word of salvation. No other gospel than that which Christ and his apostles preached, can ever be the mean of saving a single soul. But if the truth as it is in Jesus be freely and fully declared, addressed to the understandings and hearts of the heathen, with all its gracious calls, invitations and promises, and received with faith and love, it will most certainly prove the gospel of their salvation. TIIE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN Still it may be matter of anxious inquiry, bow shall we speak these things so as to insure atten¬ tion, or though heard, convince them that these are the true sayings of God, by which alone they can be saved—are we to force belief, or bend to prejudice, or gratify their various humours ?— no, let us treat them like men—like immortal creatures—let us not shun to declare the whole counsel of God, nor shrink from the task of free and fair and full discussion-—let us meet the diffi¬ culties of sober and serious minds, with kind at¬ tention and patient instruction—let us repel viol¬ ent cavil and bold objection, with a candid state¬ ment of evidence and solid argument, with meek¬ ness of temper, and consistent conduct. Let us neither be ashamed nor afraid to tell the principles or grounds upon which we ourselves believe the scriptures to be the word of God. While we re¬ fer them to the proofs arising from well attested miracles, and accomplished prophecies, and from the special care of providence in preserving and transmitting the whole to us in their original purity, let us especially direct their attention to the interesting nature, the intrinsic excellence, sublimity and importance of the scriptures—their manifest design and tendency to glorify God— NECESSARY AND CERTAIN. 95 to purify and exalt the character of man*—to pro¬ mote the best interests of society in this world, and to prepare men for supreme and everlasting happiness and honour in a future state of exist¬ ence. With respect to the success of these and simi¬ lar labours, there are no other or greater difficul¬ ties among the heathen, than among ourselves, or than occurred in the case of Israel. The prophet Ezekiel referred all these difficulties to God himself, and did as he was command¬ ed. So duty is ours—the event belongs to the Lord. The prophet was encouraged and animated by the express revelation of the will of God, and the promise of an accompanying divine influence. So are we—the gospel commanded to be preach¬ ed, is the ministration of the Spirit; and thereby alone it becomes the wisdom of God, and the power of God unto salvation, both to Jews and Gentiles. Thus God takes the work of actual conviction and conversion, into his own hands. —While the prophet preaches to the dry bones, the Lord himself also speaks so, as to act effec¬ tually upon them, Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones, “ behold 1 wili cause breath to 96 THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN “ enter into you, and ye shall live/* The doc* trine therefore of this supernatural agency is in verse 9th, made the subject both of his sermons and prayers. Is not this the very order of things settled for the effectual propagation of the gospel ? —Did not Christ say to the first commissioned teachers of it, “ Lo! I am with you always, unto a single con¬ vert may be the first fruits of a future abundant 136 THE SALVATION OP THE HEATHEN harvest. This will more than reward the numer¬ ous generous subscriptions already made to this benevolent institution, and the additional liber¬ ality of this day.— But if our exertions in this great work are persevered in, and done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father, by him, we may well look for the approaching salvation of many; should our faith and patience be tried by disappointments and delay, let us rejoice that the work of faith, the labour of love, and the patience of hope shall be accepted in the beloved, to the eternal praise of the glory of Divine grace, and assure ourselves that there is a time appointed, when all the king¬ doms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ.—Meanwhile, should foreign heathen nations refuse admission to our Missionaries, may we not begin our la¬ bours among others nearer or more accessible. The British commerce and conquests have ac¬ quired an extent of territory and influence which open a wide field for Christian cultivation—There our Missionaries may enjoy protection and even encouragement, in breaking up the fallow ground of obstinate ignorance and hardened hearts. / NECESSARY AND CERTAIN. 137 -< Surely no respectable merchant or planter will throw any obstacles in our way—-what harm can you dread to your persons or property from the influence of Christian missions ? Their natural tendency and our design is to give a new security to both, by giving a new character to your slaves and servants.—Ile-con- sider what we have said in a preceding part of this discourse, upon the effects of a successful gospel, and say, if the formation of such a cha¬ racter, can be the smallest prejudice to any of your interests— say, if it will not greatly enhance the value of all your possessions—contrast this for a moment with the state and character of your slaves as uninstructed neglected heathens.-—Their inferiority degrades them in your eyes, and de¬ prives them of respect for you.—Yet even in this low state, the source of so much mutual contempt, you have long derived from their servitude many and great advantages. But think by what tenure you hold them—the obedience and labours of your slaves in this condition are the acts purely of ne¬ cessity—the consequences only of a servile galling dependence—a dreaded scourge, and the hated authority of mere power—are these the sure means of safety and honour to you and yours? Now 3 138 THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN view these men inspired with Christian principles, governed by the laws and example of the Divine Redeemer, and animated by all the motives of his gospel, and you find that you have not only a strong hold of their persons, but a stronger hold of their hearts and consciences—they love Christ, and serve you for his sake. Serving from this high principle, they serve you better, and they are themselves much happier. Ry the favour of God, the friendship of Jesus, the comforts of the Holy Ghost, and good hope through grace of a blessed immortality, their bondage is softened-—their cares are diminished, and their griefs soothed—yea, they rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, and they ap¬ pear in the new characters of spiritual religion, rational piety, honest industry, and faithful ser¬ vice. You will add to their enjoyments by your approbation-—they rise to a new place in your re¬ gard. Jn their change of character and conduct you find a rich accession to the real worth of your estates. This is not the picture of fancy—it is to be seen in real life, upon these plantations which have been visited by the Moravian Missionaries. The proprietors and overseers acknowledge it— NECESSARY AND CERTAIN. 139 honourable mention is made of this fact by a his- torian of deservedly high reputation and particu¬ larly respected by all the gentlemen who have any interest in the West Indies.—If this statement be just, can we doubt of the favour of Government or of the East India Company, to the mission of the gospel to Hindostan ? There the natives have seen with astonishment, the glory of our arms and the splendour of our commerce; shall they not be permitted to see the humble missionaries of Christ, nor to hear the joyful sound of eternal salvation through his name ? The persons who send the gospel or employ others in preaching it to the heathen, are engaged in a business quite distinct and remote from all interference with, or encroachment upon any of the commercial, civil or military powers or arrangements of that coun¬ try. They envy no part of their wealth or hon¬ ours, or power, if they are only allowed the un¬ disturbed liberty of communicating Christian knowledge to the people—they only beg that a mercantile charter of exclusive rights , may not be understood as a religious monopoly, or as an act of exclusion against any who are able or will¬ ing to propagate in India what they believe to be the only true religion in the world—the religion 140 THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN established and professed in this country, and which hath been found and acknowledged to be equally necessary and useful to the sovereign and his subjects—to the statesman, the merchant and the soldier—to the master and the servant—to the freeman and the slave. Upon the whole, my friends, I hope, you see no good objection in philosophy, in trade or in politics, against the in¬ stitution of foreign evangelical missions—I hope that you find in the depravity and misery of the heathen; in the benignity of the gospel, and in your own persona] obligations to the saving grace of God, every convincing and persuasive argu¬ ment and motive to assist in this arduous but grand undertaking. It is no small encouragement to this duty, that it hath of late engaged the at¬ tention, and interested the minds of so many, and that this spirit is spreading fast over the whole British Empire—that its commencement and pro¬ gress have been so strongly marked with secret and social devotion—by private concerts and pub¬ lic meetings for prayer—that it hath not been confined to any one religious party, but that ministers and people of" all denominations have been animated as with one soul in this common cause of universal salvation. Whoever wishes for NECESSARY AND CERTAIN. 144 more information upon this important subject, and to be suitably affected with it, should read with care the history of the early and continued zeal and success of the Danish and Moravian mis¬ sions—the accounts of the prudent zeal, the quiet, yet persevering and successful plans and labours of the particular Baptists in England—and the sermons, memoirs, addresses, and narratives pub¬ lished by the London Missionary Society, especi¬ ally at the two solemn and interesting periods of their first general meeting, and of their pious consecration of their Missionaries prior to, and at their embarkation in this glorious service.— “ May their Divine Master be with them in the “ ship, to preserve them from all the dangers of “ the deep—to confirm and increase their faith and “ love, and zeal, till he conduct them safe to the “ several places of their destination. There may “ He be their guide and support, eminently sane- “ tify them by his grace, and qualify them by his “ Spirit for the wise, steady, persevering, andfaith- “ ful execution of their important mission—may " Ele who hath the hearts of all men in his hands “ dispose the inhabitants to receive them gladly, “ to treat them kindly, and to improve with “ eagerness the day of their merciful visita* 142 THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN \ “tion!” Though the Society in this place, stands distinct from the above, it is opposed to none of them; it is one in design with them all. Mutual and confidence, correspondence, and co-operation will, we trust, long distinguish them all. The Society in whose name and pre¬ sence I have now the honour to address you, was «* formed and is still conducted upon the most liber¬ al Christian principles. Though composed of members of different religious denominations, while each maintains undiminished the peculiari¬ ties of his own profession, all have agreed that these shall not stand in the way of their united zeal and exertions to send to the heathen the pure unadulterated gospel of salvation. Upon this broad basis we have had many cordial meetings, without one symptom of jealousy or distrust, with every token and expression of friendship and of brotherly love. We have invited you, my friends, to meet with us this day, to witness our harmony, to share in our fellowship, and to add to our energies by every kind of benevolent and beneficent influence in your power. “ May your and our prayers and “ alms come up this day for a memorial before “ God !”—We want no complimentary generosity, NECESSARY AND CERTAIN. 145 nor reluctant offerings—But if you believe the Gospel, love the design of its universal propaga¬ tion, and think 11 s worthy of your trust, give cheerfully as the Lord hath prospered you-—He will accept and reward your boiftity—we shall apply it faithfully to the purposes of the Institu¬ tion, and by an annual report, shall submit our administration of the funds to the examination and judgment of the public—We cannot but fully trust in their candour, after receiving so many and strong testimonies of their favour and confidence. We rejoice in and gratefully acknow¬ ledge the rich liberality of the Subscribers and Donors, whether they have judged it expedient to keep themselves unknown, or have been pleas¬ ed to honour us with their names for our greater public support and usefulness*—But what is now to be done ? we have put our hand to the plough, let us not draw back. I think I hear the Lord saying, “ Whom shall I send ? who will go for “ me ?” Has this inquiry ever come close to any of your hearts or houses ? is any individual or family yet ready to reply, “ here am I, send “ me,” or mine—All we are and have are thine— “ We are thy servants, truly we are thy servants, 144 THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN “ thou hast loosed our bonds”—“ Lord what wilt — you must labour hard—you must encounter difficulties, opposition and dangers;—for these however you are not unprovided. Our present funds, and the future beneficence of our Christian friends, will enable us as we are disposed, to give you food and raiment, and all things necessary to life and godliness; we will follow you with our prayers, and with every blessing in our power to bestow—But what is of infinitely greater mo¬ ment and advantage to you, is, that the Lord Jesus, whose religion you are to teach will be with you, and that he is greater than all who can be against you—Depending then on him alone for your own salvation, and for the salvation of the heathen, seeking not your own pleasure, profit or honour, but that he may be glorified in and by you, and by sinners converted from the error of their way, be not afraid—be strong and of good courage. To all who thus devote themselves to his service, we most heartily bid God speed.—Fly ye angels of grace from pole to pole, and from the rivers to the ends of the earth, bearing to all men the glad tidings of the ever¬ lasting Gospel:—stop not in this bold flight of philanthropy, till you convey to the simple sons of the isles, the knowledge of the true God and, T 34 6 THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN eternal life-—till you arrest the wanderings of the roving savage with the wonders of redeeming grace—till you dart the beams of celestial light and love into the dark habitations of ignorance and cruelty—till you convert the barbarous can¬ nibal to humanity, to Christian gentleness and goodness. Hasten to the shores of long injured Africa, not to seize and sell the bodies of men, but to save their perishing souls—-follow the miserable captives to their several sad destinations of slave¬ ry, with the inviting proclamation of spiritual liberty, while you inculcate the strictest duty to their masters—speed your way to India to re¬ pay her gold with the unsearchable riches of Christ —meet all the high pretensions of the Bramin religion and literature, and all their fatal delusions and cruel impositions, with the over¬ powering evidence of the Christian as a divine revelation, with the full luminous display of evangelical truth and holiness. Cease not, till you see the whole earth filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the channel of the sea. Finally, my brethren, suffer the word of ex¬ hortation. This subject suggests many import- NECESSARY AND CERTAIN. 147 ant directions, and they will all be found neces¬ sary, whether you consider the magnitude of the Missionary undertaking, or the variety of attacks, to which its friends are exposed. Good men may differ from you, but will be cautious in con¬ demning you.—The irreligious and profane will be less scrupulous—they will treat you with ne¬ glect, or pity or mockery, if they do not set themselves directly to oppose you. Be exhorted then to be wise as serpents, harmless as doves, and bold as lions. The most effectual way to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, is to show out of a good conversation your works with meekness of wisdom. Learn, from this subject, not to lean to your own understandings,, but in all your ways to acknowledge God, and he shall direct your steps.—You cannot proceed aright in this great work without counsel and help from above—these you are not only permitted, but commanded to ask; and in the exercise of faith and prayer, you are sure of receiving them. Were we even arrived at the spot of Missionary action, with every external advantage on our side, it would be presumption to expect success without the blessing of heaven—thither therefore our waiting eyes must be directed, looking up to f 148 THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN him, and pleading that according to his promise, the Spirit may be poured out from on high* “ Come from the four winds, O breath, and “ breathe upon these slain that they may live.” He will give his Holy Spirit to them who ask it. He will grant the desire of your hearts. He will cause breath to enter into the dry bones of the heathen, and they shall live. Be therefore ex¬ horted farther, both in the pursuit and attain¬ ment of this grand object, to give all the glory to him to whom alone it is due. Know that this is the doing of the Lord. Say from the heart, not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name be all the praise for ever ! If these are your' prevailing views and senti¬ ments, they will operate powerfully upon the whole of your temper and conduct. We have said that if the gospel shall be successful in the Papan world, it will produce the best effects upon individuals and upon society. To exemplify these in your own characters, will be the highest recommendation of your cause. When your light shines in this manner before men, others seeing your good works, will glorify your Father who is in heaven. Let it appear to the world that our associations for the purpose NECESSARY AND CERTAIN. 140 of evangelical Missions, are quite different from v political clubs or revolutionary designs—that we are the friends of peace and good order—that we honour all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, and honour the King—that we are actuated by no other views than the advancement of' the glory of God, and of the spiritual and eternal interests of mankind—that having the promise and means of salvation to the heathen, we look towards them with tender pity and anxious concern, and will not cease to pray and labour for their conversion —and that we endeavour through grace to mani¬ fest the character which we wish to form in them by our own conversation in the world, living harmless and blameless, soberly, righteously and godly. Be animated, my dear friends, in this noble pursuit, by the hope of the glory of God. Yet a little while, and he that shall come, will come and will not tarry—his reward is with him, he will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noon day. Let the great day of the Lord be familiar to your minds. By the solemn realizing prospect of that day, you rise superior to every difficulty and all op- 150 THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN position—you fear not enemies at home, nor dangers abroad —you look not after the opera¬ tions of Missionary zeal, with a suspicious eye, or doubting trembling heart. You see, not only the first exertions of that zeal, but its rapid pro¬ gress and final success—You not only set out, or see others going forth to the arduous work, and perhaps weeping as they go, but you see to the end of their labours, you see them return¬ ing with joy and bringing their sheaves with them. Then “ shall the Son of man send forth “ his Angels, and they shall gather out of his “ kingdom all things that offend, and them who “ do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace “ of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of “ teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as “ the Sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who “ hath ears to hear let him hear!” “ He who c< testifieth these things, saith, Surely I come “ quickly.” He that believeth these things, yea all the converted heathen shall say, “ Amen. “ Even so come Lord Jesus. The despisers of the heathen, and the mockers of Missionary zeal, will also be scoffers at this promise of our Lord’s coming. Would such NECESSARY AND CERTAIN. 151 persons but read and consider 2 Peter iii. chap¬ ter, it might restrain their scorn and alarm their fears. O that by these terrors of the Lord, I could persuade them to flee from the wrath to come! Let sinners in Zion tremble, and fearfulness seize the hypocrites, when they hear “ that many “ shall come from the east and from the west, 41 and from the north, and from the south, and * ( shall sit down in the kingdom of God; but the “ children of the kingdom shall be cast into utter . “ darkness.” O reject not the counsel of God against yourselves—repent ere it be too late, and believe the Gospel. Now we beseech you bre¬ thren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and by our gathering together unto him, to go forth to meet him, appearing in his own and his Father’s glory, with all the holy angels and with all his saints. Shall I now be indulged in the liberty of mingl¬ ing with a great public cause, which I believe shall have this glorious issue, the tears, and joys and hopes of parental sensibility ? I cannot lay aside my pen, till. I record my obligations to 15*2 THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN Christian sympathy, divine mercy, and sovereign saving grace on that solemn day when I preach¬ ed by appointment of the Glasgow Missionary Society. Often had I looked towards that day with the liveliest expectations of high spiritual enjoyment, in a new liberality of Christian communion, and in a new direction and extension of Christian be¬ nevolence. These presented to my mind so ma¬ ny great and pleasing scenes, that I thought of nothing but unmixed happiness. That day, so bright in prospect, came — but to me and my family, dark w r ith all the terrors of death. A favourite Child, my only Son, just eight years of age, w r as snatched from the tender embrace of loving weeping Parents — after a very short illness, only alarming that morning, he in the evening closed his eyes in death.—That mourn¬ ful event was so connected in my mind with the revisal of my papers for the press, that for a long time I could not apply to it at all, and never have I been able to attend, as I wished, to all the nicities of language and arrangement. But it is not for the sake of such apology that I have called the attention of my readers to this domes? NECESSARY AND CERTAIN. 1 5 $ tic affliction—I mean by introducing it here, to acknowledge in the most public manner my obli¬ gations to the kind and tender sympathy so gen¬ erally and so strongly expressed towards me and mine under that smarting trial, and to the very friendly attention and deep concern, as particu¬ larly testified by the Directors of the Glasgow Missionary Society. But especially, I do it to ascribe public praise to the God of all grace for the signal tokens of his love to my dear boy— I will not mention the qualities of mind and man¬ ner, which had always endeared him to his parents, nor the various indications, which often before this, he had given of the influence of religion up¬ on his heart, but I cannot be silent upon the visi¬ ble remarkable efficacy of divine grace in him upon the day of his death. He was enabled to think and speak of his ap¬ proaching dissolution with manly composure and Christian dignity, because he had laid hold on eternal life, and knew Christ Jesus to be the way, and the truth, and the life. He gave the most satisfying evidence of his knowledge of his own heart, and of the character and undertaking of Jesus Christ — though he had never been ad¬ dicted to vicious practices, he felt strongly the U 154s THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN evil of sin, and discovered no uneasiness but on account of sin—at the same time, he found and expressed his relief and satisfaction only in the blood of Christ as having been shed for the re¬ mission of sins. Accustomed, as he had been, to the approba¬ tion and esteem of his parents, and the com¬ mendation of partial friends, he never once ut¬ tered a sentiment of dependence on any kind or degree of goodness in himself, but looked to Christ alone for acceptance and salvation — he poured out his heart in many and fervent prayers for sanctifying grace—out of his mouth the Lord indeed perfected praise—he recommended Christ to all around him—he expressed a strong attachment to us all—that he would have been happy to remain with us, but thought it far bet¬ ter to be with Jesus: wished we were all going along with him, but said we would soon meet again. These desires, and hopes, and joys, were not the pleasing dreams of delirium or of childhood —There was an instance or two of momentary wavering, but his devotions and conversation occupied many hours, with little interruption-— in these his mind was distinct and collected, and NECESSARY AND CERTAIN. 155 his faith rested on the word of God, he delight¬ ed in reading it, and made many references to it: At length being ready through grace to obey his heavenly Father’s call, he said, “ Glory, “ glory, to the Lamb who died for me, he “ will put a crown of righteousness on my head, fi and clothe me with the garments of salvation,” His strength soon failed, and he fell asleep in Jesus. — The melting scene often comes fully before me—it can never be wholly absent from my mind—may I and all who witnessed it remem¬ ber it always, so as to prepare, like him, to die in the Lord. It was particularly remarkable, that a young mind like his, should have entered so fully into the views of the Missionary Society, and taken such a deep interest in the service of that day. He had devoted a small piece of money, the gift of a friend for his own use, his all, to this good cause—When I hastened home from my part of the public duty, he first requested me to pray with him, then made many inquiries, both of a public and personal nature, till he saw me unable to speak, and endeavoured to relieve me by a composed silence, and a sweet 156 THE SALVATION OF THE HEATHEN serene countenance.—I felt? my own weakness— I saw his rising superiority, and admired the grace of God in him — Undoubtedly he was taught of God, and eminently sanctified by his Spirit. I now desire to bless God for such a son—For permitting his parents to enjoy him for eight years—for making him so meet for the inheri¬ tance of the saints in light, and for enabling him to give such powerful testimony in a dying hour to the glorious efficacy of divine grace. We desire to bow submissively to the stroke of his hand, while we present this public offering of praise for his wonderful mercy in the solemn af- fecting crisis of a painful separation. And look to the day which shall unfold the mysteries of time, and display the glories of a happy eter-, nity. We have resigned to the supreme Lord of life and death our lovely child, in the hope of seeing him again in the lovelier form of a glorified resemblance to the Son of God.—Now his body moulders in the dust, but his spirit, we trust, is in perfect life before the throne of God. And believing that Jehovah quickeneth the dead, and will, according to his promise, gather and revive the scattered withered bones of the hea- I NECESSARY AND CERTAIN. l/>7 then into a new and divine life on earth, and in the end raise all his people to a glorious re-union of their bodies and spirits; and, Christian friends, we hope for a participation of that glory, and to find him with many other dear departed friends, shining in all the beauties of unfading immortality. Amen and Amen, ; ’ 3 !> ) ; : -i •• : ' - ' * ■ ■ i SERMON III. HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED BY THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST. COLOSSIANS I. 19 , 20 . For it pleased the Father, that in him should all fullness dwell: And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself, by him, I say , whe¬ ther they be things in earth , or things in heaven . In these words we contemplate a plan of asto¬ nishing grace, grandeur, and extent $ a plan form¬ ed in heaven, but embracing the whole earth, as well as all things which are in heaven. The prin¬ ciples too are laid down, which ensure its glorious completion, and which ascertain our duty and obligations in relation to this great and gracious design. These subjects cannot be unsuitable mat¬ ter of discourse, when assembled for the very purpose of prosecuting that important object. You, my highly respected friends, brethren, and 160 HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED fathers, will, without my assistance, find in these topics much pleasing, and useful, and animating instruction and encouragement. You are as well disposed too, I trust, as you are able, to supply my defects, and to receive, with indulgent can¬ dour, such plain thoughts as I have to offer. May the great Master of assemblies be present to Solemnize every mind, to accept of our worship and service, and to crown every Missionary exer¬ tion with his rich and effectual blessing ! We begin with calling your attention to the wonderful design, held forth in our text, of “ God ‘ s reconciling by Christ all things unto himself, “ whether they be things in earth, or things in “ heaven.’* The first thing to be observed, in illustration of the truths thus set before us, is, “ the bringing sinners to God, in and by Jesus “ Christ.” For though things only be mention¬ ed, it appears on the very face of the subject, and from the whole context, that persons are primar¬ ily intended, who are to be redeemed unto God, Jesus is evidently set forth as the concentrating point of universal communion, and it is not less evident, that when sinners are effectually drawn to that point, they immediately meet with God as their God, Friend and Father. He and his BY THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST. 1G1 Son are one, and agree in one. They can nei¬ ther be divided in nature, nor for a moment be separate in design. Indeed the gospel is a minis¬ try of reconciliation, revealing God as in Christ, reconciling the guilty to himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them. Accordingly what is represented in our text, as the reconciliation of things, is explained in the two following ver¬ ses of persons: “ Even you,” says the Apostle, “ who were sometime alienated, and enemies in • “ your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he “ reconciled in the body of his flesh, through “ death, to present you holy and unblameable, “ and unreprovable in his sight.” In the whole scheme of redemption, the Father and Son are ever conjoined in the closest and most intimate manner, so that we are no sooner united to the one, than we are with equal favour and effect connected with the other. The Son was sent, and came for our salvation. He came, that, by his appointed voluntary and accepted mediation, he might restore us to the forfeited favour, the lost image, and eternal fellowship of God, as his Father, and our Father, his God, and our God. What else, or less, can be meant by the Apostle’s assertion, Eph, i, 6, 7 —that, “ To the praise of X HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED 44 the glory of the grace of God, he hath made 44 us accepted in the beloved, in whom we have 44 redemption through his blood, the forgiveness 44 of our sins, according to the riches of his 44 gracecompared with chap. ii. 13, 18, where he states this design and effect of the Christian scheme in these words, 44 Now in Christ Jesus, 44 ye who sometimes were far off, are made nigh 44 by the blood of Christ; for through him we 44 have access by one Spirit unto the Father?’* The first thing then presented to us in our text as the declared intention, and certain effect of the gospel, in every individual, and in all who receive it truly, is their recovery of the Divine image and friendship by Jesus Christ; 44 For 44 though he knew no sin, he was made sin for 44 us, that we might be made the righteousness 44 of God in him. Though he was the holy One, and the just, he suffered for us the unjust, that 44 he might bring us unto God;** not only by his imputed righteousness, but by the communi¬ cation of his sanctifying grace. He not only gave himself for our sins, as an offering of a sweet smelling savour unto God, to expiate our guilt, but also in order to redeem us from all iniquity, to deliver us from this present evil world, and in BY THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST. 163 newness of life and character, to constitute us the peculiar people of God, zealous of good works. Hence we read, that such is the transforming de¬ sign and influence of the doctrine and spirit of Christ, that when we behold by a spiritual dis¬ cernment, in the unveiled face of Christ, the glo¬ ry of the Lord, we are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord; but Secondly—Our text authorizes us to observe farther, that this wonderfully gracious design ought to strike us the more, as extending to all the variety of human character in this degenerate evil world. All things are to be reconciled unto God. Not one, ora few, but multitudes; yea, all descriptions of men are predestinated to be partakers of this saving grace. Human nature, in respect of guilt and depravity, is one unvary¬ ing thing; but in appearances, operations, and effects, it is wonderfully diversified. Review its past history from the first apostacy, or look into its present existence and forms throughout the world, and you cannot fix on the person, the time, or the place, free from imperfection, un¬ stained by sin, or which does not tend to iqcreas- I64< HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED ing degeneracy. Difference of constitution, of climate, of education, of connections, of pur¬ suits, and of condition in life, naturally and ne¬ cessarily produce many very different, opposite, and mixed characters; while a corrupt principle, common to them all, never fails to shew itself in each, it often, if not always, derives a peculiar characteristic distinction and influence from the above, or other circumstances of a similar na¬ ture. Some are comparatively innocent, yea blame¬ less, in the eyes of men, though in the judg¬ ment of God, children of disobedience and wrath, with the rest of mankind; others are bold, presumptuous, notorious sinners. Some are in-, different and careless, and others studiously bad in principle and practice. Some say in their hearts, others with their mouths, and others by their lives, that there is no God. If his existence is not denied, Ins name is blasphemed, his Son is not received, his gospel is slighted, and many do despite to the spirit of grace. Sometimes Christianity is professed without any serious belief of its peculiar doctrines, or any practical regard to its sacred laws and insti¬ tutions. Sometimes these are observed only with BY THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST. 1G3 cold formality, or designing hypocrisy. In some we see the shameless front of avowed infidelity or irreligion; from others we hear all the varied lan¬ guage of profane ridicule; and many are neither ashamed nor afraid of unrestrained licentiousness, yea, to commit all manner of iniquity with greedi¬ ness. Sometimes a whole character is corrupted by the uncontrolled reign of a single criminal pas¬ sion, while one is hurried on by proud ambi¬ tion to the constant sacrifice of principle and per¬ secution of good men, another is degraded by silly, servile, sinful compliance. Here we find the senseless and sensual extravagance of the prodigal; and there the mean and selfish avarice of the miser. In short, is there not, universally, irresistible and growing evidence of deep-rooted depravity in the nature of man? Were we to lay open his heart, or trace the progress of his life; examine his conduct or motives of action; how many melancholy proofs would occur, of the want of religion, or of good morals, of unbelief, or of feeble faith, or of strong corruption, of deficient virtue, or triumphant vice. In wilful ignorance, perverted knowledge, se¬ cret wickedness, and open profligacy, what a va- 160 HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED riety of human character appears! Yet in all that variety there is not one sight to relieve us from the sad and humbling conclusion, that all men, without exception, are alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, by reason of the blindness of their hearts; yea, enemies in their minds and by wicked works. Think not, my friends, that this is a picture of things overcharged with dark or strong colour¬ ing; it is not more than you will find in the fol¬ lowing and many other passages of scripture, Psalm xiv. 1— i. Jer. xvii. 9* Matt. xv. lb—21. Rom. iii. 10—21. 1 Tim. i. 9» 10. But, Oh! how blessed and glorious is the prospect set be¬ fore us in our text, and in the whole gospel, that all things, which are on earth, shall, by Christ, be reconciled unto God. Though the worst of things meet in the diversified character of man, it is determined that they shall all be brought under a new, a sanctifying, and saving influence. Evil as men every where are, and always have been, with every species of pollution and crime, they shall become the workmanship of God, cre¬ ated in Christ Jesus unto good works. No forbidding distinction or exception is to be found in any part of the Christian Revelation. EY THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST. 167 Of peculiarly benign aspect it smiles on men of every character, with all the gracious expression of pardoning mercy and sanctifying love. Men may exclude themselves from the kingdom of God by obstinate unbelief and impenitence but in all its statutes there is not a single act of exclusion against any other. By this heavenly divine con¬ stitution, none are forced to be happy against their own convictions and inclinations, and none are refused who are willing: none are accepted because they are better than others; and none are rejected because they are worse. There never existed a reason for hope to any one sin¬ ner, which does not always exist, and universally. The grace which appears in the gospel, brings salvation to all men. Its every doctrine breathes the spirit of universal benevolence; even what it teaches concerning the sovereign mercy, and e- lecting love of God, if properly understood, can be no just occasion of alarm; for neither does his decree proceed upon any supposed difference, or superiority of character; nor did the elect them¬ selves ever believe, nor can they ever believe to the saving of their souls upon any previous know¬ ledge of their election, or upon any other authori¬ ty or warrant, than what is divinely revealed to IGS HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED all others as well as to them, If leaving then the secret counsels of Jehovah, which we have nei¬ ther power nor right to investigate, we attend to his revealed will, do we not see a deep and broad foundation laid, sufficient to support the building of eternal mercy, and of universal hope and con¬ fidence ? Behold the Lamb of God, which tak- eth away the sin of the world ! Hear him testify¬ ing before-hand the infinite and universal efficacy of his death upon the cross. I, says he, when I am lifted up, will draw all men unto me. The invitations of the gospel are addressed to all without exception, commanding and encouraging the faith of the whole world, and promising pre¬ sent and eternal salvation to every believer, whe¬ ther less or more guilty by the number and ag¬ gravation of past offences. No mention is made of any pre-requisite to recommend sinners to the Divine favour, or even to procure the least de¬ gree of preference. The spirit of prophecy, an¬ ticipating the promulgation of the gospel, calls without discrimination of character, every one that hath ears to hear that his soul may live. Hoi every one that thirsteth. When Messiah actual¬ ly appears, his manner of address is not different. He calls not the righteous, but sinners to repent- BY THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST. 169 ance. When lie left the world, and gave com¬ mission to the Apostles to preach in his name, he not only vested them with unlimited powers, but commanded their first exercise among sin¬ ners, who, had there been a design of exception against any, must, according to all our ideas of things, have been marked with exclusive repro* bation. Contrary, however, to all our views of things, and to shew the perfect freeness and uni¬ versality of the salvation of Christ, he required them to begin their ministry at Jerusalem. There, according to his appointment, they waited for the qualifying influence of the Holy Ghost. Freely they received it, freely they dispensed it. To the murderers of the Prince of Life, they spoke without reserve the words of eternal life. In the history of the preaching and effects of the gospel, we find all the facts of precisely the same character. The wise man and the fool sit down together as humble disciples of Jesus. The reputed and self-righteous, the conscious and notorious sinner are brought to the same ground and place of acceptance and favour; the industrious workman and the idle lounger are called, and come to labour together in the Lord’s vineyard. If there be any difference in point y 170 HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED of fact, we find it rather on the side of conde* scending mercy, and liberal forgiveness. We see a woman of known and hardened infamy melted into the most penitent sensibilities and tender spiritual affection; a man confirmed in vicious habits and practices, so completely re¬ formed as to resign, without hesitation or reserve, the wages of unrighteousness, and put himself under the entire and commanding influence of faith, piety, justice, honour, and generosity; in¬ dividuals and multitudes contrite, alarmed, con¬ verted, and forgiven, who had crucified the Lord of glory, or been the determined enemies of his cross and followers. What shall we think of a violent commissioned persecutor becoming a a sincere and fervent Christian, a commissioned zealous Apostle of the Lord Jesus? IIow striking the view of the depraved vicious people of Cor¬ inth, created anew in Christ Jesus, into spiritual and moral excellence and goodness! Since that time, have there not been thousands of similar description, equally made monuments of sove¬ reign saving grace ? What is the account of every real Christian, but the history of a change from darkness to light, from guilt to pardon, from pollution to purity, from death to life, sufficient BY THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST. 171 fully to demonstrate the unrestrained extension of’ the gospel and its influence to all the charac¬ ters of men ? Is not Jesus then the friend of publicans and sinners? So far from resisting or shunning any, his history is distinguished by innumerable in¬ stances of favour to the worst, for it informs us that publicans and harlots go into the kingdom of heaven before others. I have referred to a few of the many illustrious examples of convert¬ ing grace, and will not every age and place in which the gospel has been preached add to the witnesses of this blessed truth ? Let us never then limit the good will of God, or despair of repentance and remission of sins to the chief of sinners. If the gospel of salvation hath been the power of God to convince and convert men of science to the acknowledgement and love of the truth, as it is in Jesus; men of supposed worth to disclaim their own righteous¬ ness, and submit to the righteousness of God; and men not only of bad name, but in truth desperately wicked, to believe in Christ, and love and serve God in newness of life; what should hinder its equal operation in heathen lands? Cannot God, with the same ease and 1?'2 HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED effect, illumine the dark regions of ignorance and cruelty; make the wilderness to blossom as the rose, yea, and make all things new? He will: for as in many other places of scripture, so in our text he hath assured us, that by Christ he will reconcile unto himself all things which are in earth. A third thing contained in the design set before us in our text, is universal love and communion. Not only are all things to be gathered unto Christ, but to be gathered together into one , made as it were, one great corporate body, not only collected and united by an external charter of common privileges, but having their hearts knit together in love.-While the great and gracious scheme of the gospel rais¬ es men to the friendship of God, it also restores them to mutual esteem and confidence, yea to all the delightful harmony of the purest and most exalted friendship amongst themselves. It is a melancholy truth, established by the testimony of scripture and the unvarying universal history of man, that his apostacy from God hath ever been attended with discord among the brethren. In consequence of our departure from the living God, we naturally separate from, or oppose one BY THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST. 17*3 another. The carnal heart being enmity against God, easily kindles into unkind or cruel resent¬ ments, and many foolish and hurtful lusts. Man, though of a social nature, and necessarily living in society, looks with an evil eye upon his neigh¬ bour. A selfish spirit pervades almost all ranks of men, and that spirit lusteth to envy: not con¬ tent with such things as we have, we covet what belongs to others: too susceptible of provoca¬ tion, we are soon offended, and immediately me¬ ditate revenge: hasty passion bursts forth in all the fury of ungovernable rage, or settles in the bitterness of unrelenting malice, and implacable enmity. Hence all the jealousies and dissentions in families, and among the nearest relations, in the communities of the city, or in the smaller cir¬ cles of the country ; hence tyrannical oppressions, popular tumults, and national quarrels; hence all the wars and fightings which have disgraced the history of the world. This account of human society is strikingly exemplified in the great divi¬ sions of the world at the first plantation of Christ¬ ianity. The whole was divided into Jews and Gentiles, and in what an unhappy condition and temper do we find them? More rancorous differ¬ ence, more mutual contempt, and more violent 174 HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED opposition never subsisted or reigned among men; they were indeed hateful, and hated one another. But let us now, my friends, turn away our eyes from this ungracious view of human nature and human life. The gospel was designed to put an end to this discordant dangerous state of things. Our text invites us to the highly pleasing contem¬ plation of a truly sublime and glorious scene of peace and love. The spirit of prophecy paints this lovely scene in all the glowing colours of the most beautiful imagery and descriptive compari¬ son: thus, Psa. xlvi. 6.—11. lxxii, 3 —9, 16— 20. Isa. ii. 1-—6. ix. 6, 7» xi* 6, to the end— Hos. ii. 18, to the end—Zecli. ix. 9, 10. Agree¬ ably to these ancient predictions, when the Mes¬ siah was born, his nativity was announced as the commencement of the era of universal peace. Yea, a multitude of the heavenly host sung this ever memorable hymn, “ Glory to God in the “ highest, on earth peace, good will to men.” When our Lord, therefore, instructed his disci¬ ples in the things pertaining to his kingdom, he particularly taught them to distinguish them¬ selves by their love one to another. The record of primitive Christianity in the Acts BY THE MEDIATION OE CHRIST. 173 of the Apostles verifies this design of the gospel by many striking and impressive examples, as in Chapter ii. 41, to the end, and iv. 31, 32. What words can be more express to our purpose than these in the second chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians, from verse 11, to the end? With this experience the Apostle’s doctrine and exhor- ations agree, as delivered Chapter iv. 1—19. Of all this he draws a lively portrait at full length, 1 Corinthians xiii. 1, to the end. Thus we see the outcasts of the Heathen brought into the af¬ fectionate embrace of the Christian church, and the dispersed of Israel gathered into one. The enmity betwixt them was slain, and of twain, that is, two contrary opposite bodies of people, one new man is formed, so peace is made. AVe must confess, and we do it with grief and shame, that often, since that first display of the gracious influence of the gospel, the professors of Christianity have exhibited a very different char¬ acter; but this can never fairly be imputed to the genius of their religion, but to their want of its proper spirit, or to their hypocrisy and corruptions resisting and counteracting its design and opera¬ tions. Many instances, however, might be pro¬ duced, in every age of the church, and many liv- 276 HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED ing characters might be appealed to as illustrious examples of its conciliating efficacy. Sure I am, that if the pure gospel is received not as the word of man, but, as it is in truth, the word of the liv¬ ing God, it will work effectually in them who be¬ lieve to the putting off, concerning the former conversation, the old man which is Corrupt ac¬ cording to the deceitful lusts. They will particu¬ larly put away lying, all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, w r ith all malice, and be kind one to another, tender¬ hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven them. The peace of God will rule in their minds, they wili be at peace among themselves, edify one another in love, and follow peace with all men. Divided as they may be by religious denomina¬ tions, external forms, and observances, or even by many distinct and opposite opinions, there are great principles and a corresponding practice com¬ mon to them all; these are ever attractive and fix them in mutual attachment and respectful love. Local and other incidental circumstances may too often occur to occasion temporary separations, painful schisms, and unnatural distance, or at least prevent a full visible communion; but these can BY THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST. 177 never operate against their spiritual oneness and fellowship in the faith and love of Christ, in the practical design and tendency of Christian doc¬ trine, and in the final hope, through grace, of eternal life. At the throne of grace, and at the table of the Lord, their confessions and devotions possess a striking oneness of character. In concern for the glory of God, the honour of the Redeemer, and the salvation of precious souls, they are perfectly agreed. Can they ever differ as to the perpetual necessity and importance of a life of faith, of love to the Brethren, of benevolence and beneficence to all men, and of universal holiness ? If in these things they are of one heart and of one mind, is not a sure foundation laid, upon which to rear the compact and comely edifice of all the social vir¬ tues? Faith working by love will bind all the living stones in this spiritual building with the purest and most adhesive cement of inviolable friendship, till all things are gathered together into one in Christ Jesus. This we know shali take place in the dispensa¬ tion of the fulness of times. We have contem¬ plated it as the subject of many prophecies and promises in the Old Testament. In the primitive 178 HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED church of the New Testament we have seen it in some measure realized. All its doctrines, laws, and ordinances, suppose or imply, or directly lead to such a blessed state of society. The scriptural character of Christians holds forth a security, in every individual member of the church, for the delightful harmony of the whole ecclesiastic body; and when that body is composed of all kindreds, and languages of men; when all the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ; then shall the Lord turn to the people a pure language, that they may call upon the name of the Lord to serve him with one con¬ sent. Till that happy day arrive, let us prepare for it by the growing liberality of Christian love, and by the united diffusion of all the blessings of the gospel of peace. When these are received with faith and affection, and their blessed influence fully felt, the heart will burn w r ith fervent love, and the sacred flame spread from heart to heart, from family to family, and from one kingdom to another, till one ardent hymn of universal praise ascend, from the one altar of redeeming love, to the throne of God and the Lamb. Then , my friends, wars shall cease to the ends of the earth. 13 Y THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST. 179 We shall hear no more of rival nations or natural enemies. Men, having imbibed the spirit of the first and great commandment of supreme love to God, will find no difficulty in fully complying with the second, which is like unto it, in loving their neighbour as themselves. Nations, born at once by the regenerating influence of the truth and spirit of the pure and peaceable gospel of Christ, will have no more fear, or jealousies of injurious encroachment; they will not need the offensive or defensive barrier of a balance of power; they will find themselves much more se¬ cure by the universal equilibrium of conscious and confidential love. O! Lord, hasten it in thy time; the vision is for an appointed time: at that time, as you heard well explained last night, it shall speak and not lie. Why may not every Christian society, and all denominations of Christian society, anticipate in their experience and relative situations, and exemplify to the world that happy state of things which we believe shall take place at the time ap¬ pointed of the Father, and shall continue in the world for a thousand years ? Though we cannot agree in all our views of divine truth, and there¬ fore must have our separate churches to maintain 180 HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED our several distinct professions of Christian tenets, I have often thought, that we might with an equally good conscience, meet occasional!}? not only to converse, and pray, and sing praise, but to eat together the Lord’s supper, in testimony of the faith and profession of fundamental prin¬ ciples,' wherein we are more closely united than we are by other things removed from one ano¬ ther. This truly holds in the conviction of our own minds, and in the judgment and approbation of that God with whom we have to do, among all true Christians of all denominations, by every act of their faith, by every exercise of their love, and when or where they at any time meet in the name of the Lord Jesus and perform spiritual worship. What then can make it unlawful to fx a time and place, for the public profession of such principles and dispositions ? 1 cannot sup¬ press the sentiments of high satisfaction which I felt at home, when the Missionary design com¬ bined in principle and pursuit so many different denominations of Christians, and which I am now permitted to enjoy with increasing delight and joy in seeing the Missionary Society of Lon¬ don, and this vast assembly of Christian v/or« BY THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST. 181 shippers animated as with oA soul in the love of Christ and of mankind. *3fcet brotherly love continue; may it abound more and more in all the churches, till universal reconciliation obtain in the unsuspecting communion of all saints. O ! thrice blessed day! Gofrof love, thy king¬ dom come ! Prince of peace, let thy rest be visible and glorious ! O! gracious divine Spirit, fly like the peaceful dove over the field of univer¬ sal nature, to produce, preserve, promote, and perfect the reign of kindness and of happiness till misery be banished from the earth, murmurs be silenced, love and gratitude be excited, charity and generosity triumph, and all things which are on earth be reconciled to God, and to the whole world of the intelligent and moral creation. Besides this enlarged prospect of happiness and love throughout this inferior evil world, we ob¬ serve, in the Fourth place, That the text adds the exalted prospect of a peculiarly intimate connexion and friendship with the heavenly world; such a con¬ nexion as shall both heighten our character and joys, and improve and perfect the society there. 182 HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED Peace made on earth is to be accompanied with the reconciliation of all things in heaven. We read of elect angels and their confirmation in a state of happiness: of them as of us Jesus is the glorious head; through him we, as well as they, are the elect of God, holy and beloved and preserved in Christ Jesus. The angels who stood in celestial excellence and perfection not only ab¬ horred the apostacy of their proud rebellious companions, but also necessarily became the ene¬ mies of men, when they associated with devils, and joined in daring conspiracy against the God of heaven, the King of glory. Their holy zeal for his honour burned as a flaming fire of wrath against his enemies, but when deity became pro¬ pitious to man, they too were appeased. When Jesus reconciled men to God, and to one another —all things which are on earth—he also recon¬ ciled all things which are in heaven. Thus men and angels were gathered together into one family in Christ as their common head. If they are superior to us by nature, by grace we occupy as high a place as they; we sit to¬ gether in heavenly places; we are come to an innumerable company of angels; they feel no longer any shyness, distance, or opposition ; they BY THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST. * 183 embrace us as their friends and fellows; yea, our Redeeming Lord hath in some measure exalted us above them, making them ministering spirits to guide, and guard, and minister to all the heirs of salvation. He giveth them a special and solemn charge concerning his ransomed people, which we find them ready and cheerful in undertaking, and ever faithful and active in executing. How grand and interesting is the representation of this in Isaiah vi. 1—4-. The glory which had long filled their admiring eyes in heaven, now bursts forth upon earth, and they instantly fly to this new scene of divine greatness and grace. God manifest in the flesh is seen of angels. They cannot be satisfied with a transient view; they look into the myster¬ ies of divine redeeming love, with the most steady penetrating attention, with the most eager solici¬ tude of thought, of wonder, of inquiry, of de¬ light. No sooner do their quick comprehensive facul¬ ties receive, than all their powers are exerted in communicating these new discoveries to the world immediately interested in them. Thus when the glory of the Lord shone round the shepherds of Bethlehem, to their sore amazement, the angel of HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED 184 the Lord was at hand to dismiss their fears, by announcing the birth of the promised Messiah, and directing them to the place, where they would find the son and Lord of David, the Saviour of the world. And suddenly there was with the angels a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men. When he was declared to be the Son of God with power, by his triumphant resurrection from the dead, angels attended to relieve the anxieties, sooth the griefs, and revive the hopes of the despondent, disconsolate disciples. When he ascended up on high leading captivity captive, the chariots of God were twenty thousand, even thousands of angels, while two remained on earth to testify of him, to direct the present temper and future con¬ duct of the astonished disciples, and to promise his return in power and great glory. Often since have they been employed in the kindest offices of compassionate care over the bodies and souls of men, in preventing evil or working deliverance, in directing and animating the labour of apostolic zeal, or in conducting humble inquirers to the best means of information and salvation. The sphere of exertion and influ- BY THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST. 185 ence opens and widens before their expanding benevolence and active powers; and as they pro¬ ceed they collect the scattered treasures of divine science; learning from the church the manifold wisdom of God. Indeed it may be said of them as of the believ¬ ers of the Old Testament, that they without us could not be made perfect. Thus advancing in every kind of angelic improvement, by the full scope given to all the energies of their benevolent active natures, by continually doing and receiv¬ ing good, they cease not to pursue the mighty plan of divine grace, till the Son of man "send them forth to gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity, and to bring together all his saints from the four winds, to stand at his right hand in the final judg¬ ment, and to be for ever with him in the kingdom of his Father. Is not this a wonderful reconcilia¬ tion of things in heaven, and things on earth ? A friendship between holy angels and redeemed men is formed and maintained by the infinitely loving design and conciliating powers of the gospel, which can never be broken. When all things here are dissolved they shall meet and live eter¬ nally together in heaven, without envy, or jeal- 2 A 186 HEAVEN AND EAIITH RECONCILED ousy, or any possible discordance of sentiment, temper, or pursuit; yea, in all the high perfection of everlasting love.—What a beautiful grand re¬ presentation of this harmony is given in Rev. v. 5, to the end of the chapter. I shall only add once more in the Fifth and last place, That the design, exhibited in our text, seems to imply sucli an extensive communication of good, that the whole universe shall in some measure partake of it, in having its separate parts or collected influence employed to produce, or terminate in the highest possible per¬ fection.—Though I have endeavoured to shew that the language of our text is primarily and principally to be understood of persons, that is, intelligent moral beings, even angels and men, yet not exclusively. God hath made nothing in vain, and therefore by every thing he will be more or less glorified. The primeval state of man connected with his innocence a pure and useful and happy enjoyment of every thing around him. The transgression of man changed in a manner the whole system to which he stood related. Abusing his original dignified liberty by the vain assumption of inde- BY THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST. 187 pendence, he sunk into the most humiliating bon¬ dage; every thing in nature perverted by his folly and guilt, partook of his fatal apostacy, and add¬ ed to his degeneracy and misery.—As the Apostle Paul expresses it, “ The creature was made sub- “ ject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of “ him who hath subjected it, so that the whole “ creation groaneth and travaileth in pain toge- “ ther until now.” God cursed the ground for man’s sake: hence at times the earth quakes, the mountains tremble, the sea roars; sometimes the guilty fears of man are alarmed by the awful frown of the black tempest, or the solemn peals of the loud thunder, or the sudden and successive flashes of the destructive lightning. But these are not the only things threatening or fatal to man; they suffer more from what are called the good things of this life. Such is the perverseness of the depraved mind, that we can scarcely look on nature in her loveliest form with¬ out being betrayed into, increasing vice and more swift destruction. How often have the comforts of this life attached the heart to the creature in preference to the Creator; to the pleasure of time and sense in preference to the joys of religion and the hopes of eternal life ? How often hath the 18S HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED pursuit or possession of riches produced sordid avarice or shameless extravagance ? Can we rise to great honour in the world without thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, and despising others ? Are not power and influence, which might afford protection and happiness to the feeble, the defenceless, and miserable, the more frequent occasions of oppression, mischief, and violence ? Learning, instead of diffusing use¬ ful knowledge, oftener spreads delusion and error. The industry of study, of trade, and of commerce, while it hath been the parent and nurse of inven¬ tion, of exertion, and of various improvement and happiness to individuals and society, hath too oft¬ en corrupted both by a cruel rapacity abroad, and a vicious dissipation at home. Even the institu¬ tion of government ordained of God for the bene¬ fit of society, and essential in every country to its good order, dignity, peace, and prosperity, hath too frequently by usurpation, iniquity, or violence, become a system of tyranny or corruption, and the source of spreading infidelity, irreligion, and immorality. But notwithstanding so much perverted good, approved and practised iniquity, we are assured by our text and the gospel in general, that all BY THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST. 18$ these abuses and wickednesses shall be finally and universally subdued by the prevailing triumphing influence of the Christian system. Their own sin shall find them out and consume them, while on their ruins shall rise a new creation of men and things, distinguished by the glory and grace of God, and the goodness of renewed man. Then shall universal nature wear a smiling aspect, and look with kindness and blessing on the reformed inhabitants of the earth. The sun shall not smite them by day, nor the moon by night. When mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other; “ truth shall “ spring out of the earth, and righteousness look “ down from Heaven. Yea, the Lord shall give “ that which is good, and our land shall yield her “ increase. Righteousness shall go before him, “ and shall set us in the way of his steps. The “ wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad “ for them; and the desert shall rejoice and blos- “ som as the rose; it shall blossom abundantly, “ and rejoice even with joy and singing; the glory “ of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellen- “ cy of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the “ glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our “ God. The mountains and the hills shall break 190 HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED “ forth before you into singing, and all the trees ie of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of 65 the thorn, shall come up the fir tree; and in- “ stead of the brier, shall come up the myrtle “ tree; and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for “ an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off” Universal reconciliation, and universal improve¬ ment are inseparable. When swords are convert¬ ed into ploughshares, and spears into pruning- hooks, and the hostile rage of the camp into the peaceful labours of the field, how must this im¬ proved character of man and manners improve the order and harmony of the city, the beauty and richness of the country ! Heaven and earth, men and things, shall be reconciled. No more shall learning cherish the pride of understanding, or impose on others the dictates of a vain philoso¬ phy. It shall become the sanctified guardian of sacred truth, unfold the mysteries, elucidate the prophecies, illustrate the doctrines, and recom¬ mend the morals of genuine Christianity. No more shall navigation lend its aid to the excursions of piracy; the avarice and fraud of unlawful com¬ merce ; or the ambitious designs of foreign inva¬ sion and conquests; it shall be consecrated to the universal conveyance of the gospel of peace, to BY THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST. 191 the diffusion of its spirit through all the regions of the giobe, and to all the mutual communications of love and goodness. In no place shall the throne of majesty be the seat of tyranny, nor the sceptre of power the scourge of oppression or persecu¬ tion ; but kings shall be nursing fathers, and queens nursing mothers to the church; for all the kingdoms of the world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ. All the authority, power, and wealth of nations shall be devoted to the service and glory of God and the Redeemer, and shall every where be combined in the plans and works of goodness and mercy. “ Thus saith “ the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy “ One, to him whom man despiseth, and him “ whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of “rulers; kings shall see and arise; princes also “ shall worship, because of the Lord that is faith- “ ful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall “ choose thee. And the Gentiles shall come to “ to thy light, -and kings to the brightness of thy “ rising. Lift up thine eyes round about and see: “ all they gather themselves together, they come “ to thee; thy sons shall come from far, and thy “ daughters shall be nursed at thy side; then “ thou shalt see and flow together, and thine 19i2 HEAVEN AND EARTH RECONCILED “ heart shall fear and be enlarged; because the