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 BT  74  .R62  1805  v. 3 
 Robinson,  Thomas,  1749-1813 
 The  Christian  system 
 
THE 
 
 CHRISTIAN    SYSTEM 
 
 UNFOLDED  IN  A  COURSE  OF 
 
 PRACTICAL   ESSAYS 
 
 THE  PRINCIPAL  DOCTRINES  AND  DUTIES  OF 
 CHRISTIANITY. 
 
 IN    THREE    VOLUMES 
 VOL.  III. 
 
 By  THOMAS  ROBINSON,  M.  A. 
 
 VICAR  OF  ST.  MARY'S,  LEICESTER. 
 
 Holdfast  the  form  ofsowid  words,  in  faith  and  love,  which  is  in  Christ 
 Jesus. 
 
 For  the  time  will  come,  tvhen  they  will  not  endure  sound  doctrine*- 
 2  Tim.  i.  13.     iv.  3. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 ^PRINTED  FOR  THE  AUTHOR, 
 AND    SOLD    EY     F.  C.  AND  J.  RIVINGTON,    ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH- 
 YARD;    AND    BY  J.  HATCHARD,    BOOKSELLER    TO 
 HER    MAJESTY,     1^0,    PICCADILLY. 
 
 1805. 
 
THE 
 
 CHRISTIAN    SYSTEM, 
 
 VOLUME  THE  THIRD, 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 PRACTICAL  ESSAYS 
 
 -ON 
 
 CHRISTIAN  OBEDIENCE,  PRAYER, 
 
 SACRAMENTS. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 THIRD     VOLUME. 
 
 ?c 
 
 ige  I 
 
 18 
 
 38 
 
 57 
 
 I 
 
 .     74 
 
 L 
 
 91 
 
 110 
 
 ESSAY 
 
 6l  On  keeping  the  Commandments 
 6'2  On  the  First  Commandment 
 
 63  On  the  Second  Commandment 
 
 64  On  the  Third  Commandment 
 
 65  On  the  Fourth  Commandment.     Part  I. 
 
 66  On  the  Fourth  Commandment.  Part  II. 
 07  On  the  Fifth  Commandment.     Part  I. 
 6S  On  the  Fifth  Commandment.     Part  II.    127 
 
 69  On  the  Fifth  Commandment.    Part  III.     142 
 
 70  On  the  Fifth  Commandment.     Part  IV.     160 
 7J    On  the  Sixth  Commandment  -  179 
 
 72  On  the  Seventh  Commandment         -        I98 
 
 73  On  the  Eighth  Commandment         -         Qi6 
 
 74  On  the  Ninth  Commandment  -  232 
 
 75  On  the  Tenth  Commandment  -         249 
 
 76  On  Prayer  for   Special   Grace  to    keep  the 
 
 Commandments  -  -  267 
 
V1U  CONTENTS. 
 
 ESSAY 
 
 77  On  the  Introduction  to  the  Lord's  Prayer. 
 
 Page  284 
 
 78  On  the  First  Petition  of  the  Lord's  Prayer 
 
 298 
 7Q  On  the  Second  Petition  of  the  Lord's  Prayer 
 
 310 
 
 80  On  the  Third  Petition  of  the  Lord's  Prayer 
 
 325 
 
 8 1  On  the  Fourth  Petition  of  the  Lord's  Prayer 
 
 340 
 
 82  On  the  Fifth  Petition  of  the  Lord's  Prayer  353 
 S3  On  the  Sixth  Petition  of  the  Lord's  Prayer  372 
 
 84  On  the  Conclusion  of  the  Lord's  Prayer  387 
 
 85  On  the  Church  of  Christ  -         -   '  400 
 
 86  On  Public  Worship          -              -  419 
 8/   On  the  Christian  Sacraments           -  435 
 
 83  On  Christian  Baptism.     Part  I.        -  445 
 Sg  On  Christian  Baptism.     Part  II.        -  456 
 
 90  On  the  Lord's  Supper.     Part  I.        -         473 
 
 91  On  the  Lord's  Supper.     Part  II.        -        489 
 On  the  Resurrection  of  the  Body       -       504 
 
 93  On  the  Life  Everlasting         -  _■         523 
 
PRACTICAL   ESSAYS 
 
 ON 
 
 CHRISTIANITY. 
 
 ESSAY  LXI. 
 
 ON  KEEPING  THE   COMMANDMENTS. 
 
 To  ascertain  the  christian  character,  we  mujl  examine 
 the  measure  and  the  rule  of  duty,  Man  has  always 
 been  under  a  law. — The  decalogue,  published 
 from  mount  Sinai,  is  still  binding. — It  is  most  ex- 
 cellent.— The  righteous  God  must  enjoin  obedience 
 to  it, — Its  authority  depends  not  on  Its  publication 
 by  Moses. — We  are  not  released  from,  it  by  the 
 death  of  Christ. — It  is  written  In  the  hearts  of  the 
 faithful. — They  aim  at  universal  obedience  to  it.— 
 An  understanding  of  It  will  produce — clearer 
 knowledge  of  God, — deeper  convictions  of  sin, — 
 more  ardent  love  to  Christ,— a  more  honourable 
 conduct,- — and  more  genuine  humility. 
 
 We  have  insisted  at  some  length  on  the  work 
 of  sanctification  by  the  Spirit,  and  on  its  neces- 
 sary effect,  obedience  to  God,  We  have  not  lost 
 sight  of  the  important  subject  in  treating  on  the 
 
 VOL,  III.  b 
 
2  OX   KEEPING  THE  COMMANDMENTS, 
 
 comforts  of  the  Holy  Ghost;  for  it  has  been 
 shewn,  that  they  arc  invariably  connected  with 
 holiness.  Joy  in  God  and  the  assurance  of  his 
 favour  cannot  exist  without  a  reverential  regard 
 to  his  will.  This  might  suffice  to  give  a  general 
 view  of  the  christian  character:  but  as  it  is  our 
 object  to  ascertain  that  character  precisely,  it 
 may  be  expedient  to  state  more  minutely  the 
 measure  and  the  rule  of  duty.  This  we  propose 
 to  do  in  a  practical  comment  on  the  ten 
 commandments. 
 
 We  are  directed  by  an  apostle  to  judge  of 
 our  sincerity  and  our  religious  attainments  by  the 
 obedience  we  yield  to  the  precepts  of  Christ, 
 <f  Hereby  we  do  know  that  we  know  him,  if  we 
 keep  his  commandments.  He  that  saith,  I  know 
 him,  and  kcepcth  not  his  commandments,  is  a 
 liar,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  him*."  The  position, 
 is  undeniable,  that  the  true  and  spiritual  know- 
 ledge of  the  Lord,  which  alone  is  available  to 
 salvation,  will  lead  its  possessors  to  admire,  re- 
 Tcre,  love,  and  serve  him.  Those  therefore,  and 
 those  only,  are  to  be  acknowledged  as  real  Chris- 
 tians, who  pay  an  unfeigned  regard  and  sub- 
 mission to  his  will,  in  whatever  way  it  may  be 
 published  or  made  known :  u  they  keep  his  com- 
 mandments. "  It  should  be  matter  of  thankfulness 
 to  us,  while  enquiring,  What  hath  He  enjoined., 
 
 *  1  Juhn  ii.  3j  4. 
 
ON  KEEPING  THE  COMMANDMENTS.  3 
 
 that  he  hath  not  left  us  to  uncertain  conjectures 
 or  doubtful  speculations.  He  hath  revealed 
 himself;  and  his  commandments  are  dispersed 
 throughout  all  the  scriptures,  which  should  be 
 unreservedly  received  as  the  declaration  of  his 
 mind. 
 
 In  all  circumstances  and  in  every  possible  situ- 
 ation, man  is  under  a  law  to  that  God,  by  whom 
 he  was  created,  and  on  whom  he  is  constrained 
 to  feel  a  continual  dependence.  His  powers 
 and  faculties  prove  that  he  was  made  for  some 
 important  purpose,  and  that  he  is  an  accountable 
 creature.  His  reason  and  conscience  bind  him, 
 as  with  the  dictates  of  authority,  directing  and 
 approving,  restraining  and  condemning:  thus 
 they  perforin  within  him  the  office  of  a  legislator 
 and  a  judge,  and  apprize  him  of  a  day  of  retri- 
 bution. The  book  of  inspiration  determines 
 what  the  law  of  God  is,  what  is  the  nature  and 
 extent  of  our  moral  obligations :  and  these  are 
 things,  which  could  not  otherwise  be  discovered 
 with  any  certainty  or  precision. 
 
 It  appears  that  Adam,  upon  his  original  forma- 
 tion, clearly  understood  his  duty  and  yielded  a 
 cheerful  obedience.  Whatever  particular  tests 
 might  be  appointed  for  his  trial,  the  law  required 
 of  him  the  perpetual  exercise  of  holy  love :  nor 
 was  there  any  need  that  this  law  should  then  be 
 written  upon  tables  of  stone ;  it  was  inscribed 
 upon  his  heart.    Alas!  what  a  lamentable  change 
 
 B  2 
 
4  ON    KEEPING   THE  COMMANDMENTS. 
 
 was  introduced  by  sin !  Those  fair  and  legible 
 characters  of  God,  first  stamped  upon  the  soul, 
 were  defaced  :  man  sunk  into  a  state  of  gross 
 ignorance  and  extreme  depravity.  It  became 
 necessary  therefore  for  the  almighty  Sovereign  to 
 renew  his  claims  to  the  subjection  and  allegiance 
 of  his  creature  by  fresh  publications  of  his  will. 
 These  inalienable  rights  he  asserted  in  the  most 
 signal  manner  before  the  thousands  of  Israel  at 
 mount  Sinai.  There  he  delivered  to  them  with 
 solemn  majesty  the  ten  commandments,  engraven 
 with  his  own  finger  upon  two  tables  of  stone. 
 
 This  decalogue  is  not  to  be  considered  as  a 
 new  law,  but  the  same  which  in  substance  had 
 existed  from  the  beginning.  The  original  rule 
 of  duty  was  not,  could  not  be,  altered  on  account 
 of  man's  transgression  or  the  corruption  of  his 
 nature:  nor  could  the  righteous  God,  consistently 
 with  his  purity,  demand  any  thing  less  from  him 
 than  perfect  reverence,  love,  and  obedience.     He 
 
 .Id  not  give  him  a  licence  to  sin  in  any  cir- 
 cumstance whatever :  in  other  words,  l\e  could 
 not  repeal  or  mitigate  his  law,  in  compliance 
 with  the  perverse  and  rebellious  dispositions  of 
 i alien  man. 
 
 It  may  be  asked,  What  have  we  to  do  with 
 the  Mosaic  law,  which  was  delivered  only  to  the 
 ancient  Israelites?  But  it  should  be  remembered, 
 that  all  its  injunctions  would  have  been  obliga* 
 tory  upon  us,  if  Moses  or  the  Jewish  nation  had 
 
ON  KEEPING  THE   COMMANDMENTS.  5 
 
 never  existed.     The  relations,  in  which  we  stand 
 to  God  and  one  another,  bind  us  to  its  perpetual 
 observance :    for  as  these   relations   remain   the 
 same,  so  must  our  duties  be  unalterable.     There 
 may  be  positive  institutions,  appointed  only  for 
 certain    occasions    or   particular   persons :    such 
 were  the  religious  rites  and  ceremonies,  ordained 
 for  the  seed  of  Israel,  and  for  a  limited  time ; 
 and  such  also  were  the  statutes,  which  directed 
 the  administration  of  their  government,  and  which 
 ceased  with  their  polity.    But  the  ten  command- 
 ments, whatever  might  be  the  peculiar  circum- 
 stances   of  their   promulgation   by  Moses,   are 
 addressed  to  us,  as  much  as  to  the  ancient  Israel- 
 ites: they  constitute  the  moral  law,  which  from 
 its  nature   must'  be  immutable,   and  universally 
 binding.     These,  then,  will  furnish  us  with  the 
 groundwork  for  a  minute  exposition  of  our  duty. 
 They  come  to  us  with  an  authority  not  to  be 
 resisted  j  and  they  are  so  comprehensive,  as  to  lead 
 us  to  the  consideration  of  every  holy  temper, 
 principle,  and  practice. 
 
 There  are  those,  indeed,  who  object  to  that 
 theological  system,  which  enforces  the  obligations 
 of  the  moral  law,  as  if  it  were  on  that  account 
 hostile  to  the  liberty  of  the  gospel  and  to  the 
 privileges  of  believers.  These  objections  will 
 appear,  upon  due  investigation,  absurd  and  un- 
 grounded ;  and  their  dangerous  tendency  is  most 
 obvious.      Is  it   not  in    consequence    of  such 
 
6  ON  KEEPING  THE  COMMANDMENTS* 
 
 clamours  against  practical  religion,  that  many, 
 who  speculate  upon  and  contend  for  the  sublime 
 mysteries    of  Christianity,   pay   little   regard   to 
 duty  ?     They  soar  above  it,  and  compassionate 
 the  low  state  of  those,  who  are  occupied  in  con- 
 sidering "  how  they  ought  to  walk."     Shall  we 
 wonder,   that  the  mouths  of  our  adversaries  are 
 opened  to  utter  loud  and  bitter  reproaches  against 
 our  most  holy  faith  ?     Will  they  not  take  occa- 
 sion to  blaspheme,  from  the  spirit  and  conduct 
 of  these   negligent   and    loose  professors?     But 
 ihall  we  therefore  allow  them  to  ?  .y,  that  u  we 
 make  void  the  law?"  God  forbid!   That  doctrine 
 cannot  be  from  Him,  which  encourages  licen- 
 tiousness.    We   would    therefore  vindicate   the 
 authority  of  the  law,  and  shew  what  are  its  pro- 
 per uses:  and  especially  in  delineating  the  chris- 
 tian character,  we  would  "  establish  the  law,"  as 
 the  rule  by  which  our  life  should  be  regulated 
 towards  God  and  man.     Let  the  following  con- 
 siderations be  duly  weighed  and  regarded. 
 
 I.  It  is  in  every  respect  most  excellent.  "  ft 
 is  good,  if  a  man  use  it  lawfully  V  It  approves 
 itself  even  to  our  reason.  For  who  shall  object 
 to  any  one  of  its  precepts,  as  improper  for  God 
 to  enact,  or  for  man  to  observe  ?  Depraved  as 
 the  world  is,  it  would  be  difficult  to  find  a  per- 
 son, in  the  cool  exercise  of  a  cultivated  under- 
 
 *  lTim.  i.  8. 
 
ON  KEEPING   THE  COMMANDMENTS.  J 
 
 standing,  who  would  be  an  advocate  for  sin,  or 
 say,  that  it  would  be  better  for  society  if  the  law 
 were  abrogated. 
 
 It  is  the  measure  of  all  goodness,  and  so  it 
 must  be,  as  being  the  declaration  of  the  divine 
 will.  It  requires  the  perfection  of  holiness,  and 
 condemns  the  least  departure  from  it.  It  is  there- 
 fore the  test,  by  which  all  pretences  to  moral 
 excellence  should  be  tried  :  for  nothing  contrary 
 to  it  can  be  justifiable,  however  prevalent  or  adr 
 mired  amongst  men.  The  saints  of  God  are 
 growing  in  grace  and  holiness,  in  exact  propor- 
 tion to  their  conformity  with  its  demands :  nor 
 can  they  be  received  into  the  heavenly  mansions^ 
 till  all  opposition  to  it  be  done  away  from  their 
 minds.  But  those,  who  allow  themselves  in 
 transgression^  whatever  be  their  rank  or  reputa- 
 tion in  this  world,  are  accounted  vile  before  Him, 
 who  estimates  characters  and  actions  "  according 
 to  truth." 
 
 Nor  is  the  law  to  be  complained  of  as  the 
 rigorous  imposition  of  a  hard  master,  or  the  cruel 
 edict  of  a  merciless  tyrant.  It  is  good,  as  tending 
 to  promote  happiness,  and  invariably  leading  to 
 all  real  blessedness.  We  may  trace  all  our  misery 
 to  sin :  and  in  proportion  to  the  increased  alien- 
 ation of  our  hearts  from  God's  righteous  precepts, 
 the  more  wretched  shall  we  be.  Ah  !  plead  no 
 longer  for  prohibited  indulgences:  they  will 
 disappoint  your  expectations ;  they  will  leave  a 
 
S  ON  KEEPING  THE  COMMANDMENTS. 
 
 sting  behind  them.  Let  us  hear  no  more  of  your 
 objections  to  the  strictness  of  the  commandment : 
 for  what  doth  it  require  of  you,  but  to  be  happy? 
 Let  it  not  be  dreaded  as  an  enemy;  nor  desire 
 any  release  from  its  obligations  even  for  a  mo- 
 ment ;  for  such  a  deliverance,  as  would  allow 
 you  to  be  unholy,  would  be  a  curse  and  not  a 
 blessing. 
 
 II.  The  righteous  God  from  his  very  nature 
 must  enjoin  perpetual  obedience  to  it.  Con- 
 sistently with  his  own  perfections.  He  cannot 
 alter  it,  or  dispense  with  its  observance.  His 
 original  demands  from  our  first  parents  were  not 
 too  strict ;  nor  can  he  now  permit  any  deviation 
 from  the  primeval  rule  in  consequence  of  the 
 fall.  He  can  indeed  pardon  iniquity,  justify  the 
 ungodly,  and  be  pleased  with  the  imperfect  and 
 interrupted  services  of  the  faithful.  But  all  this 
 we  owe  to  the  grace  of  the  Saviour,  and  to  the 
 merciful  provisions  of  the  gospel.  He  does  not 
 therefore  renounce  his  own  righteous  character : 
 He  does  not,  He  cannot,  give  any  man  a  licence 
 to  sin.  What,  though  he  offer  you  a  full  and 
 free  salvation  in  Jesus  Christ?  He  cannot  allow 
 you,  at  any  time,  or  in  any  circumstances,  to  be 
 profane,  proud,  or  covetous,  lewd,  fraudulent,  or 
 vindictive.  If  you  wish  for  the  abrogation  of  any 
 Commandment,  you  wish  to  rob  him  of  his  highest 
 excellence,  his  holiness  and  his  justice.  Wha^ 
 greater  insult  can  you  put  upon  him  ? 
 
ON  KEEPING  THE   COMMANDMENTS.  9 
 
 III.  Its  authority  over  us  depends  not  on  its 
 publication  from  mount  Sinai,  though  that  cir- 
 cumstance most  strongly  commends  it  to  our 
 reverential  regard.  But  the  same  extensive  obe- 
 dience, which  it  enjoins,  is  required  throughout 
 all  the  sacred  scriptures.  What  one  command- 
 ment is  there  in  the  decalogue,  which  is  not  en- 
 forced in  other  passages?  Its  obligations  are 
 asserted  by  our  Lord  and  his  apostles,  as  well  as 
 by  the  Jewish  lawgiver.  Let  us  hear  his  solemn 
 declaration:  "  I  came  not  to  destroy  the  law,  but 
 to  fulfil. — Whosoever  therefore  shall  break  one 
 of  these  least  commandments,  and  shall  teach 
 men  so,  he  shall  be  called  the  least  in  the  king- 
 dom of  heaven :  but  whosoever  shall  do  and  teach 
 them,  the  same  shall  be  called  great  in  the  king- 
 dom of  heaven  *."  This  language  would  be  un* 
 intelligible,  if  the  followers  of  Christ  were  released 
 from  all  or  from  any  moral  duties.  They  are 
 required  to  acknowledge  him  in  the  character  of 
 a  lawgiver,  and  to  yield  him  an  unreserved  sub- 
 mission. Each  one  therefore  should  bow  to  his 
 sceptre,  and  say,  "  I  am  under  the  law  to  Christ  -j-." 
 What  his  claims  upon  us  are,  we  learn  from  the 
 exhortation,  li  Bear  ye  one  another's  burdens, 
 and  so  fulfil  the  law  of  Christ.  J."  The  com- 
 mands of  our  Legislator,  then,  coincide  with  those 
 of  the  Jewish,  inasmuch  as  both  insist  on  the 
 
 *  Matt.  v.  1/,  19,        -r  i  Cor.  ix,  21.        ;  Gal.  vi.  2. 
 
10         ON"  KEEPING  THE  COMMANDMENTS. 
 
 principle  of  love,  which  \vc  arc  assured  "  is  the 
 fulfilling  of  the  law  *." 
 
 The  apostles  unquestionably  considered  our 
 obligations  to  the  moral  law  as  permanent,  for 
 they  continually  referred  to  it  as  being  in  force, 
 and  inculcated  all  its  duties.  St.  Paul  enumerates 
 the  six  last  commandments  as  binding  upon 
 Christians,  and  declares  that  whatever  men  owe 
 to  one  another  is  enforced  by  the  general  pre- 
 cept, *f  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbour  as  thy- 
 self j."  St.  James  in  like  manner  quotes  the  very- 
 words  of  the  decalogue,  and  argues  on  the  ground 
 of  its  abiding  and  universal  obligation,  that 
 H  whosoever  shall  keep  the  whole  law,  and  yet 
 offend  in  one  point,  he  is  guilty  of  all  ;£."  St.  John 
 also  with  equal  firmness  maintains  its  authority, 
 and  unchristianizes  the  man,  who  lives  in  the 
 habitual  violation  of  it :  iC  Whosoever  committeth 
 sin,  transgrcsscth  also  the  law:  for  sin  is  the 
 transgression  of  the  law  §.y  To  what  other  rule 
 can  these  references  be  made?  And  does  not  this 
 language  imply  a  full  acknowledgment  of  its 
 Jlence  and  perpetuity? 
 
 IV.   We  are  not  released  from  its  observance, 
 
 but  laid  under  stronger  obligations  to  honour 
 
 and  obey  it,  by  the  death  of  Christ.     Let  it  be 
 
 :arked,  and  we  would  press  the  caution  with 
 
 *  Rom.  xiii.  10. 
 
 f  Horn.  xiii.  9.     Gal.  v.  13,  14.     Eph.  vi.  2, 
 
 .       r.TJ-s  ii.  8— 13.     iv.  1  1,  12.  §   j  John  HI.  4. 
 
PN  KEEPING  THE  COMMANDMENTS.         H 
 
 peculiar  earnestness,  that  we  must  not  use  the 
 law  in  opposition  to  the  gospel,  but  in  connec- 
 tion   with,    and   subserviency   to,   that  plan  of 
 mercy.     u  Christ   hath   redeemed   us   from    its 
 curse  j"  but  He  hath  not  superseded  our  obliga- 
 tions to  love  God  or  one  another.     No  such  in- 
 ference can   be  fairly  drawn  from  the  strongest 
 declarations  of  the  efficacy  of  his  sacrifice  and 
 the  freeness  of  his  grace ;  but  the  very  reverse. 
 His  death  represents  the  law  as  just,  excellent, 
 obligatory,  and  calls  us  to  its  observance  by  new 
 and  more  forcible  arguments.     Are  we  "  become 
 dead  to  the  law  by  the  body  of  Christ,  that  we 
 should  be  married  to  another?"     The  very  end 
 and  purpose  of  this  is,  ci  that  we  should  bring 
 forth  fruit  unto  God*."   But  how  shall  we  bring 
 forth  such  fruit,  except  by  keeping  his  command- 
 ments?    Should  not  "  the  love  of  Christ  con- 
 strain us"  to  this  obedience  ?  "  Because  we  thus 
 judge,"  that  it  was  the  avowed  intention  of  his 
 death,  ."  that  they  who  live,"  as  being  redeemed 
 by  his  blood,  "  should  not  henceforth  live  unto 
 themselves,  but  unto  Him  who  died  for  them  and 
 rose  again  j.'3     Do  any,  we  ask,  live  unto  Him, 
 who  can  allow  themselves  to  violate  the  least  of 
 his  precepts  ?    O  that  we  felt  the  full  influence  of 
 his  cross !     The  effect  would  be,  a  more  entire- 
 subjection   of  heart   to  his   holy  will,    a  more 
 
 *  Rom.  vii. .4.  \  2  Cor.  v.  14,  15. 
 
]2        On  KEEPING   THE  COMMANDMENTS* 
 
 cheerful  and  continued  assiduity  in  fulfilling  all 
 his  pleasure. 
 
 V.  It  is  written  in  the  hearts  of  the  faithful 
 by  sanctiiication.  "  This  is  rny  covenant,  saith 
 the  Lord,  I  will  put  my  laws  into  their  hearts, 
 and  in  their  minds  will  I  write  them  *."  Is  this 
 promise  held  forth  to  us  in  the  new  testament? 
 It  is,  then,  a  most  incontestable  proof,  that  be- 
 lievers will  be  disposed  and  enabled  by  the  grace 
 of  God  to  admire,  love,  and  keep  the  command- 
 ments. It  is  their  high  privilege  to  do  so.  This 
 is  the  true  liberty  of  the  gospel,  to  which  the 
 Saviour  introduces  them,  and  in  the  enjoyment 
 of  which  they  will  not  neglect  duty,  or  seek  for 
 a  licence  to  sin,  but  will  receive  strength  to  walk 
 in  all  holy  obedience  with  increasing  vigour  and 
 delight.  This  is  what  Christ  hath  procured  and 
 bestows ;  and  therefore  it  forms  the  proper  test 
 of  our  knowledge  of  him,  and  of  the  sincerity  of 
 our  attachment  to  him.  <f  He  that  saith,  I  know 
 him,  and  keepcth  not  his  commandments,  is  a 
 liar,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  him."  How  much 
 would  it  conduce  to  the  credit  and  promotion  of 
 Christianity,  if  those  who  profess  it  would  faith- 
 fully try  and  judge  themselves  by  this  test,  instead 
 of  u  striving  about  words  to  no  profit,"  and 
 maintaining  with  acrimony  the  little  distinctions 
 of  a  party  1    Let  us  apply  to  ourselves  the  caution 
 
 *  Hcb.  x.  16.      - 
 
ON  KEEPING  THE  COMMANDMENT?.-        13 
 
 6(  the  apostle  (for  it  is  calculated  to  turn  our 
 attention  from  matters  comparatively  trifling  to 
 those  which  are  most  essential),  "  Circumcision 
 is  nothing,  and  uncircumcision  is  nothing,  but 
 4he  keeping  of  the  commandments  of  God  *." 
 
 VI.  The  redeemed  of  the  Lord  are  always  de- 
 scribed as  aiming  at  universal  obedience,  under 
 the  deepest  consciousness  of  their  continual  de- 
 fects. What  is  the  subject  of  their  prayers  ?  Let 
 the  devout  aspirations  of  the  royal  Psalmist  tes- 
 tify; for  they  would  all  unite  with  him:  "O 
 that  my  ways  were  directed  to  keep  thy  statutes ! 
 Teach  me,  O  Lord,  the  way  of  thy  statutes,  and 
 I  shall  keep  it  unto  the  end.  Make  me  to  go  in 
 the  path  of  thy  commandments,  for  therein  do  I 
 delight  f."  What  is  the  ground  of  their  fears, 
 their  complaints,  and  distresses  ?  Is  it  not  that 
 they  so  shamefully  deviate  from  the  rule  of 
 duty,  by  which  they  know  that  they  ouo-ht 
 to  regulate  their  tempers  and  deportment  ?  Do 
 they  exclaim  with  St.  Paul,  "  O  wretched  man 
 that  I  am !  who  shall  deliver  me  from  the  body 
 of  this  death  J  ?"  The  reason  is,  they  delight  in 
 the  law  of  God,  lament  that  aoy  thing  should 
 ever  induce  them  to  transgress  it,  and  most  fei> 
 vently  desire  to  be  perfectly  conformed  to  it. 
 What  is  it,  which  chiefly  discriminates  them  from 
 
 *  i  Cor.  vil  10,  f  psalm  cxix.  5;  33^35. 
 
 i  Rom   vii.  24< 
 
14        OX   KEEPING  THE  COMMANDMENTS* 
 
 the  world  of  unbelievers?  It  is  their  attention  to 
 the  will  of  God,  their  abhorrence  of  sin,  which 
 "  is  the  transgression  of  his  law,"  and  their  stre- 
 nuous efforts  to  come  nearer  and  nearer  to  the 
 divine  precepts  both  in  their  hearts  and  lives. 
 They  ask,  "  What  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do?" 
 They  "  do  not  commit  sin;"  they  ,f  purify  them* 
 selves  as  God  is  pure ;"  "  not  as  though  they  had 
 already  attained,  either  were  already  perfect ;  but 
 they  follow  after,  if  that  they  may  apprehend 
 that,  for  which  also  they  are  apprehended  of 
 Christ  Jesus  *:'*  Does  the  description  suit  our- 
 selves ?  Do  we  possess  their  spirit  ?  Do  we  tread 
 in  their  steps  ? 
 
 Let  not  the  subject  be  disregarded  as  uninte- 
 resting :  for  a  proper  understanding  of  it  will  be 
 attended  with  incalculable  advantages.  By  the 
 knowledge  of  the  commandments  we  shall  attain 
 more  consistent  notions  of  the  nature  of  God.  In 
 them  He  is  seen  as  in  a  glass.  They  contain  a 
 transcript  of  his  mind:  and  what  do  they  exhibit, 
 but  a  God  of  holiness  and  justice  ?  From  such 
 a  view  of  the  Deitv,  who  would  not  fear  Him  ? 
 Who  can  be  careless,  or  suppose  himself  in  no 
 danger,  whilst  he  hears  so  tremendous  a  sentence 
 denounced  against  every  transgressor?  *\  Thu 
 law  worketh  wrath  f." 
 
 *  Acts  ix.  6.     1  John  iii.  3— JO.     Piiil.  iii.  12, 
 f  Rom.  iv\  15* 
 
ON   KEEPING   THE   COMMAS DMESTS.         l§ 
 
 It  will  produce  deeper  convictions  of  guilt. 
 For  if  we  compare  ourselves  with  it,  our  nu- 
 merous aberrations  from  this  perfect  rule  of  rec- 
 titude will  mortify  our  pride,  and  constrain  us  to 
 confess  our  extreme  deformity  and  baseness.  u  By 
 the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  sin  *.T  How  much 
 is  this  wanted !  Many  are  foolishly  conceited  of 
 their  own  excellence,  because  they  are  ignorant 
 of  what  is  required.  Let  them  study  the  com- 
 mandments, and  there  learn  that  "  by  the  deeds 
 of  the  law  shall  no  flesh  be  justified."  It  was  not 
 delivered  from  mount  Sinai  as  a  scheme  of  justi- 
 fication, but  rather  to  prepare  the  way  for  the 
 promised  Saviour,  by  convincing  and  humbling 
 the  sinner-}-. 
 
 It  will  excite  more  ardent  love  to  Christ.  Those, 
 who  arc  not  aware  of  the  extent  of  duty  and  the 
 just  consequence  of  transgression,  will  entertain 
 mean  thoughts  of  His  character,  if  they  do  not 
 altogether  deny  his  mediation.  They  will  not 
 be  disposed  to  allow  his  atonement  or  his  God- 
 head :  for  according  to  their  views,  where  can  be 
 the  necessity  of  so  marvellous  a  redemption  r 
 And  hence  probably  results  the  fatal  heresy  of 
 Socinianism.  But  are  not  many  real  believers 
 greatly  deficient  in  gratitude  and  love  to  Him 
 who  died  for  them  ?    Let  them  be  better  instructed 
 
 in  the  law,  and  Fie  will  become  more  valuable 
 
 *         » 
 
 ■'  uQ-r^.  tH.  20.  -  Rom.  v.  20.     Gal.  i::.  IO*  • 
 
]6        ON  KEEPING  THE  COMMANDMENTS. 
 
 and  precious  in  their  estimation.  Their  affec- 
 tionate regard  to  him  will  be  increased,  and  thej 
 will  rely  upon  him  in  a  more  full  and  unreserved 
 manner  day  by  day. 
 
 It  will  also  lead  to  a  more  honourable  conduct. 
 Are  not  many,  who  bear  the  Christian  name, 
 negligent  of  duty,  loose,  and  inconsistent  in  their 
 manners?  How  shall  we  wipe  off  this  foul  re- 
 proach ?  Let  there  be  a  stricter  attention  paid  to 
 the  commandments  of  God,  as  still  binding  upon 
 believers.  But  some,  it  should  seem,  have  adopted 
 Antinomian  principles  in  their  own  vindication: 
 principles,  as  we  conceive,  most  derogatory  to  the 
 honour  of  Christ,  and  in  their  tendency  most 
 ruinous  to  the  souls  of  men.  With  a  view,  there- 
 fore, to  their  refutation,  and  to  the  advancement 
 of  practical  religion,  we  wish  to  maintain  the  ex- 
 cellence and  authority  of  the  divine  law;  a  full 
 conviction  of  which  will  incite  the  faithful  to 
 greater  diligence  in  duty,  and  to  a  more-exemplary 
 strictness  in  all  holy  and  godly  conversation.  O 
 for  such  an  effect  to  be  produced  among  us  1 
 
 It  will  increase  genuine  humility.  Arc  not 
 many  elated  with  the  fond  conceit  of  their  high 
 attainments,  and  even  of  their  perfection  ?  Are.v 
 they  not  in  consequence  very  dictatorial  and  con- 
 temptuous? Now  whence  springs  this  evil,  but 
 from  an  ignorance  of  that  extensive  and  spiritual 
 obedience,  which  the  law  requires  ?  Let  this  sub- 
 ject^ however,  be  clearly  understood,  and  examined 
 6 
 
ON"  KEEPING  THE   COMMANDMENTS.  17 
 
 in  all  its  bearings ;  then  shall  we  be  willing  "  to 
 take  the  lowest  room,"  and  cc  to  esteem  others 
 better  than  ourselves."  Upon  a  comparison  of 
 what  we  are,  in  our  best  estate,  with  what  we 
 ought  to  be,  taking  into  the  account  the  little 
 good  we  do,  the  many  deviations  into  which  we 
 are  betrayed,  and  the  strong  propensity  to  evil  of 
 which  we  must  be  conscious,  we  shall  be  covered 
 with  shame  and  confusion! 
 
 Let  the  commandments  of  God,  therefore,  be 
 heard  with  devout  reverence.  Endeavour  also  to 
 retain  them  in  your  memory,  to  place  them  con- 
 tinually before  your  eyes,  and  to  hide  them  within 
 your  hearts.  More  especially,  pray  for  an  en- 
 lightened mind  that  you  may  understand  them, 
 and  for  the  renovation  of  your  souls  that  you  may 
 walk  in  them  with  vigour  and  delight.  You  must 
 attend  to  one  as  well  as  to  another;  and  your  aim 
 must  be  to  keep  them,  "  not  by  constraint,  but 
 willingly,"  universally  and  not  in  a  partial  manner, 
 not  merely  on  some  occasions,  but  at  all  times  and 
 in  all  circumstances.  So  will  you  prove,  that 
 you  know  the  Lord,  and  have  not  received  his 
 grace  in  vain. 
 
 VOL.  III. 
 
ESSAY  LXIL 
 
 ON    THE    FIRST    COMMANDMENT. 
 
 God  has  declared  his  character  and  his  will  in  the 
 ten  commandments.  In  the  first  he  asserts  Jits  own 
 supreme  dominion,  and  forbids  us  to  alienate  our 
 hearts  from  Him,  or  to  fix  them  on  any  creature. 
 He  therefore  requires  us  "  to  believe  in  him, — to 
 fear  him, — to  love  him  with  all  our  hearts^  &c. 
 — and  to  put  our  wJwle  trust  in  him" 
 
 That  there  is  a  God,  all  creation  proclaims. 
 That  things  now  exist,  which  once  had  a  begin- 
 ning, and  which  are  perishable  and  dependent, 
 affords  a  satisfactory  proof  that  there  must  be 
 some  first  cause  of  all,  one  great  Original,  an 
 eternal,  self-existent,  and  almighty  Being,  who 
 made,  supports,  and  governs  the  whole  system. 
 Nor  can  there  remain  a  doubt,  what  is  his  cha- 
 racter, what  his  attribute:;  and  claims,  or  what 
 are  our  relations,  obligations,  and  duties.  All 
 these  He  has  expressly  declared,  as  on  other  occa- 
 sions, so  especially  when  he  appeared  to  Moses 
 on  mount  Sinai  with  peculiar  manifestations  of 
 his  glory,  and  entered  into  covenant  with  his  peo- 
 
 0 
 
OS  THE  FIRST  COMMANDMENT.  lg 
 
 pie  Israel.  God  himself  spake  "  out  of  the  midst 
 of  the  fire,  of  the  cloud,  and  of  the  thick  dark- 
 ness, with  a  great  voice*."  Who  would  not 
 hear  and  obey  ?  "  Let  all  the  earth  keep  silence 
 before  Himj-."  He  demands  our  attention :  let 
 ns  not  refuse  to  listen  to  his  high  commands. 
 May  our  minds  be  suitably  impressed  with  reve- 
 rence and  godly  fear !  May  He,  by  his  Spirit, 
 assert  and  vindicate  his  absolute  and  entire  right 
 over  us,  that  we  may  yield  ourselves  to  him  with 
 cheerful  and  unreserved  subjection  ! 
 
 He  speaks  in  language  peculiar  to  himself, 
 with  a  majesty  not  to  be  imitated.  "  I  am  the 
 Lord  thy  God  : — Thou  shalt  have  no 
 other  gods  before  me  j."  He  calls  to  each 
 individual,  and  each  one  among  us  should  make 
 the  application.  He  speaks  in  the  language  of 
 restraint  or  prohibition  :  "  Thou  shalt  not;"  be- 
 cause man  is  prone  to  sin,  and  must  be  kept  back 
 by  a  strong  hand. 
 
 In  the  first  of  these  precepts  Jehovah  forbids 
 us  to  give  to  another  that  reverence,  love,  and 
 service,  which  are  due  to  Him  alone.  Herein, 
 then,  he  claims  our  supreme  affections,  on  the 
 ground  of  his  own  unrivalled  excellence  and  au- 
 thority, and  of  the  benefits  he  hath  bestowed; — 
 for  what  he  is  in  himself,  and  what  he  hath  done 
 for  us.     This  stands  in  the  front,  as  a  barrier  to 
 
 *  Deut.  v.  22.        f  Hab.  ii.  20,         +  Exod.  xx.  2,  3- 
 c  2 
 
ilO  ON    THE   FIRST   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 protect  the  rest,  to  prevent  the  least  violation  or 
 contempt  of  his  law;  and,  if  regarded,  it  will 
 secure  the  observance  of  the  whole  decalogue. 
 The  precept  requires  the  performance  of  certain 
 positive  duties,  while  it  prohibits  the  alienation  of 
 the  heart  from  God. 
 
 Do  we  hear  him  asserting  his  own  supreme 
 dominion  and  the  perfections  of  his  deity,  "  Thou 
 shaft  have  no  other  gods  before  me  r"  The  ques- 
 tion is  excited,  Is  there  any  other,  who  can  stand 
 in  competition  with  him?  Or  is  there  any  god 
 besides  him  ?  The  answer  is  obvious  ;  Jehovah  is 
 God  alone.  But  the  fact  is,  man  has  been  ever 
 prone  to  fall  into  the  absurdities  of  polytheism ; 
 and  even  where  this  erroneous  system  does  not 
 obtain,  he  is  disposed  to  neglect  the  true  God, 
 whom  he  acknowledges,  and  to  deify  the  crea- 
 tures, by  yielding  them  that  place  in  his  heart, 
 which  Jehovah  demands  as  his  own  right.  That 
 object,  whatever  it  be,  which  we  chiefly  value 
 and  regard,  and  from  which  we  expect  our  hap- 
 piness and  support,  is  our  idol,  and  usurps  the 
 throne  of  the  Lord  God  Almighty.  Now,  as  He 
 will  admit  of  no  rival,  he  charges  us  not  to  sur- 
 render to  another  that  which  is  his  just,  and  must 
 be  his  undivided,  possession. 
 
 We  are  therefore  to  consider,  how  we  are  to 
 
 acknowledge  and  honour  him  as  our  God,  and 
 
 how  to  abstain  from  paying  an  inordinate  and 
 
 adolatrous  attention  to  any  creature.     According 
 
 1 
 
ON  THE  FIRST   COMMANDMENT.  °\ 
 
 to  the  explanation  given  in  the  catechism  of  our 
 church,  our  duty  to  God  is  "  to  believe  in  him, 
 to  fear  him,  to  love  him,  to  put  our  whole  trust 
 in  him."  Other  particulars  may  be  added,  and 
 will  hereafter  occur  ;  but  these  may  suffice  for  the 
 present  to  shew  something  of  the  nature  and  ex- 
 tent of  the  first  commandment :  and  most  un- 
 doubtedly, if  in  any  of  these  respects  we  fail  or 
 prove  defective,  we  shall  be  convicted  and  con- 
 demned as  transgressors.     We  are  required 
 
 I.  To  believe  in  God.  "  He  that  cometh  to 
 God,  must  believe  that  he  is*."  But  is  there 
 any  need  to  prove  his  existence,  or  enforce  an 
 assent  to  it  ?  For  is  it  not  most  obvious,  and 
 universally  allowed  ?  Yet  to  acknowledge  him 
 aright,  we  must  form  just  conceptions  of  his  na- 
 ture and  character:  we  must  believe  him  to  be 
 what  he  is.  Our  finite  understandings  indeed 
 cannot  find  out  or  comprehend  the  perfections  of 
 the  Infinite :  but  we  ought  simply  and  implicitly 
 to  credit  the  account,  which  He  has  given  us  of 
 himself.  That  there  is  no  other  god  but  one; 
 that  He  is  possessed  of  wisdom,  power,  truth, 
 justice,  holiness,  goodness,  without  any  limits  or 
 intermission ; — these  are  among  the  indispensable 
 articles  of  our  faith.  But  if  it  be  likewise  re- 
 vealed, as  we  are  assured,  that  he  exists  in  three 
 persons,  and  that  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost, 
 
 *  Hebrews  xi.  6. 
 
22  ON  THE  FIRST  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 performing  distinct  offices  in  the  great  plan  of 
 redemption,  and  all  of  them  demanding  supreme 
 reverence  and  worship,  are  the  one  true  God  of 
 the,  bible,  then  those  are  unbelievers,  who  reject 
 the  doctrine,  and  who  do  not,  "  by  the  confession 
 of  a  true  faith,  acknowledge  the  glory  of  the 
 eternal  Trinity,"  in  the  separate  characters  and 
 relations  of  Creator,  Redeemer,  and  Sanctifier. 
 
 "  Some  have  not  the  knowledge  of  God,"  even 
 where  the  sacred  scriptures  are  received.  Gross 
 ignorance  prevails,  or  a  wilful  perversion  of  the 
 descriptions  and  declarations  concerning  Jehovah. 
 Men  form  partial  and  unworthy  conceptions  of 
 him,  and  set  up  a  figment  of  their  own  instead  of 
 the  true  God  revealed  in  the  bible.  How  many 
 deny  his  omniscience,  as  if  he  discerned  not  their 
 transgressions  and  the  secrets  of  their  hearts,  and 
 therefore  they  say,  "  The  Lord  doth  not  per- 
 ceive." Others  deprive  him  of  his  holiness,  his 
 justice,  and  his  truth,  and  presumptuously  main- 
 tain that  he  hateth  not,  and  will  not  punish,  the 
 workers  of  iniquity,  or  execute  the  threaten- 
 ings  which  he  has  denounced.  Under  the  pre- 
 tence of  exalting  his  mercy,  they  take  away  the 
 honour  of  his  righteous  government,  and  dare  to 
 act  as  if  he  would  allow  them  in  their  several 
 ways  to  violate  his  laws  with  impunity.  "  These 
 things  hast  thou  done,"  said  the  Lord,  "  and  I 
 kept  silence :  Thou  thoughtcst  that  I  was  alto- 
 gether such  an  one  as  thyself;  but  I  will  re~ 
 
ON  THE  FIRST  COMMANDMENT.  23 
 
 prove  thee,  and  set  them  in  order  before  thine 
 eyes  *." 
 
 Through  pride  and  self-conceit  men  are  un- 
 willing to  abide  by  the  plain  and  explicit  deci- 
 sions of  the  word  of  God,  and  assign  to  their  own 
 reason  the  office  of  judging  and  determining 
 what  He  ought  to  be  and  to  do.  Can  these  be 
 said  to  believe  in  Him  ?  Theirsystem  is  not  built 
 upon  faith,  but  upon  presumption :  and  from  this 
 source,  we  apprehend,  arise  all  the  disputatious 
 cavillings  against  the  doctrines  of  the  holy  Tri- 
 nity, the  Deity  and  atonement  of  the  Saviour, 
 and  the  mysterious  operations  of  the  Spirit  in  the 
 human  soul.  In  how  many  ways  does  infidelity 
 exert  its  baneful  influence  I 
 
 The  careless  and  the  profane,  whatever  be  their 
 notions  of  religion,  must  be  reckoned  among  un- 
 believers. Those  cast  off  God,  who  will  not  exa- 
 mine what  He  hath  revealed,  and  what  is  his 
 true  character ;  and  those  also,  whose  pretended 
 belief  does  not  influence  their  practice.  Must 
 we  not  suspect  their  sincerity,  who  "  profess  that 
 they  know  God,  and  in  works  deny  him  ?"  who 
 seldom  if  ever  pray  ?  who  feel  no  reverence  for 
 him  ?  who  habitually  and  presumptuously  tram- 
 ple on  his  laws  ?  Such  practical  atheists  every 
 where  abound,  and  they  are  more  inconsistent 
 than  those,  who  openly  maintain  "  There  is  no 
 God."     The  commandment  requires  us 
 
 *  Psalm  1.  21. 
 
24  ON   THE  riRST  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 II.  To  fear  God.  lie  is  an  object  of  fear  to 
 the  whole  intelligent  creation ;  not  only  to  men 
 on  earth,  but  to  angels  in  heaven,  and  devils  in 
 hell.  The  pare,  celestial  spirits  before  his  throne 
 "  cover  their  faces,"  under  an  awful  impression 
 of  his  glory,  and  a  deep  reverence  of  his  majesty, 
 yet  not  feeling  any  painful  apprehensions,  but 
 the  most  rapturous  delight  in  his  presence*. 
 The  fallen  spirits  u  believe  and  tremble  f,"  not 
 from  any  proper  regard  to  him,  but  filled  with 
 an  horrible  dread  of  his  wrath,  which  they  feel, 
 and  must  feel  for  ever  and  ever. 
 
 And  what  is  that  fear  of  God,  which  becometh 
 us  men  upon  the  earth  ?  As  the  creatures  of  his 
 hands,  we  should  stand  in  awe  of  him,  from  a 
 sense  of  his  greatness,  and  of  our  own  meanness 
 and  insignificance  in  his  sight.  But  especially, 
 considering  our  character  and  desert,  as  we  arc 
 sinners,  we  have  reason  to  be  alarmed  ;  and  we 
 virtually  deny  him  to  be  the  "  Holy  Lord  God 
 Almighty,"  if  we  dread  not  the  consequences  of 
 transgression.  We  have  provoked  his  wrath; 
 \ye  are  exposed  to  the  tremendous  denunciations 
 of  his  law.  In  this  view  "  our  God  is  a  consum- 
 ing fire  :"  and  "  it  is  a  fearful  thing  to  foil  into 
 the  hands  of  the  living  God  J<"  Are  we  suitably 
 impressed  by  the  thought?  "Who  shall  stand 
 in  his  sight,  when  He  is  angry  r"  Is  there  no  de- 
 
 '•  fsaiah  vi.  2.       )   [ame$  ii;  19.       J  Heb.  xii.  2,9,     x,  31. 
 
t)N  THE  FIRST  COMMANDMENT.  25 
 
 liverance  from  his  merited  vengeance  ?  i(  What 
 must  we  do  to  be  saved  ?"  To  put  off  the  con- 
 viction, to  remain  hardened  and  secure,  as  if  no- 
 thing were  to  be  dreaded,  would  be  such  a  con- 
 temptuous treatment  of  Jehovah,  as  we  should 
 not  dare  to  shew  to  any  human  being,  who  has 
 power  to  revenge  an  insult. 
 
 The  dread  of  divine  wrath  should  endear  the 
 Saviour  to  us,  and  dispose  us  to  embrace  the 
 offers  of  mercy  through  faith  in  his  name.  There 
 is  no  other  way  of  reconciliation  ;  nor  have  we 
 truly  feared  God,  unless  "  we  have  fled  for  re- 
 fuge to  lay  hold  upon  this  hope  set  before  us"  in 
 Christ  Jesus.  But  if  accepted  in  him,  and  as- 
 sured of  our  final  salvation,  still  we  are  required 
 to  il  pass  the  time  of  our  sojourning  here  in 
 fear  *."  This  indeed  is  not  the  fear,  arising 
 from  ci  the  spirit  of  bondage,"  which  is  none 
 other  than  the  servile  dread  of  God's  displeasure, 
 inconsistent  with  the  full  liberty  of  the  gospel. 
 "  There  is  no  fear  in  love  :  but  perfect  love  cast- 
 eth  out  fear;  because  fear  hath  torment.  He 
 that  feareth  is  not  made  perfect  in  love  -j-."  Yet 
 love  itself  will  produce  a  holy  reverence  for  God, 
 and'will  abhor  the  thought  of  offending  him.  It 
 will  therefore  teach  the  believer  to  walk,  circum- 
 spectly, and  to  fear  the  commission  of  the  least 
 gin  more  than  the  severest  suffering,  lest  His  name 
 
 *  i  Pet.  i.  ijr.  f  l  John  ir.  18, 
 
ON   THE  FIRST  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 should  be  dishonoured,  and  His  spirit  grieved. 
 Is  this  principle  universally  prevalent  ?  Or  is  Je- 
 hovah thus  regarded  ?  If  it  were  so,  men  would 
 not,  as  they  do,  "  make  light  of"  Christ,  and 
 <e  neglect  his  great  salvation  :"  nor  would  those, 
 who  call  themselves  his  disciples,  be  trifling  and 
 dissipated  in  their  mind  and  conduct,  or  run  into 
 those  inconsistencies,  which  bring  reproach  upon 
 the  gospel. 
 
 Not  a  few  are  ashamed  to  make  a  bold  con- 
 fession of  Christ  before  men,  through  the  influ- 
 ence of  a  worldly  spirit,  dreading  the  displeasure 
 of  their  fellow  creatures,  more  than  the  wrath  of 
 the  Almighty.  Is  not  this  a  violation  of  the  com- 
 mandment ?  Is  it  not  setting  up  a  poor  dying 
 worm  in  God's  place  ?  4i  Who  art  thou,  that  thou 
 shouldst  be  afraid  of  a  man  that  shall  die,  and  of 
 the  son  of  man  which  shall  be  made  as  grass;  and 
 forgettest  the  Lord  thy  Maker,  that,  hath  stretched 
 forth  the  heavens,  and  laid  the  foundations  of  the 
 earth  ;  and  hast  feared  continually  every  day  be- 
 cause of  the  fury  of  the  oppressor,  as  if  he  were 
 ready  to  destroy  ?  and  where  is  the  fury  of  the 
 oppressor*?''  Let  us  hear  our  Lord's  exhorta- 
 tion, "  I  say  unto  you,  my  friends,  be  not  afraid 
 of  them  that  kill  the  body,  and  after  that  have  no 
 more  that  they  can  do:  but  I  will  forewarn  you 
 whom  ye  shall  fear:  fear  Him,  which,  after  he 
 
 *  Isaiah  li.  12,  13. 
 
ON  THE  FIRST  COMMANDMENT.  r2j 
 
 hath  killed,  hath  power  to  cast  into  hell :  yea,  I 
 say  unto  you,  Fear  Him  *." 
 
 Let  us  therefore  yield  unto  God  that  awful  re- 
 verence, which  is  so  justly  due  to  his  name. 
 "  Who  shall  not  fear  Thee,  O  Lord,  and  glorify 
 
 thy  name?    For  Thou  only  art  holyj-." We 
 
 are  also  required 
 
 III.  To  love  him  supremely.  Love  is  the  most 
 active  principle  of  obedience ;  and  he,  who  feels 
 its  influence,  will  have  respect  to  all  the  com- 
 mandments. The  Lord  claims  the  first  place  in 
 our  affections ;  and  it  is  meet  and  right  that  he 
 should  reign  in  our  hearts  without  a  rival.  We 
 must  allow  the  justice  of  this  claim,  on  account 
 of  his  own  infinite  perfections,  and  the  commu- 
 nications of  his  kindness  to  us.  He  is  the  foun- 
 tain of  all  blessedness,  the  source  of  all  excellence, 
 the  author  and  giver  of  every  good  and  perfect 
 gift.  All  other  things,  in  comparison  of  Him, 
 should  be  lightly  esteemed:  for  whatever  they 
 possess,  which  deserves  any  admiration  or  regard, 
 all  was  derived  from  him,  and  still  remains  in  him 
 unlimited  and  invariably  the  same.  He  therefore 
 must  constitute  our  highest  happiness,  and  be  the 
 object  of  our  warmest  desires.  His  favour  should 
 be  preferred  to  life  itself,  and  to  all  that  life  can 
 give ;  nor  should  any  earthly  blessing  be  coveted 
 er  pursued  with  equal  ardour.     "  Thou  shalt 
 
 *  Luke  xii.  4,  S.  f  Rev.  xv.  4. 
 
£8  ON   THE  FIHST  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and 
 with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind,  and  with 
 all  thy  strength :  this  is  the  first  commandment*." 
 Such  is  our  indispensable  duty  at  all  times  and 
 in  all  circumstances :  it  allows  not  of  any  inter- 
 mission or  declension  :  it  requires  all  our  regard 
 to  creatures  to  be  subordinated  to  this  supreme 
 affection. 
 
 Our  obligations  to  Him  are  infinite.  His  gifts 
 rn  number,  magnitude,  and  value,  surpass  all 
 calculation.  They  began  with  our  being,  they 
 have  been  continued  through  every  hour  of  our 
 existence,  and  they  will  extend  throughout  eter- 
 nity. In  his  creating  power,  wisdom,  and  good- 
 ness; in  his  providential  care  and  kindness  •>  in 
 our  daily  support,  manifold  deliverances,  and  all 
 our  varied  comforts,  we  perceive  additional  argu- 
 ments for  yielding  up  our  hearts  to  him.  But  in 
 the  amazing  plan  of  redemption,  where  above  all 
 we  read  that  "God  is  Love,"  and  where  such 
 a  manifestation  of  his  love  is  given,  as  will  for 
 ever  astonish  the  highest  order  of  intelligent  crea- 
 tures, (for  "  in  the  ages  to  come  Lie  will  shew, 
 even  to  the  principalities  and  powers  in  heavenly 
 places,  the  exceeding  riches  of  his  grace  in  his 
 kindness  towards  us  through  Christ  Jesus  f")  — 
 here  especially  it  appears  that  he  has  the  strongest 
 claims  upon  us  for  our  most  fervent  love,  and  for 
 
 *  Mark  xii.  30  t  Eph.  ii.  7.     in.  10. 
 
ON  THE  FIRST   COMMANDMENT.  2Q 
 
 every  expression  of  it,  which  can  possibly  be 
 given  by  the  most  vigorous  exertion  of  all  our 
 faculties  mental  or  corporeal.  If  we  understand 
 the  subject,  we  shall  exclaim  with  grateful  admi- 
 ration, "  I  will  love  the  Lord,  because  he  hath 
 dealt  bountifully  with  me." 
 
 In  what  degree  have  we  complied  with  the 
 demands  of  this  precept  ?  Have  we  deliberately 
 chosen  God  for  our  portion  ;  and  do  we  continu- 
 ally delight  ourselves  in  Him  ?  Do  we  find  an 
 emptiness  in  every  thing  besides;  and  is  He  alone 
 sufficient  to  satisfy  our  desires  ?  Are  our  medita- 
 tions of  him  frequent  and  fervent  ?  Do  we  rejoice 
 in  every  opportunity  of  speaking  for  his  honour? 
 Is  the  day,  the  house,  and  worship  of  the  Lord, 
 dear  and  precious  to  us?  Are  we  willing  to  make 
 costly  sacrifices  and  painful  efforts  for  the  ad- 
 vancement of  his  cause  ?  Do  we  long  for  closer 
 communion  with  him  in  his  service  upon  earth, 
 and  for  the  perfection  of  it  in  heaven  ?  Can  we 
 say  with  David,  "  As  the  hart  panteth  after  the 
 water-brooks,  so  panteth  my  soul  after  thee,  O 
 God:  my  soul  thirsteth  for  God,  for  the  living  God : 
 when  shall  I  come  and  appear  before  God*}? 
 Such  enquiries  may  enable  us  to  ascertain  the 
 sincerity  and  the  measure  of  our  love.  Or 
 rather  they  will  convince   us   of  our  numerous 
 
 and  lamentable  defects  in  this  dutv.     We  are 
 
 « 
 
 *  Psalm  xlii.  1,  2. 
 
20  OP  THE  FIRST  COMMANDMENT, 
 
 cold  and  inactive,  where  we  should  be  most  af- 
 fectionate and  strenuous. 
 
 The  commandment  forbids  internal  idolatry, 
 or  the  alienation  of  the  heart  from  God.  It  is 
 therefore  broken,  whenever  we  pay  to  any  crea- 
 ture, person  or  thing,  that  attention  and  regard, 
 which  he  claims  as  his  exclusive  right.  How 
 numerous  is  the  list  of  transgressors !  Not  one 
 among  us  can  plead  an  exemption  from  guilt. 
 
 1.  The  covetous  man  is  an  idolater*."  The 
 love  of  money  occupies  his  whole  soul,  and  all 
 other  pursuits  are  made  subservient  to  it.  Mam- 
 mon is  his  god :  the  idol  that  he  worships.  et  He 
 makes  gold  his  hope,  and  says  to  the  fine  gold, 
 Thou  art  my  confidence  j\"  And  is  not  this  a 
 common  character  ?  Are  not  men  every  where 
 giving  their  supreme  attention  to  their  worldly 
 concerns,  intent  only  upon  securing,  if  not  a 
 state  of  opulence  or  independence,  a  larger  share 
 of  earthly  treasure  than  has  fallen  to  their  lot  ? 
 Their  minds  are  engrossed  with  those  paltry  cares 
 which  relate  only  to  the  body.  Their  spiritual 
 affairs  therefore  are  neglected:  God  is  forgotten  : 
 no  leisure  or  inclination  is  found  for  his  service : 
 and  thus  is  our  Lord's  observation  exemplified, 
 "  No  man  can  serve  two  masters  J."  How  sad 
 and  fatal  is  the  consequence  !  God  is  dethroned 
 in  that  heart,  where  the  love  of  money  has  gained 
 the  ascendancy. 
 
 *  Eph.  v.  5.     Col.  iii.  5,     f  Job  xxxi.  24.     J  Matt.  vl.  24. 
 
ON  THE  FIRST  COMMANDMENT.  31 
 
 2.  The  intemperate,  and  the  lovers  of  pleasure 
 are  idolaters.  We  read  of  some,  "  whose  god  is 
 their  belly*."  The  epicure,  the  drunkard,  and 
 the  glutton,  are  all  chargeable  with  this  sin. 
 Their  grand  object  and  their  highest  delight  is 
 to  indulge  their  sensual  appetites.  Do  these 
 persons  acknowledge  God  ?  If  they  appear  at  all 
 in  his  house,  their  drowsiness  and  indifference 
 shew  that  they  account  his  service  a  weariness : 
 but  in  their  festive  meetings  the  liveliness  and 
 joy  of  their  countenances  prove  where  the  affec- 
 tions of  their  hearts  are  fixed.  Alike  to  these 
 are  the  persons,  so  numerous  among  us,  who  are 
 "  lovers  of  pleasures  more  than  lovers  of  God  f." 
 Alas  !  what  time,  what  thought,  and  expence  are 
 cheerfully  devoted  to  vain  amusements,  while  the 
 poorest  sacrifice  is  thought  too  much  to  be  given 
 to  God  1  From  the  anxiety,  zeal,  and  delight, 
 with  which  these  things  are  pursued,  we  might 
 suppose  that  men  were  sent  into  the  world,  merely 
 to  take  their  pastime  here.  "  Ye  adulterers  and 
 adulteresses,  know  ye  not  that  the  friendship  of 
 the  world  is  enmity  with  God  ?  Whosoever  there- 
 fore will  be  a  friend  of  the  world  is  the  enemy  of 
 God  J." 
 
 3.  Proud  men  are  idolaters.  We  were  created 
 for  the  glory  of  God :  and  this  is  the  sole  end  for 
 which  we  ought  to  live.     But  since  the  fall  pride 
 
 *  Phil.  iii.  19.  f  2  Tim,  iii.  4.  }  James  iv.  4. 
 
32  ON    THE  FIRST  COMMAND MEN-T* 
 
 has  been  ingrafted  into  our  very  nature;  so  thai 
 men  are  universally  "  lovers  of  their  own  selves*." 
 They  seek  their  own  honour  more  than  God's: 
 they  set  up  themselves  in  His  place,  while  they 
 study  chiefly  to  attract  attention  and  respect  from 
 their  fellow  worms.  How  detestable  is  this  spi- 
 rit, yet  how  general !  Mark  those,  "  who  love  the 
 praise  of  men,  more  than  the  praise  of  Godfj" 
 and  those  also,  who  by  their  vain  parade  of  equi- 
 page, furniture,  and  clothes,  are  courting  adora- 
 tion. Look  at  the  thousands,  who  by  the  dis- 
 play of  their  abilities,  their  learning,  or  elo- 
 quence, are  solicitous  only  to  be  admired,  and  to 
 immortalize  their  name.  Examine  the  prevailing 
 motive  of  the  world :  are  not  all  men  disposed  to 
 live  unto  themselves  ?  Do  they  not  pursue  this 
 cr  the  other  plan,  because  they  like  it,  not  be- 
 cause it  is  agreeable  to  the  will  of  God  ?  Do 
 they  not  all  virtually  reject  the  dominion  of  the 
 King  of  heaven,  and  say,  "  Who  is  Lord  over 
 us?" 
 
 4.  Those  also  are  idolaters,  who  are  inordi- 
 nately attached  to  any  earthly  comforts.  Our 
 hearts  are  in  danger  from  every  thing  about  us. 
 The  objects  of  sense  most  forcibly  attract  our  no* 
 tice,  and  engage  our  afTections,  while  spiritual 
 blessings  offer  no  allurements  to  our  corrupted 
 nature.     We  should  be  thankful  for  kind  rela- 
 
 *  2  Tim.  iii.  2.  t  John  xii.  43. 
 
ON  THE  FIRST  COMMANDMENT.  33 
 
 lions,  and  all  the  common  enjoyments  of  life,  but 
 beware  of  loving  them  too  well.  For  do  they 
 not  draw  off  our  hearts  from  God,  and  rob  him 
 of  his  right  ?  Have  not  the  fond  husband  and 
 the  indulgent  parent  great  reason  to  fear,  to 
 watch,  and  to  pray,  lest  those  who  are  dearest  to 
 them  should  prove  a  snare  and  a  curse  ?  The 
 Lord  will  not  admit  a  rival :  He  will  be  su- 
 premely regarded:  and  if  the  most  excellent 
 friend  in  the  world  detach  us  from  him,  He 
 may  in  mercy  as  well  as  justice  deprive  us  of 
 our  beloved  object,  to  convince  us  of  our 
 folly,  and  bring  us  back  to  himself.  O  that 
 we  could  address  him  with  sincerity,  in  the 
 rapturous  language  of  the  prophet,  "  Whom  have 
 I  in  heaven  but  Thee  ?  and  there  is  none  upon 
 earth  that  I  desire  besides  Thee  #  !" 
 
 For  the  discharge  of  our  duty  to  God,  we  are 
 further  required  by  this  commandment 
 
 IV.  To  put  our  whole  trust  in  him.  He  is 
 the  supreme  Governor  of  the  universe;  "  his 
 kingdom  ruleth  over  all :"  and  his  care  is  so  mi- 
 nute, as  to  be  extended  to  every  circumstance  of 
 every  individual  creature.  He  disposes  of  all 
 persons,  and  orders  all  events,  "  after  the  coun- 
 sel of  his  own  will."  "  Not  a  sparrow  falls  on 
 the  ground  without  Him.  The  very  hairs  of  our 
 head  are  all  numbered  f."     We  should  therefore 
 
 *  Psalm  lxxiii.  25. 
 f  Psalm  ciii.  ig,        Eph.  i.  11.         Matt.  x.  2g,  3Q. 
 VOL,  III,  D 
 
34-  ON   THE   FIRST   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 acknowledge  his  hand  in  every  occurrence,  com- 
 mit ourselves  and  all  our  concerns  to  Him,  ac- 
 quiesce in  all  his  dispensations,  and  expect  from 
 him  the  supply  of  all  our  need. 
 
 The  duty  is  obvious,  and  requires  no  explana- 
 tion:  but  it  is  extensive,  and  should  excite  many 
 serious  enquiries.     Have  we  duly  regarded  the 
 Lord  God  Omnipotent  as  directing,  controlling, 
 and  sustaining  the  whole  creation  ?  Are  we  satis- 
 fied with  his  appointment  in  our  own  particular 
 cases  ?  Are  we  seeking  his  blessing  upon  all  our 
 plans  and  pursuits,  and  looking  to  him  for  our 
 daily  protection  and  support  ?  In  a  state  of  ease 
 and  affluence  do  we  not  forget  our  dependence, 
 and  ascribe  our  prosperity,  not  to  his  providence, 
 but  to  our  own  wisdom,  diligence,  and  good  ma- 
 nagement ?  And  are  we  not  presumptuously  con- 
 fident of  the  continuance  of  our  worldly  enjoy- 
 ments ?    How  many  are  saying  to  themselves, 
 4C  Thou  hast  much  goods  laid  up  for  many  years; 
 take  thine  ease,  cat,  drink,  and  be  merry:"  and 
 remember  not,  that  "  this  night  their  soul  may 
 be  required  of  them  *  1"    It  is  difficult  indeed  for 
 a  rich  man  to  maintain  a  devout  frame  of  mind, 
 and  an  humble  reliance  upon  God.     But  do  we 
 put  our  whole  trust  in  him,  if  disappointed,  des- 
 titute, and  afflicted,  if  under  poverty,  sickness.,  or 
 t]bc  loss  of  friends  ?  Are  our  minds  at  ease  in  the 
 
 ;  Luke  xii.  I Q,  20. 
 
ON  THE   FIRST   COMMANDMENT.  35 
 
 Severest  trials,  satisfied  that  the  Lord  doeth  all 
 things  well,  and  that  He  alone  can  work  deliver- 
 ance, or  administer  sufficient  support  ?  Have  we 
 not  said  to  Him,  ':  What  doest  Thou  ?  Or  why 
 hast  Thou  made  me  thus  ?"  Have  we  not  secretly- 
 wished  to  take  the  management  of  matters  out  of 
 his  hands,  as  if  we  could  have  contrived  better; 
 or  sunk  down  in  despair,  as  if  cf  refuge  failed, 
 and  there  were  no  help  for  us  in  our  God?" 
 How  weak  is  our  faith,  when  we  cannot  trust 
 him  with  the  disposal  of  our  temporal  concerns  ! 
 Is  it  better  in  spiritual  things  ?  For  in  these 
 also  the  same  entire  and  unreserved  dependence 
 is  indispensably  necessary.  In  the  wondrous 
 plan  of  redemption,  as  well  as  in  creation  and 
 providence,  "all  things  are  of  God  :"  and  it  is 
 His  determination  that  "  the  loftiness  of  man 
 shall  be  bowed  down,  and  the  Lord  alone  ex- 
 alted *."  We  do  not  therefore  treat  him  as  he 
 is  revealed  to  us  in  the  gospel,  as  u  the  God  of 
 all  grace,"  unless  we  put  our  whole  trust  in  him 
 for  our  salvation.  The  unhumbled  Pharisee,  and 
 the  evangelical  professor  elated  with  spiritual 
 pride,  resist  his  purpose,  and  deny  him  his  pecu- 
 liar glory.  But  the  true  believer,  in  all  the  varied 
 circumstances  of  his  experience,  places  Him  on 
 the  throne,  and  with  unfeigned  subjection  of 
 heart  depends  upon  Him  for  "  righteousness  and 
 strength  f." 
 
 '   2  Or.  v.  18.     Isaiah  ii.  1/.  f  Isaiah  *lv.  24. 
 
 T>    2 
 
36  ON  THE  FIRST  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 Let  us  "  take  heed,  Jest  there  be  in  any  of 
 us  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief  in  departing  from 
 the  living  God  V  Have  we  renounced  all  re- 
 liance on  our  own  obedience,  and  are  we  seeking 
 to  be  justified  through  the  obedience  of  Jesus 
 Christ  ?  Under  a  deep  consciousness  of  our  de- 
 pravity and  weakness,  are  we  trusting  to  the  grace 
 of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  renovate  our  souls,  and  pre- 
 pare us  for  heaven  ?  Amidst  trials  and  tempta- 
 tions, in  spiritual  darkness  and  desertion,  can  we 
 trust  in  the  Lord  ?  Do  we  not  repine  and  mur- 
 mur ?  Do  we  not  faint  and  despond  ?  Do  we  not 
 forget  or  disbelieve  the  promises  of  God  in  Christ 
 Jesus  ?  How  dishonourable  to  his  character  are 
 our  doubts  and  fears  !  They  seem  to  imply,  that 
 He  is  either  unfaithful  to  his  word,  or  unable  to 
 fulfil  it.  The  case  is  the  same,  if  we  be  deterred 
 from  a  bold  profession  of  religion,  if  we  dare  not 
 adhere  to' a  strict  and  devout  observance  of  its 
 ordinances,  if  we  be  induced  to  comply  with  the 
 vanities  of  the  world,  only  lest  we  should  forfeit 
 the  favour  and  support  of  friends.  For  thus  wc 
 evince,  that  we  cannot  trust  ourselves  with  the 
 Lord,  and  that  we  "  serve  the  creature  more  than 
 the  Creator,  who  is  blessed  for  ever.     Amen  f." 
 
 Who  then  can  say,  I  am  clear  in  this  matter  r 
 We  have  robbed  God  of  his  glory:  our  hearts 
 have  been  estranged  from  him.     Let  us  return 
 
 *Hcb.iii.  12.  +  Rom.i.  25. 
 
 0 
 
ON  THE  FIEST  COMMANDMENT.  37 
 
 to  him  with  a  penitential  confession  of  our  guilt, 
 and  implore  his  mercy  through  Jesus-  Christ. 
 Are  we  willing  from  henceforth  to  avouch  the 
 Lord  to  be  our  God  ?  Will  he  not  be  better  to  us 
 than  all  the  creatures  in  the  world  can  be  ?  If 
 however  we  would  be  his  people.  He  must  be 
 our  all  in  all.  We  must  regard  his  will,  delight 
 in  his  favour,  and  in  all  our  plans  seek  the  pro- 
 motion Gf  his  glory.  Is  this  to  be  complained 
 of?  His  service  is  perfect  freedom  :  He  will  sup- 
 ply our  wants:  He  will  satisfy  the  largest 
 desires  of  our  souls.  He  says,  "  I  am  the  Al- 
 mighty God  ;  walk  before  me,  and  be  thou  per- 
 fect *."  Let  us  reply  with  one  heart,  "  The  Lord 
 our  God  will  we  serve,  and  his  voice  will  we 
 obeyf." 
 
 *  Gen.  xvii.  1.  f  Joshua  xxiv.  24. 
 
ESSAY   LXIIL 
 
 ON  THE  SECOND   COMMANDMENT, 
 
 A  prohibitory  law  contains  positive  demands.  We 
 are  here  forbidden  to  make  any  representation  of 
 Jehovah , — to  worship  any  creature,  image,  or 
 likeness, — to  be  superstitions  or  formal  in  religious 
 services. — lie  are  required  to  acknowledge  God 
 in  worship, — and  by  suitable  postures  of  body, — 
 to  serve  Hun  in  his  appointed  means.  The  com- 
 mandment is  enforced  by  the  considerations,  thai 
 Jehovah  is  the  Lord,— our  God, — a  jealous  God, 
 • — visiting  iniquity, — but  also  shelving  mercy. 
 
 66  The  commandment  is  exceeding  broad*." 
 To  understand  its  full  extent,  we  must  look  far- 
 ther than  the  mere  letter:  it  has  a  spiritual  mean- 
 ing. So  likewise,  where  it  seems  only  to  foibid 
 the  commission  of  sin,  it  requires  the  performance 
 of  duty.  At  the  same  time  that  the  worship  of 
 idols  and  of  creatures  is  condemned,  the  service 
 of  the  true  God  is  enjoined.  He  demands  the 
 supreme  affections  of  the  heart,  from  which  alone 
 all  proper  obedience  can   result.     But  external 
 
 *  Psalm  cxix.  oo. 
 
ON  THE  SECOND   COMMANDMENT.  SQ 
 
 marks  of  our  regard  are  also  to  be  given :  He 
 calls  us  to  a  public  expression  of  our  internal 
 reverence  by  certain  outward  rites  and  forms  of 
 devotion. 
 
 Such  is  the  law  before  us.  Its  language  is 
 prohibitory,  but  its  positive  claims  are  various, 
 and  they  are  enforced  by  the  strongest  consider- 
 ations.     "  Thou    shalt    not    make    unto 
 
 THEE  ANY  GRAVEN  IMAGE,  OK  ANY  LIKENESS 
 OP  ANY  THING  THAT  IS  IN  HEAVEN  ABOVE,  OR 
 THAT  IS  IN  THE  EARTH  BENEATH,  OR  THAT  IS 
 IN  THE  WATER  UNDER  THE  EARTH.  THOU 
 SHALT  NOT  BOW  DOWN  THYSELF  TO  THEM, 
 NOR  SERVE  THEM!  FOR  I  THE  LORD  THY  GoD 
 AM  A  JEALOUS  GoD,  VISITING  THE  INIQUITY 
 OF  THE  FATHERS  UPON  THE  CHILDREN  UNTO 
 THE  THIRD  AND  FOURTH  GENERATION  OF 
 THEM  THAT  HATE  ME  J  AND  SHEWING  MERCY 
 UNTO  THOUSANDS  OF  THEM  THAT  LOVE  ME 
 AND      KEEP      MY      COMMANDMENTS."       We    are 
 
 here  forbidden 
 
 1.  To  make  any  representation  of  Jehovah. 
 He  is  a  spirit :  He  hath  not  flesh  or  bones,  as 
 we  have :  He  is  without  form  or  figure,  and  is 
 not  confined  to  any  place.  ic  He  dwelleth  in  the 
 light  which  no  man  can  approach  unto,  whom 
 no  man  hath  seen,  nor  can  see  *."  It  would  be 
 absurd,  then,  it  would  be  an  insult  upon  his 
 
 *  lTim.  vi.  L6. 
 
40  ON  THE  SECOND  COMMANDMENT.' 
 
 majesty,  a  denial  of  his  perfections,  to  attempt 
 by  any  image  to  represent  Him,  who  is  invisible. 
 Even  the  human  soul  cannot  be  so  exhibited. 
 Yet,  strange  as  it  is,  men  have  always  shewn  a 
 strong  propensity  thus  to  dishonour  God.  He 
 therefore  commanded  his  chosen  people,  "  Take 
 ye  good  heed  unto  yourselves, — lest  ye  corrupt 
 yourselves,  and  make  you  a  graven  image,  the 
 similitude  of  any  figure  *."  Let  us  beware:  Have 
 we  never  conceived  gross  notions  of  him,  ascrib- 
 ing to  him  a  shape  and  a  figure,  which  can  be- 
 long only  to  a  creature?  This  is  setting  up  "  a 
 graven  image"  in  our  minds.  We  should  correct 
 our  wild  imaginations,  and  labour  to  possess  our 
 hearts  with  a  reverential  awe  of  his  attributes, 
 from  which  alone  all  our  knowledge  of  him  must 
 be  derived. 
 
 We  are  forbidden  also 
 
 2.  To  worship  any  creature,  image,  or  like- 
 ness. Sculpture  and  painting  are  not  condemned : 
 they  were  allowed  and  even  commanded  under 
 the  Mosaic  law.  But  then  they  become  sinful, 
 when  they  exhibit  any  thing  as  an  object  of  that 
 religious  adoration,  which  is  due  only  to  God. 
 li  Thou  shalt  not  bow  down  thyself  to  them,  nor 
 serve  them."  What  help  can  we  receive  from 
 the  work  of  our  hands,  wood,  or  stone,  or 
 from  any  creatures,  weak  and  dependent,  unable 
 
 *  Deut.  iv.  15,  16, 
 
ON  THE  SECOND  COMMANDMENT.  £\ 
 
 to  save  or  to  destroy  ?  Yet  the  greater  part  of 
 the  human  species  have  been,  and  yet  continue, 
 idolaters  of  the  grossest  kind.  This  impiety  is 
 defended  and  practised  even  by  many,  who  are 
 called  Christians.  Such  is  the  guilt  of  the  vota- 
 ries of  the  church  of  Rome  in  their  veneration  of 
 pictures  and  statues,  and  in  their  invocation  of 
 saints  and  angels.  We  wonder  not  that  they 
 have  endeavoured  to  expunge  this  commandment 
 out  of  the  decalogue.  Let  us  be  thankful,  that 
 we  are  rescued  from  pagan  and  from  popish 
 darkness.  But  while  we  refuse  to  worship  stocks 
 and  stones,  or  to  address  prayer  to  any  creature, 
 let  us  be  careful  to  <c  worship  God  in  spirit  and 
 in  truth,"  and  beware  that  we  neglect  not  the 
 only  way  of  access  to  the  Father,  the  one  Medi- 
 ator between  God  and  man,  our  great  high  priest 
 and  intercessor  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  To  Him 
 alone  our  application  should  be  made,  and  we 
 shall  want  no  other,  to  introduce  us  to  the  divine 
 favour.     We  are  likewise  forbidden 
 
 3.  To  be  superstitious  or  formal  in  reli- 
 gious worship.  Some  external  rites  and  ceremo- 
 nies are  useful  and  necessary  to  fix  our  attention 
 and  enliven  our  devotion.  So  long  as  we  are 
 partakers  of  flesh  and  blood,  we  are  and  must  be 
 much  affected  by  outward  things  :  and  therefore 
 great  advantage  may  be  derived  from  them  for 
 the  promotion  of  real  piety.  Were  all  forms  to 
 be  set  aside,  the  public  services  of  religion  would 
 
42  ON  THE  SECOND    COMMANDMENT. 
 
 be  relinquished,  or  they  would  be  rendered  use- 
 less and  contemptible  by  a  general  languor  and 
 supineness.  But  where  the  ceremonies  in  any 
 church  are  either  pompous  or  very  numerous, 
 there  is  danger  of  men's  fixing  their  principal 
 attention  upon  them,  and  overlooking  the  grand 
 purposes  of  worship.  This  would  be,  to  be  satis- 
 tied  with  the  shadow,  and  to  reject  the  substance, 
 —to  bow  down  to  a  graven  image,  and  not  to 
 serve  Jehovah.  We  are  thankful  for  our  own 
 ecclesiastical  constitution,  and  for  our  appointed 
 formularies,  which  arc  equally  removed  from 
 popish  superstition,  and  from  a  supercilious  con- 
 tempt of  all  external  rites.  Our  ceremonies  are 
 few  and  simple  and  well  adapted  :  but  we  fear 
 that  many  place  their  whole  religion  in  them. 
 They  are  exact  and  punctual  in  bowing  their 
 knees  and  making  their  responses,  under  the  pre- 
 sumptuous confidence  of  recommending  them- 
 selves to  the  divine  favour.  Such  worship  is  a 
 mockery  of  God:  it  is  no  better  than  the  foolish 
 observances  of  the  church  of  Rome,  or  even  than 
 pagan  idolatry:  it  is  "  the  form,"  without  "  the 
 power  of  godliness." 
 
 But  if  we  have  not  violated  the  precept  in  any 
 of  these  respects,  we  are  not  therefore  guiltless. 
 Duties  also  are  enjoined;  and  we  should  carefully 
 examine,  whether  they  have  been  fulfilled.  The 
 adoration  we  arc  forbidden  to  pay  to  any  creature, 
 wc  are  required  to  give  unto  the  Creator,  whose 
 
ON  THE  SECOND   COMMANDMENT.  43 
 
 exclusive  right  it  is.     This  is  the  positive  consi- 
 deration of  the  commandment. 
 
 1.  We  are  to  acknowledge  the  Lord  God  by- 
 worshipping  him  in  public  as  well  as  in  private. 
 He  looks  at  the  heart:  and  he  needs  no  testi- 
 mony of  our  reverence  and  love  for  his  own  in- 
 formation;— for  he  reads  what  is  within.  But 
 he  calls  for  the  outward  expressions  of  it  for  our 
 own  sake,  and  for  that  of  others.  For  our  own 
 sake,  because  external  adoration  is  calculated  to 
 excite  and  invigorate  holy  affections  in  ourselves: 
 — and  for  others,  that  by  our  influence  and  ex- 
 ample they  may  be  instructed  and  persuaded  to 
 serve  him,  and  thus  his  glory  may  be  extensively 
 promoted  amongst  men.  It  were  enough  to  say, 
 that  worship  is  his  appointment :  and  we  should 
 ask  for  no  further  reason.  But  it  ought  also  to 
 be  considered  as  the  highest  privilege  of  a  created 
 being.  Yet  are  we  not  reluctant  to  engage  in  it; 
 or  do  we  not  often  account  it  a  weariness  and  a 
 burden  ?  How  many  presumptuously  say,  c-  Who 
 is  the  Almighty,  that  we  should  serve  him?"  Is 
 not  private  prayer  generally  neglected  ?  And  even 
 among  the  few,  who  profess  to  cultivate  an  inter- 
 course with  God  in  their  closets,  family  worship 
 is  rarely  practised.  There  may  be  no  idols  set 
 up  in  their  houses,  but  if  the  Lord  be  not  ac- 
 knowledged there,  so  far  they  differ  not  from  the 
 heathens.  Do  they  give  a  more  public  testimony 
 pf  their  devout   regard  to  him.   by  a  constant 
 
44  02;  1*HE  5EC0XD   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 attendance  in  our  religious  assemblies?  In  how 
 many  places  have  we  cause  to  lament,  that  our 
 churches  are  almost  deserted  1  The  altar  of 
 Jehovah  is  erected,  but  multitudes  refuse  to  offer 
 any  sacrifice,  and  therefore  they  openly  reject 
 him. 
 
 2.  We  should  manifest  the  inward  reverence 
 of  our  hearts  by  suitable  postures  of  body.  The 
 Lord  God  requires  the  service  of  the  body,  as 
 well  as  that  of  the  soul :  and  surely  this  is  meet 
 and  right  as  He  is  the  creator,  preserver,  and 
 redeemer  of  both.  Why  is  it,  that  external 
 prostration  is  forbidden  to  creatures,  but  because 
 It  is  clue  to  the  Former  of  all  things?  When 
 therefore  it  is  said,  "Thou  shalt  not  bow  down  thy- 
 self to  them,  nor  serve  them,"  it  is  implied,  "  Thou 
 shalt  bow  down  thyself  to  Him,  and  serve  Him." 
 We  find  accordingly  that  it  was  the  practice  of 
 prophets  and  apostles,  and  of  Jesus  Christ  himself, 
 to  bow  the  knee  in  prayer.  It  is  but  an  outward 
 sign,  yet  well  adapted  to  express  the  humility 
 and  reverence  of  the  mind.  The  general  use  of 
 it  would  greatly  add  to  th.€  solemnity  of  public 
 worship:  it  might  tend  to  fix  the  wandering 
 thought,  and  increase  the  ardour  of  devotion. 
 And  why  should  any  thing  so  reasonable,  so  cal- 
 culated for  edification,  be  refused  ?  You  may  be 
 afraid  of  formality;  but  should  you  not  also  be 
 afraid  of  a  careless,  languid,  and  contemptuous 
 attendance  upon  divine  ordinances  ?    Listen  then 
 
ON  THE  SECOND   COMMANDMENT.  45 
 
 to  the  injunction  of  the  Psalmist,  "  O  come,  let 
 us  worship  and  bow  clown  :  let  us  kneel  before 
 the  Lord  our  Maker*!" 
 
 3.  We  are  required  to  serve  God  in  the  means, 
 which  He  hath  appointed.  We  are  not  left  to 
 follow  our  own  fancies  and  conjectures  as  to  the 
 services  which  may  be  acceptable  to  him,  and  in 
 which  we  may  expect  his  blessing :  for  he  has 
 given  us  most  gracious  directions  aud  promises* 
 Other  things  might  be  specified,  but  the  follow* 
 ing  are  of  the  first  importance  and  most  absolute 
 necessity. 
 
 Prayer  is  the  very  essence  of  religion,  and 
 without  it  all  must  be  pretence  and  hypocrisy. 
 The  Lord  bestows  his  blessings  freely:  no  im- 
 portunity on  our  part  can  merit  them.  But  he 
 requires  from  us  an  acknowledgment  of  our  de- 
 pendence upon  him,  and  the  most  earnest  peti- 
 tions for  his  favour:  nor  will  he  depart  from  his 
 own  prescribed  rule,  "  Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given 
 you :  seek,  and  ye  shall  find  :  knock,  and  it  shall 
 be  opened  unto  you  f."  We  cannot  therefore 
 "  serve  the  Lord,"  unless  we  call  upon  him  with 
 constancy  and  fervour.  Is  this  duty  seriously 
 practised?  Have  we  not  <c  restrained  prayer?''' 
 or  performed  it  in  a  cold  and  superficial  manner? 
 Alas !  what  avails  the  unfeeling  cry  of  the 
 hypocrite ! 
 
 A  devout  attention  to  the  word  of  God  is 
 *  Psalm  xev.  6.  f  Matt.  vii.  7. 
 
46  ON  THE  SECOND  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 another  part  of  the  service,  which  He  requires. 
 In  the  holy  scriptures  he  is  continually  speaking 
 to  us,  and  to  those  who  read  them  with  humi- 
 lity and  faith  he  makes  them  the  rich  source  of 
 wisdom,  strength,  and  consolation.  But  a  neglect 
 of  them  is  a  contempt  of  Him,  and  must  incur 
 his  displeasure. —  Ke  has  also  commanded  his 
 gospel  to  be  preached,  and  those,  who  reject  his 
 faithful  ministers,  reject  the  Saviour  himself. 
 The  christian  ministry  is  of  divine  appoint- 
 ment, and  the  divine  blessing  is  attached  to  it. 
 "  Faith  cometh  by  hearing*,"  and  all  other  gra- 
 cious principles  and  habits  are  confirmed  and 
 invigorated  by  it.  But  how  can  those  be  accounted 
 religious,  or  be  said  to  serve  the  Lord,  who  dis- 
 regard his  messages  of  mercy  ? 
 
 In  his  instituted  worship  we  must  also  include 
 a  due  administration  of  the  sacraments,  which 
 are  baptism  and  the  supper  of  the  Lord.  In  each 
 of  these  we  recognize,  what  our  Catechism  de- 
 scribes, "  an  outward  and  visible  sign  of  an  in- 
 ward and  spiritual  grace,  given  unto  us,  ordained 
 by  Christ  himself,  as  a  means  whereby  we  receive 
 the  same,  and  a  pledge  to  assure  us  thereof." 
 Upon  a  devout  observance  of  them  the  prayer  of 
 the  faithful  will  bring  down  the  blessing  of  hea- 
 ven. But  are  we  thus  looking  for  their  effica- 
 cious influence?     Is  not  baptism  profaned,  when 
 
 *  Rom.  x.  \J. 
 
ON  THE  SECOND   COMMANDMENT.  4J 
 
 \vc  bring  our  children  to  it  without  any  expecta- 
 tion of  good,  and  make  it  the  occasion  of  foolish 
 merriment  and  feasting  ?  Are  we  not  unmindful 
 of  the  engagements  We  entered  into  when  we  were 
 baptized?  Or  have  we  received  the  inward  and 
 spiritual  grace,  u  a  death  unto  sin,  and  a  new 
 birth  unto  righteousness?"  —  Is  the  supper  of  the 
 Lord  more  seriously  regarded  ?  The  Lord  Jesus 
 says  to  all  his  disciples,  "  Do  this  in  remembrance 
 of  me*."  But  what  multitudes  never  appear  at 
 his  table  !  These  cannot  possess  any  proper  re- 
 membrance of  him,  any  love  to  him,  or  desire 
 after  him.  And  amongst  the  few  comparatively, 
 who  break  the  bread  and  drink  the  cup,  there 
 are  those,  we  fear,  who  overlook  the  thing  signi- 
 fied, •'  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ,"  and,  instead 
 of  exercising  at  that  solemn  moment  "  a  lively 
 faith  in  God's  mercy  through  Christ,"  are  trust- 
 ing to  their  own  righteousness, — thus  offering 
 incense  to  themselves,  and  not  serving  the  Lord. 
 
 In  every  part  of  divine  worship  how  defective 
 have  we  been  1  Let  us  search  and  try  ourselves, 
 that  we  may  ascertain  and  confess  the  greatness 
 of  our  guilt! 
 
 The  observation  of  the  second  commandment 
 is  enforced  by  strong  arguments,  and  of  such  we 
 stand  in  need,  to  be  deterred  from  sin  and 
 quickened  in  our  obedience.     The  Lord  conde- 
 
 *    l  Gor.  xi.  24. 
 
4S  ON  THE  SECOND   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 sccnds  to  address  himself  both  to  our  fears  and 
 hopes:  He  sets  before  us  the  terrors  of  his  wrath, 
 and  displays  the  riches  of  his  grace.  u  For  I 
 the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous  God,  visiting  the 
 iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the 
 third  and  fourth  generation  of  them  that  hate  me, 
 and  shewing  mercy  unto  thousands  of  them  that 
 love  me  and  keep  my  commandments."  Let  us 
 devoutly  listen  to  his  voice. 
 
 "  I  the  Lord."  If  no  more  had  been  added, 
 this  were  a  sufficient  consideration  for  our  sub- 
 mission. As  He  is  the  sovereign,  all  things  are 
 His,  and  should  serve  Him.  He  possesses  an 
 irresistible  authority,  and  an  universal  dominion. 
 He  has  a  right  therefore  to  enact  what  laws  he 
 pleases,  and  to  dispose  of  his  creatures  according 
 to  his  own  will.  If  we  be  duly  impressed  with 
 this  thought,  we  shall  not  quarrel  with  his  ap- 
 pointments, or  rebel  against  his  government,  but 
 yield  ourselves  unto  him  with  unfeigned  subjec- 
 tion and  obedience.  Soon,  if  not  now,  He  will 
 assert  the  glory  of  his  Godhead  -,  and  the  proudest 
 sinner  shall  be  forced  to  confess,  that  He'is  the 
 Lord. 
 
 He  adds,  "  Thy  God,"  thereby  pleading  his 
 peculiar  relation  to  the  Israelites ;  and  the  same 
 is  his  relation  to  all  true  believers  in  Christ  Jesus. 
 He  separated  that  ancient  people  from  all  the 
 nations  of  the  earth,  he  rescued  them  from  a  state 
 of  oppression  and  misery,  l\e  bound  himself  by  a 
 
ON  THE  SECOND   COMMANDMENT.  AQ 
 
 solemn  covenant  to  be  their  God,  and  on  that 
 ground  he  claimed  their  services  and  affections. 
 "  I  am  the  Lord  your  God,  which  brought  you 
 out  of  the  land  of  Egypt :  therefore  shall  ye  ob- 
 serve all  my  statutes,  and  all  my  judgments,  and 
 do  them :  I  am  the  Lord  *j"   It  was  this  relation, 
 and  their  high  privileges  connected  with  it,  which 
 formed  the  strongest  aggravation  of  their  guilt, 
 whenever  they  departed  from  him.     And  is  not 
 our  situation  similar  ?     He  has  wrought  a  more 
 glorious  redemption  for  our  captive  souls,  and 
 entered  into  more  important  engagements  with 
 us  through  Jesus  Christ.    He  takes  us  out  of  the 
 midst  of  an  evil   world,   delivers  us  from   the 
 bondage  of  sin  and  Satan,  and  gives  himself  to 
 us  to  be  our  everlasting  portion  :  so  that  we  may 
 boldly  say,  "  This  God  is  our  God  for  ever  and 
 everf."     Will  not  the  consideration  ensure  our 
 obedience  ?     What  sacrifice  shall  we  withhold 
 from  Him  ?     What  exertion  or  service  shall  we 
 decline  ?     Shall  we  not  openly  and  constantly 
 avow  our  firm  attachment  and  entire  devotedness 
 to  him  ?    Or  if  we  will  go  away,  and  follow  after 
 other  gods,  in  violation  of  our  vows,  what  can 
 equal  our  folly,  or  the  heinousness  of  our  guilt? 
 Rather,  may  the  hope,  that  He  is  our  God,  increase 
 our  delight  and  vigour  in  running  the  way  of  his 
 commandments !     He  declares 
 
 *  Levit.  xix  36,  37.  f  Psalm  xlviil,  14, 
 
 VOL.  III.  B 
 
SO  ON   THE  SECOND   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 "  I  am  a  jealous  God."  He  is  represented 
 as  influenced  by  human  passions,  because,  though 
 not  strictly  true,  the  effect  to  us  is  the  same  as  if 
 it  were.  Now,  jealousy  is  a  suspicion  that  the 
 person,  whose  love  is  due  to  us,  and  in  whose 
 affection  we  cannot  bear  a  rival,  is  attached  to 
 some  other  object.  This  renders  us  watchful, 
 and  disposes  us  to  mark  with  severity  the  minutest 
 circumstance,  and  where  it  finds  occasion  for 
 unfavourable  conclusions,  it  agitates  the  breast 
 with  vehement  anger  and  resentment.  Thus  the 
 Lord  God  is  jealous  of  his  people,  to  whom  he 
 is  married,  to  whose  affection  he  has  an  exclusive 
 right,  and  he  will  minutely  inspect  the  state  of 
 their  minds,  lest  they  should  deal  treacherously 
 with  him,  and  give  their  best  attentions  to  an- 
 other. Should  he  then  find  those,  who  profess 
 to  be  his  people,  alienated  from  him ;  with  ex- 
 pressions of  love  in  their  mouths,  yet  in  their 
 hearts  going  after  vanity;  what  is  to  be  expected 
 from  him  but  implacable  resentment  ?  The  anger 
 of  the  Lord  and  his  jealousy  shall  smoke  against 
 them.  Is  there  any  more  tremendous  foe  upon 
 earth  to  be  encountered,  than  a  jealous  man  ? 
 But  with  a  jealous  God  who  shall  dare  to  con- 
 tend? O  provoke  not  the  Lord  to  jealousy!  Arc 
 you  stronger  than  He?  The  full  display  of  his 
 vengeance  is  reserved  for  a  future  day :  but  that 
 day  may  not  be  far  distant.  O  seek  for  terms  of 
 .peace,  before  his  wrath  be  kindled!   For  "God 
 
ON   THE  SECOND   COMMANDMENT.  5i 
 
 is  jealous,  and  the  Lord  revengeth  ;  the  Lord 
 revengeth  and  is  furious,  the  Lord  will  take  ven- 
 geance on  his  adversaries ;  and  He  rcserveth 
 wrath  for  his  enemies*." 
 
 ic  Visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers 
 
 UPON  THE  CHILDREN  UNTO  THE  THIRD  AND 
 FOURTH     GENERATION    OF     THEM    THAT    HATE 
 
 me."  This  denunciation  may  refer  to  the  na- 
 tional covenant,  which  God  made  with  the  Israel- 
 ites, and  may  describe  by  what  mode  Lie  would 
 deal  with  them  as  their  Governor.  But  it  is  also 
 capable  of  a  general  application.  He  is  said  to 
 "  visit  iniquity,*'  when,  after  long  forbearance, 
 he  proceeds  as  a  Judge  to  search  it  out  and  pu- 
 nish it:  and  he  declares  that  he  will  do  so  towards 
 "  the  children"  of  transgressors  "  unto  the  third 
 and  fourth  generation."  This  is  violently  ob- 
 jected to,  as  unreasonable  and  unjust.  But  who 
 are  we,  that  we  should  summon  the  almighty 
 Sovereign  to  answer  at  our  bar,  and  decide  upon 
 the  fitness  or  equity  of  his  dispensations?  It  be- 
 comes us  to  acquiesce  in  the  conviction,  that  He 
 will  do  right ;  and  very  soon  he  will  vindicate 
 his  own  ways.  Poor,  short-sighted  creatures! 
 Can  we  see  through  the  whole  scheme  of  his 
 government  ?  The  subject  is  too  big  for  our 
 comprehension.  "  Who  art  thou  that  rep  !i  est 
 against  God?" 
 
 -'-  Nahum  i.  2. 
 E  2 
 
52  ON  THE  SECOND  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 This  might  be  enough  to  silence  objectors. 
 But  we  may  remark,  that  the  visitation  denounced 
 refers  only  to  temporal  judgments :   the  eternal 
 states  of  the  children  shall  not  be  affected  by  the 
 evil  conduct  of  their  ancestors.     In  this  sense  we 
 understand  the  prophet,  "  The  son  shall  not  bear 
 the  iniquity  of  the  father."     In  the  last  day  no 
 punishment  shall  be  awarded  against  the  innocent 
 child  of  a  wicked  parent:  "  the  soul  that  sinneth, 
 it  shall   die*."     But  in  this  life  the  Lord  fre- 
 quently afflicts  the  posterity  of  atrocious  trans- 
 gressors, to  manifest  his  hatred  of  sin.     Yet  the 
 innocent  never  suffer :  wherever  his  judgments 
 fall,  they  fall  upon  the  head  of  the  guilty  :  none 
 can  suffer  more  than  they  deserve.     Would  you 
 then  call  upon  Him  to  deal  with  you  according 
 to  strict  justice  ?     You  could  not  ask  for  a  more 
 tremendous  sentence :  for  thereby  you  would  de- 
 mand  your   own   destruction.     If  miseries   are 
 brought  upon  you  through  the  offences  of  your 
 parents,  you  have  merited  infinitely  greater  even 
 eternal  miseries  for  your  own.     Do  you  repent 
 and  turn  to  God,   abhorring  and  forsaking  the 
 ungodly  practices  of  your  fathers?     You  shall 
 not  finally  be  rejected  on  their  account:   and 
 even  your  present  calamities  shall  contribute  to 
 your  spiritual  good  and  everlasting  blessedness. 
 "  The  way  of  the  Lord  is  equal  :   but  our  ways 
 are  unequal  f ." 
 
 *  Ezek.  xviii.  20.  f  Ezek,  xviii.  25* 
 
ON  THE  SECOND   COMMANDMENT.  53 
 
 In  the  common  course  of  divine  providence 
 this  threatening  is  every  day  fulfilled.  The  go- 
 vernment of  the  world  is  so  ordered,  that  children 
 cannot  but  be  sufferers  by  the  iniquity  of  their 
 fathers ;  sometimes  for  many  generations.  In- 
 temperance, lust,  and  dishonesty,  entail  upon 
 families  distresses  of  various  kinds,  infamy,  po- 
 verty, and  disease.  This  is  as  clearly  the  appoint- 
 ment of  God,  as  if  He  had  told  us  so :  and  it 
 amounts  to  a  proof,  that  such  is  the  general  mode 
 of  his  administration,  however  we  may  cavil  with 
 it.  "  The  curse  of  the  Lord  is  in  the  house  of 
 the  wicked  *.". 
 
 To  encourage  and  animate  our  obedience,  he 
 represents  his  abundant  kindness:   "  shewing 
 
 MERCY  UNTO  THOUSANDS  OP  THEM  THAT 
 LOVE  ME  AND  KEEP  MY  COMMANDMENTS." 
 
 What  gracious  words  are  these!  We  serve  a 
 liberal  and  compassionate  Master.  Such  poor, 
 imperfect  works  as  ours  can  have  no  claim  upon 
 Him,  but  rather  merit  his  displeasure.  We  must 
 pray  for  pardon,  instead  of  demanding  a  reward. 
 Accordingly  he  speaks  of  cc  shewing  meucy  to 
 them  that  love  him  ;"  for  on  the  ground  of  jus- 
 tice they  would  be  condemned.  It  is  of  grace, 
 and  for  the  sake  of  his  dear  Son,  that  he  accepts 
 and  recompenses  the  duties  they  perform.  And 
 how  great  is  his  kindness  toward  them !     He 
 
 *  Prov.  iii.  33. 
 
54  ON   THE  SECOND   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 blesses  them  individually  with  innumerable  fa- 
 vours, and  renders  them  an  extensive  blessing  to 
 others.     Their  prayers  are  heard  and  answered 
 for  those,  who  are  nearly  connected  with  them  : 
 their  examples  and  instructions  are  remembered 
 with  lasting  efficacy.     In  this  way  fchey  tc  leave 
 an  inheritance  to   their   child  "'en's   children  *." 
 Cities  and  nations  have  been  spared  and  pros- 
 pered for  their  sakes.      ci  Except   the   Lord   of 
 hosts  had  .left  unto  us  a  very  small  remnant,    we 
 should  have  been  as  Sodom,  and  we  should  have 
 been  like  unto  Gomorrah  f ."    They  are  the  bul- 
 wark of  our  own  land,  dark  as  our  prospects  are: . 
 fe  the  chariots  of  Israel,  and  the  horsemen  there- 
 of t."   May  the  Lord  preserve  and  increase  among 
 us  this  righteous  seed ! 
 
 But  are  we  the  persons  described,  ei  who  love 
 him,  and  keep  his  commandments  ?"  Love  must 
 precede  and  accompany  all  true  and  acceptable 
 obedience.  It  is  an  active,  persevering  principle: 
 it  will  excite  to  wonderful  exertions;  it  will  brave 
 dangers,  surmount  difficulties,  and  delight  in 
 sufferings,  to  gratify  the  object  of  regard. — They 
 that  "  love  God,  keep  his  commandments," 
 whatever  obstacles  they  may  have  to  contend 
 with.  There  can  be  no  other  decisive  proof  of 
 their  esteem.  Let  this  test,  then,  be  fairly  ap- 
 pealed to.  If  you  say,  "  I  love  God,"  are  you  con- 
 sulting and  doing  his  will  ?    Through  remaining 
 
 *   ?rov.  xiii.  22.  f  Isaiah  i.  g,  \  2  Kings  xiii.  14* 
 
OX  THE  SECOND   COMMANDMENT.  55 
 
 depravity,  you  may  possibly  faint  and  be  inter- 
 rupted in  your  pious  exertions ;  but  if  the  love 
 of  God  abide  in  you,  it  will  be  your  constant  de- 
 sire, study,  and  endeavour,  to  observe  all  his  pre- 
 cepts -,  and  you  will  not  habitually  offend  in  any 
 one  point. 
 
 The  sanctions  of  this  law  demand  the  serious 
 consideration  both  of  children  and  of  parents.    If 
 you  owe  your  birth  and  education  to  those,  who 
 are  the  faithful  servants  of  God,  be  thankful  for 
 the  privilege.    "  The  generation  of  the  righteous 
 shall  be  blessed."    They  have  treasured  up  many 
 prayers  for  you;  which  should  encourage  you  to 
 supplicate  and  expect  the  divine  mercy  for  your- 
 selves.   You  are  witnesses  of  their  exemplary  con  - 
 duct:  Will  you  not  be  followers  of  them,  as  they 
 are  of  Christ  ?    They  have  delivered  to  you  "  line 
 upon  line,  precept  upon  precept:"  Can  you  de- 
 spise their  instructions,  or  forget  their  warning 
 voice  ? — But  if  you  are  sprung  from  those,  who 
 care  neither  for  your  souls  nor  their  own,  dread- 
 ful as  the  case  is,  be  encouraged  to  pray  for  them. 
 What  changes  may  not  the  grace  of  God  effect ! 
 Be  afraid,   however,  of  treading  in  their  steps: 
 whatever  you  may  suffer,  follow  not  their  ic  vain 
 conversation."   You  may  be  brought  into  various 
 calamities  through  their  folly,  but   they  cannot 
 destroy  your  souls,   or  plunge  you  into  final  mi- 
 sery, without  your  own  consent. 
 
 The  subject  should  more  especially  arrest  the 
 
56  ON  THE  SECOND  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 attention  of  parents.     On  you  probably  depends 
 the  welfare  of  many  generations.    O  beware  what 
 line  of  conduct  you  pursue !     Shew  pity  to  your 
 offspring,  who  have  strong  claims  upon  you,  and 
 lead  them  not  in  the  road  to  destruction.   Teach 
 them  not  by  your  example  to  neglect  the  care  of 
 their  immortal  souls  and  the  worship  of  their 
 God.  Bring  them  with  you  to  the  throne  of  grace, 
 and  put  up  unceasing  petitions  for  them.    What, 
 though  you  see  but  little  fruit  of  your  labours  ? 
 Expect  the  divine  blessing  in  the  end:  your  fami- 
 lies may  reap  the  benefit  of  your  prayers  and  in- 
 structions, long  after  you  are  laid  in  the  grave : 
 and  then  with  what  extasies  of  joy  will  you  meet 
 them  in  heaven !    But  if  you  train  them  up  in  ig- 
 norance and  sin,  and  you  be  accessary  to  their 
 damnation;  though  they  will  perish  justly  for  their 
 own  transgressions,  how  will  they  aggravate  your 
 torments,  while  they  upbraid  and  execrate  you  as 
 the  authors  of  their  misery !     O  spare  yourselves 
 and  them,  and  implore  the  God  of  Abraham  to 
 be  "  a  God  unto  you,  and  to  your  seed  after 
 
 vou*!" 
 
 *  Gen.  xvii.  7, 
 
ESSAY  LXIV. 
 
 ON    THE    THIRD    COMMANDMENT. 
 
 Reverence  is  due  to  God.  He  threatens  despisers, 
 in  the  Third  Commandment. — Men  "  take  his 
 name  in  vain" — by  perjury,  —  by  profane  swear- 
 ing,— by  the  wanton  or  needless  use  of  it, — and  by 
 unmeaning,  careless  prayers. — This  name  should 
 be  sanctified,-^ in  our  thoughts, — words, — and 
 actions. — The  threatening  implies, — that  no  qualifi- 
 cation shall  justify  offenders, — that  no  excuses  shall 
 be  admitted  for  them, — that  they  shall  feel  the 
 weight  of  divine  indignation, 
 
 "God  is  greatly  to  be  feared, — and  to  be  had 
 in  reverence — #."  Those,  who  understand  the 
 glory  of  his  majesty,  will  feel  a  profound  and 
 awful  veneration  for  him  :  and  accordingly  he 
 thus  describes  his  faithful  servants,  "  They  shall 
 sanctify  my  name  f."  Such  is  the  devout  and 
 reverential  regard,  which  He  claims  as  due  to 
 himself;  and  against  those,  who  treat  him  with 
 contempt  or  neglect,  he  denounces  the  severity 
 
 *  Psalm  Ixxxix,  7*  t  Isa.  xxix.  23. 
 
58  ON  THE  THIRD   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 of  his  wrath.  "  Thou  shalt  not  take  the 
 name  of  the  i/ord  thy  god  in  vain:  for 
 the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless, 
 that  taketh  his  name  in  vain." 
 
 Is  this  law,  published  and  enforced  with  such 
 tremendous  solemnity,  universally  respected  and 
 obeyed  ?  Is  it  not  violated  every  where  with  a 
 most  daring  effrontery,  as  if  men  disbelieved  the 
 threatening,  or  defied  the  vengeance  of  heaven  ? 
 The  frequency  and  boldness,  with  which  the 
 commandment  is  transgressed,  should  fill  our 
 minds  with  pious  grief  and  indignation.  We 
 should  feel  for  the  dishonour  done  to  God,  we 
 should  tremble  for  the  consequences  to  which 
 the  guilty  are  exposed.  The  judgments  of  God 
 seem  to  threaten  our  own  nation  for  this  crime 
 in  particular,  among  innumerable  others.  Surely, 
 u  because  of  swearing  the  land  mourneth  #.M 
 Even  good  men  are  not  affected,  as  they  should 
 be,  with  this  subject.  They  also  are  transgressors 
 of  the  precept :  for  it  will  be  found  upon  exa- 
 mination, that  they  are  frequently  defective  in 
 reverence  to  God,  that  they  have  never  honoured 
 his  name  in  the  degree  they  ought  to  do. 
 
 "  The  name  of  God"  means  any  of  his  titles, 
 attributes,  or  perfections, —any  word,  or  appel- 
 lation, by  which  He  is  described  or  made  known 
 to  us.     tf  7  o  take  it  in  vain,"  is  to  treat  it  with 
 
 *    Ter.  xxiii.  10. 
 
ON  THE  THIRD   COMMANDMENT.  5Q 
 
 contempt  or  levity; — to  make  use  of  it  falsely, 
 profanely,  wantonly,  or  without  a  suitable  vene- 
 ration for  his  majesty.     This  is  done 
 
 I.  By  perjury,  or  by  calling  God  to  bear  wit- 
 ness to  a  falsehood.  An  oath  is  a  solemn  appeal 
 to  Him,  as  the  searcher  of  hearts,  the  God  of 
 truth,  of  justice,  and  of  power,  upon  whom  our 
 final  and  everlasting  happiness  depends.  By 
 every  such  appeal  wc  mean  to  obtain  credit  to 
 our  testimony  or  professions,  referring  the  matter 
 in  question  to  Him,  who  perfectly  understands 
 the  case,  who  knows  our  thoughts  and  purposes, 
 who  is  the  righteous  arbiter;  and  we  pledge  all 
 our  claims  to  his  favour,  and  the  salvation  of 
 our  souls  for  ever,  upon  the  veracity  of  our 
 assertions. 
 
 The  lawfulness  of  oaths  has  been  doubted;  and 
 a  particular  sect  of  Christians  have  declined  all 
 use  of  them.  But  the  scruple  seems  to  originate 
 in  a  mistaken  interpretation  of  our  Lord's  cau- 
 tion, "  Swear  not  at  all."  We  understand  him 
 as  forbidding  all  rash  or  trifling  appeals  to  heaven 
 in  common  conversation,  and  all  invocation  of 
 creatures  for  the  confirmation  of  what  we  declare. 
 But  in  matters  of  importance,  we  conceive,  oaths 
 are  not  forbidden,  provided  they  are  taken  with 
 sincerity,  and  with  a  deep  reverence  for  that 
 God,  to  whose  tribunal  the  reference  is  made.  It 
 was  ordained  of  old,  "  Thou  shalt  fear  the  Lord 
 y  God,  and  serve  Him,  and  shalt  swear  by  his 
 
60  ON   THE  THIRD  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 name  * ;"  and  even  the  very  forms  of  oaths  were 
 appointed.  The  prohibition  of  Christ  could  not 
 be  intended  to  supersede,  but  only  to  regulate 
 the  practice.  St.  Paul,  who  well  understood  his 
 Lord's  mind,  scrupled  not  to  swear,  by  appeals 
 the  most  solemn  we  can  possibly  conceive:  "  God 
 is  my  witness  :" — "  I  call  God  for  a  record  upon 
 my  soul:" — "  The  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord 
 Jesus  Christ,  which  is  blessed  for  evermore, 
 knoweth  that  I  lie  not  f."  We  need  not  fear  to 
 follow  such  an  example. 
 
 But  an  oath,  no  less  than  a  prayer,  should 
 always  be  accompanied  with  seriousness  and  de- 
 votion, and  speak  the  unfeigned  sentiments  of 
 the  heart.  It  will  then  be  proper  and  useful :  it 
 offers  to  society  the  strongest  bond,  the  most  so- 
 lemn pledge :  tc  an  oath  for  confirmation  is  to 
 men  an  end  of  all  strife  J."  But  we  lament  the 
 haste,  the  levity,  the  indecency,'  with  which  it  is 
 frequently  administered  in  our  courts  of  justice. 
 We  cannot  but  deplore  the  palpable  contradic- 
 tion, which  is  often  found  in  the  testimony  of 
 witnesses,  affirming  and  denying  in  direct  oppo- 
 sition to  each  other,  and  yet  all  appealing  to 
 heaven  in  proof  of  their  veracity.  When  we 
 take  into  the  account  also  the  little  attention, 
 which  is  paid  to  those  numerous  offices  in  society, 
 
 *  Deut.  vi.  13.  t  Rom.  i.  g.     2  Cor.  i.  23.     xi.  31.. 
 
 J  Heb.  vi.  16\ 
 
ON  THE  THIRD  COMMANDMENT.  6l 
 
 upon  which  men  enter  by  the  formality  of  an 
 oath,  promising  in  the  name  of  God,  and  as  they 
 expect  his  favour,  to  perform  their  respective  du- 
 ties, we  cannot  but  apprehend  that  perjury  is  one 
 of  the  most  prevalent  sins  of  this  nation,  which 
 cry  unto  God  against  us. 
 
 Let  the  heinousness  and  consequences  of  this 
 offence  be  seriously  considered.  It  is  a  virtual 
 denial  or  profane  contempt  of  the  perfections  of 
 Jehovah ;  it  is  acting  as  if  He  were  the  patron  of 
 lies,  as  if  He  could  not  discern  or  would  not 
 punish  the  most  deliberate  falsehood ;  it  is  a  de- 
 fiance of  his  wrath,  or  at  least  an  express  renun- 
 ciation of  all  clairqg  to  his  mercy.  "  So  help 
 me  God  !"  is  the  general  form  of  an  oath :  and 
 what  less  is  implied,  than  that  I  call  upon  Him 
 to  deal  with  me  according  to  my  veracity  ?  If  I 
 am  perjured,  I  pronounce  the  sentence  of  my 
 own  destruction.  O  think  again  and  again,  be- 
 fore you  offer  this  pledge  of  your  sincerity,  what 
 is  the  nature  and  what  the  extent  of  your  asser- 
 tions  or   promises! The    commandment    is 
 
 violated 
 
 II.  By  profane  swearing,  or  by  imprecations  of 
 God's  wrath  upon  ourselves  or  others.  As  if 
 damnation  were  a  thing  to  be  sported  with,  as  if 
 there  were  nothing  at  least  very  formidable  in 
 everlasting  misery,  men  of  all  ranks  and  ages  are 
 perpetually  calling  down  the  curse  and  vengeance 
 of  heaven.     The  name  of  the  Almighty  is  thus- 
 
62  ON  THE  THIRD   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 impiously  invoked  even  by  children,  almost  as 
 soon  as  they  can  articulate,  as  well  as  by  grey- 
 headed sinners,  not  merely  under  provocation, 
 but  on  a  sudden  surprise,  or  in  wicked  jest.  In 
 what  town  or  village,  in  what  corner  of  our 
 streets,  is  this  language  of  hell  not  heard  ?  What 
 reason  shall  we  assign  for  a  practice  so  foolish,  so 
 impious,  so  destructive  ? 
 
 Shall  we  enter  into  a  serious  argument  with 
 the  profane  swearer  ?  He  will  not  surely  pretend 
 to  plead  for  his  sin.  He  is  not  impelled  to  it  by 
 sensual  affections:  it  cannot  promote  pleasure;  it 
 cannot  procure  emolument,  or  profit  in  the 
 world.  It  does  not,  as  he  may  imagine,  establish 
 his  authority,  or  his  credit :  on  the  contrary,  it 
 tends  to  lessen  his  influence  and  power.  In  no 
 instance  can  it  be  necessary,  in  order  to  enforce 
 subjection  to  his  lawful  commands.  Is  it  sup- 
 posed, that  his  anger  cannot  otherwise  be  paci- 
 fied, or  his  displeasure  sufficiently  expressed  ? 
 How  diabolical  must  that  temper  be,  which  will 
 not  be  appeased,  except  the  Lord  God  Almighty 
 be  insulted,  or  his  creatures  devoted  to  everlasting 
 destruction  ! 
 
 Let  the  guilty,  then,  fear  and  tremble.  Your 
 state  is  bad,  your  danger  imminent.  Are  all  your 
 execrations  and  blasphemous  speeches  recorded? 
 How  will  you  answer  in  the  day  of  judgment  ? 
 But  if  you  arc  not  offending  in  this  respect,  do 
 you  feel  and  manifest,  as  you  ought,    a  deep 
 
ON   THE  THIED   COMMANDMENT.  6$ 
 
 abhorrence  of  the  practice  ?  You  should  fly  from 
 the  society  of  those,  who'  by  their  profane  oaths 
 and  curses  proclaim  aloud  their  contempt  of  God, 
 If  you  possess  influence  and  authority,  you  should 
 vigorously  reprove  and  punish  ;  or  else  by  your 
 silence  and  connivance  you  will  wound  your 
 own  conscience,  and  be  partakers  of  their  evil 
 deeds. — The  commandment  is  also  broken 
 
 III.  By  the  wanton,  needless,  and  irreverent 
 mention  of  the  name  of  God  in  common  conver- 
 sation. How  general  is  the  custom  of  introdu- 
 cing that  sacred  name,  not  only  without  piety, 
 but  even  without  any  reason !  What  is  this  but 
 to  take  it  "  in  vain?"  To  confirm  the  most 
 frivolous  assertions  Jehovah  is.  appealed  to,  as  if 
 nothing  were  to  be  credited  but  what  we  declare 
 "  by  the  Lord."  Persons  the  most  decent,  and 
 of  reputable  character  in  life,  fall  into  the  sin, 
 we  are  here  condemning,  without  suspecting  any 
 guilt  or  danger.  They  would  be  shocked  at  the 
 broad  and  coarse  language  of  the  blasphemer; 
 but  they  do  not  keep  the  commandment.  They 
 trifle  with  God,  by  using  his  name  without  any 
 serious  thought  of  him,  almost  upon  every 
 occasion,  merely  to  express  their  ignorance,  their 
 surprise,  or  admiration.  How  few  comparatively 
 are  the  companies,  in  which  some  one  or  other 
 will  not  grieve  the  man  of  real  devotion  by  such 
 exclamations-  as  these; — "  O  Lord" — "  God 
 inows"—"  O  Ghristr^- "  God  bless  me!" 
 1 
 
64  ON  THE  THIRD    COMMANDMENT. 
 
 Is  this  treating  the  Almighty  as  we  ought?  Is 
 it  not  making  Him  a  common  by-word,  an  un- 
 meaning expletive  in  our  conversation  ?  The 
 custom,  though  universal,  and  though  sanctioned 
 by  characters  of  high  consideration  in  the  world, 
 is  totally  inconsistent  with  a  holy,  practical  regard 
 to  God ;  that  is,  with  real  religion.  His  name 
 the  angels  in  heaven  revere  j  and  the  mention  of 
 it  should  always  impress  his  faithful  servants 
 upon  earth  with  deepest  awe  ;  according  to  that 
 strong  charge  given  to  the  ancient  church,  w  1  hat 
 thou  mayest  fear  this  glorious  and  fearful  name, 
 "  The  Lord  Thy  God*."  Let  us,  therefore, 
 take  heed  to  our  lips,  that  we  offend  not  with 
 our  tongue.  Let  us  beware  of  the  least  approach 
 towards  the  breach  of  this  precept;  and  with 
 that  view  let  us  carefully  avoid  all  strong  asse- 
 verations, being  simple  and  explicit  both  in 
 affirming  and  denying.  Such  is  our  Lord's  di- 
 rection, respecting  our  common  intercourse ; 
 "  Swear  not  all ;  neither  by  heaven,  for  it  is 
 God's  throne;  nor  by  the  earth,  for  it  is  his  foot- 
 stool ;  neither  by  Jerusalem,  for  it  is  the  city  of 
 the  great  king:  neither  shalt  thou  swear  by  thy 
 head,  because  thou  canst  not  make  one  hair 
 white  or  black  :  but  let  your  communication  be, 
 Yea,  yea ;  Nay,  nay;  for  whatsoever  is  more  than 
 these,  cometh  of  evil  •)-."    Such  also  is  the  caution 
 
 *  Deut.  xxviii.  53.  f  Matt.  v.  34—37. 
 
ON  THE  THIRD   COMMANDMENT.  63 
 
 of  an  apostle,  "  Above  all  things,  my  brethren^ 
 swear  not,  neither  by  heaven,  neither  by  the 
 earth,  neither  by  any  other  oath :  but  let  your 
 yea  be  yea,  and  your  nay,  nay ;  lest  ye  fall  into 
 condemnation  *." — We  shall  transgress  the  law 
 
 IV.  By  unmeaning  and  careless  addresses  to 
 God  in  prayer.  When  we  profess  to  worship 
 him,  or  present  our  petitions  before  him,  we  call 
 upon  "  his  name:"  and  if  we  do  this  with  insin- 
 cerity, or  without  affections  corresponding  to  our 
 words,  we  take  that  name  u  in  vain."  Such 
 religious  services  are  no  other  than  a  solemn 
 mockery,  and  involve  us  in  the  guilt  of  violating 
 this  commandment.  Who  then  shall  say,  fc  I 
 am  innocent?"  Where  is  the  man,  whose  mind 
 has  never  been  trifling,  foolish,  dissipated,  while 
 upon  his  bended  knees  he  has  poured  out  the 
 strongest  expressions  of  adoration,  love,  and  joy  ? 
 Are  not  many,  who  are  constant  in  their  devo- 
 tions, altogether  formal  and  hypocritical  ?  Do 
 they  not  speak  untruths,  and  pollute  the  holy 
 name,  which  they  invoke,  when  they  declare 
 that  they  delight  in  the  Lord  and  desire  nothing 
 so  much  as  his  favour,  at  the  very  time  that  their 
 hearts  are  going  after  covetousness  or  sensual 
 gratifications?  The  most  lively  Christian  has 
 need  to  be  ashamed  of  those  vain,  wandering 
 thoughts,  which  have  interrupted  and  defiled  his 
 
 *  James  v.  12, 
 VOL,  III.  F 
 
63  ON  THE  THIRD   COMMANDMENT, 
 
 very  best  prayers.  He  has  not  honoured  God,,  a$ 
 he  ought,  while  addressing  him  in  language  the 
 most  spiritual  and  sublime :  and  he  might  justly 
 fear  to  be  condemned  for  these  his  holy  duties, 
 were  it  not  that  he  trusts  he  is  justified  through 
 the  righteousness  of  his  Redeemer. 
 
 These  considerations  may  convince  us  of  the 
 extensive  nature  of  the  commandment.  For  it 
 requires,  not  merely  that  we  should  abstain  from 
 gross  impiety,  but  that  we  should  treat  the  name 
 of  God  with  reverence,  and  earnestly  desire  that 
 in  all  our  thoughts,  words,  and  actions,  it  may  be 
 glorified  by  us.  Such  is  the  import  of  that  peti- 
 tion, which  our  Lord  has  taught  us,  c:  Hallowed 
 be  thy  name.'*  It  is  also  declared  to  be  the.  very 
 end,  for  which  we  are  redeemed  to  God,  "  that 
 we  should  be  to  the  praise  of  his  glory;" — -M  a 
 people  for  his  name*."  It  should  therefore  be 
 our  great  object  to  promote  this  purpose  in  every 
 possible  way. 
 
 1.  In  our  thoughts.  He  should  be  exalted  in 
 our  estimation.  We  should  labour  to  impress 
 and  fill  our  minds  with  high  and  reverential 
 conceptions  of  his  nature  and  perfections.  Our 
 meditations  of  him  should  be  frequent  and  fer- 
 vent :  and  such  they  will  be,  if  we  "  sanctify  the 
 Lord  God  in  our  hearts  f,"  as  we  are  required. 
 No  external  or  feigned  respect  will  satisfy  Him : 
 
 *  Epb.  i,  12.    Acts  xv.  U.  f.  1  Pet.  iii.  1*. 
 
CH  THE  THIRD   COMMANDMENT.  6j 
 
 it  is  the  habitual,  devout  regard  of  the  soul  to- 
 wards God,  which  constitutes  true  religion.  But 
 how  defective,  how  rare  is  this  principle  !  The 
 name  of  God  is  not  dear  to  any  of  us,  as  it  ought 
 to  be.  Many  never  think  of  him  at  all :  none 
 contemplate  him  at  all  times  with  due  veneration 
 or  delight.  We  fail  in  our  obedience  to  this  law 
 in  the  most  important  particular.— Examine* 
 whether  it  is  better  observed 
 
 2.  In  our  words.  Our  tongues  are  the  glory 
 of  our  frame,  the  best  members  that  we  have, 
 because  they  are  most  capable  of  shewing  forth 
 the  praises  of  our  God  ;  and  they  were  given  us 
 for  that  express  purpose.  We  should  therefore 
 not  merely  abstain  from  blaspheming,  but  speak 
 good  of  and  magnify  his  name.  In  all  our  ad- 
 dresses to  him  we  should  give  thanks  and  extol 
 his  majesty.  He  requires  and  will  graciously 
 accept  the  service.  For  thus  he  speaks,  "  Whoso 
 offereth  praise,  glorifieth  Me  #." 
 
 We  should  make  known  to  others  our  love  of 
 his  name.  As  opportunity  may  be  given,  wa 
 should  vindicate  his  character,  his  ways,  and  his 
 word,  declare  his  salvation,  maintain  his  cause, 
 recommend  his  service.  We  do  not  otherwise 
 sanctify  his  name  before  men.  And  will  our 
 conversation  bear  an  exact  scrutiny  ?  What  is  its 
 nature  and  tendency  ?    Is  it  of  God  ?    Or  is  it 
 
 *  Psalm  1.  23. 
 F   2 
 
6S  ON  THE   THIRD   COMMANDMENT, 
 
 wholly  confined  to  the  world  ?  When  religion  is 
 the  subject,  do  we  speak  with  delight  and  en- 
 largement of  heart?  Or  do  we  shrink  from  bear- 
 ing  our  testimony  to  the  truth,  through  the  fear 
 of  reproach  ?  Discourse  indeed  of  this  kind 
 should  be  carried  on  with  great  seriousness  and 
 reverence,  and  not  with  idle  clamour  or  debate. 
 It  requires  the  exercise  of  prudence,  as  well  as 
 firmness.  We  should  watch  for  the  favourable 
 moment  of  introducing  it,  and  be  solicitous  to 
 speak  always  under  the  influence  of  devout  affec- 
 tions, and  to  communicate  4J  that  which  is  good, 
 to  the  use  of  edifying,  that  it  may  minister  grace 
 unto  the  hearers  *."  Many  may  reap  the  benefit 
 of  our  words,  thus  ordered  in  wisdom,  and  God 
 will  be  glorified. 
 
 3.  In  our  actions.  These  have  a  forcible  lan- 
 guage, and  carry  stronger  conviction  to  the  ob- 
 servers, than  any  professions  of  our  lips.  Now, 
 "  the  name  of  God,"  or  his  honour  in  the  world, 
 is  connected  with  the  conduct  of  Christians ;  and 
 it  is  charged  upon  them  to  take  heed,  "  that  it 
 be  not  blasphemed"  through  them  f.  Their 
 principal  regard  in  all  their  plans  and  pursuits 
 should  be  directed  to  this  object,  not  to  their 
 own  ease,  reputation,  or  emolument.  Their 
 grand  enquiry  is,  What,  can  I  do  for  God  in  my 
 particular  station,   and   with  such  abilities  as  I 
 
 *Eph.  iv.  29.  f  *  Tim.  vi.  1. 
 
ON  THE  THIRD   COMMANDMENT.  fo) 
 
 possess  ?  But  alas  !  how  many,  forgetful  of  their 
 high  obligations,  live  entirely  to  themselves!  You 
 are  called  Christians,  or  the  disciples  of  Christ, 
 as  being  baptized  into  his  church:  beware  that 
 you  take  not  that  name  "  in  vain;"  for  so  you  do, 
 unless  you  "  depart  from  iniquity*."  If  you 
 profess  a  zealous  regard  for  him,  there  are  addi- 
 tional reasons  for  your  being  vigilant  and  cir- 
 cumspect. Your  conduct  will  be  narrowly 
 watched  :  be  solicitous  that  you  may  not  "  give 
 occasion  to  the  enemies  of  the  Lord  to  blas- 
 pheme j-."  It  were  better  for  you  to  renounce 
 Christianity,  and  avow  yourselves  heathens,  than 
 expose  the  name  of  the  Redeemer  and  his  gospel 
 to  reproach  and  contempt.  Take  heed,  then, 
 how  you  act:  Be  roused  to  greater  diligence  and 
 zeal  in  his  service;  "  that  with  well-doing  ye 
 may  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish 
 men  J." 
 
 A  tremendous  sentence  is  added,  to  enforce 
 the  observation  of  the  commandment.  "  For  the 
 Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless,  that  taketh  his 
 name  in  vain."  The  declaration  proves  that 
 every  instance  of  transgression  is  in  a  peculiar 
 manner  provoking  to  the  divine  Majesty.  It  is 
 clearly  intended  to  impress  the  mind  with  reve- 
 rential awe,  and  to  excite  terror  in  the  careless. 
 What  means  that  insensibility  and  stupor,  that 
 
 *  2  Tim.-ii.  ]().         f  £  Sam,  xii.  14.         \  1  Pet.  ii.  15. 
 
70  ON  THE  THIP.D   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 contemptuous  disregard  of  consequences,  which 
 the  violators  of  this  precept  frequently  discover  ? 
 How  can  they  hide  themselves  in  their  refuges 
 of  lies,  and  vainly  suppose  that  their  sin  is  tri- 
 fling or  excusable,  when  they  hear  this  anathema 
 denounced,  "The  Lord  will  not  hold  them  guilt- 
 less ?"  He  speaks  for  the  very  purpose  of  dis- 
 persing the  illusions  and  rousing  the  fears  of 
 those,  who  cry,  Where  is  the  evil  or  the  danger  ? 
 or  who  suppose  that  they  have  some  plea  to  offer, 
 which  will  arrest  the  arm  of  justice.  The  sen- 
 tence implies, 
 
 j.  That  no  observance  of  other  duties,  no  ami- 
 able qualifications  will  protect  the  offender  from 
 punishment  They  may  secure  him  the  esteem 
 of  men,  who  like  himself  view  the  sin  without 
 abhorrence.  Ke  may  be  respected  for  his  inte- 
 grity and  punctuality  in  all  worldly  transactions, 
 for  his  benevolence  and  chanty,  for  his  exact 
 attendance  upon  the  externals  of  religion:  for 
 these  or  oilier  similar  considerations,  his  profa- 
 nation of  the  sacred  name  may  be  overlooked  and 
 forgiven,  and  his  reputation  may  stand  high  in 
 society;  but  a  different  estimate  is  formed  in  the 
 court  of  heaven,  and  the  righteous  Judge  declares 
 that  his  guilt  remains  upon  him.  No  good 
 works,  which  he  may  plead,  can  possibly  super- 
 sede this  commandment,  can  render  obedience  to 
 it  unnecessary,  or  in  the  least  degree  atone  for  its 
 violation.     We  may  conclude  therefore, 
 
ON  THE  THIUD   COMMANDMENT.  7 1 
 
 2.  That  no  excuses  will  be  admitted.  It  is 
 grievous,  that  men  can  flatter  themselves  with 
 the  hope  of  impunity,  because,  as  they  suppose, 
 they  have  certain  reasons  to  allege  in  their  own 
 vindication.  For  the  practice  of  profane  swear- 
 ing especially,  and  for  the  irreverent  use  of  God's 
 name,  various  pleas  are  assigned,  which  will  not 
 justify  it,  or  at  all  extenuate  the  guilt.  "  It  is 
 but  a  trifle,"  says  one  :  but  that  surely  can  be  no 
 trifle,  which  exposes  the  soul  to  everlasting  mi- 
 sery -}  and  however  you  may  now  be  permitted  to 
 sport  with  "  damnation,"  at  last  you  will  find  it 
 a  very  serious  thing. — A  second  defends  himself 
 on  this  ground,  "  I  mean  no  harm :"  but  what 
 must  be  your  principle,  or  the  state  of  your 
 mind,  when  you  can  fly  in  the  very  face  of  the 
 Almighty,  and  laugh  at  the  denunciations  of  his 
 wrath  ?  Is  there  no  harm  in  contemning  the 
 great  Governor  of  the  universe  ?- — A  third  of- 
 fender declares,  "  I  know  not  when  I  do  it :"  the 
 case  then  is  so  much  the  worse,  as  by  your  own 
 confession  you  are  so  habituated  to  it,  that  the 
 profaneness  of  your  language  escapes  your  own, 
 observation. — Another  pleads,  "  My  temper  is 
 warm,  and,  if  I  swear,  it  is  only  when  I  am  pro- 
 voked to  it*."  it  should  seem  then,  that  you  are 
 carried  away  by  vile  affections ;  your  hearts  are 
 full  of  anger;  and  are  you  authorized  by  the 
 insults  of  your  fellow  creatures  to  affront  your 
 Creator  ? — But  whatever  excuses  you  may  make^ 
 
72  ON  THE  THIRD  COMMANDMENT, 
 
 the  Lord  declares  that  they  will  avail  you  no- 
 thing :  it  is  a  sufficient  reply  to  them  all,  that 
 "  He  will  not  hold  you  guiltless."  It  follows 
 then  in  consequence  of  this  sentence, 
 
 3.  That  sinners  shall  feel  "  the  fierceness  of 
 the  wrath  of  Almighty  God."     It  is  dishonour- 
 able to  his  character  to  imagine,  that  his  threat- 
 enings  are  vain,  and  were  never  intended  to  be 
 executed.     "  Hath  He  said,  and  shall  He  not 
 make  it  good?"  The  impenitent  offender,  whom 
 "  He  will  not  hold  guiltless,"  cannot  possibly 
 escape  with  impunity,  but  shall  suffer  through- 
 out eternity  the  tremendous  effects  of  bis  displea- 
 sure.    O  tremble  for  fear  of  his  judgment,  you 
 who  have  blasphemed  or  despised  Him  !  He  will 
 shortly  vindicate  the  honour  of  that  name,  which 
 you  have  profaned ;  and  then  only  will  be  under- 
 stood the  extent  of  that  "  damnation,"  which 
 you  have  so  madly  called  for  both  upon  your- 
 selves and  others.     May  your  imprecations  be 
 turned  into  prayers !    As  yet  mercy  spares  you, 
 and  may  triumph  in  your  salvation.     O  seize  the 
 favourable  moment,  which  is  allowed  you,  and 
 seek  reconciliation  through  Jesus  Christ,  who  has 
 obtained  it  for  all  them  that  shall  believe  on  him, 
 and  whose  blood  fully  expiates  their  guilt.    How- 
 ever the  law  may  condemn  you,  and  pursue  you 
 with   its   terrors,   the   gospel   proposes   pardon, 
 peace,  and  eternal  life  through  Him  that  "  died 
 
ON  THE  THIRD   COMMANDMENT.  /3 
 
 for  the  ungodly."  For  such  transcendent  grace 
 may  the  name  of  our  God  be  for  ever  admired, 
 praised,  and  glorified  through  Jesus  Christ ! 
 
 Amen, 
 
ESSAY    LXV. 
 
 ON    THE    FOURTH    COMMANDMENT. 
 PART    I. 
 
 A  seventh  portion  of  our  time  is  demanded  for  the 
 immediate  service  of  God.  Such  is  the  institution 
 of  the  sabbath, — our  obligations  to  which  appear, 
 — from  the  light  of  nature, —  especially  from 
 divine  revelation,  —  the  original  appointment  to 
 Adam, — the  fourth  commandment  delivered  to  the 
 Israelites, — the  instructions  and  reproofs  of  the 
 prophets, — the  change  of  the  day  introduced  in  the 
 nezv  testament,  and  continued  by  the  Church. — 
 The  devout  observance  recommended  from  its  be- 
 neficial effects,  and  its  necessary  connection  with 
 true  religion. 
 
 1  hat  we  were  created  for  the  service  and  glory 
 of  God,  is  an  incontrovertible  axiom  in  religion. 
 To  these  grand  purposes  all  our  time  and  facul- 
 ties should  be  devoted,  and  all  our  plans  rendered 
 subservient.  Such  is  our  duty  to  God,  as  we  are 
 taught  in  the  catechism, — "  to  serve  Him  truly 
 all  the  days  of  our  life." 
 
 Man  indeed  is  so  constituted,  that  he  must 
 necessarily  bestcw  much  attention  upon  temporal 
 
ON  THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT.  75 
 
 affairs :  he  can  spend  but  little  of  his  time  com- 
 paratively in  the  immediate  service  of  his  Creator. 
 But  even  in  the  lower  concerns  of  this  world  he 
 should  possess  a  spiritual  mind,  prosecute  the 
 duties  of  his  calling,  and  transact  every  business 
 with  a  supreme  regard  to  the  divine  will.  Occu- 
 pied  as  we  may  be  in  providing  for  the  body, 
 there  is  no  day  when  we  are  at  liberty  to  forget 
 God,  or  totally  neglect  his  worship.  But  in  ad- 
 dition to  those  hours,  wdiich  every  man  may  and 
 should  select  for  private  devotion,  it  hath  pleased 
 God  to  demand  a  certain  portion  of  our  time, 
 that  is,  one  day  in  seven,  to  be  separated  from 
 all  common  uses,  and  devoted  to  himself  by  all 
 persons  without  exception.  Such  is  the  appoint- 
 ment of  a  Sabbath :  a  most  wise  and  merciful 
 appointment  we  must  acknowledge  it  to  be. 
 
 This  is  the  subject  of  the  fourth  command- 
 ment; than  which  there  can  be  no  consideration 
 more  important,  in  the  whole  extent  of  practical 
 religion.  "  Remember  the  sabbath  day  to 
 keep  it  holy.  slx  days  shalt  thou  la- 
 bour, and  do  all  thy  work*.  but  the  se^ 
 venth  day  is  the  sabbath  op  the  lord 
 thy  God:  in  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any 
 work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy  daugh- 
 ter, thy  man-servant,  nor  thy  maid-ser- 
 vant, nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger 
 
 THAT  IS  WITHIN  THY  GATES.  For  IN  SIX 
 days    the    Lord    MADE    HEAVEN  AND  EARTIL, 
 
70       on  the  fourth  commandment. 
 
 the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and 
 rested  the  seventh  day*.  wherefore  the 
 Lord  elessed  the  sabbath  day,  and  hal- 
 lowed it."  We  shall  enquire  into  the  princi- 
 ples of  this  law,  and  its  general  obligations  upon 
 ourselves.  Whatever  there  might  be  peculiar  to 
 the  Jewish  institution,  we  shall  point  out  what 
 duties  are  incumbent  upon  Christians:  we  shall 
 prove  that  the  observation  of  a  sabbath  is  perpe- 
 tually and  universally  binding.  Various  consi- 
 derations may  be  suggested,  which  may  excite  a 
 more  serious  and  devout  attention  to  the  sacred 
 day,  and  induce  us  to  consider  its  sanctification 
 &s  a  high  privilege,  and  not  a  rigorous  injunc- 
 tion. 
 
 I.  The  light  of  nature  discovers  the  expediency 
 'and  advantage  of  the  appointment.  We  may 
 argue  upon  the  principles  of  reason,  that  the 
 Maker  and  Preserver  of  all  things  ought  to  be 
 worshipped  by  his  intelligent  creatures ;  that 
 men  of  the  same  society,  receiving  common  mer- 
 cies from  him.  and  all  equally  dependent  upon 
 him,  should  join  together  to  acknowledge  their 
 obligations,  and  call  upon  him  with  united  praise 
 and  supplication.  Who  will  deny,  that  this  is 
 "  our  reasonable  service  ?"  But  how  can  public 
 worship  be  maintained,  unless  some  stated  times 
 be  set  apart  for  the  purpose,  and  all  persons,  by 
 common  consent,  or  rather  by  authoritative  in- 
 junction, totally  abstain  from  labour  and  secular 
 
ON  THE  FOURTH   COMMANDMENT,  77 
 
 employments  ?  If  there  be  no  such  abstraction 
 from  the  affairs  of  the  world.,  few  will  find  lei- 
 sure or  inclination  for  attending  religious  assem- 
 blies. Except  some  particular  season  be  ap- 
 pointed and  generally  known,  there  will  not  be 
 that  agreement  and  concurrence,  which  are  ne- 
 cessary to  secure  the  end.  To  day  may  be  con- 
 venient to  some,  but  to  morrow  will  better  suit 
 the  circumstances  of  others.  Without  an  uni- 
 versal cessation  of  business,  vast  numbers  must 
 be  so  occupied,  as  effectually  to.  exclude  them 
 from  the  public  services  of  religion,  and  to  unfit 
 them  for  that  work  by  totally  engrossing  their 
 minds  with  worldly  cares. 
 
 But  though  reason  may  point  out  the  expe- 
 dience of  consecrating  certain  seasons  to  the  du- 
 ties of  piety,  in  which  all  should  be  required  to 
 agree,  it  does  not  determine,  how  often  those 
 seasons  should  return.  It  cannot  say  with  autho- 
 rity, that  one  day  in  seven  shall  be  sanctified  to 
 the  Lord ;  but  it  cannot  condemn  the  plan,  nay, 
 it  must  highly  approve  it,  when  proposed.  It 
 would  direct,  that  our  sabbaths  should  not  return 
 so  often,  as  to  cause  a  total  subversion  or  inju- 
 rious interruption  of  business,  and  yet  that  they 
 should  be  so  frequent  as  to  preserve  in  the  soul 
 a  lively  sense  of  our  dependence  upon  God,  and 
 to  invigorate  the  affections  in  his  service.  The 
 institution  we  are  considering  is  of  that  very  sort. 
 May  we  not  make  the  appeal  to  candid  enquirers, 
 
78  OX  THE  FOUIITH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 Do  you  not  find  it  requisite  that  your  attention 
 should  be  called  off  from  temporal  to  spiritual 
 concerns,  at  least  for  one  day  in  seven  ?  If  the  call 
 were  more  rarely  given,  would  it  answer  the  end  ? 
 Or  is  the  time,  so  proposed  to  be  allotted  to  de- 
 votion, an  undue  proportion  ?  Is  it  too  large  a 
 sacrifice  to  be  made  -to  the  Lord  of  the  whole 
 universe,  by  whom  and  for  whom  you  were  cre- 
 ated, and  from  whom  you  have  received  your  all  ? 
 You  would  not  be  so  ungrateful  as  to  assert  it. 
 Jf  then  you  object  to  the  sanctifieation  of  the 
 sabbath,  you  are  convicted  of  impiety  by  the 
 plainest  principles  of  reason.  You  are  con- 
 demned by  the  practice  of  the  heathens,  who 
 consecrated  days  and  weeks-  together  to  the  wor- 
 ship of  their  foolish  deities,  whilst  you,  with  pre- 
 tences of  superior  wisdom  and  goodness,  refuse 
 so  small  a  portion  of  your  time  for  the  adoration 
 of  the  ever  blessed  Jehovah,  and  for  your  own 
 spiritual  improvement.  Would  you  divide  your 
 time  into  Decads?  and  think  one  day  in  ten 
 sufficient  for  religious  purposes  ?  It  is  probable, 
 that  with  your  dispositions  you  would  complain 
 of  such  an  appointment,  and  account  even  one 
 day  in  twenty,  so  spent,  a  heavy  grievance  and 
 imposition.  What  can  we  do  better  than  abide 
 by  those  limits,  which  God  himself  hath  affixed  ? 
 II.  Our  obligations  to  observe  the  sabbath  are 
 placed  in  the  strongest  light  by  divine  revelation. 
 The  point  is  not  left  at  large,  or  submitted  to 
 
 7 
 
ON  THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT.  70 
 
 every  man's  choice.  The  will  and  the  command 
 of  God  are  clear  and  explicit,  having  been  de- 
 clared "  at  sundry  times  and  in  divers  manners." 
 We  discover  the  origin  of  the  sabbath  in  man's 
 primeval  state  of  innocence,  immediately  upon 
 his  creation.  "  On  the  seventh  day  God  ended 
 his  work  which  he  had  made  ;  and  he  rested  on 
 the  seventh  day  from  all  his  work  which  he  had 
 made.  And  God  blessed  the  seventh  day,  and 
 sanctified  it  t  because  that  in  it  he  had  rested 
 from  all  his  work,  which  God  created  and 
 made5*."  The  precept  was  express,  that  man 
 should  consecrate  a  seventh  part  of  his  time  to 
 the  service  of  Jehovah :  and  it  was  needful  for 
 his  spiritual  improvement,  even  before  his  fall, 
 that  so  much  attention  should  be  given  to  devo- 
 tional exercises,  and  holy  contemplation.  Hag 
 the  precept  been  repealed  ?  Has  the  reason  of  is 
 ceased  ?  Are  not  the  works  of  creation  still  wor- 
 thy to  be  admired  and  celebrated  ?  Or  on  what 
 ground  is  it  unnecessary  now  to  lay  aside  our 
 secular  employments  for  a  season,  that  we  may 
 be  more  entirely  occupied  in  praising  the  great 
 Former  of  all  things,  and  cultivating  an  inter- 
 course with  Him  ?  Is  such  an  observance  incon- 
 sistent with  the  liberty  of  the  gospel  ?  How  then 
 did  it  comport  with  the  circumstances  of  Adam 
 in  paradise  ?    Or  who  will  assert,  that  wre  have, 
 
 *  Genesis  ii.  %  3. 
 
to  ON  THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT* 
 
 less  need  of  a  sabbath,  than  he  had  in  his  uncor- 
 rupted  state  ? 
 
 The  institution,  then,  of  a  day  of  sacred  rest 
 existed  from  the  beginning.  We  trace  it  even 
 through  the  different  nations  of  the  Pagan  world, 
 in  the  custom  which  has  -almost  invariably  pre- 
 vailed of  dividing  time  into  weeks,  or  periods  of 
 seven  days.  To  their  months  and  years  they 
 have  assigned  different  lengths,  but  in  this  par- 
 tition they  have  generally  agreed,  and  with  many 
 of  them  one  day  in  seven  has  been  observed  as  a 
 festival  or  religious  solemnity.  Most  probably 
 the  original  appointment  of  a  sabbath  laid  the 
 foundation  for  it :  the  memorial,  though  cor- 
 rupted, was  thus  transmitted  through  succeeding 
 ages,  and  dispersed  throughout  the  world. 
 
 We  hesitate  not  to  conclude,  that  it  was  de- 
 voutly regarded  by  all  the  ancient  saints  and  pa- 
 triarchs, though,  in  the  very  short  account  which 
 is  given  of  their  habits  and  practices,  the  inspired 
 historian  has  not  adverted  to  this  point.  When 
 he  introduces  the  mention  of  it  to  the  Israelites 
 in  the  wilderness,  before  the  delivery  of  the  law, 
 he  speaks  of  it  as  a  custom  generally  recognized 
 among  them ;  "  This  is  that  which  the  Lord 
 hath  said,  To  morrow  is  the  rest  of  the  holy  sab- 
 bath unto  the  Lord  * :"  and  in  the  fourth  com- 
 mandment, wherein  the  duty  is  so  clearly  ascer- 
 
 *  Exodus  xvi.  23. 
 
ON  THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT.  §1 
 
 tained  and  strongly  enforced,  it  is  not  brought 
 forward  as  a  new  or  an  occasional  appointment* 
 but  as  well  known  and  of  standing  obligation, 
 <c  Remember  the  sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy." 
 Men  are  prone  to  forget  what  they  owe  to  God, 
 and  therefore  this  precept  was  intended  to  remind 
 them  of  what  He  had  before  required,  and  would 
 continue  to  require  to  the  end  of  time. 
 
 The  importance  and  authority  of  the  injunc- 
 tion might  be  concluded  from  these  circum- 
 stances :  it  formed  a  part  of  the  sacred  code  ; — it 
 was  delivered  by  Jehovah  with  solemn  pomp  and 
 majesty  from  mount  Sinai ; — it  contains  nothing 
 peculiar  to  the  Jews,  was  not  enrolled  among 
 their  rites  and  ceremonies,  but  joined  with  those 
 moral  duties,  which  are  of  universal  and  un- 
 changeable obligation,  engraven  upon  stone  as 
 they  were  by  the  finger  of  God.  For  He  that 
 said,  and  He  that  wrote,  ic  Thou  shalt  not  kill," 
 in  the  very  same  manner  enacted  this  statute* 
 "  Remember  the  sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy.'* 
 Who  shall  presume,  that  the  transgressor  of  the 
 one,  and  not  of  the  other,  may  escape  with  impu- 
 nity ?  The  Lord  commanded,  that  "  the  man, 
 who  had  gathered  sticks  upon  the  sabbath  day, 
 should  surely  be  put  to  death  V  There  was  no 
 one  duty,  which  the  inspired  prophets  more  stre- 
 nuously enforced  than  the  sanctification  of  the 
 
 *  Numbers  xv.  32— 36, 
 VOL.  III.  G 
 
82  ON  THE  FOURTH   COMMANDMENT, 
 
 sacred  rest ;  and  the  violation  of  it  they  threatened 
 with  the  severest  judgments,  putting  it  on  a  level 
 with  adultery,  dishonesty,  idolatry,  and  murder  *. 
 They  taught  the  people,  that  this  institution  was 
 given  to  them  as  a  high  privilege,  to  be  improved 
 for  noblest  purposes  ;•  that  it  was  committed  to 
 them  by  special  favour,  as  a  valuable  deposit,  to 
 be  carefully  guarded  and  transmitted  to  posterity; 
 that  it  was  to  be  considered  as  "  a  sign"  of  God's 
 gracious  regard  to  them,  and  to  be  maintained  as 
 "  a  sign"  of  their  relation  and  devotedness  to 
 Him.  Is  it  of  less  significance  or  moment  to  us, 
 than  it  was  to  them  ? 
 
 A  notion,  however,  has  prevailed,  that  it  is 
 abolished  in  the  new  testament.     The  inference 
 is  as  false,  as  it  is  dangerous.     Our  Lord  reproved 
 the  hypocritical  scrupulosity  of  the  scribes  and 
 pharisees,  who  were  influenced  by  the  vilest  tem- 
 pers, and  pursuing  the  most  iniquitous  purposes, 
 .  while  they  pretended  a  high  regard  for  the  holy 
 day.  He  spake  not  one  word  to  derogate  from  its 
 authority,  or  to  discourage  its  proper  and  devout 
 observance,  though  he  shewed  that  works  of  ne- 
 cessity, piety,  and  charity,  are  not  inconsistent, 
 with  it,  and  were  never  forbidden.     He  has  gra- 
 ciously assured  us,  that  He  will  have  mercy  ra- 
 ther than  sacrifice:   Where  the  two  are  incom- 
 patible, the  former  must  be  preferred ;  but  where 
 
 *  See  Jeremiah  xvii.  and  Ezeluel  xx. 
 
ON  THE  FOUKTH  COMMANDMENT.  83 
 
 they  do  not  interfere  with  each  other,  the  latter 
 is  absolutely  required,  as  the  appointment  of  hea- 
 ven. Hunger  may  be  satisfied,  the  sheep  and 
 the  oxen  may  be  fed  and  rescued  from  perishing, 
 the  labour  requisite  for  the  celebration  of  divine 
 ordinances  may  be  sustained,  the  infirm  and  the 
 diseased  may  be  attended,  and  means  used  for 
 their  recovery*.  These  allowances  amount  not 
 to  an  abolition  of  the  precept :  they  leave  it  in 
 full  force. 
 
 The  Jewish  dispensation,  as  such,  is  no  longer 
 binding.  The  gospel  has  released  us  from  the 
 ceremonial  law :  and  had  the  sabbath  been  a  mere 
 ritual  observance,  like  many  of  those  typical 
 forms  and  ordinances,  which  that  law  enjoined, 
 it  might  be  considered  as  altogether  abrogated. 
 We  will  add,  as  far  as  it  was  attended  with  any 
 circumstances  of  rigour  peculiar  to  the  Jews,  it 
 may  be  neglected:  but  let  not  a  strict  attention  to 
 religious  duties  throughout  the  day  be  derided  as 
 an  obsolete  ordinance,  or  as  needless  austerity. 
 
 We  conceive  that  we  fulfil  the  spirit,  if  not 
 the  very  letter,  of  the  commandment,  in  conse- 
 crating to  God  the  first  and  not  the  seventh  day 
 of  the  week.  The  christian  sabbath,  agreeably 
 to  the  original  institution,  sets  apart  a  seventh 
 portion  of  our  time,  or  one  Gay  in  seven  con- 
 
 *  Matt.  xii.  1— -13.       Luke  vi.  1,  &c.       xiii.  14—16. 
 John  vii.  22,  23. 
 G    2 
 
$4         ox  the  fourth  commandment. 
 
 stantly  returning  after  six  days  of  labour :  and 
 we  believe  that  the  arguments  for  the  alteration 
 oi  the  day  are  strong  and  unanswerable.  We 
 read  of  no  express  precept  for  the  change ;  but  it 
 seems  to  have  been  designed  by  Jesus  Christ, 
 who  is  "  Lord  of  the  sabbath*/'  and  introduced 
 by  his  apostles  according  to  his  directions.  What 
 other  reason  can  we  give  for  his  followers  con- 
 stantly meeting  after  his  death  upon  the  first  day, 
 which  thenceforth  became  the  favoured  season 
 for  all  their  religious  assemblies,  and  for  the 
 public  administration  of  ordinances  ?  For  the  si- 
 lence of  the  apostles  upon  this  subject,  it  may  be 
 sufficient  to  allege,  that  they  would  speak  and  act 
 with  caution,  on  account  of  the  strong  attach- 
 ment of  the  Jews  to  their  ancient  custom,  and 
 therefore  that  it  was  intended  gradually  to  recon- 
 cile them  to  the  change. 
 
 The  first  day  of  the  week  was  sanctified,  when 
 a  greater  work  than  that  of  creation  was  finished, 
 by  our  Lord's  rising  from  the  dead.  That  day 
 J7e  most  of  all  delighted  to  honour,  and  he  hath 
 blessed  it  above  all  other  days.  On  that  day  he 
 repeated  his  gracious  visits  to  his  disciples  after 
 his  resurrection,  and  sent1  down  upon  them  ac- 
 cording to  his  promise,  the  miraculous  effusion 
 of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Thus  additional  reasons  are 
 given  us  for  the  devout  observance  of  the  chris* 
 
 *  Mark  ii.  2$. 
 
ON  THE  FOURTH   COMMANDMENT.  85 
 
 tian  sabbath,  and  fresh  subjects  of  infinite  mo- 
 ment are  furnished  for  our  contemplation  in  the 
 improvement  of  the  sacred  day.  Shall  we  not  be 
 cheered  and  animated  by  the  remembrance  of  the 
 completion  of  the  Saviour's  work  in  rising  from 
 the  dead,  and  of  the  Spirit's  condescension  in  the 
 rich  communications  of  his  grace  ?  Who  will 
 refuse  to  testify  his  gratitude,  by  consecrating  the 
 day  to  such  purposes  as  these  ? 
 
 What  has  been  the  general  practice  of  the 
 christian  church  ?  For  if  it  shall  appear  that  the 
 first  day  of  the  week  has  been  observed  as  the 
 season  of  holy  rest,  without  interruption  from 
 our  Lord's  resurrection  to  the  present  time,  this 
 will  amount  to  a  satisfactory  proof  that  it  was  the 
 design  and  appointment  of  Christ:  and  of  the 
 fact  we  have  decisive  evidence.  The  disciples 
 were  solemnly  assembled  together  on  the  first 
 day,  when  their  risen  Lord  presented  himself  in 
 the  midst  of  them  ;  and  precisely  the  same  cir- 
 cumstance occurred  on  the  next  return  of  the 
 day*.  The  believers  at  Troas,  we  are  told, 
 w  came  together  upon  the  first  day  of  the  week 
 to  break  bread,"  that  is,  to  receive  the  holy  com- 
 munion, "  and  Paul  preached  unto  them  f:"  we 
 infer  therefore,  this  was  their  usual  sabbath.    The 
 
 4 
 
 same  conclusion  we  draw  from  the  custom  of  the 
 Corinthians,    whose    religious   assemblies   were 
 
 *  John  xx.  19,  26.  f  Acts  xx.  /. 
 
86  ON  THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 held,  and  whose  charitable  contributi6ns  for  the 
 poor  were  made,  on  that  day*.  And  when  St. 
 John  declares,  "  I  was  in  the  Spirit  on  the 
 Lord's  DAYf,"  we  learn  that  it  was  the  season 
 he  had  set  apart  for  devotional  duties;  dignified 
 by  that  new  and  honourable  name,  as  the  day 
 which  his  Lord  had  blessed,  and  which  was 
 thenceforth  to  be  consecrated  to  Him, 
 
 Shall  we  not  venerate  and  sanctify  the  day, 
 which  was  held  in  such  high  estimation  by  the 
 apostles  and  first  christians  ?  Or  is  it  likely,  that 
 we  should  be  better  acquainted  with  the  mind  of 
 Christ,  than  they  were  ?  Let  us  not  presume  to 
 set  up  an  opinion  in  opposition  to  their's.  That 
 their  practice  has  been  transmitted  to  us,  through 
 the  different  ages  of  the  church,  will  not  admit 
 of  a  question,  if  the  records  of  history  are  allowed 
 to  have  any  weight.  We  consider  it,  then,  as 
 the  Lord's  appointment.  He  hath  given  his  tes- 
 timony to  it,  having  blessed  it  for  the  propaga- 
 tion of  his  gospel,  the  enlargement  of  his  king- 
 dom, the  comfort  and  edification  of  his  people. 
 How  great  is  our  encouragement,  how  indispen- 
 sable our  obligation,  to  keep  holy  this  day  of  thq 
 Lord  ! 
 
 III.  The  observation  of  the  christian  sabbath 
 may  be  enforced  from  its  beneficial  effects,  and 
 from  its  necessary  connection  with  true  religion. 
 
 *  1  Cor.  xvi.  2.  f  Rev.  I  10. 
 
ON  THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT.  87 
 
 Who  will  not  allow,  that  it  is  a  merciful  provision 
 c<  made  for  man  *,"  and  wisely  adapted  to  his 
 circumstances  ?  It  gives  relief  to  the  weary  la- 
 bourer, by  commanding  him  to  rest,  that  his 
 strength  may  not  be  exhausted.  It  is  calculated 
 to  restrain  the  evil  that  is  in  the  world,  and  to 
 raise  the  soul  from  earth  to  heaven.  It  is  expe- 
 dient, and  absolutely  requisite,  in  a  political  view: 
 for  what  can  be  better  contrived  to  reform  the 
 nation,  and  to  secure  the  peace  and  good  order 
 of  the  community  ?  Our  legislators  therefore 
 acted  with  consummate  prudence  as  well  as  piety, 
 in  framing  statutes  for  the  devout  observance  of 
 the  Lord's  day :  and  those,  who  resist  the  execu- 
 tion of  these  laws,  and  would  break  down  that 
 grand  bulwark  of  morality,  are  the  greatest  ene- 
 mies of  their  country;  for  they  would  introduce 
 confusion  and  anarchy,  and  degrade  us  to  a  state 
 of  gross  ignorance  and  barbarism. 
 
 But  consider  the  appointment  in  a  religious 
 view :  it  is  unspeakably  important.  How  much 
 is  the  honour  of  God  concerned  in  it !  Give  up 
 or  make  light  of  the  sabbatah,  and  what  do  you 
 but  say,  that  the  authority  of  the  Almighty  need 
 not  be  regarded,  that  his  ordinances  may  be  aban- 
 doned, that  the  ministration  of  the  gospel  may 
 cease  ?  Such  consequences  must  follow,  and  are 
 they  not  most  devoutly  to  be  dreaded  ?  For  they 
 
 *  Mark  ii.  27. 
 
S8  ON  THE  FOURTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 would  banish  the  knowledge  and  the  love  of  God 
 out  of  the  world.  But  let  the  day  of  the  Lord 
 be  honoured,  and  his  temples  seriously  attended, 
 then  may  we  hope  that  his  work  will  be  revived 
 among  us,  and  his  word  of  truth  and  righteous- 
 ness "  run  and  be  glorified. " 
 
 Is  not  your  own  spiritual  welfare,  and  even 
 your  salvation  itself  involved  in  this  matter? 
 >u  a  sabbaih,  to  say  no  worse,  your  tern- 
 .  lS  >uld  engross  all  your  thoughts.  an,p! 
 
 :;..  the  worship  of  God  and  your  eternal 
 
 concerns  would  be  forgotten.  Is  the  divine  life 
 to  be  maintained  without  the  means  of  grace  ? 
 Or  do  you  stand  in  no  need  of  those  means,  to 
 increase  your  knowledge,  faith,  hope,  and  love, 
 to  enliven  your  affections,  and  animate  your  ex- 
 ertions in  your  progress  towards  heaven  ?  If  you 
 dislike  the  service  of  God  upon  earth,  of  which 
 the  sanctification  of  the  sabbath  forms  an  essen- 
 tial part,  how  will  you  relish  it  above?  Or  if  you 
 cannot  now  spare  one  day  in  seven  for  this  pur- 
 pose, how  will  you  be  meet  to  spend  an  eternity 
 in  admiring  and  blessing  God  ?  If  then  we  see 
 you  contemptuously  neglecting  the  duty  we  are 
 inculcating,  wc  do  not  hesitate  to  conclude  that 
 you  are  totally  destitute  of  real  piety,  and  in  dan- 
 ger of  everlasting  perdition. 
 
 But  were  it  possible  that  your  own  salvation 
 could  be  secured  without  any  serious  regard  to 
 the  Lord's  day,  you  would  be  the  worst  enemies 
 
 7 
 
ON  THE  FOURTH   COMMANDMENT.  gg 
 
 of  your  species,  in  leading  men  to  despise  it.  By 
 your  example  and  influence  you  are  teaching 
 them  to  forsake  those  means,  which  might  esta- 
 blish them  in  peace  and  holiness,  anu  alluring 
 them  into  the  paths  of  error,  wickedness,  and 
 ruin.  How  many  malefactors,  dying  by  the  hand 
 of  justice,  have  declared  that  they  began  their 
 mad  career  of  sin  by  the  profanation  of  the  sab- 
 bath, and  have  ascribed  their  destruction  to  this 
 cause  !  Be  afraid  of  being  accessary  to  the  dam- 
 nation of  others.  Recommend  to  them  the  de- 
 vout observance  of  the  holy  day,  and  an  attention 
 to  the  word  of  grace,  which  may  be  effectual,  to 
 save  them  for  ever.  Such  instances,  we  trust,  of 
 the  divine  blessing  upon  this  sacred  institution 
 are  not  few  or  doubtful. 
 
 Attempts  have  been  made  by  certain  philoso- 
 phizing infidels  in  a  neighbouring  nation,  to 
 abolish  the  very  remembrance  of  the. sabbath,  in 
 order  to  exterminate  Christianity.  Their  plan 
 could  not  possibly  succeed;  but  they  acted  wisely 
 in  an  unrighteous  cause;  and  so  far  we  accede  to 
 their  judgment,  that  the  existence  of  our  religion 
 depends  on  the  continued  observation  of  God's 
 blessed  day.  We  fear  that  we  are  approaching 
 to  the  revolutionary  madness  of  France  in  dese- 
 crating the  sabbath.  Alas  !  to  what  a  degree  of 
 profaneness  in  this  respect  have  we  now  arrived! 
 and  what  tremendous  consequences  may  we  not 
 expect  from  this  growing  evil  !  Is  there  no  one 
 to  stand  in  the  gap  ?    Is  there  none  to  plead  the 
 
90  ON  THE  FOUKTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 cause  of  God  and  his  day?  Where  is  the  zeal  of 
 our  fathers  ?  We  will  add,  Where  is  there  any 
 true  patriotism  to  be  found  ? 
 
 Let  the  season,  then,  which  God  claims  as  his 
 own,  be  honoured  and  improved,  as  it  ought. 
 Incalculable  blessings  will  follow  from  such  a 
 conduct.  The  examples  of  all  the  saints  of  God, 
 whose  names  are  precious  in  the  church,  and 
 "  who  through  faith  and  patience  are  now  inhe- 
 riting the  promises,"  should  instruct  and  animate 
 us  in  the  performance  of  this  duty.  For  thus 
 they  attained  their  eminence,  and  finished  their 
 course  with  joy.  And  what  is  the  character, 
 what  the  testimony  of  living  men,  who  are  most 
 worthy  of  our  deference  and  imitation  ?  Do  not 
 the  most  holy  and  useful  persons,  who  evidently 
 feel  and  manifest  most  of  the  power  of  godliness, 
 pay  the  most  scrupulous  regard  to  this  duty? 
 Would  they  not  unite  in  exhorting  us,  "  Re- 
 member the  sabbath  day,  to  keep  it  holy?" 
 Would  they  not  bear  witness,  that  it  is  their 
 most  delightful  season,  precious  above  all  other 
 days,  as  bringing  them  nearest  to  God ;  and  that 
 on  its  due  improvement  depends  their  spiritual 
 progress  for  the  succeeding  week  ?  Let  us  con- 
 sider, then,  how  much  is  to  be  done:  what  evils 
 to  be  avoided,  what  holy  watchfulness  and  dili- 
 gence to  be  used  !  Nor  let  us  cease  to  pray  for 
 that  grace,  which  alone  can  enable  us  to  yield 
 an  unfeigned  and  persevering  obedience  to  this 
 commandment. 
 
ESSAY   LXVI. 
 
 {JN   THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT, 
 PART   II. 
 
 *Fke  sabbath,  signifying  rest,  requires  us  to  ab- 
 stain from  ordinary  oc  cup  at  mis, — and  from  common 
 amusements. — Various  excuses  obviated, — The  day 
 is  to  be  sanctified  by  positive  duties, — in  our  public 
 asse??iblies, — in  our  families, — and  in  retirement* 
 
 c  This  is  the  love  of  God,  that  we  keep  liis 
 commandments :  and  his  commandments  are  not 
 grievous  *."  The  truth  of  the  remark  is  particu- 
 larly obvious  in  the  present  subject.  Who,  that 
 possesses  the  least  measure  of  divine  love,  will 
 ever  complain  of  the  appointment  of  a  sabbath  ? 
 Who  sees  not,  that  it  is  admirably  calculated  to 
 advance  the  glory  of  our  Creator,  and  our  own 
 present  peace  as  well  as  our  spiritual  and  eternal 
 interests  ?  Why  then  is  it  so  generally  disregarded 
 and  despised?  While  asserting  the  honour  of 
 the  sacred  day,  we  must  point  out  the  numerous 
 
 *  J  John  v.  3. 
 
9r2  ON  THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 instances  of  its  profanation.  We  must  mourn 
 over  the  folly,  the  impiety,  the  danger  of  trans- 
 gressors, and  exhort  all  persons,  professing  any 
 sense  of  religion,  to  a  conscientious  and  vigorous 
 discharge  of  their  duty.  * 
 
 The  word  sabbath  signifies  rest;  and  the 
 holy  day  is  so  called,  because  the  Lord  then 
 <c  rested"  from  his  work  of  creation.  To  keep 
 the  sabbath  is  to  "  rest"  after  his  example:  and  in 
 this  view  of  the  subject  let  us  consider  our 
 obligations. 
 
 1.  We  should  abstain  from  our  ordinary  oc- 
 cupations. If  the  day  is  to  be  sanctified,  what- 
 ever is  incompatible  with  that  great  end,  should 
 as  far  as  possible  be  suspended  and  laid  aside  for 
 the  time.  The  general  business  of  the  world, 
 the  works  and  cares  of  our  common  callings,  are 
 of  this  kind  ;  from  which  therefore  there  should 
 be  a  total  cessation.  If  a  licence  may  be  given 
 to  some  persons  to  follow  their  usual  employ- 
 ments, or  if  some  part  of  the  day  may  be  devoted 
 to  these  purposes,  where  shall  we  draw  the  line? 
 Will  not  a  door  be  opened  for  an  universal  vio- 
 lation of  the  command  ?  The  direction  is  ex- 
 press :  "  Six  days  shalt  thou  labour^  and  do  all  thy 
 work :  but  the  seventh  day  is  the  sabbath  of  the 
 Lord  thy  God:  in  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work/* 
 You  are  forbidden  in  like  manner  to  employ  your 
 children,  your  servants,  your  cattle,  or  your 
 strangers.      Thus   also  saith   the   Lord  by  his 
 
ON  THE  FOURTH   COMMANDMENT.  §5 
 
 prophet,  in  explanation  of  the  duty,  "  Thou 
 shalt  turn  away  thy  foot  from  the  sabbath,  from 
 doing  thy  pleasure  on  my  holy  day,  and  call  the 
 sabbath  a  delight,  the  holy  of  the  Lord,  honour- 
 able, and  shalt  honour  Him,  not  doing  thine  own 
 ways,  nor  finding  thine  own  pleasure,  nor  speak- 
 ing thine  own  words  *." 
 
 Let  us  bring  our  conduct  under  examination., 
 and  enquire  whether  we  have  fulfilled  the  law  in 
 the  extent  described.  Have  we  done  it,  even  in 
 outward  things?  Have  we  carefully  abstained 
 from  worldly  transactions,  as  well  as  from  manual 
 labour,  on  the  day  of  sacred  rest?  Many  do  not 
 scruple  to  "  buy,  and  sell,  and  get  gain,"  when- 
 ever the  temptation  is  offered ;  and  they  do  it 
 openly,  in  the  face  of  the  sun,  in  contempt  and 
 defiance  both  of  human  and  of  divine  authority. 
 You  may  find  admission  into  the  shop  and  the 
 warehouse ;  you  may  procure  the  assistance  of 
 the  labourer  and  the  artist,  and  purchase  every 
 article  of  merchandize.  But  whether  you  offer 
 to  buy  or  consent  to  sell,  you  are  equally  guilty 
 of  despising  the  commandment :  or  rather,  the 
 man,  who  proposes  to  buy,  is  the  most  guilty,  as 
 he  holds  out  a  bribe.,  and  tempts  his  neighbour 
 to  transgress.  You  are  also  accessary  to  the  sin 
 of  your  servants  and  dependents,  by  keeping  back 
 their  wages  from  them  in  the  preceding  part  of 
 
 ■'  Isaiah  Iviii.  J 3. 
 
94*  ON  THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 the  week,  and  thus  compelling  them  to  seek  out 
 for  their  necessary  provisions  on  this  day.  The 
 paying  and  receiving  of  money  is  as  inconsistent 
 with  the  sanctification  of  the  sabbath,  as  the  la- 
 bour of  the  body:  it  more  effectually  detaches  the 
 mind  from  spiritual  things. 
 
 Many,  who  have  withheld  their  hands  from 
 work,  and  have  made  no  pecuniary  contracts, 
 have  yet  occupied  themselves  or  their  servants  in 
 delivering  out  their  goods.  Their  offence  is  ex- 
 actly similar.  Thus  also  the  duties  of  religion 
 are  thrust  out,  and  the  holy  season  allotted  to 
 them  is  desecrated  by  giving  orders,  writing  let- 
 ters of  business,  and  settling  accounts.  Yet  num- 
 bers purposely  contrive  to  transact  these  matters 
 on  that  day,  that  they  may  save  time.  This  is  a 
 most  daring  robbery  of  God.  They  will  not  so 
 interrupt  the  secular  employment  of  other  days, 
 but  in  their  estimation  the  worship  of  God  is  of 
 little  consequence,  and  therefore  they  grudge  the 
 time  which  He  claims  for  that  purpose,  and  steal 
 a  part  of  it  at  least  for  the  arrangement  of  their 
 own  temporal  affairs.  The  case  is  the  same  with 
 travelling,  which,  as  our  public  roads  and  inns 
 declare,  is  become  shamefully  prevalent.  Very 
 many  make  this  their  convenient  day,  which  they 
 generally  study  to  take  into  their  journeys,  as  if 
 they  should  otherwise  be  at  a  loss  to  employ  ir> 
 and  thought  the  sacred  service  a  weariness  and 
 a  burden.     This   system   of  Sunday  travelling 
 
ON   THE  FOURTH   COMMANDMENT.  Q5 
 
 produces  much  mischief  and  sin  in  various  ways: 
 many  are  occupied  by  it^  and  precluded  from  all 
 devotional  duties  ; — it  exhibits  a  dangerous  and 
 destructive  example  : — it  employs  cattle  and  ser- 
 vants, for  whom  also  the  rest  was  intended,  as 
 well  as  for  their  masters. — -With  the  same  con- 
 tempt of  God,  there  are  those  who  trifle  away 
 his  day  in  adorning  or  pampering  their  bodies, 
 and  engage  the  time  and  attention  of  others  in 
 promoting  those  idle  purposes.  Who  can  say,  I 
 sim  clear  in  this  matter  ? 
 
 But  if  in  any  of  these  ways  you  are  spendrng 
 the  whole  or  a  part  of  the  consecrated  season,  is 
 it  possible  that  your  minds  can  be  occupied  in  a 
 way  at  all  consistent  with  the  nature  and  design 
 of  the  institution  ?  Though  you  may  not  be  pre- 
 vented from  attending  on  divine  service,  yet  your 
 thoughts  and  affections  must  be  drawn  off  from 
 God,  on  whom  they  should  be  fixed  with  con- 
 stancy and  ardour.  You  may  carry  the  world 
 with  you  to  the  church :  upon  your  bended 
 knees,  and  with  words  of  prayer  in  your  mouths, 
 you  may  be  reviewing  the  transactions  of  the  past 
 week,  or  laying  your  schemes  for  the  next.  Can 
 this  be  an  acceptable  sacrifice  to  Him,  who  in 
 the  first  place  claims  your  hearts,  and  for  that 
 purpose  chiefly  commands  you  to  cease  from  bo- 
 dily labour,  that  you  may  give  yourselves  more 
 entirely  to  Him  ? 
 
 2.  We  should  abstain  from  common  amuse- 
 
96        on  the  fourth  commandment* 
 
 ments.  These  are  more  unsuitable  to  the  day, 
 than  the  ordinary  work  of  the  hands,  because  in 
 a  far  greater  degree  they  occupy  and  dissipate 
 the  mind.  They  are  at  all  times  dangerous,  as 
 leading  to  frivolity,  if  not  exciting  improper  pas- 
 .  When  therefore  they  are  strictly  innocent, 
 they  should  be  used  with  much  caution  as  to 
 their  measure  and  continuance.  And  even  those 
 diversions,  which  might  be  allowable  on  other 
 days,  would  on  this  be  absolutely  sinful.  But 
 how  generally  is  the  sacred  season  devoted  tg 
 carnal  indulgence  and  amusements  of  every  kind  ! 
 Among  the  higher  ranks  we  are  perpetually 
 hearing  of  card  parties  and  public  routes :  we 
 need  not  wonder,  that  men  in  lower  life  are 
 always  contriving  some  scheme  or  other  of  idle- 
 ness and  dissipation  for  the  Sunday.  How  ex- 
 pressly contrary  to  the  precept,  which  enacts^ 
 "  Thou  shalt  turn  away  thy  foot  from  the  sab- 
 bath, from  doing  thy  pleasure  on  my  holy  day, — 
 not  doing  thine  own  ways,  nor  finding  thine 
 own  pleasure." 
 
 What  shall  be  said  to  those,  who  make  it  a 
 day  of  feasting  and  merriment?  Like  the  idola- 
 trous Israelites,  "  they  sit  down  to  eat  and  drink, 
 and  rise  up  to  play  *."  The  time  has  been,  when 
 <c  sports"  were  allowed  by  the  laws  of  our  land, 
 but  we  are  thankful  that  they  are  now  forbidden, 
 
 *  l  Cor.  x.  7, 
 
ON  THE  FOURTH   COMMANDMENT.  97 
 
 and  that  our  statute-book  enforces  the  divine  in- 
 ]unction5  which  no  human  edict  can  abrogate*. 
 Our  streets  and  fields  present  to  us  many  vacant 
 persons,  who  might  be  better  occupied.  Their 
 idle  stare  and  unmeaning  laugh  are  a  proof  that 
 they  do  not  come  forth  to  meditate,  but  to  exhibit 
 their  persons  or  their  clothes,  to  gaze  upon  their 
 neighbours,  "  to  tell  or  to  hear  some  new  thing." 
 Do  such  practices  tend  to  spiritual  edification  ? 
 
 On  the  same  ground  is  to  be  condemned  the 
 reading  of  all  trifling  books,  and  even  of  the 
 
 *  The  author  means  not  that  our  code  of  laws  enforces  ia 
 all  respe&s  the  devout  observance,  or  even  prevents  all  open 
 profanation,  of  the  Lord's  day.  He  laments,  in  common  with 
 many  thousands  in  the  kingdom,  that  under  the  late  apprehen- 
 sion of  an  immediate  invasion  the  legislature  allowed  and  ap- 
 pointed the  practice  of  Sunday-drilling  for  our  volunteers.  He 
 conceives  the  act  to  be  disgraceful  to  our  statute-book,  as  being 
 in  direct  opposition  to  the  divine  law,  and  to  every  princi- 
 ple of  sound  policy.  Is  this,  he  would  ask,  a  likely  method  to 
 secure  to  our  threatened  land  the  protection  and  favour  of 
 almighty  God,  or  to  preserve  the  morals  of  the  people  from 
 the  licentiousness  and  impiety  of  France?  The  necessity, 
 pleaded  for  the  innovation,  did  not  exist  even  at  the  time  of 
 its  introduction,  as  many  persons  forcibly  urged,  and  as  subse- 
 quent events  have  proved :  now  at  least,  by  the  confession  of 
 all  parties,  that  necessity  exists  no  longer.  In  many  places 
 the  most  mischievous  effects  have  been  produced  to  an  alarm- 
 ing extent  in  the  destruction  of  religion  and  morality.  Why- 
 then  should  not  the  obnoxious  act  be  repealed,  the  injurioui 
 practice  annulled,  and  a  public  testimony  given,  that  our 
 government  still  reveres  the  day  and  the  ordinances  of  Gcd  ■ 
 
 VOL,  m.  H 
 
Q8     ON  THE  FOURTH  COMM ANDMEXT. 
 
 common  papers  of  intelligence,  as  obstructing 
 rather  than  promoting  devotion,  fixing  the  mind 
 on  earthly  things,  and  removing  from  it  every 
 serious  impression. — It  would  be  possible  to  pay 
 or  to  receive  visits  on  the  Lord's  day  in  an 
 useful  manner.  But  the  day  is  profaned,  the 
 commandment  violated,  by  all  such  intercourse 
 as  encourages  vain,  foolish,  worldly  conver- 
 sation ;  for  we  are  forbidden  to  "  speak  our 
 own  words."  Who  can  plead  an  exemption 
 from  the  charge  ?  The  most  holy  men  often  fail 
 of  improving  to  good  purpose  the  hours  they 
 spend  in  company.  How  few  can  open  their 
 mouths  on  any  other  subjects  than  those,  which 
 relate  to  the  present  life !  But  if  the  apostolical 
 direction  be  binding  on  ordinary  days,  it  is  more 
 especially  so  on  this  ;  (i  Let  your  communication 
 be  that  which  is  good,  to  the  use  of  edifying, 
 that  it  may  minister  grace  unto  the  hearers*." 
 
 It  is  urged  by  some  on  behalf  of  their  amuse- 
 ments, "  We  are  confined  for  the  rest  of  the 
 week,  and  therefore  a  little  relaxation  may  be 
 allowed  us  on  the  Sunday."  Your  plea  might 
 in  some  measure  be  admitted,  if  the  Lord  had 
 not  claimed  the  day  as  his  own.  But  your  ex- 
 cuse may  be  turned  against  yourselves.  What  is 
 it  but  an  acknowledgment,  that  you  are  content 
 to  live  without  God  ?     Six  days  you  devote  to 
 
 *  Eph.  iv.  29. 
 
ON  THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT.  99 
 
 basiness>  and  the  seventh  to  pleasure.  Is  it  so, 
 that  you  have  no  other  time  free  from  secular 
 engagements?  Then  let  every  moment  of  the 
 Sunday  be  accounted  sacred  to  God,  and  dili- 
 gently improved  for  your  spiritual  good.  O 
 say  not,  that  you  would  prefer  your  present  in- 
 dulgence to  vour  everlasting  salvation ! 
 
 Many  scruple  not  to  follow  the  general  cus- 
 toms of  the  world,  and  it  is  thought  to  be  a  suffi- 
 cient vindication  of  their  conduct,  that  they  are 
 only  imitating  the  example  of  very  respectable 
 persons.  But  be  not  led  by  fashion,  nor  sacrifice 
 your  conscience  to  a  deference  for  any  names.  If 
 the  things  here  censured  be  contrary  to  the  divine 
 command,  you  should  never  be  persuaded  to 
 them,  though  defended  and  practised  by  "  ten 
 thousands  of  the  people."  Are  you  afraid  of 
 being  derided  for  your  singularity  ?  Such  reproach 
 and  scorn  you  must  expect  to  meet  with,  in  a 
 faithful  adherence  to  Christ:  and  unless  you 
 "  confess  Him  before  men,"  you  shall  be  a  denied 
 before  the  angels  of  God  *." 
 
 One  alleges  in  defence  of  his  travelling  or  re- 
 creation, that  his  thoughts  may  be  as  properly 
 employed,  as  their's,  who  make  a  greater  shew  of 
 religion.  But  can  that  man  be  properly  em- 
 ployed, who  is  out  of  the  way  of  duty  ?  Or  can 
 his  thoughts  be  good,  when  he  is  openly  trans- 
 gressing the  law  of  God  ? 
 
 *  Luke  xii.  8,  9, 
 H  2 
 
100        ON   THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 Another  conceives,  thatjhc  has  sufficiently  dis- 
 charged his  duty  by  attending  public  service. 
 u  He  has  been  at  church,  and  he  may  spend  the 
 rest  of  the  day  as  he  pleases."  Is  this  the  doc- 
 trine of  the  scriptures  ?  The  Lord  demands  the 
 whole  day,  and  who  shall  presume  to  say,  that 
 it  is  enough  to  give  him  only  a  part  ?  There  are 
 other  duties  besides  public  worship,  and  the  per- 
 formance of  one  will  not  atone  for  the  transgres- 
 sion of  another. 
 
 In  vindication  of  selling,  and  transacting 
 worldly  business,  on  the  Lord's  day,  it  is  pleaded 
 by  some,  that  a  refusal  would  infallibly  subject 
 them  to  the  displeasure  of  their  friends,  to  a  total 
 loss  of  their  trade,  and  therefore  to  ruin.  But 
 will  these  reasons  bear  a  serious  examination  ? 
 Will  your  friends  withdraw  their  favours,  on  ac- 
 count of  your  conscientious  obedience  to  God  ? 
 Then  their  opposition  is  better  than  their  sup- 
 port. Or  is  your  occupation  of  such  a  sort,  that 
 it  cannot  be  carried  on  without  a  continual  vio- 
 lation of  the  divine  law  ?  You  had  better  renounce 
 it :  better  beg  your  bread ;  better  lose  every  thing 
 upon  earth,  than  lose  your  immortal  souls.  But 
 perhaps  your  apprehensions  are  too  strong.  Many 
 at  least,  who  have  made  the  trial,  have  been 
 amply  provided  for.  Only  trust  yourselves  with 
 the  Lord:  seek  first  His  kingdom  and  His  righte- 
 ousness, and  all  other  things,  which  are  needful 
 or  expedient,  "  shall  be  added  unto  you." 
 3 
 
ON  THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT.        101 
 
 Enough  has  been  said  on  the  negative  part  of 
 the  commandment,  in  pointing  out  what  we  are 
 to  abstain  from :  it  is  time  that  we  speak  of  its 
 positive  duties,  and  consider  what  is  the  sanctifl- 
 cation  of  the  sabbath,  which  is  required.  It  is 
 appointed  to  be  a  day  of  rest  from  our  common 
 employments,  not  for  the  indulgence  of  sloth,  but 
 for  the  performance  of  the  most  important  work. 
 u  Remember  the  sabbath  day,  to  keep  it 
 holy."  It  is  not  therefore  to  be  trifled  away  in 
 doing  nothing,  but  should  be  fully  occupied  and 
 diligently  improved  in  our  spiritual  concerns. 
 With  many  persons,  alas!  who  are  generally 
 active  and  busy,  it  is  the  most  idle  time  in  the 
 week :  they  seem  to  have  no  object :  they  rise 
 later,  they  retire  sooner  to  their  beds  :  they  saunter 
 about,  as  not  knowing  how  to  consume  the  te- 
 dious hours;  and  if  called  to  any  religious  service, 
 the  language  of  their  hearts  evidently  is,  <c  What. 
 a  weariness  is  it? — When  will  the  sabbath  be 
 gone*?" 
 
 The  true  Christian  should  esteem  the  Lord's 
 day  of  all  others  the  most  precious,  because  the 
 most  favourable  opportunities  are  then  allowed 
 him  for  waiting  upon  his  God,  and  for  procuring 
 the  highest  advantages.  It  is  like  the  harvest 
 season,  in  which  fruit  is  to  be  gathered  to  life 
 eternal.    The  time  therefore  should  be  redeemed, 
 
 *  Mai.  i.  13.     Amos  viii.  5. 
 
IOC         ON   THE  FOURTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 no  unnecessary  sleep  or  indulgences  be  granted., 
 but  the  utmost  vigour  exerted.  There  is  enough 
 to  be  clone  :  the  state  of  the  soul  to  be  examined, 
 prayer  and  praise  to  be  ottered  up,  instruction  to 
 be  sou glu  for  ourselves,  and  given  to  others,  and 
 all  the  divine  ordinances  to  be  frequented  and 
 improved.  But  where  shall  we  find  such  spiritual 
 energy  ?  Examine,  Have  you  so  hallowed  the 
 sabbath  day  ?  Is  it  your  object,  that  no  part  of  it 
 pass  by  you  without  some  benefit  ?  Is  it  your 
 continual  study  to  derive  from  it  fresh  supplies 
 of  grace,  and  from  every  return  of  it  to  be 
 making  progress  towards  heaven  ?  How  great 
 is  your  guilt  for  the  neglect  of  past  opportuni- 
 ties! Hew  much  does  it  become  you  to  pray 
 for  increased  activity  and  vigilance  in  time  to 
 come ! 
 
 The  Lord's  day  is  to  be  sanctified  in  the  use 
 of  those  means,  which  He  hath  appointed  for  his 
 own  worship  and  for  our  spiritual  edification. 
 These-are  of  indispensable  obligation,  to  be  prac- 
 tised with  fervour  and  constancy,  not  in  a  formal 
 manner,  or  merely  when  it  may  suit  our  conve- 
 nience. How  much  is  to  be  done  in  our  public 
 assemblies,  in  our  families,  and  in  retirement! 
 
 1.  In  our  public  assemblies.  It  appears  to  be 
 one  end  of  this  sacred  institution,  that  the  means 
 of  grace  may  be  openly  celebrated,  and  that  the 
 members  of  the  same  society  may  be  at  liberty 
 to  join  together  in  the  solemn  worship  of  almighty 
 
ON  THE   FOURTH   COMMANDMENT.  103 
 
 God.  There  is  no  Other  day  so  well  adapted  to 
 the  purpose.  It  was  therefore  commanded  in 
 the  old  law,  "  On  the  seventh  day  ye  shall  have 
 an  holy  convocation  *i"  It  was  the  invariable 
 practice  of  our  Lord  to  attend  the  services  of  the 
 synagogue  on  that  day  f.  The  first  Christians 
 also,,  and  after  them  the  whole  christian  church, 
 thus  hallowed  i(  the  first  day  of  the  week"  by 
 cc  coming  together"  for  the  administration  of  the 
 Lord's  supper  and  other  divine  ordinances  J. 
 Can  we  follow  better  examples?  Let  us  not  be 
 unwilling,  but  esteem  it  our  highest  privilege,  to 
 wait  upon  the  Lord,  and  to  enjoy  communion 
 with  Him  and  with  his  people.  u  Blessed  are 
 they  that  dwell  in  thy  house :  they  will  be  still 
 praising  thee. — A  day  in  thy  courts  is  better  than 
 a  thousand :  I  had  rather  be  a  door-keeper  in 
 the  house  of  my  God,  than  to  dwell  in  the  tents 
 of  wickedness  §." 
 
 How  encouraging  is  the  promise,  "  Where 
 two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  my  name, 
 there  am  I  in  the  midst  of  them  jj  !"  But  is  it 
 not  u  the  manner  of  some  to  forsake  the  assem- 
 bling of  themselves  together  r"  Do  not  many 
 frame  excuses  from  pretended  or  imaginary  sick- 
 ness, who  can  yet  attend  to  schemes  of  business  or 
 of  pleasure  ?     Or  are  there  not  those,  who  satisfy 
 
 *  Nam.  xxviii.  25.  f  Luke  iv.  id. 
 
 %  Acts  xx,  7.  §  Psalm  Ixxxiv.  A,  10, 
 
 !!  Matt,  xviii.  20. 
 
104         ON   THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 their  consciences  with  going  to  church  once  only 
 in  the  day,  as  if  their  duties  were  then  performed, 
 and  the  rest  of  the  time  were  all  their* own,  to 
 be  spent  as  they  please  ?  Or  again,  among  those, 
 who  constantly  frequent  our  solemn  meetings, 
 are  all  to  be  accounted  spiritual  worshippers?  Is 
 not  the  sabbath  profaned  by  inattention,  formality, 
 or  hypocrisy?  Where  are  those  vigorous  affec- 
 tions, those  ardent  desires,  those  celestial  joys, 
 which  become  us  especially  on  that  day  which  is 
 the  type  of  heaven  ?  We  should  be  ashamed  of 
 the  distraction  of  our  thoughts,  the  weakness  of 
 our  faith,  the  coldness  of  our  love. 
 
 2.  In  our  families.  The  Lord  God  should  be 
 worshipped,  not  at  church  only,  but  in  our  houses : 
 and  in  general  there  are  no  opportunities  so  suit- 
 able for  attending  to  the  spiritual  interests  of  chil- 
 dren and  servants,  as  those  which  the  day  of  the 
 Lord  affords.  If  this  great  concern  be  neglected 
 then,  we  may  presume  it  is  so  during  the  rest  of 
 the  week.  Let  parents  and  masters  consider  their 
 important  trust.  Do  you  call  together  your  con- 
 gregations at  home,  and  begin  the  day  with 
 united  prayers  and  praises  ?  Do  you  exhort  and 
 command  those,  who  arc  committed  to  your  care, 
 to  improve  the  sacred  season  ?  Do  you  lead 
 them  to  the  house  of  God,  and  charge  them  to 
 be  serious  and  devout  in  their  deportment  ?  Is 
 your  conversation  with  them,  when  you  sit  down 
 to  your  domestic  repasts,  grave  and  profitable  ? 
 
ON  THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT.         105 
 
 Remember  the  prohibition,  a  not  speaking  thine 
 own  words :"  and  therefore  permit  nut  any  idle 
 visits  or  vain  discourse.  The  evenings  especially 
 may  be  advantageously  improved  by  personal  exa- 
 mination, and  catechetical  instruction  in  christian 
 principles.     Is  this  your  usual  practice? 
 
 Were  the  Lord's  day  to   be  thus  sanctified  in 
 every   house,    true    religion    would    revive   and 
 spread  among  us  •,  and  a  blessed  prospect  would 
 open  upon   us  from  the  rising  generation.     But 
 how  different  is  the  state  of  things !     Do  not  the 
 ignorance  and  profaneness  of  our  children  and 
 servants  prove  that  there  is  sad   misconduct  at 
 home?    and   will   they   not   be   swift    witnesses 
 against    us  ? — Those    young   people,    who    are 
 placed  in  pious  families,  should  be  thankful  for 
 the  privilege.     Let  them  not  complain,  that  they 
 are  restrained  from  taking  their  pleasure  writh 
 vain  companions,  but  rather  rejoice  that  they  are 
 not  permitted  to  follow  the  devices  and  desires 
 of  their  own  hearts.     O  how  aggravated  will  be 
 their  guilt  and  condemnation,  if  they  despise  the 
 instructions  and  warnings  of  those,  who  iC  watch 
 for  their  souls!"     But  if  placed  under  such  as 
 neglect  their  trust,   they  are  not  therefore  at  li- 
 berty to  profane  the  sabbath.     Their  danger  is 
 indeed  the  greater;  but  if  there  be  no  advantages 
 for  spiritual  edification  in  the  family,  they  should 
 be  the  more  earnestly  sought  for  in   the  church, 
 and  in  secret  prayer.     We  add  therefore^ 
 
106         ON  THE  FOUHTH   COMMANDMENT, 
 
 3.  In  retirement.  Without  this  no  public  or- 
 dinances, not  the  most  solemn  addresses  of  mi- 
 nisters, or  the  most  pious  exhortations  of  frieijds 
 or  parents,  will  be  of  any  real  profit.  Retirement 
 after  the  other  duties  of  the  day,  as  Bishop  Flop- 
 kins  remarks,  is  to  the  soul,  what  digestion  after 
 eating  is  to  the  body:  and  who  knows  not,  that 
 the  most  excellent  food,  not  properly  digested, 
 can  never  afford  nourishment  or  support  ?  It  is 
 presumed,  that  the  generality  even  of  Christians 
 •find  but  little  leisure  for  religious  solitude  on  other 
 davs,  and  for  that  reason  the  sabbath  should  be  the 
 more  precious  to  them.  They  can  then  retire  to 
 their  closets  with  less  fear  of  interruption,  anei 
 £11  up  every  interval  in  reading,  meditation,  and 
 prayer.  There  they  may  search  into  themselves, 
 apply  to  their  own  cases  what  they  hear  in  pub- 
 lic, and  form  their  plans  and  resolutions  for  the 
 ensuing  week.  There  especially  they  should 
 pour  out  their  hearts  before  God,  implore  his 
 blessing  on  all  the  services  of  the  day,  and  with 
 an  importunity  not  to  be  resisted  draw  down 
 from  him  the  rich  communications  of  his  grace: 
 —nor  can  there  be  a  doubt,  but  that  Ci  lie  will 
 come  unto  them,  and  He  will  bless  them.''  Can 
 there  be  a  more  suitable  or  more  exalted  em- 
 ployment ? 
 
 Let  us  ask.  Arc  wc  not  in  a  great  measure 
 strangers  to  this  practice  ?  Instead  of  desiring 
 and  improving  opportunities  of  retirement,  are 
 
ON  THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT.         107 
 
 we  not  afraid  of  being  alone,  and  studiously  con- 
 triving to  occupy  every  vacant  moment  with 
 some  worldly  care  or  trifling  company  ?  Are  we 
 not  always  ready  to  join  in  light  and  foolish  con- 
 versation ?  How  then  is  it  possible,  that  we 
 should  make  any  progress  in  religion  ?  Our  at- 
 tentions to  it  must  be  mere  speculation;  our  pro- 
 fessions, if  any,  insincere  and  unavailing.  Every 
 good  impression,  which  may  be  produced  by 
 public  preaching,  will  soon  be  effaced  ;"  the  la- 
 bours of  our  ministers  will  be  lost  with  respect 
 to  us;  our  very  sabbaths  will  increase  our 
 condemnation, 
 
 The  following  practical  reflections  may  be 
 drawn  from  this  subject. 
 
 ].  How  much  comfort  do  those  lose,  who -do 
 not  thus  sanctify  the  sabbath !  For  is  it,  as  some 
 suppose,  the  source  of  gloom  and  melancholy  to 
 be  so  employed?  Ask  those,  who  have  made  the 
 trial.  The  most  lively  Christians  will  unite  in 
 declaring,  that  these  are  their  happiest  days;  that 
 their  joy  abounds,  in  proportion  as  they  act  upon 
 this  plan  ;  that  their  failures  and  deviations  form 
 their  heaviest  distress.  In  this  way  only  they  rise 
 above  the  world ;  they  receive  strength  and  cou- 
 rage for  their  respective  services  and  sufferings  ; 
 they  "  mount  up  with  wings  as  eagles ;"  by  faith 
 they  look  into  the  invisible  state,  and  obtain  a 
 foretaste  of  its  blessedness  and  glory.  But  what 
 have  you  found,  who  account  this  serious  regard 
 
J08         ON   THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 to  religious  duties  a  weariness  and  a  burden : 
 Have  you  any  thing  to  be  put  in  competition  with 
 their  felicity  ?  Your  present  loss  is  great :  and  an 
 incalculably  greater  loss  awaits  you,  your  exclu- 
 sion from  the  everlasting  enjoyments  of  heaven. 
 
 2.  Of  such  importance  is  the  devout  observance 
 of  the  sabbath,  that  all  persons  should  exert  their 
 influence  to  prevent  or  punish  its  violation.  The 
 commandment  requires  that  we  pay  attention  to 
 our  families,  to  our  children  and  servants,  our 
 cattle  and  strangers:  we  should  take  care,  there- 
 fore, that  their  season  of  rest  be  not  infringed  on. 
 Magistrates  are  intrusted  with  the  execution  of 
 the  laws;  and  we  have  some  excellent  statutes  and 
 ordinances,  prohibiting  the  profanation  of  the 
 day.  Why  are  they  not  enforced  ?  Is  there  no 
 zealous  Nehemiah  to  arise  among  us,  for  the 
 glory  of  God,  and  the  best  interests  of  the  com- 
 munity, to  reprove,  to  restrain,  and  to  punish 
 transgressors  *  ?  Associations  have  been  formed 
 in  our  metropolis,  most  honourable  to  the  mem- 
 bers themselves,  and  most  admirably  calculated 
 to  suppress  iniquity,  and  procure  respect  for  re- 
 ligion. Why  may  not  similar  plans  be  established 
 through  the  kingdom  ?  May  such  vigorous  efforts 
 be  continued  till  the  day  of  the  Lord  be  duly 
 sanctified  among  all  orders  of  men !  But  if  by 
 supineness  we  permit  this  day  to  be  given  up  to 
 
 *  Kehem.  xiii.  15—21. 
 
ON  THE  FOURTH   COMMANDMENT.         ]0Q 
 
 desecration,   what  can   we   look   for  but  swift 
 destruction  ? 
 
 3.  Upon  closing  the  first  table  of  the  com- 
 mandments, who  can  say,  "  All  these  have  I  kept 
 from  my  youth  up  ?"  Are  we  aware  of  the  ex- 
 tent of  our  duty  towards  God  ?  Or  have  we  been 
 uniformly  endeavouring  to  fulfil  it  ?  Are  we  now 
 rendering  to  Him  all  possible  reverence,  love,  and 
 obedience  ?  Do  we  honour  his  holy  name,  his 
 word,  and  1) is  sabbaths?  Alas!  in  every  respect 
 we  come  short:  we  have  not  done  the  things, 
 which  are  commanded  us.  The  law,  which  we 
 have  broken,  is  "  the  ministration  of  death  and 
 of  condemnation.,,  Let  us  take  the  alarm,  and 
 "  flee  for  refuge  to  the  hope,  which  is  set  before 
 us."  Let  Jesus  Christ  be  truly  precious  to  us,  as 
 in  his  other  offices,  so  especially  for  having  "  re- 
 deemed us  from  the  curse  of  the  law,  being  made 
 a  curse  for  us  *." — <c  Through  this  man  is  preached 
 unto  us  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  by  Him  all 
 that  believe  are  justified  from  all  things,  from 
 which  we  could  not  be  justified  by  the  law  of 
 Moses  f  .*• — "  To  Him  be  glory  both  now  and  for 
 ever.    Amen  J." 
 
 *  Gal.  iii.  13.         f  Acts  xiii.  38,  39.         $  2  Peter  iii.  IS 
 
ESSAY   LXVII. 
 
 OX    THE    FIFTH     COMMANDMENT. 
 
 PART    I. 
 
 The  Christian  must  attend  to  social  and  relative  du- 
 ties. This  commandment  stands  first  in  the  second 
 tabic,  as  being  most  important  for  the  regulation 
 of  our  conduct  towards  our  neighbour.  It  is  ad- 
 dressed to  children,  and  requires  them  to  honour 
 their  parents,  which  they  should  do  by  reverence, 
 —  by  submission  to  their  instructions, —  to  their 
 commands, — to  their  corrections,— and  disposal, — ■ 
 and  by  gratitude. 
 
 In  delineating  the  character  of  the  Christian,  as 
 renewed  by  divine  grace,  we  have  described  him 
 as  paying  respect  to  all  the  commandments  of 
 God.  He  is  therefore,  according  to  the  first  ta- 
 ble, habitually  devout,  a  godly  man,  one  who 
 reverences  the  authority  of  Jehovah,  who  admires 
 his  perfections,  trusts  in  his  promises,  yields  him- 
 self up  to  his  disposal,  delights  in  his  service,  in 
 all  his  plans  consults  His  will,  and  aims  to  pro- 
 mote His  glory.     We  have  now  to  enquire,  ac- 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH   COMMANDMENT.  Ill 
 
 cording  to  the  second  table  of  the  law,  what  are 
 his  tempers  and  conduct  with  regard  to  his  fellow- 
 creatures.  He  is  called  to  the  discharge  of  many 
 social  and  relative  duties.  These  are  important 
 and  indispensably  necessary,  required,  not  more 
 by  the  injunctions  delivered  from  mount  Sinai., 
 than  by  our  gracious  Redeemer  in  the  gospel. 
 They  are  not  superseded  by  any  acts  of  devotion, 
 any  zeal  for  doctrinal  truth,  or  even  any  high 
 attainments  in  godliness;  but  they  must  ever  ac- 
 company the  knowledge  and  love  of  God,  they 
 best  evince  the  sincerity  of  a  religious  profession, 
 and  are  among  the  brightest  ornaments  of  the 
 Christian.  But  "  by  the  law  is  the  knowledge 
 of  sin  * :"  by  the  second  table,  as  well  as  the  first, 
 and  by  every  precept  of  each,  we  shall  perceive 
 our  manifold  deficiencies,  our  innumerable  trans- 
 gressions. In  every  relation,  character,  and  office, 
 to  wrhich  we  have  been  called,  we  have  sinned, 
 and  done  wickedly.  What  other  expedient  re- 
 mains for  us,  but  to  fly  for  refuge  to  the  hope. 
 set  before  us  in  the  gospel,  and  to  live  upon  the 
 mercy  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  ? 
 
 The  commandment,  we  are  now  to  consider, 
 stands  foremost  among  those,  which  are  designed 
 to  regulate  our  conduct  towards  men.  There  is 
 none  more  important :  it  is  addressed  to  us  in 
 early  life ;   it  contains  the  first  lesson  we  are  to 
 
 *  Rom,  iii,  20. 
 
112  ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 learn ;  it  forms  the  basis  of  all  social  duties,  and 
 if  properly  regarded  will  lead  to  an  observance 
 of  all  the  rest.  It  is  of  large  extent,  as  enforcing 
 the  obligations  which  subsist  not  only  between 
 parents  and  children,  but  between  all  those,  who 
 possess  authority  on  the  one  side,  and  who  owe 
 reverence  and  obedience  on  the  other,  as  masters 
 and  servants,  husbands  and  wives,  magistrates 
 and  subjects,  spiritual  pastors  and  the  people  of 
 their  charge.  At  present  we  confine  ourselves  to 
 the  letter  of  the  commandment,  and  consider 
 what  duties  children  are  required  to  render  to 
 their  parents. 
 
 The  subject  is  universally  interesting ;  for  all 
 have  once  stood  in  this  relation.  But  young 
 people  especially,  who  still  remain  under  parental 
 authority,  should  listen  to  the  precept  as  ad- 
 dressed immediately  to  them.     "Honour  thy 
 
 FATHER  AND  THY  MOTHER;  THAT  THY  DAYS 
 MAY  BE  LONG  UPON  THE  LAND,  WHICH  THE 
 
 Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee."  The  two 
 persons,  from  whom  you  have  derived  your  ex- 
 istence, arc  both  mentioned,  and  both  are  to  be 
 equally  regarded:  you  are  required  to  "  honour" 
 them.  This  duty  may  be  branched  out  into  va- 
 rious particulars ;  the  most  important  may  be 
 included  in  these  three,  Reverence,  Submission, 
 and  Gratitude. 
 
 I.  Reverence.  They  arc  set  over  you,  and  in- 
 vested with  authority,  by  your  Creator:  standing 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  113 
 
 as  it  were  in  His  place,   they  are  to  provide  for, 
 protect,  and  govern  you.     As  his  representatives 
 therefore,  they  claim  your  veneration  for  his  sake. 
 This  awful  respect  for  them  should  be  first  im- 
 pressed on  your  hearts :  no  mere  professions  of 
 it,  no  external  decency  of  behaviour,  will  be  suffi- 
 cient.   It  should  be  something  more  than  natural 
 affection ;  though  that  is  of  great  moment,  but 
 involves  not  any  principle  of  obedience.  It  should 
 not  spring  from  fear  of  correction,  or  selfish  ex- 
 pectations:   it  should  be  rendered  to  them,  not 
 because  they  possess  high  rank  in  life,  or  eminent 
 abilities,  or  even  the  most  amiable  qualities;  for 
 others  might  esteem  them  for  these  considerations 
 as  well  as  you ;  and  were  their  situation  or  cha- 
 racter different,    your   duty   would  remain   the 
 same.     But  they  should  be  honourable  in  your 
 sight,  simply  because  they  are  your  parents,  and 
 the  Lord  has  put  an  honour  upon  them.     I 
 you  not  failed  in  this  pure  and  conscientious  re- 
 gard for  them ;  and  even  indulged  a  secret  con- 
 tempt of  them  ;  especially  if  they  have  laboured 
 under  infirmities  and  reproaches?     With  pre- 
 tended respect  have  you  not  endeavoured  to  de- 
 ceive them,   and  watched   for  opportunities  of 
 doing,   what  you  dared   not  to  do  in  their  pre- 
 sence ?    Have  you  shewn  no  petulance,  no  spirit 
 of  contradiction  or  impertinence  ? 
 
 Your  words  should  express  the  reverence  of 
 your  hearts.   How  unbecoming  and  preposterous 
 
 VOL.  III.  I 
 
114-  ON  THE  FIFTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 would  it  be  in  you  to  address  them  in  a  proud 
 refractory  manner,   with  words  of  insolence  and 
 scorn!     You  are  equally  forbidden  to  speak  oi 
 them  to  others  with   disrespect,   to  publish  and 
 expose    their    failings,   over  which   you   should 
 always  be  ready  to  throw  a  vail.     Whatever  they 
 are,  your  duty  is  not  superseded  <by  their  defects. 
 They  have  borne  with  much  perverseness  from 
 you :   complain  not,  if  your  patience  be  some- 
 times put  to  the  trial.     Your  very  looks  should 
 discover  a  gentleness  and  kindness  of  disposition 
 towards  them,  which  may  greatly  smoothen  the 
 asperities  of  their  path,   and   lighten   those  bur- 
 dens, which  you  have  contributed  to  bring  upon 
 them.    This  is  but  a  small  return  for  all  their 
 troubles  and  anxieties  about  you. 
 
 Only  respect  the  authority  of  God  in  them, 
 and  then  your  duty  will  be  pleasant,  and  its 
 performance  an  acceptable  service.  But  a  con- 
 tempt of  them  is  a  virtual  rejection  of  Him,  and 
 must  be  highly  criminal.  It  is  accordingly  marked 
 in  the  divine  law  by  the  most  tremendous  de- 
 nunciations of  vengeance.  "  Cursed  be  he  that 
 setteth  light  by  his  father  or  his  mother:  and  all 
 the  people  shall  say,  Amen*."  The  scornful 
 child  was  condemned  to  an  ignominious  death, 
 to  be  exhibited  as  a  public  monument  of  God's 
 displeasure:  "  The  eye  that  mocketh  at  his  father, 
 
 *  Deut.  xxvii.  l5. 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT*  113 
 
 and  despiseth  to  obey  his  mother,  the  ravens  of 
 the  valley  shall  pick  it  out,  and  the  young  eagles 
 shall  eat  it  V 
 
 II.  Submission.  Except  you  obey  them,  you 
 cannot  honour  them  in  sincerity.  You  are  placed 
 under  their  care,  and  subjected  to  their  direction 
 and  disposal,  by  God's  appointment.  For  many 
 years  at  least  you  subsisted  by  their  bounty,  and 
 looked  to  them  for  the  supply  of  every  want. 
 They  were  your  guardians  and  preservers,  when 
 you  were  unable  to  provide  for  your  own  safety 
 or  support.  These  considerations  entitle  them  to 
 your  submission.  Even  reason  itself  binds  you 
 to  the  duty,  and  the  Lord  presses  it  upon  you  in 
 his  word.  "  Children,  obey  your  parents  in  the 
 Lord ;  for  this  is  right  f ."  It  is  what  nature 
 teaches :  it  is  indispensably  requisite  in  that 
 constitution,  which  the  God  of  nature  hath  esta- 
 blished ;  and  therefore  "  it  is  well- pleasing  unto 
 the  Lord  J."  To  counteract  or  resist  this  appoint- 
 ment is  rebellion  against  Him. 
 
 The  self-willed  and  refractory  dispositions  of 
 children  exhibit  a  striking  proof  of  human  depra- 
 vity. Were  they  not  radically  corrupt,  they  could 
 not  be  so  perverse,  as  perpetually  to  oppose  au- 
 thority from  their  very  birth.  It  is  force  alone, 
 that  restrains  their  insolence,  and  secures  their 
 obedience.  Under  instructions  the  most  excellent, 
 
 *  Prov.  xxx.  17.  f  Eph.  vi.  1.  J  Col.  iii.  20. 
 
 I  2 
 
H6  ON  THE  FIFTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 and  the  mildest  government,  they  make  continual 
 efforts  to  cast  off  all  control :  and  though  the 
 most  exact  system  of  discipline  be  instituted,  it 
 is  seldom  that  due  authority  is  maintained  in 
 families  for  any  considerable  time.  So  true  is  it, 
 that,  with  all  his  boasted  excellency,  "  man  is 
 born  like  a  wild  ass's  colt*."  It  requires  some 
 degree  of  violence  to  subdue  and  govern  him. 
 Look  around,  and  lament  the  confusion  and  mi- 
 scry,  which  arise  in  society  from  this  source. 
 Examine  your  own  tempers,  and  while  you 
 mourn  for  your  contumacy,  seek  for  that  grace 
 which  will  render  you  "  meek  and  lowly  in 
 heart."  Hear  then  what  God  requires  :  "  Obey 
 your  parents." 
 
 1.  Submit,  to  their  instructions  and  directions. 
 They  must  point  out  the  path  of  duty;  and  guide 
 you  in  it:  it  is  your  part  to  follow.  Be  thankful, 
 if  they  be  disposed  to  "  bring  you  up  in  the  nur- 
 ture and  admonition  of  the  Lord:"  with  all 
 readiness  of  mind  listen  to  their  exhortations, 
 and  yield  a  cheerful  compliance,  while  they  pro- 
 pose ■  o  lead  }  on  into  the  way  of  truth  and  righte- 
 ousness. How  deplorable  would  be  your  case,  if 
 you  were  left  wholly  to  yourselves,  untaught,  and 
 unrestrained!  Yet  have  yc/u  not  complained  of 
 domestic  liscipline,  and  resistc  1  the  wishes  of  your 
 parents,  when  they  have  called  you  to  reading 
 
 *  Job  xi.  12. 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  11/ 
 
 and  to  prayer?     Bat  let  it  not  suffice  you  to  hear 
 their  words;  you  must 
 
 2.  Obey  their  commands.  It  is  not  uncommon 
 to  say,  ci  I  go,  Sir,"  without  even  the  intention 
 of  doing  so.  How  could  you  insult  them  more, 
 than  by  such  hypocrisy  ?  Their  injunctions  de- 
 mand your  immediate  and  unreserved  compliance. 
 But  if  you  be  refractory  and  rebellious,  how  shall 
 they  discharge  their  trust,  or  succeed  in  the  pur- 
 poses of  their  government  ?  Their  authority  may 
 sometimes  seem  to  be  exercised  with  severity: 
 but  are  you  fit  judges,  to  decide  upon  the  reason- 
 ableness or  propriety  of  their  conduct?  You 
 should  suspect  yourselves  rather  than  them. 
 Contemplate  the  example  of  Jesus  Christ  in  his 
 filial  and  dutiful  regards  to  Joseph  and  Mary. 
 Though  He  was  so  great,  and  wise,  and  holy,  he 
 reverenced  their  commands,  and  "  was  subject 
 unto  them  *." 
 
 If  your  parents  should  be  unreasonable  and 
 cruel,  yet  submission  will  be  your  part,  provided, 
 you  are  not  required  to  do  what  is  absolutely 
 sinful.  Such  cases  indeed  may  occur,  i  hich 
 their  authority  must  be  resisted.  "  I  am  come," 
 said  the  Saviour,  cc  to  set  a  man  at  variance 
 against  his  father,  and  the  daughter  against  her 
 mother:" — and  therefore  "  if  any  man  come  to 
 me,  and  hate  not  his  father  and  mother, — he 
 
 •*  Luke  ii.  51. 
 
118  OK  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 cannot  be  my  disciple*."  These  near  and  dear 
 relatives  are  not  to  be  regarded  in  comparison  ot 
 Christ,  and  where  they  stand  in  opposition,  you 
 must  appear  even  to  hate  them,  from  a  sense  of 
 your  stronger  obligations  and  from  a  superior 
 attachment  to  Him.  But  in  such  extreme  cases, 
 preserve  a  meekness  of  spirit,  and  try  to  con- 
 vince them  that  your  resistance  is  distressing  to 
 yourselves,  and  maintained  only  "  for  Christ's 
 sake."  This  conduct  would  be  honourable 
 indeed ! 
 
 But  suppose  on  the  other  hand,  that  you  have 
 been  negligent  and  criminal,  you  must  evince 
 your  obedience  as  penitents,  and 
 
 3.  Submit  to  their  corrections.   It  is  absolutely 
 necessary  for  them  to  maintain  a  strictness  of  dis- 
 cipline :   for  without  it,   such  is  the  depravity  of 
 human  nature,  you  would  bring  them  to  shame, 
 and   yourselves    to    destruction.      Out    of    very 
 kindness    and    affection   to    you,    they   should 
 "  chasten  you  betimes. "     This  is  a  painful  office 
 to  them  :   do  not  render  it  more  so  by  your  re- 
 fractory disposition.      Receive  the  infliction  of 
 tiie  rod  with  meekness  -,  not  concealing  or  justi- 
 fying your  offence,  but  making  full  confession 
 with  shame  and  sorrow.     Check  those  evil  tem- 
 pers, then,  the  pride,  the  anger,  and  resentment, 
 which  boil  in  your  hearts.   Should  the  correction 
 
 *  Matt,  x.  35.    Luke  xiv.  2& 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  1  I  Q 
 
 be  unjust,  yet  submit.  (:  We  have  had  fathers 
 of  our  flesh,  who  chastened  us  after  their  own 
 pleasure,  and  we  gave  them  reverence  *."  And 
 "  if,  when  ye  do  well,  and  suffer  for  it,  ye  take 
 it  patiently,  this  is  acceptable  with  God  t-"~-~ 
 You  should  also 
 
 4.    Acquiesce  in  their  disposal.    It  is  not  their 
 part  to   tyrannize  over  you,   but  they  are  your 
 guardians  to  consult  and   in  many  things  to  act 
 for  you.     The  determination  of  your  place  in  life 
 must  in  a  great  measure  depend  upon  them,  and 
 you  ought  not,  without  great  and  good  reasons, 
 to  counteract  their  plans.     In  the  affair  of  mar- 
 riage,  much  regard  should  be  shewn  to  their 
 wishes  and  judgment.  The  absolute  decision  need 
 not  in  every  case  be  referred  to  them  ;  but  before 
 you  have  attained  the  age  prescribed  by  law,  you 
 are  not  at  liberty  to  dispose  of  yourselves  without 
 their  consent  and  approbation,  and  even  when 
 you  are  emancipated  from  their  government,  yet 
 deference  is  due  to   their   counsel  and  advice. 
 Proceed  with  caution  and  prudence  ;   beware- of 
 your  affections,  which  may  hurry  you  away  into 
 rash    and  ruinous  measures;   and  if  you  must 
 resist   the    desires   of  those,    whom   you   ought 
 always  to  honour,  take  care  that  you  act  on  such 
 principles  as  you  can  justify  before  the  universal 
 Judge. 
 
 *  Heb.  xii.  g,  10.  f  1  Peter  ii.  20. 
 
120  ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 III.  Gratitude.     Your  obligations  to  them  are 
 immense,  far  greater  than  to  any  other  benefaetors 
 upon  earth.    The  favours  you  have  received  from 
 them  are  numberless  :  they  began  with  your  life: 
 before  you  could  lisp  out  or  even  understand 
 your  wants,   they  were  ready  to  supply  them. 
 They  have  watched  over  you  with  anxious  and 
 incessant  care,  submitted  to  many  painful  exer- 
 tions, and  made  large  sacrifices  of  their  own  ease 
 and  comfort,  for  your  support  and  welfare  in  the 
 world.     Now,  what  do  you  owe  to  them ?     Or 
 what  return  can  you  make  ?     A  full,  an  adequate 
 compensation  will  be  impossible  :  but  you  may 
 and  should  possess  a  grateful  sense  of  their  kind- 
 ness, an  affectionate  regard  to  their  persons,  and 
 an  eager  desire  to  contribute  to  their  happiness. 
 Want  they  must  not,   so   long  as  you  have  any 
 strength  to  labour  for  them.  You  are  commanded 
 by  St.  Paul,  before  you  render  assistance  to  others, 
 "  to  learn  first  to  requite  your  parents,  for  that 
 is  good  and  acceptable  before  God  *." 
 
 How  vile  the  pretext  of  the  Pharisees,  who 
 virtually  set  aside  this  commandment  by  their 
 corrupt  interpretation!  It  was  only  for  a  man 
 to  allege,  that  whatever  he  might  spare  for  the 
 relief  of  his  aged  parents  was  "  Core  an,"  or  a 
 gift  devoted  to  God,  and  according  to  them  he 
 was  released  from  all  obligations  to  assist  them. 
 
 *  l  Tim.  v.  4. 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  121 
 
 Our  Lord's  reprehension  upon  that  occasion 
 amounts  to  a  proof,  that  to  honour  your  father 
 and  mother  you  must  if  possible  prevent  them 
 from  suffering  by  want,  and  that  no  religious 
 sacrifices  will  be  accepted,  till  this  debt  of  piety 
 be  paid  #. 
 
 But  though  they  be  not  reduced  to  poverty, 
 they  have  a  claim  upon  you  for  a  thousand  kind 
 offices  in  their  declining  years.  You  should 
 watch  over  them  with  tenderest  concern,  to  sooth 
 and  comfort  them  amidst  those  manifold  infir- 
 mities, by  which  in  advanced  life  they  will  pro- 
 bably be  oppressed.  Especially,  and  in  addition 
 to  all  your  other  exertions,  bear  them  upon  your 
 hearts  in  prayer  before  God.  This  is  at  all  times 
 a  practicable  and  a  necessary  duty.  Entreat  the 
 Lord  for  them,  that  He  would  recompense 
 them  sevenfold  into  their  bosom  for  all  their 
 kindness  to  you.  Commend  their  souls  to  the 
 Redeemer's  care,  beseeching  him  to  brighten  their 
 dying  moments  with  the  prospect  of  heaven,  and 
 then  to  receive  them  to  his  presence  in  glory. 
 
 Is  this  the  gratitude  you  feel  and  express  for 
 your  parents?  How  beautiful  is  the 'sight !  but 
 how  rarely  is  it  seen !  Have  you  not  sometimes 
 thought  them  burdensome,  and  even  wished  their 
 removal  ?  Have  you  not  wounded  them  by  your 
 neglect,    if  not   by   cruelty,  by    dissipation,   or 
 
 *  Matt.  xv.  3— G. 
 
KC  ON   THE  FIFTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 profanencss  ?  There  are  those  at  least,  and  not 
 a  few,  who  are  bringing  an  aged  father  or  a  mo- 
 ther with  brokenness  of  heart  to  the  grave  by 
 their  undiitiful  and  ungodly  conduct.  O  sad 
 return  indeed  for  all  that  tenderness  and  affection, 
 which  they  have  received  1 
 
 A  consideration  is  added   to    the  command- 
 ment, involving  a  divine  promise,  and  intended 
 to  excite  us  to  obedience  : — "  that  thy  days  may 
 be  long  upon  the  land,  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
 o-iveth  thee/'     This  may  seem  peculiar  to  the 
 Jewish  covenant,  which  attached  temporal  pros- 
 perity and  happiness  to  the  observance   of  its 
 precepts:  and  a  long  enjoyment  of  life  in  the 
 inheritance  of  Canaan   was  among  its  motives. 
 But  if  the  blessing  was  one  of  those,  which  the 
 Israelites  were  taught  to  expect,  though  it  be  of 
 a  secular  and  therefore  of  an  inferior  nature,  yet 
 it  manifestly  proves  the  Lord's  gracious  approba- 
 tion of  dutiful  children,  and  may  encourage  their 
 hopes  of  his  favourable  regard.     It  is  accordingly 
 urged  upon  Christians  by  an  apostle,  as  not  un- 
 worthy their  notice,  and  a  consideration  which 
 should  influence  their  conduct, — that  it  is  cc  the 
 first  commandment  with  promise :"  and  his  com- 
 ment justifies  the  conclusion,  that  filial  obedience 
 will  not  pass  unrewarded  even  in  this  life; — "that 
 it  may  be  well  with  thee,  and  thou  mayest  live 
 long  on  the  earth  *."     On  the  same  authority  we 
 
 •  Eph.  vi,  2,  3. 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMAND MEXT.  1  23 
 
 are  assured,  that  "  godliness  is  profitable  unto  all 
 things,  having  promise  of  the  life  that  now  is  *." 
 We  shall  be  confirmed  in  this  belief  by  an  atten- 
 tion to  the  state  of  different  families,  and  the 
 common  course  of  events,  as  ordered  by  divine 
 Providence,  which  is  no  other  than  the  righteous 
 government  of  God.  Enough  we  may  collect 
 from  observation,  as  well  as  from  scripture,  to 
 encourage  the  expectation,  that  "  whoso  ho- 
 noureth  his  father  shall  have  joy  of  his  own  chil- 
 dren, and  when  he  maketh  his  prayer,  he  shall 
 be  heard  f." 
 
 We  may  add  a  few  practical  remarks,  as  a  fur- 
 ther application  of  the  subject,  with  a  particular 
 reference  to  young  persons. 
 
 3.  Consider  your  great  sinfulness.  You  are 
 verily  guilty;  not  having  honoured  your  parents 
 by  reverence,  submission,  and  gratitude.  The 
 offence  is  not  a  light  matter,  but  very  heinous  in 
 the.  sight  of  God.  He  has  marked  it  by  his 
 heaviest  displeasure  in  the  Jewish  law.  For  thus 
 he  ordained,  "  If  a  man  have  a  stubborn  and 
 rebellious  son,  which  will  not  obey  the  voice  of 
 his  father,  or  the  voice  of  his  mother,  and  that 
 when  they  have  chastened  him  will  not  hearken 
 unto  them ;  then  shall  his  father  and  his  mother 
 lay  hold  on  him,  and  bring  him  out  unto  the 
 elders  of  his  city,  and  unto  the  gate  of  his  place; 
 and  they  shall  say  unto  the  elders  of  his  city, 
 
 *  1  Tim.  iv,  8.  f  Ecclus.  iii.  5. 
 
|$4  ON  THE  FIFTH   COMMANDMENT, 
 
 This  our  son  is  stubborn  and  rebellious,  be  will 
 not  obey  our  voice;  lie  is  a  glutton  and  a 
 drunkard  :  and  ali  the  men  ot  his  city  shall  stone 
 him  with  stone,-,  that  he  die  \"  The  sin  must 
 be  equally  hateful  to  God  under  the  Christian 
 dispensation,  though  not  so  severely  punished  by 
 the  magistrate.  Look  back  then  with  shame  on 
 every  instance  of  disobedience,  and  pray,  "  Re- 
 member not,  O  Lord,  the  sins  of  my  youth  f." 
 What  recompence  can  you  make  to  your  injured 
 parents  ?  Perhaps  they  are  dead:  if  not,  beg  their 
 forgiveness.  But  knowing  that  the  sin  is  against 
 God,  and  that  forgiveness  belongeth  to  Him, 
 entreat  his  mercy  through  that  blood,  which  alone 
 w  cleanseth  from  all  sin." 
 
 2.  Young  persons,  professing  a  serious  regard 
 to  religion,  should  evince  their  sincerity  by  a 
 conscientious  discharge  of  this  duty.  "  Let  them 
 shew  piety  at  home,"  is  the  apostolical  direction. 
 We  can  hear  nothing  of  your  love  and  zeal  for 
 God,  unless  you  learn  to  reverence  and  obey  your 
 parents  with  grateful  affection.  They  will  watch 
 your  conduct  the  more  narrowly,  on  account  of 
 your  attention  to  spiritual  concerns:  perhaps  they 
 may  oppose  and  threaten  you,  unless  you  abandon 
 your  rigid  notions,  and  conform  to  the  world. 
 This  is  a  severe  trial :  What  should  be  your  de- 
 portment under  it?     Still  *•' honour  your  father 
 
 *  Deut.  xxi.  IS — 21.  f  Psalm,  xxv.  ?. 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  I&5 
 
 and  mother."  Let  the  law  of  kindness  be  in  your 
 tongue,  and  your  very  countenance  shew  benig- 
 nity and  respect.  In  all  lawful  things  comply 
 with  their  wishes;  and  where  you  must  resist,  let 
 it  appear  that  you  do  so  only  from  necessity,  and 
 from  a  high  sense  of  your  obligations  to  God, 
 whose  claims  are  superior,  and  whose  authority 
 is  paramount  to  their's.  Where  subjection  to 
 both  cannot  be  yielded  at  the  same  time,  the  rule 
 is  clear,  nor  should  you  hesitate  a  moment,  "  Wc 
 ought  to  obey  God  rather  than  men  *." 
 
 3.  The  careless  and  the  dissipated,  who  are 
 disposed  to  .cast  off  all  domestic  restraint,  and  to 
 despise  parental  authority,  should  lend  an  atten- 
 tive ear  to  these  exhortations.  Is  it  too  soon -for 
 you  to  be  religious  ?  Or  is  it  allowable  for  you 
 to  live  without  rule  or  control,  because  you  arc 
 young?  This  very  commandment  proves,  that 
 the  most  high  God  takes  notice  of  your  conduct, 
 and  demands  your  dutiful  submission.  To  Him 
 you  must  give  account :  and  young  as  you  are, 
 you  may  die,  and  be  summoned  to  his  bar. 
 Then  be  persuaded  to  devote  yourselves  to  Him. 
 Do  it  now:  to-morrow  may  be  too  late.  How- 
 many  are  surprised  in  early  life  by  a  sudden  call 
 into  eternity !  But,  if  your  life  should  be  pro- 
 longed, you  are  making  bitter  work  for  repent- 
 ance   by   your   neglect   and   abuse    of  -present 
 
 *  Acts  v.  29, 
 
[26  ON*  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 opportunities.  Either  here  or  hereafter  you  will 
 have  to  lament  the  sins  and  transgressions  of 
 your  youth.  "  Seek  ye  the  Lord,  while  he  may 
 be  found:  call  ye  upon  him,  while  he  is 
 near*!" 
 
 *  Isaiah  K.  6 
 
ESSAY   LXVIII. 
 
 SN    THE    FIFTH    COMMANDMENT. 
 PART  II. 
 
 Relative  duties  are  reciprocal.  Parents  therefore 
 ozve  much  to  their  children, — should  provide  for 
 their  temporal  support, — but  Should  be  principally 
 solicitous  for  their  immortal  souls;  —  and  among 
 other  means  to  promote  their  salvation, — instruc- 
 tion,—  correction, — good  example, — earnest  and 
 constant  prayer, — are  indispensably  necessa?y. 
 
 In  the  divine  law  much  more  is  implied,  than 
 the  bare  letter  expresses.     We  should  endeavour 
 to  take  a  comprehensive  view,  and  pray  that  we 
 may  understand  it  in  its  full  extent.      We  have 
 seen  what  the  fifth  commandment  requires  from 
 children  to  their  parents ;  and  it  seems  to  reach 
 no  farther  i  but  its  demands  are  larger.     All  rela- 
 tive duties  are  reciprocal:  from  obligation  on  one 
 side  we  must  infer  a  corresponding  obligation  on 
 the  other.      Parents  are  to  be  reverenced  and 
 obeyed :    they  are  invested  with  authority  over 
 their  own  houses.     This  however  is  granted  to 
 them,  not  so  much  for  their  own  sakes,  as  for 
 
128  ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 the  honour  of  God,  the  good  of  society,  and  the 
 best  interests  of  their  children.  It  is  a  talent  to 
 be  improved  for  noblest  purposes :  and  of  their 
 fidelity  and  diligence  they  must  give  account. 
 They  should  therefore  exercise  their  power  with 
 firmness,  but  not  with  pride,  or  cruelty,  or  anger, 
 not  for  mere  selfish  ends,  or  any  private  gratifi- 
 cation, but  for  the  benefit  of  those,  over  whom 
 they  preside,  and  in  a  mindfulness  of  their  own 
 awful  responsibility.  (C  Ye  fathers,  provoke  not 
 your  children  to  wrath  :  but  bring  them  up  in 
 the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord  *." 
 
 How  important  is  the  subject !  On  the  proper 
 discharge  of  this  duty  depend  the  comfort  of  pa- 
 rents, and  all  domestic  order,  union,  and  felicity; 
 the  peace  of  society,  the  prosperity  of  families, 
 the  promotion  of  religion,  the  continuance  of  the 
 church,  the  salvation  of  immortal  souls.  Come, 
 and  consider,  how  much  is  intrusted  to  you  in 
 the  care  of  your,  offspring.  Your  houses,  well 
 governed,  will  be  excellent  nurseries  both  for 
 church  and  state,  -will,  produce  good  Christians 
 and  faithful  subjects.  But  to  the  abuse  or  neg- 
 lect of  your  trust  we  ascribe  your  own  unhappi- 
 ness  and  that  of  your  children;  the  rapid  progress 
 of  immorality,  profaneness,  and  infidelity;  the 
 gcrs  which  threaten  our  country,  and  the  ge- 
 neral contempt  shewn  for  the  ministers  and  ordi- 
 
 *  Eph.  vi.  4. 
 
 6 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  \2Q 
 
 nances  of  religion.  Alas !  what  do  we  see  around 
 us  !  Our  youth  suffered  to  grow  up,  destitute  of 
 right  principles,  in  ignorance  of  every  thing  good, 
 in  the  allowed  indulgence  of  vile  affections,  in 
 vanity,  dissipation,  and  wickedness,  disdaining 
 all  subjection  and  control ! 
 
 What  can  we  expect  to  be  the  consequence  of 
 such  a  state  of  things,  but  an  universal  deprava- 
 tion of  manners,  a  very  speedy  advancement  in 
 sin  ?  Our  reformation,  then,  must  begin  with  a 
 better  administration  of  domestic  government. 
 Parents,  you  must  be  roused  to  a  sense  of  your 
 obligations.  Think,  what  you  owe  to  those, 
 whom  you  were  the  means  of  bringing  into  the 
 world.  How  may  you  best  promote  their  wel- 
 fare, and  discharge  your  own  consciences  ?  The 
 further  investigation  of  the  subject  may  deeply 
 humble  you  under  a  conviction  of  your  past  de- 
 ficiences,  and  excite  you  to  pray  more  earnestly 
 for  wisdom,  strength,  and  success  in  the  per- 
 formance of  your  duties. 
 
 I.  You  should  provide  for  the  temporal  sup- 
 port of  your  children.  In  early  life  they  are  en- 
 tirely dependent  upon  you  for  food  and  raiment: 
 for  to  whom  else  can  they  look  ?  And  it  rests 
 with  you  alone  to  give  them  a  place  and  rank  in 
 society.  It  is  not  incumbent  upon  you  to  leave 
 them  large  fortunes,  or  to  minister  to  any  pur- 
 poses of  pride  or  extravagance.  But  you  must 
 be  willing  to  labour  for  them,  if  this  be  neces- 
 
 VOL.  Ill,  K 
 
130  ON  THE  FIFTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 sary:  you  must  give  tlicm  a  suitable  education, 
 cultivate  their  minds,  furnish  them  with  all  use- 
 ful knowledge,  and  fix  them  in  the  world,  ac- 
 cording to  your  own  station  and  ability,  that  they 
 may  be  put  into  the  way  of  making  a  competent 
 provision  for  themselves. 
 
 You  are  bound  to  this  conduct  by  every  tie  of 
 natural  affection,  and  by  the  dictates  of  reason : 
 so  that  even  those,  who  discard  the  Bible,  feel 
 and  acknowledge  the  obligation.  The  precepts 
 of  revelation  so  expressly  and  forcibly  inculcate 
 it,  that  he,  who  suffers  his  offspring  to  want 
 through  his  own  negligence,  can  have  no  preten- 
 sions to  Christianity.  An  apostle  decides  the 
 case,  "  If  any  provide  not  for  his  own,  and 
 especially  for  those  of  his  own  house,  he  hath 
 denied  the  faith,  and  is  worse  than  an  infidel  *." 
 Desert  not  then  the  important  charge,  committed 
 to  you  by  the  God  of  nature  and  the  God  of 
 grace.  Yet  how  many  betray  their  trust,  and, 
 more  unfeeling  and  cruel  than  the  most  stupid 
 or  savage  animal,  abandon  their  helpless  young 
 to  want  and  misery !  Some  through  pride  and 
 extravagance  exceed  their  income,  and  consume 
 that  patrimony,  of  which  they  are  but  stewards 
 for  the  benefit  of  posterity;  others  through  idle- 
 ness refuse  to  labour,  and  make  no  provision  for 
 their  families;  and  not  a  few  are  wasting  their 
 
 •  i  Tim.  v.  8. 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  131 
 
 time,  their  money,  and  their  strength,  in  sensual 
 gratifications,  and  thus  reduce  themselves  and 
 their  children  to  beggary  and  ruin.  How  base 
 is  such  conduct ! 
 
 Yet  it  is  only  a  small  part  of  your  duty  to  at- 
 tend to  their  secular  affairs,  and  the  mere  support 
 of  their  bodies ; 
 
 II.  Your  principal  concern  should  be  the  care 
 of  their  immortal  souls.    These  are  of  the  highest 
 values  and  therefore  their  happiness  and  salvation 
 should  be  your  principal  object ;  and  the  neglect 
 of  them  would  involve  you  in  the  deepest  guilt. 
 You  may  be  anxious  and  diligent  for  their  sub- 
 sistence and  advancement  in  the  world :  and  so 
 far  you  may  be  approved  and  admired  as  good 
 and  kind  parents.     But  while  the  short  span  of 
 their  present  existence  occupies  so  much  of  your 
 thought  and  labour,  is  it  a  matter  not  worth  re- 
 garding, where  and  how  they  will  exist  for  ever  ? 
 Their  souls  are  committed  to  your  trust,  and  you 
 are  required  to  train  them  up  with  a  view  to  their 
 future  and  everlasting  state.     What  account  can 
 you  give  of  this  sacred  deposit  ?   They  may  not 
 jive  to  enjoy  the  fruits  of  your  industry :  you  may 
 survive  the   strongest,   the   healthiest,    and   the 
 loveliest  of  them.     Could  you  follow  them  to 
 the  grave  with  a  quiet  conscience,  or  take  leave 
 of  them  on  your  own  death-bed  with  comfort, 
 persuaded  that  they  have  learnt  from  your  lips, 
 and  seen  in  your  lives,  what  true  religion  is  ? 
 
 K  2 
 
132  ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 How  tremendous  would  be  the  apprehension,  in 
 the  solemn  moment  of  separation,  that  they  will 
 witness  against  you  at  the  bar  of  God  !  You  can- 
 not indeed  command  a  blessing  upon  them  :  you 
 cannot  renew  their  hearts  in  holiness :  but  attend 
 to  what  is  your  obvious  and  necessary  duty;  stea- 
 dily persevere  in  the  arduous  task,  depending 
 entirely  on  divine  grace  j  and  "  your  labour  shall 
 not  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord." 
 
 Various  are  the  means  to  be  used  in  this  great 
 work  :  the  following  may  be  reckoned  among  the 
 most  important ;  instruction,,  correction,  example, 
 and  prayer. 
 
 ] .  Instruction.  Man  is  naturally  ignorant  of 
 the  things,  which  most  concern  him,  his  relation 
 to  God,  his  guilt  and  condemnation,  his  depra- 
 vity and  helplessness,  and  the  gracious  provision 
 made  for  his  recovery  by  Jesus  Christ.  He  has 
 every  thing  to  learn :  and,  while  it  is  allowed 
 that  God  only  can  teach  your  children  with  a 
 saving  efficacy,  yet  He  has  made  it  your  indis- 
 pensable duty  to  cultivate  their  understandings, 
 and  to  give,  them  information.  You  must  begin 
 with  them  very  early,  at  least  to  inculcate  plain 
 truths,  from  which  you  may  advance  to  others  of 
 a  higher  nature,  as  their  minds  are  enlarged  and 
 strengthened.  They  are  capable  of  entering  into 
 some  religious  subjects,  much  sooner  than  is 
 commonly  supposed.  There  is  "  the  milk  of  the 
 word,"  which  even   babes  may  receive,  while 
 
CN  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  133 
 
 "  the  strong  meat"  may  be  reserved  for  "  them 
 that  are  of  full  age."  Upon  the  greatness  and 
 goodness  of  God,  the  glories  of  heaven,  and  the 
 torments  of  hell,  upon  the  grace  of  Jesus  Christ, 
 and  the  characters  and  duties  of  his  faithful  fol- 
 lowers, you  may  enlarge  with  propriety  and  pros- 
 pect of  success. 
 
 Talk  with  them  on  these  things,  not  in  lan- 
 guage of  gloom,  of  menace,  or  severity,  but  with 
 such  tenderness  and  proofs  of  affection,  as  may 
 engage  their  attention,  and  conciliate  their  love. 
 Yet  let  the  subject  be  treated  with  all  gravity  and 
 solemnity,  that  they  may  not  trifle  with  it,  as  a 
 matter  of  curiosity,  but  feel  its  importance  with  a 
 deep  and  abiding  impression.  You  must  also 
 repeat  and  enforce  your  instructions,  as  they  shall 
 be  able  to  bear  them,  by  argument  and  exhorta- 
 tion, compassionating  their  weakness; — "  for 
 precept  must  be  upon  precept,  precept  upon  pre- 
 cept; line  upon  line,  line  upon  line-,  here  a  little, 
 and  there  a  little  *."  If  you  would  succeed  wirh 
 them,  you  must  set  up  and  maintain  a  system  of 
 religious  discipline  in  your  houses.  Not  only 
 bring  them  to  church,  but  examine  in  private, 
 how  they  have  behaved,  and  in  what  degree  they 
 have  profited.  Call  them  together  to  read  and  hear 
 the  holy  scriptures,  and  endeavour  by  a  regular 
 plan  of  catechizing  to  fix  upon  their  minds  th 
 plain  principles  of  Christianity. 
 
 *  Isaiah  xxvi'.i 
 
134  ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 But  where  shall  we  find  the  parents  who  have 
 constantly  practised  these  things  ?  What  proofs 
 have  you  given  of  pure  affection  for  your  chil- 
 dren ?  Have  you  yearned  over  them  with  tender 
 solicitude  for  their  salvation  ?  You  may  have 
 taught  them  a  trade,  and  given  them  a  knowledge 
 of  men  and  manners,  of  books,  of  arts  and  sci- 
 ences, and  introduced  them  into  the  world  with 
 fair  prospects  of  advancement:  but  is  this  suffi- 
 cient ?  Have  you  instructed  them  in  their  hea- 
 venly vocation,  or  directed  them  in  the  way  to 
 secure  the  riches  of  Christ  and  the  inheritance  of 
 glory?  Is  this  to  be  left  to  the  care  of  ministers, 
 as  if  they  alone  were  responsible  for  their  souls  ? 
 You  are  equally,  or  rather  more,  concerned  in 
 this  business :  and  a  solemn  account  you  must 
 give  ;  for  you  must  answer  at  the  judgment  seat. 
 If  you  allege  in  your  excuse,  that  they  will  not 
 hear  you,  but  contemptuously  reject  your  coun- 
 sel ;  what  do  you  but  confess  your  own  guilt  ? 
 You  have  betrayed  your  trust,  in  not  maintaining 
 your  authority:  otherwise,  your  influence  would 
 not  be  lost.  Hence  consider  another  parental 
 duty, 
 
 2.  Correction.  Do  you  believe  the  depravity 
 of  human  nature  ?  Who,  that  is  much  and  seri- 
 ously occupied  in  the  education  of  children,  can 
 deny  it  ?  Now,  by  what  means  are  those  evil 
 tempers  and  affections,  by  which  they  resist  your 
 pious  efforts,  to  be  restrained  ?    Not  merely  by 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH   COMMANDMENT.  135 
 
 good  advice  or  mild  reproof,  but  by  the  infliction 
 of  punishment:  without  it  they  will  soon  acquire 
 a  strength,  which  will  bear  down  all  opposition. 
 u  Foolishness  is  bound  in  the  heart  of  a  child ; 
 but  the  rod  of  correction  shall  drive  it  far  from 
 him  *."  A  difference  of  age,  tempers,  and  con- 
 stitutions, may  require  this  discipline  to  be  ad- 
 ministered in  different  degrees.  But  without  se- 
 rious chastisement  they  would  all  become  impa- 
 tient of  control ;  and  then  your  religious  instruc- 
 tions would  be  rendered  totally  useless,  if  not 
 impracticable.  Severity  is  not  pleaded  for :  vio- 
 lence or  anger  would  produce  real  mischief. 
 "  Ye  fathers,  provoke  not  your  children  to 
 wrath."  Care  should  be  taken  to  convince  the 
 offenders,  that  you  are  acting  from  a  sense  of 
 duty,  and  even  from  cordial  affection  to  them, 
 and  that  every  stroke  you  inflict  is  very  painful 
 to  yourselves.  If  you  spare  them  out  of  false 
 tenderness,  your  peace  will  be  broken,  and  they 
 will  be  undone. 
 
 Are  you  not  afraid  of  bringing  upon  your- 
 selves the  guilt  and  condemnation  of  the  high- 
 priest  of  Israel  ?  The  Lord  said,  "  I  have  told 
 him,  that  I  will  judge  his  house  for  ever,  for  the 
 iniquity  which  he  knoweth :  because  his  sons 
 made  themselves  vile,  and  he  restrained  them 
 notf."      Plead  not  your  parental  affection  in 
 
 *  Prov.  xxii.  15.  f  1  Sam.  iii.  J 3, 
 
136  ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 excuse  for  your  fond  indulgence :  for  the  wise 
 man  convicts  you  of  cruelty;  "  He  that  spareth 
 his  rod,  hateth  his  son  ;  but  he  that  loveth  him, 
 chasteneth  him  betimes  *,"  On  the  ground  of 
 affection,  then,  "  Withhold  not  correction  from 
 the  child  :  for  if  thou  beatest  him  with  the  rod, 
 he  shall  not  die.  Thou  shalt  beat  him  with  the 
 rod,  and  shalt  deliver  his  soul  from  hell  f." 
 
 Are  there  not  many  tender  parents,  whose 
 hearts  are  pierced  with  bitterness  of  anguish  by 
 those,  to  whom  they  were  looking  for  comfort 
 and  support  in  their  declining  years  ?  But  are 
 they  not  suffering  through  their  own  foolish 
 fondness,  which  prevented  them  from  adminis- 
 tering due  correction  ?  And  have  they  not  reason 
 to  fear,  that  they  have  trained  up  (i  a  seed  of  evil 
 doers,  children  that  are  corrupters,"  to  be  the 
 pest  of  society  in  this  world,  and  with  no  other 
 prospect  in  future  than  that  of  everlasting  mi- 
 sery? What  torture  must  they  feel,  under  the 
 conviction  of  their  own  negligence  !  Is  not  this, 
 what  you  would  deprecate  and  prevent  ?  Then 
 beware,  and  set  yourselves  with  firmness  to  resist 
 the  first  risings  of  evil  in  your  families,  and 
 maintain  that  authority,  with  which  God  has 
 intrusted  you  for  his  own  glory.  But  to  be  suc- 
 cessful, you  must  join  to  your  other  efforts 
 
 3.  A  good  example.     Your  life  should  recom- 
 
 *  Prov.  xiii.  21<  +  Prov.  xxiii.  13,  14, 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  137 
 
 xnend  and  enforce  the  instructions,  which  your 
 tongue  delivers.  You  must  be  consistent,  and 
 practise  your  own  precepts,  or  else  your  pupils 
 will  despise  you.  Then  only  will  they  honour 
 you,  and  receive  profit  from  you,  when  they  be- 
 hold in  you  an  exemplification  of  your  own  rules. 
 You  must  exhibit  before  them  the  pattern  of  a 
 true  Christian,  conducting  himself  with  a  holy 
 steadfastness  and  uniformity  in  his  various  offices 
 and  relations,  in  the  family,  in  the  closet,  in  the 
 church,  in  worldly  transactions,  in  a  devout  ob- 
 servance of  the  sabbath. 
 
 A  bad  man  must  be  a  bad  parent.  How  can 
 he  press  upon  his  sons  and  daughters  an  attention 
 to  those  duties,  which  he  constantly  neglects,  or 
 correct  them  for  those  sins,  which  he  is  in  the 
 habit  of  committing  ?  Though  he  should  be 
 careful  and  solicitous  to  provide  them  food  and 
 raiment,  he  cannot  possess  any  real  concern  for 
 their  souls ;  nor  can  he  teach  them  religion  with 
 effect,  whatever  he  may  pretend.  Will  they  not 
 consider  him  as  a  hypocrite  or  a  deceiver,  and  be 
 ready  to  retort  upon  him,  "  Thou  that  teachest 
 another,  teachest  thou  not  thyself  ?"  He  cannot 
 take  a  more  effectual  method  to  confirm  them  in 
 a  contempt  for  all  professions  of  piety,  and 
 harden  them  in  wickedness.  Vicious  examples 
 are  more  likely  to  prevail  with  them  than  good 
 instruction,  because  they  suit  the  corrupt  dispo- 
 sitions of  their  hearts  ;  and  on  this  account  they 
 3 
 
138  ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 will  be  very  apt  scholars  in  learning  from  the 
 father's  conduct  to  transgress.  As  the  celebrated 
 archbishop  Tillotson  has  expressed  it,  "  To  give 
 children  good  instruction  and  a  bad  example,  is 
 but  beckoning  to  them  with  the  head  to  shew 
 them  the  way  to  heaven,  while  you  take  them  by 
 the  hand,  and  lead  them  in  the  way  to  hell." 
 
 Where  is  the  wonder  then,  that  so  many  of 
 our  young  people  betray  so  much  ignorance,  fri- 
 volity, dissipation,  and  impiety?  Do  they  not 
 learn  these  things  at  home  ?  Let  fathers  and  mo- 
 thers be  enquired  of,  Are  your  houses  ruled  in 
 the  fear  of  God  ?  What  do  your  children  see  in 
 you  ?  Is  your  conduct  such,  as  you  could  recom- 
 mend to  their  imitation,  when  you  come  to  die  ? 
 At  that  solemn  moment,  when  you  are  taking 
 your  leave  of  them,  would  you  say,  Follow  me  ? 
 Would  you  not  rather  be  filled  with  shame,  re- 
 morse, and  horror,  upon  the  recollection  of  your 
 folly  and  wickedness,  and  warn  them  against 
 treading  in  your  steps  ? 
 
 To  all  other  parental  duties  you  must  add 
 4.  Earnest  and  constant  prayer.  Without  this 
 it  is  not  probable  that  your  most  strenuous  ef- 
 forts will  prevail  for  their  good.  But  what  bless- 
 ings may  not  be  expected  from  it  ?  The  city  of 
 Zoar  was  rescued  from  the  desolations  of  Sodom 
 at  the  intercession  of  Lot ;  again  and  again  was 
 the  fierce  anger  of  the  Lord  turned  away  from 
 Israel   through   the  mediation  of  Moses:    and 
 
ON  TilE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  13Q 
 
 the  prayer  of  David  stopped  the  hand  of  the  an- 
 gel, which  was  lifted  up  to  destroy  Jerusalem. 
 €s  The  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous  man 
 availeth  much*."  IF  it  availeth  much  for  others, 
 you  may  reasonably  hope  tnat  God  will  have  an 
 especial  regard  to  it  for  those  of  your  own  house- 
 hold. 
 
 Be  encouraged,  therefore,  to  entreat  the  Lord 
 for  your  children.  Devote  them  to  Him  from  their 
 very  birth,  and  offer  them  up  by  the  solemn  ordi- 
 nance of  baptism,  beseeching  him  that  he  would 
 cleanse  them  from  their  original  pollution  by  the 
 blood  of  Christ,  and  renew  them  by  the  Holy  Ghost, 
 that  he  would  adopt  them  into  his  own  family, 
 and  train  them  up  for  his  kingdom.  As  soon  as 
 they  are  capable  of  learning,  words  of  prayer 
 should  be  put  into  their  mouths,  and  they  should 
 be  taught  to  approach  to  God,  not  in  form  only, 
 but  "  in  spirit  and  in  truth,"  with  reverential 
 awe,  with  deep  humiliation,  with  faith  and  hope 
 in  Christ  Jesus.  To  the  performance  of  this 
 duty  they  should  be  pressed  with  all  earnestness, 
 as  to  a  matter  of  indispensable  necessity:  nor 
 should  you  rest,  till  you  be  assured  that  it  is  seri- 
 ously attended  to.  You  should  also  yourselves 
 accompany  them  to  the  throne  of  grace,  and 
 there  with  all  the  ardour  of  your  souls  intercede 
 for  them.     It  will  be  generally  expedient  to  re- 
 
 *  James  v.  lS- 
 
140  ON   THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 quire  their  presence  at  your  family  devotions, 
 and  to  make  particular  mention  of  their  cases 
 before  God.  Is  not  this  method  admirably  cal- 
 culated to  form  them  to  a  religious  temper  and 
 practice  ?  or  rather,  is  it  not  the  surest  way  to 
 bring  down  the  divine  blessing  upon  them  ? 
 
 But  if  these  things  be  totally  neglected, 
 how  great  is  your  cruelty!  and  what  compli- 
 cated misery  may  be  looked  for,  both  to  your- 
 selves and  them  !  Think  of  their  danger.  If  they 
 were  attacked  with  some  fatal  disease  of  body, 
 would  you  not  call  in  a  physician  for  them  ? 
 And  when  their  souls  are  in  the  most  imminent 
 peril,  will  you  not  petition  for  their  salvation  ? 
 Ah  !  where  will  they  soon  be  ?  Is  it  nothing  to 
 you,  whether  they  be  consigned  to  heaven  or  to 
 hell  ?  Or,  if  you  be  touched  with  no  feeling  of 
 compassion  for  them,  may  you  not  justly  tremble 
 for  yourselves  ?  For  your  own  sakes  we  would 
 urge  you  to  the  duty:  as  ever  you  would  secure 
 comfort  at  home,  enjoy  true  peace  of  conscience, 
 and  escape  the  condemnation  of  the  righteous 
 Judge,  or  the  bitter  accusations  of  your  children 
 in  the  future  world. 
 
 Consider  then  the  extent  of  your  parental  obli- 
 gations, and  set  yourselves  to  an  immediate  and 
 vigorous  discharge  of  them,  not  from  mere  natu- 
 ral affection,  but  from  a  sense  of  what  you  owe 
 to  God.  Your  work  may  be  arduous,  but  it  is 
 important,  and  promises  the  most  extended  use* 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  141 
 
 fulness,  both  in  the  present  time  and  to  succeed- 
 ing generations.      Thousands  yet   unborn   may 
 reap  the  benefit.     But   you   have  not   fulfilled 
 your  part.     Boast  not  of  having  done  your  duty : 
 rather  seek  forgiveness  for  your  manifold  and  sad 
 failures.     What  other  expedient  is  left  you,  but 
 to  fly  for  refuge  to  the  Saviour,  and  by  faith  re- 
 ceive the  atonement  through  his  blood  ?  Having 
 thus  obtained  peace  with  God,  you  should  also 
 implore  strength  from  above,  to  enable  you  to 
 walk  in  newness  of  life,  and  especially  to  dis- 
 charge all  relative  duties  in  an  exemplary  man- 
 ner.    So  will  you  best  evince  your  gratitude  to 
 your  Redeemer,  adorn  and  recommend  the  gospel, 
 and  render  the  most  essential  service  to  society 
 and  to  the  church  of  God. 
 
ESSAY   LXIX. 
 
 ON    THE    FIFTH    COMMANDMENT. 
 PART    III. 
 
 The  divine  law  promotes  human  happiness,  by  enjoin- 
 ing all  relative  duties  -, — enforces  the  reciprocal 
 obligations  betwee?i  masters  and  servants, — Ser- 
 vants should  reverence  their  masters ', — obey  them 
 in  all  things  lawful, — shew  them  all  good  fidelity, 
 — and  act  from  the  exalted  motive  of  serving  the 
 Lord  Christ. — Masters  shoidd  chuse  religious  ser- 
 vants, —  be  mild  and  reasonable  in  their  commands 
 and  expectations, — maintain  their  authority  for  the 
 glory  of  God, — and  zvatch  over  the  souls  of  their 
 servants. 
 
 The  law  of  the  Lord  is  not  only  "  holy  and 
 just/'  but  u  good  *."  Every  precept  is  calculated 
 to  promote  human  happiness,  as  well  as  the  di- 
 vine glory.  It  is  addressed  to  men  in  all  the 
 different  ranks  and  offices  of  life,  requiring  them 
 
 *  Rom.  vii.  12. 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  143 
 
 £o  fulfil  their  respective  engagements,  and  assign- 
 ing to  them  the  performance  of  duties  according 
 to  the  various  relations,  in  which  they  stand  to 
 one  another.  As  far  therefore  as  its  injunctions 
 are  observed,  it  cements  the  several  parts  of  so- 
 ciety together  in  closest  union  ;  it  keeps  them  alL 
 in  their  proper  place,  in  due  order  and  subjec- 
 tion. It  supposes  a  difference  and  inequality  in 
 station,  ability,  and  power,  and  directs  inferiors 
 to  honour  their  superiors,  whatever  they  may 
 otherwise  be,  even  as  children  should  honour 
 their  parents.  These  relative  duties  therefore  very 
 fitly  come  before  us,  in  our  consideration  of  the 
 fifth  commandment. 
 
 Let  masters  and  servants  examine,  what  they 
 owe  to  one  another.  There  are  reciprocal  obli- 
 gations between  them,  on  the  punctual  and  con- 
 scientious discharge  of  which  depend  the  peace 
 and  welfare  of  the  community,  the  promotion 
 and  credit  of  the  gospel.  St.  Paul  failed  not  in 
 all  his  practical  exhortations  most  strongly  to 
 inculcate  a  strict  attention  to  these  duties;  and  it 
 will  become  the  ministers  of  Christ  to  follow  his 
 example.  The  subject  should  never  be  despised 
 or  neglected  as  beneath  their  notice.  It  is  gene- 
 rally interesting ;  since  almost  all  persons  stand 
 in  one  or  the  other  of  these  capacities.  It  will 
 afford  important  instruction,  and  should  excite 
 the  serious  inquiry,  What  is  my  part  in  life;  and 
 am  I  giving  to  all  their  due  ?     The  ignorant  and 
 
144  OX  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT, 
 
 careless  may  be  convicted  of  their  sad  failures, 
 and  perceive  their  guilt  and  condemnation.  Sin- 
 cere believers  may  learn  to  exhibit  the  most  deci- 
 sive evidence  of  their  faith  in  Christ,  and  most 
 effectually  glorify  the  God  of  their  salvation. 
 
 I.  Our  first  address  will  be  to  Servants.  Many 
 difficulties  are  to  be  expected  in  a  state  of  servi- 
 tude :  but  remember,  your  condition  is  what  God 
 has  appointed :  it  is  also  a  condition  of  fewer: 
 snares  and  lighter  burdens,  than  that  of  your 
 masters.  Your  hardships  are  not  to  be  com- 
 pared with  those,  which  servants  in  the  first  ages 
 of  Christianity  endured,  whose  duties  are  defined 
 in  the  new  testament ;  and  therefore  your  obliga- 
 tions to  a  proper  conduct  are  the  stronger. 
 
 In  general,  you  are  at  liberty  to  chuse  your 
 place,  and  this  choice  is  of  great  moment.  You 
 should  beware  of  engaging  yourselves  to  those 
 families,  in  which  there  is  no  religion:  much 
 less  should  you  be  induced  by  any  prospect  of 
 advantage  to  go,  where  it  is  scorned  and  reviled. 
 For  so  situated,  you  would  be  exposed  to  many 
 and  powerful  temptations ;  and  probably  you 
 may  not  possess  sufficient  vigour  of  principle  to 
 resist  them.  It  is  true,  indeed,  that  God  can 
 preserve  you  by  his  grace  in  dangers  the  most 
 formidable :  but  voluntarily  to  run  into  them 
 would  argue  great  presumption.  Many  have 
 fallen  in  these  circumstances,  who  thought  them- 
 selves too  well  established  in  virtue,  to  be  overcome: 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  145 
 
 and  their  case  should  teach  you  caution.  Look  out 
 then  for  situations  in  houses  of  piety  and  devo- 
 tion, and  value  them  highly  when  obtained. 
 Resign  them  not  to  avoid  any  trifling  inconve- 
 nience, or  even  to  gain  large  emoluments,  at 
 the  hazard  of  sacrificing  your  conscience. 
 
 But  wherever  you  are  fixed,  the  rules  for  your 
 general  conduct  will  be  the  same.  The  aposto- 
 lical injunctions  are,  u  Servants^  be  obedient  to 
 them  that  are  your  masters  according  to  the  flesh, 
 with  fear  and  trembling,  in  singleness  of  your 
 heart,  as  unto  Christ:  not  with  eye-service  as 
 men-pleasers,  but  as  the  servants  of  Christ,  doing 
 the  will  of  God  from  the  heart ;  with  good- will 
 doing  service,  as  to  the  Lord,  and  not  to  men : 
 — not  answering  again,  not  purloining,  but  shew- 
 ing all  good  fidelity,  that  you  may  adorn  the 
 doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things. — Be 
 subject  to  your  masters  with  all  fear,  not  only  to 
 the  good  and  gentle,  but  also  to  the  froward :  for 
 this  is  thank- worthy,  if  a  man  for  conscience 
 toward  God  endure  grief,  suffering  wrongfully  *." 
 — According  to  these  directions,  then, 
 
 1.  Reverence  your  masters.  It  is  the  Lord, 
 who,  by  his  sovereign  but  wise  and  gracious  dis- 
 pensations, hath  made  the  difference  between 
 them  and  you. ,  You  are  therefore  to  regard  His 
 authority  in  them,  and  not  merely  to  respect  their 
 
 -  Eph.  vi.  5—7,    Titus  ii.  9,  10.     1  Peter  ii.  18, 19. 
 ^ol,  in.  L 
 
j.ib"  0\  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 riches,  or  power,  or  abilities.  You  are  not  at  liberty 
 to  despise  them,  if  they  should  be  mean,  or  poor, 
 or  foolish,  or  even  wicked  ;  for  whatever  be  their 
 defects  or  faults,  you  should  yield  them  honour 
 from  this  consideration,  that  they  are  appointed 
 of  God   to  preside  over  you.     If  this  exalted 
 principle  prevail  in  your  hearts,  you  will  shew  a 
 meekness  and  a  deference  towards  them  in  all 
 your  deportment,  and  not  allow  yourselves  to 
 speak  to  them  or  of  them,  but  under  a  mindful- 
 ness of  their  superiority.     Such  is  that  "  fear 
 and  trembling,"   which  is  commanded :  it  is  a 
 holy  principle,  being  in  effect  no  other   than 
 "  the  fear  of  God." 
 
 But  is  this  the  general  temper  and  conduct  of 
 servants?     What  is  more  common,  than  to  ob- 
 serve in  them  a  haughty,  stubborn,  and  scornful 
 behaviour,  and  to  hear  from  them  the  language 
 of  contradiction   and   railing?     How   often  do 
 they  expose  the  faults  and  publish  the  secrets  of 
 the  family,  where  they  dwell,   as  if  they  came 
 into  the  house  like  spies  and  traitors !     How  im- 
 patient of  reproof,  and  ready  to  be  irritated,  when 
 blamed;  even  debating  the  matter,  as  if  they  dis- 
 puted the  right  of  authority  J     What,  though 
 they  ai$  ao:uscd  wrongfully?    Patience  and  sub- 
 mission still  become  them,  and  will  best  plead 
 their  cause:  at  least,  all  petulant  and  irreverent 
 replies  should  be  abstained  from.    "  What  glory 
 is  it,  if  when  ye  be  buffeted  for  your  faults,  ye 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  14? 
 
 shall  take  it  patiently  ?  But  if  when  ye  do  well, 
 and  suffer  for  it,  ye  take  it  patiently,  this  is  ac- 
 ceptable with  God*/'  It  has  been  remarked, 
 that  religious  servants  are  very  deficient  in  reve- 
 rence towards  their  superiors,  who  possess  the 
 same  faith  and  hope.  Considering  them  as  chil- 
 dren of  the  same  father,  they  may  be  disposed 
 to  treat  them  with  familiarity,  as  on  a  level  with 
 themselves.  They  forget  then  the  admonition  of 
 St.  Paul,  "  They  that  have  believing  masters,  let 
 them  not  despise  them  (or  refuse  them  the  ho- 
 nour due  to  their  station),  because  they  are  faith- 
 ful and  beloved,  partakers  of  the  benefit  f." 
 
 52.  Be  obedient  in  all  things.  This  must  be 
 understood  with  some  limitation ;  in  all  things 
 just  and  lawful,  not  inconsistent  with  your  duty 
 to  God.  Your  masters  have  an  absolute  right 
 to  your  work,  and  may  claim  the  improvement 
 of  your  time  and  the  exertions  of  your  strength, 
 on  the  principles  of  common  equity,  on  the 
 ground  of  your  own  agreement  with  them,  and 
 in  compensation  for  your  wages  and  support  To 
 refuse  your  appointed  task,  or  to  loiter  away  your 
 hours  of  service,  is  an  act  of  injustice,  and  therefore 
 highly  criminal.  You  are  not  to  dictate  what  is 
 to  be  done,  or  to  refuse  conformity  to  their  regu- 
 lations. Set  not  up  your  own  wisdom  in  oppo- 
 sition to  their's;  but  meekly  and  carefully  attend 
 
 *   1  Peier  ii.  20.  f  I  Tim.  vi.  2. 
 
 L   2 
 
148  ON  THE  FIFTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 to  their  directions.  Having  received  their  com- 
 mands, you  must  remember  them  :  to  say,  "  I 
 forgot,"  is  to  acknowledge  your  guilt.  Proceed 
 then  immediately,  with  alacrity  and  vigour,  to 
 the  execution  of  the  plan  prescribed.  Do  it 
 cheerfully,  not  with  murmuring  or  reluctance ; 
 do  it  punctually,  not  partially  or  by  halves. 
 Many  things  unpleasant  or  even  painful  may  be 
 required  of  you,  and  your  entire  submission  must 
 appear  in  performing  what  may  be  disagreeable ; 
 at  any  rate  you  are  not  at  liberty  to  select  only 
 such  parts  of  the  service,  as  may  suit  your  own 
 inclinations. 
 
 Have  you  not  been  defective  in  your  obedience  ? 
 With  an  acute  attention  to  your  own  advantage, 
 have  you  not  been  negligent  of  your  master's 
 work  ?  Have  you  not  shewn  a  proud,  refractory 
 spirit,  as  if  you  were  too  wise  to  be  directed  by 
 him,  and  as  if  the  government  of  the  house 
 should  be  left  to  you  ?  Have  you  been  as  dili- 
 gent in  his  business,  as  if  it  were  your  own,  and 
 as  observant  of  his  commands  in  his  absence,  as 
 in  his  presence  ?  Or  have  you  not  taken  oppor- 
 tunities of  idleness,  when  removed  from  his 
 notice,  and  artfully  studied  to  conceal  your  negli- 
 gence from  him  ?  What  is  this,  but  to  be  eye- 
 servants  or  men-pleasers?  It  is  not  acting,  "  as 
 1  he  servants  of  Christ,  doing  the  will  of  God  from 
 the  heart.1* 
 
 3.   Be   strictly  hones*,    "  not  purloining,  but 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  140 
 
 shewing  all  good  fidelity."  How  extensive  and 
 important  is  this  duty;  yet,  whilst  almost  all  per- 
 sons pretend  to  it,  how  rare  is  the  practice !  To 
 your  care  probably  are  committed  various  con- 
 cerns, either  domestic  or  commercial,  and  as 
 stewards  you  must  give  account  to  God.  To  pilfer 
 and  to  steal  such  property,  as  you  are  appointed 
 to  guard  and  to  improve,  is  a  double  crime  :  it  is 
 worse  than  common  robbery,  it  is  a  breach  of 
 trust.  Are  your  hands  clean  in  this  respect? 
 You  detest  the  character  of  a  thief;  but  have  you 
 not,  in  trifling  matters  at  least,  secreted  from 
 your  master's  goods,  what  you  were  not  allowed 
 to  make  use  of  for  yourselves,  and  what  you 
 would  not  have  taken  from  any  others  ? 
 
 Strict  fidelity  in  your  place  requires,  that  you 
 be  as  attentive  to  the  interest  of  those,  whom  you 
 serve,  as  to  your  own.  But  have  they  never 
 suffered  loss  through  your  carelessness  ?  Have 
 you  not  been  wasteful  or  extravagant  ?  There  is 
 just  cause  of  complaint  on  this  account  in  many 
 families:  there  is  little  of  christian  frugality  to 
 be  found.  Our  Lord's  precept  is  disregarded, 
 "  Gather  up  the  fragments  that  remain,  that 
 nothing  be  lost*."  The  meat,  the  bread,  that 
 is  wasted,  exhibits  a  charge  against  you.— It  is 
 your  duty  also  to  improve  your  time  to  the  best 
 advantage,  in  the  offices  assigned  you.  It  is  not 
 left  to  your  own  disposal.  To  loiter,  then,  when 
 you  should  be  diligent;  to  spend  in  idle  talk  or 
 
 *  John  vi.  12. 
 
150  ON  THE  FIFTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 unnecessary  sleep  those  moments,  which  should 
 be  devoted  to  your  work ;  or  even  to  stand  with 
 your  hands  folded,  when  you  ought  to  be  em- 
 ployed;— are  manifest  instances  of  unfaithfulness. 
 Have  you  no  cause  for  shame  and  humiliation 
 on  account  of  such  sloth  and  negligence  ? 
 
 4.   Discharge  your  various  obligations  in  your 
 respective   places  from   christian   motives,  "  as 
 serving  the  Lord  Christ."     If  you  were  seeking 
 only  to  please  men,  this  need  not  be  urged.    But 
 if  you  call  yourselves  the  disciples  of  the  Saviour, 
 your  object  should  be  to  approve  yourselves  to 
 Him  ;   and,  provided  your  heavenly  Master  will 
 not  condemn  you,  it  need  not  give  you  much 
 concern  to  be  accused  or  persecuted  by  others. 
 You  must  therefore  ask,  What  is  His  will  ?   What 
 would  He  have  you  to  do  ?     Act  as  in  His  pre- 
 sence, and  not  merely  as  in  the  sight  of  men ; 
 from  a  regard  to  His  authority,  and  not  only  as 
 under  human  control ;  as  accountable  to  Him, 
 and  about  to  receive  from  Him  your  final  sen- 
 tence and  destination.    Nothing  short  of  this  can 
 be  called  christian  obedience.     "  Whatsoever  ye 
 do,  do  it  heartily, as  to  the  Lord,  and  not  to  men; 
 knowing  that  of  the  Lord  ye  shall  receive  the 
 reward  of  the  inheritance :  for  ye  serve  the  Lord 
 Christ  *." 
 
 These   considerations  demand  your   especial 
 attention,  if  you  be  distinguished  for  your  serious 
 profession  of  the  gospel:  the  honour  of  that  gos* 
 *  Col.  iii.  23,  24. 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH   COMMANDMENT.  151 
 
 pel,  its  reception  and  progress  in   the  world, 
 depend  in  some  measure  upon  your  conducting 
 yourselves  properly  in  your  humble  situation 
 If  you  be  not  circumspect  and  exemplary,  religion 
 will  be  reproached,  and  strong  prejudices  excited 
 against  it,  through  you.     But  it  may  be  in  your 
 power  to  represent  its  beauty  and  excellence,  and 
 thus  to  conciliate  its  very  enemies;  at  least  "  with 
 well-doing  to  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of 
 foolish  men  *."     These  very  arguments  St.  Paul 
 urges  ;  "  that  the  name  of  God  and  his  doctrine 
 be  not  blasphemed  j — and  that  ye  may  adorn  the 
 doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things  f  *"   In 
 this  view  of  things,   how  noble,   how  important, 
 how  useful,  may  your  place  of  servitude  become ! 
 A  dignity  and  worth  will  thus  be  stamped  upon 
 your  office,  and  even   upon  your  most  menial 
 employments. 
 
 II.  An  address  should  be  made  also  to  Masters, 
 of  whom  it  is  obvious  that  much  will  be  required. 
 Your  trust  indeed  is  big  with  consequences  the 
 most  momentous.  We  urge  your  attention  to  it 
 from  the  consideration  of  the  good  of  society, 
 the  promotion  of  Christianity,  and  your  own 
 highest  interests,  all  which  are  involved  in  it. 
 Examine  therefore,  how  the  talent  committed  to 
 you  may  be  improved  to  greatest  advantage ;  in 
 other  words,  how  you  may  conduct  your  families 
 in  the  fear  of  God.     To  that  end 
 
 *  1  Peter  ii.  15.  flTim.vi.  I.    Titus  ii.  10.    '. 
 
152  ON  THE  FIFTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 1.    Chuse  religious   servants.      It  should   be 
 your  endeavour  to  fix  those  in  your  house,  who 
 will  not  oppose  but  cheerfully  forward  your  de- 
 sign, who  will  be  diligent  and  faithful  in  their 
 respective  places,  not  from  mercenary  motives, 
 but  "  for  the  Lord's  sake."     With  such  persons 
 you  may  kneel  down  together  at  the  same  do- 
 mestic altar  in  peace  and  love,  as  of  one  heart, 
 and  to  such  also  you  may  with  confidence  leave 
 the  care  and  management  of  your  secular  affairs. 
 How  much  will  this  conduce  to  your  comfort, 
 and  even  to  your  worldly  profit!     They  will 
 bring  down  the  divine  blessing  upon  you ;   for 
 their    prayers    have    power   with    God.      Thus 
 "  the   Lord   blessed   the   Egyptian's  house  for 
 Joseph's  sake  *." 
 
 How  little  is  this  regarded !  How  few  enquire 
 into  the  religious  principles  of  those,  who  are  to 
 serve  them !  It  is  alleged  perhaps,  We  must 
 select  such  as  are  best  qualified  for  our  work.  So 
 you  would  chuse  your  beasts  of  burden,  looking 
 only  to  their  strength  and  activity.  But,  though 
 this  is  a  consideration  nofc  to  be  neglected,  cha- 
 racter and  principle  should  also  be  attended  to. 
 Would  you  be  content  to  have  those  employed 
 about  your  person,  and  dwell  under  the  same 
 roof,  who  are  enemies  to  God  and  his  truth? 
 What,  though  they  be  expert  and  skilful,  and 
 
 *  GeD.  xxxix.  5, 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  153 
 
 perform  your  work  with  exactness,  they  may 
 bring  a  curse  upon  your  house,  may  introduce 
 among  your  children  an  infection  more  to  be 
 dreaded  than  a  fever  or  the  plague.  Ruin  and 
 misery  for  ever  may  be  the  consequence.  Let 
 David's  resolution  then  be  your's,  "  Mine  eyes 
 shall  be  upon  the  faithful  of  the  land,  that  they 
 may  dwell  with  me :  he  that  walketh  in  a  perfect 
 way,  he  shall  serve  me.  He  that  worketh  deceit, 
 shall  not  dwell  within  my  house  :  he  that  telleth 
 lies,  shall  not  tarry  in  my  sight  *." 
 
 2.  Be  mild  and  reasonable  in  your  commands 
 and  expectations.     You  have  an  absolute  claim 
 to  the  obedience  of  your  servants;  but  you  are 
 not  therefore  to  exercise  tyranny  and  oppression. 
 They  are  required  to  please  you  well  in  all  things; 
 but  you  should  abstain  from  all  cruelty  and  ri- 
 gour.    Lay  not  too  heavy  burdens  upon  them ; 
 compassionate  their  infirmities ;  and  conciliate 
 their  confidence  and  affection  by  kindness.   Con- 
 sidering them  as  immortal  creatures,  you  will  be 
 solicitous   to    promote    their   spiritual   welfare; 
 press   upon   them  a   serious   attention    to    reli- 
 gious duties  in  private,  and  allow  them  proper 
 time  for  those  purposes.     Encourage  their  exer- 
 tions by  expressions  of  your  approbation;  and 
 when  reproof  is  necessary,  let  it  be  given  with 
 reluctance  and  with  a  mild  spirit. 
 
 *  Psalm  ci.  6,  7. 
 6 
 
154  ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 This  gentleness  in  your  conduct  towards  them 
 is  enjoined,  as  "  that  which  is  just  and  equal :" 
 it  is  no  more  than  a  due  consideration  for  their 
 services.     "  Forbearing  threatening,"   adds   the 
 apostle,   "  knowing  that  your  Master  also  is  in 
 heaven :  neither  is  there  respect  of  persons  with 
 Him*."     How  forcible  is  the  argument!     Your 
 present  elevation  gives  you  no  superiority  in  the 
 sight  of  God:  and  very  soon  these  little  distinc- 
 tions will  cease  for  ever.   You  have  one  common 
 Lord ;  and  therefore  let  the  remembrance  of  your 
 subjection  and  accountableness  to  Him  restrain 
 you  from  severity  and  harshness.     Recollect  your 
 own  defects  and  his  patience :  you  have  been 
 unfaithful  to  Him ;  yet  has  He  borne  with  you ; 
 and  shall  you  be  extreme  to  mark  every  little 
 failure  in  your  domestics  ?     How  then  will  you 
 justify  the  asperity  of  your  tempers  and  your 
 threatening  language  ?     The  peace  of  your  fami- 
 lies has  been  interrupted,  and  sad  confusion  has 
 prevailed,  not  so  much  through  the  disobedience 
 of  your  servants,  as  through  your  inability  to  go- 
 vern.    Alas !   how  lamentably  are  we  obstructed 
 in  the  right  performance  of  every  duty  by  the 
 depraved  affections  of  our  nature! 
 
 3.  Exert  and  maintain  your  authority,  from 
 a  regard  to  the  glory  of  God.  As  his  represen- 
 tatives you  are  to  "  rule  your  own  houses  well/' 
 
 *  Col.  iv.  1.     Fph.  vi.  9. 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH   COMMANDMENT.  155 
 
 not  merely  for  your  own  interest  or  private  grati- 
 fication, but  for  the  honour  of  your  great  Lord 
 and  Master,  and  for  the  benefit  of  those,  who 
 are  placed  under  you.  Your  power  is  a  talent, 
 which  fidelity  forbids  you  to  resign  to  them,  but 
 which  should  be  vigorously  employed  in  restrain- 
 ing their  evil  tempers,  preventing  or  correcting 
 their  irregularities,  and  punishing  their  profane- 
 ness.  Have  they  committed  sin  ?  You  must  re- 
 prove them  sharply,  not  only  or  chiefly  as  you 
 may  suffer  loss  through  their  neglect  of  your 
 business,  but  because  God  is  provoked.  Having 
 set  up  proper  regulations  in  your  house,  for  the 
 preservation  of  order,  industry,  morality,  and 
 piety,  you  must  do  more  than  recommend,  you 
 must  insist  on,  their  observance.  Such  was  the 
 character  and  conduct  of  Abraham,  whose  do- 
 mestics and  dependents  were  very  numerous : 
 God  said,  "  I  know  him  that  he  will  command 
 his  children  and  his  household  after  him,  and 
 they  shall  keep  the  way  of  the  Lord,  to  do  justice 
 and  judgment*." 
 
 Have  you  thus  considered  yourselves  as  stewards 
 under  God,  appointed  by  Him  and  accountable 
 to  Him  for  the  government  of  your  families  ? 
 How  will  you  answer  for  the  irregularity  and 
 disorder,  and  all  the  various  acts  of  impiety, 
 which  are  practised  under  your  eye  and  with 
 
 *  Gen.  xviii.  ip. 
 
150  ON   THE  FIFTH   COMMANDMENT; 
 
 your  permission  ?  Why  do  you  not  restrain  the 
 transgressors,  who  are  subject  to  your  authority  ? 
 Or  have  you  not  been  more  displeased  for  their 
 offences  against  you,  than  for  their  sins  against 
 God  ?  How  few  are  there,  who  maintain  their 
 influence  in  its  full  vigour,  and  from  christian 
 motives ! — We  add 
 
 4.  Watch  over  the  souls  of  your  servants.  You 
 are  fixed  in  your  respective  places  as  the  priests 
 and  ministers  of  the  Lord,  to  offer  up  sacrifices 
 unto  Him,  and  to  promote  the  spiritual  interests 
 of  your  dependents.  Your  first  object  therefore 
 should  be  to  institute  a  system  of  divine  worship 
 among  them,  to  command  their  attendance,  and 
 in  the  most  devout  manner  to  read  and  explain 
 to  them  the  sacred  scriptures,  and  with  fervent 
 supplications  to  be  as  their  mouth  unto  God. 
 You  should  be  solicitous  to  "  teach  them  the 
 good  and  the  right  way,"  the  only  method  of 
 obtaining  reconciliation  with  God,  of  serving 
 him  acceptably,  and  of  securing  an  entrance  into 
 his  kingdom.  To  watch  over  their  souls,  you 
 must  endeavour  to  ascertain  their  state  and  cha- 
 racter^ and  minutely  observe  their  conduct,  that 
 you  may  administer  reproof  and  admonition, 
 counsel  and  encouragement,  as  their  various  cases 
 may  require. 
 
 You  should  also  enforce  upon  them  an  atten- 
 tion to  public  worship,  and  bring  them  with 
 you  to  the  Lord's  house.     Nor  be  satisfied  with 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  157 
 
 their  bodily  presence  or  decency  at  church,  but 
 examine  what  knowledge  they  obtain,  and  what 
 progress  they  make  in  religion.  Of  how  great 
 importance  will  be  your  influence,  if  thus  im- 
 proved !  You  will  strengthen  the  hands  of  your 
 ministers,  and  most  effectually  promote  their 
 usefulness,  by  confirming  their  doctrines  and 
 seconding  their  exhortations.  But  what  pros- 
 pect have  they  of  succeeding  with  your  domestics, 
 unless  you  join  your  efforts  with  their's  ?  And 
 is  it  thus,  that  you  have  conducted  your  fami- 
 lies, desirous  of  training  them  up  for  everlasting 
 life?  Alas!  such  a  system  of  piety  is  not  often 
 heard  of.  And  if  the  spiritual  concerns  of  your 
 servants  are  quite  neglected,  we  wonder  not  that 
 they  cast  off  the  fear  of  God  in  the  first  place, 
 and  then  their  reverence  for  you.  Their  sins 
 proclaim  your  guilt,  and  excite  an  awful  appre- 
 hension of  your  future  state.  How  tremendous 
 will  be  the  final  reckoning,  to  careless  and  un- 
 godly masters,  who  have  abused  their  trust ! 
 
 The  subject  will  admit  of  a  profitable  and 
 joint  application  both  to  masters  and  servants. 
 
 1.  Do  not  upbraid  one  another  with  your 
 respective  faults.  Possibly,  you  have  not  studied 
 your  own  duties,  or  seen  your  own  defects ;  while 
 you  have  been  ready  to  criminate  and  condemn 
 each  other.  But  begin  to  examine  what  you 
 yourselves  are,  and  what  you  ought  to  be;  and 
 then  learn  to.  exercise  mutual  charity  and  for- 
 
158  ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 bearance.  Expect  not  to  find  perfection  in  any 
 character:  cast  a  vail  over  the  offences  of  others, 
 and  be  more  humbled  for  your  own.  Watch 
 over  your  tempers,  which  if  not  chastised  and 
 subdued  will  be  the  source  of  great  unhappi- 
 ness  in  your  families.  Pray  and  labour  for 
 peace,  "  and  the  God  of  love  and  peace  shall  be 
 with  you." 
 
 2.  Confess  yourselves  guilty  in  every  relation 
 of  life,  and  condemned  by  the  righteous  law  of 
 God.  Has  it  not  appeared,  that  in  this  instance 
 you  are  so?  Whether  masters  or  servants,  you 
 have  failed  of  your  bounden  duty,  both  to  God 
 and  to  one  another.  Let  the  conviction  pro- 
 duce its  proper  influence:  under  the  dread  of 
 that  curse,  which  is  denounced  against  every 
 transgression,  fly  for  refuge  to  that  Saviour,  who 
 alone  can  deliver  you  from  it,  and  in  whose 
 righteousness  alone  you  can  stand  with  confidence 
 and  joy  before  God. 
 
 3.  Seek  for  the  grace  of  the  Spirit,  without 
 which  you  will  neither  understand,  nor  love, 
 nor  seriously  endeavour  to  fulfil,  the  rule  of  life 
 we  are  considering.  Pray  therefore,  that  this 
 divine  Agent  would  implant  and  maintain  in 
 your  heaits  all  right  principles,  and  give  you 
 dispositions  suited  to  your  respective  situations. 
 Supplicate  his  continual  aid,  that,  being  renewed 
 in  knowledge  and  in  righteousness,  you  may  be 
 enabled  to  walk  in  holy  obedience.     Thus  only 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH   COMMANDMENT.  ]  5Q 
 
 will  you  act  honourably  in  life,  be  useful  and 
 exemplary  in  your  different  places,  and  finally 
 be  fitted  for  the  possession  and  enjoyment  of 
 that  blissful  inheritance,  where  all  will  be  peace 
 and  love  for  ever. 
 
ESSAY   LXX. 
 
 OX    THE    FIFTH    COMMANDMENT. 
 PART    IV- 
 
 Different  relations  are  appointed  of  God,  and  their 
 appropriate  duties  deducible  from  the  fifth  com- 
 mandment;— as  between  Magistrates  and  Subjects ; 
 — Husbands  and  Wives, — Christian  Ministers  and 
 their  people, — and generally ,  between  Superiors  a?id 
 Inferiors. — Pride  is  the  greatest  obstruction,  hu- 
 mility  the  highest  attainment. 
 
 Peculiar  duties  are  annexed  to  different  sta- 
 tions; and  they  are  so  by  God's  appointment. 
 His  providence  has  fixed  us  in  various  ranks ; 
 and  his  law  directs  us  how  we  may  fill  up  our 
 places  honourably  and  usefully.  The  relations, 
 in  which  we  stand  to  one  another,  subject  us  to 
 mutual  obligations,  which  are  of  immense  im- 
 portance. An  attention  to  them  forms  a  part  of 
 true  religion,  and  is  both  its  evidence  and  its 
 ornament.  Through  the  corruption  of  our  na- 
 ture we  are  all  defective :  we  have  failed  in  every 
 instance  of  obedience ;  we  have  not  strictly  and 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  101 
 
 -uniformly  fulfilled  any  one  precept)  which  sho 
 regulate  our  conduct  towards  either  God  or  man. 
 Upon  a  serious  examination,  no  one  will  fin<J. 
 reason  to  boast  of  his  morality,  any  more  than  of 
 his  piety. 
 
 The  fifth  commandment  has  generally  been 
 considered  as  laying  the  foundation  for  all  social 
 duties,  being  applicable  to  all  those  relations,  in 
 which  there  is  superiority  on  one  side.,  and  sub* 
 mission  due  from  the  other.  We  are  first  placed 
 under  the  authority  of  our  parents,  whom  we  are 
 jequired  to  "  honour :"  as  we  advance  in  life, 
 other  relations  commence,  and  where  a  similar 
 power  is  given,  a  similar  subjection  is  enjoined. 
 Of  these  cases  there  are  various  kinds,  and  as  a 
 minute  discussion  of  each  might  be  tedious,  we 
 shall  consider  them  in  a  brief  and  summary  man- 
 ner. It  is  a  part  of  "  my  duty  towards  my  neigh- 
 bour," as  we  are  taught  in  our  catechism,  "  to 
 honour  and  obey  the  King  and  all  that  are  put 
 in  authority  under  him  ;  to  submit  myself  to  all 
 my  governors,  teachers,  spiritual  pastors,  and 
 masters;  to  order  myself  lowly  and  reverently  to 
 all  my  betters." 
 
 Humility  is  the  only  proper  source  and  effi- 
 cacious principle  of  obedience  in  all  ranks  and 
 situations  of  life.  "  Ye  younger,  submit  your- 
 selves unto  the  elder :  yea,  all  of  you,  be  subject 
 one  to  another,  and  be  clothed  with  humility  */* 
 
 *  1  Peter  v.  5. 
 VOX.  Ill,  M 
 
l62  ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 All  conditions  are  not  therefore  to  be  levelled : 
 nor  is  the  authority,  with  which  God  may  have 
 invested  us,  to  be  tamely  given  up,  but  vigorously 
 maintained  and  improved.  We  should  however 
 possess  a  meekness  and  gentleness  of  spirit,  a  rea- 
 diness to  submit  as  occasions  may  require,  and 
 to  "  render  honour,  to  whom  honour  is  due." 
 This  temper  of  mind  is  indispensably  requisite 
 for  all:  it  will  adorn  the  highest,  as  teaching 
 them  to  exercise  their  power  with  tenderness  and 
 moderation;  and  it  will  dispose  the  lowest  to  a 
 cheerful  discharge  of  the  most  arduous  and  pain- 
 ful duties.  Let  us  "  be  clothed  with  humility," 
 and  then  we  shall  best  understand,  how  we  may 
 glorify  God  in  our  respective  places,  whatever 
 they  may  be. — We  consider 
 
 I.  The  relation  between  magistrates  and  sub- 
 jects. Government  is  absolutely  necessary  for 
 the  peace  and  even  the  existence  of  society.  It 
 is  the  ordinance  of  God,  who  hath  appointed  his 
 representatives  upon  earth ;  and  by  them  He 
 would  have  the  world  preserved  from  anarchy 
 and  confusion.  He  hath  not  indeed  prescribed 
 any  particular  form  of  administration  for  all  peo- 
 ple ;  and  it  may  be  allowed,  that  a  difference  of 
 circumstances  in  nations  may  render  difFerent 
 modes  highly  expedient.  But  the  precepts  of 
 Christianity  are  addressed  to  men  of  all  nations; 
 and  under  every  polity  they  command  and  secure: 
 respect  to  the  civil  authority,  they  direct  and  re- 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  l6j 
 
 gulate  the  use  of  it.  They  speak  expressly,  "  Let 
 every  soul  be  subject  unto  the  higher  powers :" 
 and  at  the  same  time  they  instruct  "  Rulers  to  be 
 a  terror,  not  to  good  works,  but  to  the  evil  *." 
 
 1.  Governors,  by  whatever  name  they  are  dis- 
 tinguished, are  "  the  ministers  of  God  for  good." 
 This  one  consideration,  if  well  understood,  will 
 teach  them  their  general  duties.  It  will  impress 
 them  with  a  sense  of  their  own  littleness  in  the 
 presence  of  their  almighty  Sovereign,  before 
 whom  they  stand  upon  a  level  with  the  meanest 
 -of  their  subjects,  however  they  may  for  a  season 
 be  exalted  over  them.  It  will  remind  them  con- 
 tinually of  their  accountableness  to  Him,  "  the 
 King  of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords,"  whose  vice- 
 gerents they  are,  whose  will  they  should  invaria- 
 bly consult,  and  whose  cause  and  glory  they 
 should  aim  to  promote  by  all  their  influence*  It 
 will  direct  their  views  to  those  important  ends,  for 
 which  "  they  bear  the  sword,"  not  to  their  own 
 private  gratification  or  the  purposes  of  ambition, 
 but  to  the  good  of  the  community. 
 
 Thus  instructed,  however  absolute  their  power, 
 they  will  not  be  proud,  tyrannical,  or  oppressive, 
 but  gentle,  mild,  and  beneficent.  The  exercise 
 of  their  authority  will  be  a  general  blessing,  and 
 cause  the  hearts  of  multitudes  to  rejoice.  For 
 what  will  they  consult,  but  the  public  welfare  ? 
 
 *  Romans  xiii.   1 — /. 
 M    % 
 
1(34  ON   THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 What  will  they  propose  to  themselves,  while  they 
 enact  or  execute  laws,  but  to  restrain  sin,  and  to 
 promote  righteousness  ?  They  will  not  be  un- 
 mindful of  the  necessities  of  their  people,  but 
 come  to  their  relief  in  every  possible  way,  and 
 stretch  forth  their  strong  arm  to  ward  off  the  as- 
 saults of  their  enemies.  Firm  and  vigorous  they 
 should  be  in  maintaining  the  power  committed 
 to  them ;  but  who  will  have  any  reason  to  dread 
 its  most  strenuous  exertions,  except  the  lawless 
 and  disobedient  ?  The  throne  is  the  bulwark  of 
 the  land;  and  they  that  sit  on  it  are  its  brightest 
 ornaments,  while  they  labour  to  advance  the 
 knowledge  and  the  service  of  God  in  the  land, 
 and  become  "the  nursing  fathers"  of  his  church. 
 
 Let  them  not  be  regarded  with  envy  for  their 
 high  dignity,  as  if  they  must  necessarily  possess 
 superior  happiness.  Their's  is  a  life  of  care  and 
 anxiety : — they  are  exposed  to  peculiar  tempta- 
 tions, and  "  set  in  slippery  places :"-— they  are 
 surrounded  with  innumerable  difficulties  and 
 dangers,  from  which  the  lower  stations  are  ex- 
 empt : — and  in  proportion  to  their  exaltation 
 will  be  their  awful  responsibility  at  the  great 
 day. 
 
 2.  The  people  should  be  H  subject  to  princi- 
 palities and  powers, — obey  magistrates,  &c,  *." 
 If  some  command,  others  must  submit.     This  is 
 
 *  Titus  iii.  1. 
 
©N  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  lG5 
 
 a  matter  of  necessity:  government  and  society 
 cannot  otherwise  be  maintained,  but  by  subordi- 
 nation. Resistance  must  terminate  in  confusion 
 and  destruction.  But  the  obedience,  for  which 
 we  plead,  should  be  yielded  cheerfully,  not  from 
 constraint.  The  ruler  may  enforce  it,  and  his 
 inflictions  may  be  dreaded.  But  the  Lord  God 
 almighty  requires  it :  and  this  consideration  is 
 the  strongest  argument  with  a  devout  mind. 
 6i  Ye  must  needs  be  subject,  not  only  for  wrath, 
 but  also  for  conscience  sake."  Submission  thus 
 becomes,  not  a  bare  political  duty,  but  a  religious 
 service.  God's  authority  is  acknowledged  in  the 
 magistrate ;  and  the  man  of  piety  in  being  a 
 peaceful  citizen,  a  patriot,  or  a  loyal  subject,  re- 
 veres and  glorifies  the  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth. 
 Let  all  due  honour  and  respect,  then,  be  ren- 
 dered to  human  governments,  and  to  those  who 
 administer  them,  "  for  the  Lord's  sake."  Let 
 the  person,  character,  and  office  of  the  King,  "  as 
 supreme,"  be  revered,  and  in  all  things  lawful 
 let  his  ordinances  and  his  constitutional  power 
 be  supported.  Search  not  for  objections  against 
 our  rulers,  nor  let  the  failings  you  discover  be 
 held  up  to  derision.  Whatever  may  be  the  men, 
 their  office  is  sacred ;  and  submission  is  due  to 
 them,  not  for  their  private  virtues,  but  for  the 
 divine  appointment.  u  The  powers  that  be  are 
 ordained  of  God. — They  are  God's  ministers." 
 Do  not  then  allow  yourselves  even  to  speak  of 
 6 
 
1(5(5  ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 them  contemptuously*.  Do  not  encourage  those 
 books,  papers,  prints,  or  societies,  which  are  cal- 
 culated to  excite  disaffection,  sedition,  and  tu- 
 mult, or  even  to  lessen  your  reverence  for  their 
 authority.  "  Render  to  them  their  dues  :  tribute 
 to  whom  tribute  is  due ;  custom  to  whom  cus- 
 tom. "  Complain  not  of  the  weight  of  taxes, 
 which  are  of  necessity  imposed  for  the  support 
 of  government ;  but  pay  them  with  exactness  and 
 cheerfulness.  To  evade  them  is  an  act  of  public 
 fraud  and  rebellion.  You  receive  a  full  compen- 
 sation for  them  in  the  peace,  protection,  and 
 liberty,  which  are  secured  to  you.  If  riot  and 
 disorder  agitate  or  threaten  the  state,  let  your 
 loyalty  be  manifested  by  the  most  active  services. 
 "  Meddle  not  with  them,  that  are  given  to 
 change."     "  Fear  God:  honour  the  king  j-." 
 
 How  much  is  this  obedience  to  the  civil  pow- 
 ers insisted  on  in  the  sacred  scriptures  !  The  ex- 
 ample and  the  precepts  of  our  Lord  teach  us  to 
 <c  render  unto  Cesar  the  things  which  are  Ce- 
 sar's J."  The  apostles  with  one  mouth  require 
 their  followers  to  be  subject ;  and  the  universal 
 practice  of  the  first  Christians  proves  that  the 
 genius  of  the  gospel  is  most  favourable  to  the 
 maintenance  of  good  government.  But  is  it  suf- 
 ficiently considered  among  ourselves,  what  dan- 
 ger, what  guilt  is  incurred  by  sedition  ?  It  cannot 
 
 *  Acts  xxiii.  5.  f  Prov.  xxiv.  21.     ]  Peter  ii.  17. 
 
 1  Matt.  xxii.  21. 
 
ON   THE  FIFTH   COMMANDMENT.  1 67 
 
 be  a  light  offence  in  the  sight  of  God,  against 
 which  so  heavy  a  doom  is  denounced  in  his 
 word:  "  They  that  resist  shall  receive  to  them- 
 selves damnation."  We  advert  not  to  those  ex- 
 treme cases  (for  extreme  and  rare  they  must  be) 
 in  which  the  subject  is  released  from  his  alle- 
 giance; but  we  contend  that  the  common  faults 
 of  governors  will  not  justify  opposition  or  con- 
 tempt. We  of  this  country  are  under  the  strong- 
 est obligations  to  obedience  ;  and  yet  sedition  has 
 stalked  forth  among  us  with  an  audacious  front; 
 and  treason  has  erected  its  standard.  O  get  you 
 from  the  tents  of  these  wicked  men  !  Let  us  bless 
 God  for  the  unparalleled  excellency  of  our  consti- 
 tution, for  the  uncorrupt  and  impartial  adminis- 
 tration of  justice,,  and  for  the  virtue  and  piety  of 
 that  illustrious  person  who  fills  the  throne,  be- 
 seeching the  almighty  Sovereign  to  continue  to 
 us  those  high  privileges,  which  so  many  among 
 us  have  despised  and  abused. — We  consider 
 
 II.  The  relation  between  husbands  and  wives, 
 which  is  the  basis  of  domestic  government,  and 
 from  which  many  important  duties  result.  "  Ma- 
 trimony," says  our  church,  "  is  an  honourable 
 estate,  instituted  of  God  in  the  time  of  man's 
 innocency,  signifying  unto  us  the  mystical  union 
 that  is  betwixt  Christ  and  his  church :  which  holy 
 estate  Christ  adorned  and  beautified  with  his  pre- 
 sence and  first  miracle  that  he  wrought  in  Cana 
 of  Galilee;  and  is  commended  of  St.  Paul  to  be 
 
 1 
 
l68  ON  THE  FIFTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 honourable  among  all  men  :  and  therefore  is  not 
 by  any  to  be  enterprized,  nor  taken  in  hand  un- 
 advisedly, lightly,  or  wantonly, — but  reverently, 
 advisedly,  soberly,  and  in  the  fear  of  God  *."  A 
 connection,  so  clearly  appointed  and  approved  of 
 God,  is  not  to  be  discouraged,  as  if  it  were  un- 
 favourable to  the  purposes  of  purity  and  devo- 
 tion j-:  but  to  such  as  have  it  in  contemplation, 
 we  say,  Take  heed;  what  are  your  views,  with 
 what  characters,  and  on  what  principles  do  you 
 propose  to  be  united  ?  Seek  the  direction  and  the 
 blessing  of  God  ;  and  let  your  main  object  be  the 
 promotion  of  his  service  and  glory,  not  sensual 
 gratification,  not  mere  worldly  convenience  or 
 emolument. 
 
 Having  entered  into  this  state,  consider  now, 
 what  your  obligations  and  engagements  are.  You 
 should  study  to  afford  mutual  help  and  consola- 
 tion, both  for  this  world  and  for  that  which  is  to 
 come,  and  look  upon  yourselves  as  joined  toge- 
 ther for  that  purpose.     Your  temporal  interests 
 are  the  same;  and  you  should  accord  in  the  same 
 plans  of  industry  and  frugality.     But  as  immortal 
 lures  you  should  care  for  each  other's  souls, 
 c  heart  and  mind  press  toward  the  king- 
 ly aven,  and  be  solicitous  to  participate 
 of  us  everlasting  happiness  and  glory. 
 I  NfflftfS  exhort,  reprove,  animate,  and 
 
 ct  Matrimony.     Gen.  ii.  24.    John  ii.  1,  2. 
 iii.  4.  t  1  Tim.  ir.  3, 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  idg 
 
 edify  one  another.  Infirmities  and  failings  are 
 to  be  expected  on  both  sides,  nor  should  the  dis- 
 covery surprise  or  discourage,  or  at  all  interrupt 
 domestic  harmony ;  but  they  call  for  the  exercise 
 of  mutual  charity,  patience,  forbearance,  and  for- 
 giveness. "  Bear  one  another's  burdens  ;"  "  suf- 
 fer long  and  be  kind  ;!'  "  labour  for  peace  ;"  (s  as 
 being  heirs  together  of  the  grace  of  life;  that 
 your  prayers  be  not  hindered  *." 
 
 So  far  both  are  equally  concerned.  But  the 
 Lord  has  invested  the  man  with  superiority  and 
 rule  over  the  woman.  It  is  accordingly  written, 
 *;  Wives,  submit  yourselves  unto  your  own  hus- 
 bands, as  unto  the  Lord.  For  the  husband  is 
 the  head  of  the  wife,  even  as  Christ  is  the  head 
 of  the  church:  and  Fie  is  the  Saviour  of  the  body. 
 Therefore  as  the  church  is  subject  unto  Christ, 
 so  let  the  wives  be  to  their  own  husbands  in 
 every  thing  j-."  "  It  is  fit  in  the  Lord  J."  It  is 
 what  Fie  has  appointed  as  a  memorial  of  his  dis- 
 pleasure for  the  original  offence  § ;  and  what  Ke 
 has  also  commanded  for  the  wisest  and  most  gra- 
 cious purposes.  Obedience  therefore  should  be 
 yielded  for  the  Lord's  sake  j  and  every  woman 
 binds  herself  to  it  by  the  most  solemn  promise 
 and  vow  upon  her  marriage. 
 
 But  though  the  authority  of  Jhusbands  be  ac- 
 knowledged, they  are  not  to  act  as  tyrants :  they 
 
 *  1  Pet.  iii.  7.         f  Eph.  v.  22—24.  %  Col,  iii.  13. 
 
 §  Gen.  iii.  1(5.     1  Tim.  ii.  11 — 14, 
 
j;0  ON   THE   FIFTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 are  required  to  refrain  from  all  bitterness,  to 
 *£  give  honour  unto  their  wives," — to  love  them 
 with  tenderest  and  warmest  affection,  and  to 
 make  large  sacrifices  for  their  security  and  com- 
 fort, "  even  as  Christ  also  loved  the  church,  and 
 gave  himself  for  it ;" — or  even  "  as  they  love 
 their  own  bodies :  for  no  man  ever  yet  hated  his 
 own  flesh ;  but  nourisheth  and  cberisheth  it ; 
 even  as  the  Lord  the  church*."  They  must  in- 
 deed direct  the  affairs,  and  maintain  the  govern- 
 ment of  the  house.  But  their  power  should  be 
 so  tempered  with  kind  and  affectionate  atten- 
 tions, that  instead  of  being  felt  as  a  grievance,  it 
 should  always  be  regarded  and  rejoiced  in  as  the 
 protection  and  comfort  of  the  wife.  It  is  their 
 part  to  consider  themselves  as  intrusted  with  the 
 care  of  the  family,  and  so  to  preside  over  it,  as 
 by  their  counsels  and  their  labours  to  make  an 
 adequate  provision  for  all  its  members. 
 
 "  Let  the  wife  sec  then,  that  she  reverence  her 
 husband."  Regarding  the  divine  authority  in 
 liim,  she  must  not  proudly  or  contumaciously 
 resist  his  plans  of  domestic  rule,  nor  at  any  time 
 shew  a  turbulent,  refractory  disposition ;  but 
 cheerfully  promote  his  designs  by  diligence  and 
 frugality,  alleviate  his  troubles  by  her  tender 
 sympathy,  and  render  his  home  pleasant  and  de- 
 lightful to  him  by  all  the  nameless  attentions  of 
 
 *  Eph,  v.  25—33.     Col,  iii.  J 9.     1  Pet.  iii.  7. 
 
ON"  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  171 
 
 conjugal  affection.  There  ought  to  he  no  con- 
 tention, no  striving  for  the  mastery;  no  imperi- 
 Ousness  on  the  one  side.,  nor  perverse  opposition 
 or  sullen  complaining  on  the  other.  But  how- 
 different  is  the  state  of  things  among  us  !  How 
 few  persons  in  married  life  are  united  upon 
 christian  principles,  or  dwell  together  in  peace 
 and  love  !  Where  do  we  discover  this  mutual 
 tenderness  and  forbearance  ?  What  unkindness, 
 what  strife,  what  anger,  and  clamour,  between 
 the  husband  and  wife  !  How  many  houses  are  the 
 scenes  of  perpetual  confusion,  if  not  of  violence  ! 
 How  frequent  the  instances  of  separation  !  Is 
 this  u  to  fulfil  the  law  of  Christ*  ?"  We  consider 
 also 
 
 III.  The  relation  which  subsists  between  chris- 
 tian ministers  and  the  people  of  their  charge. 
 This  is  of  the  Lord's  appointment,  who  governs 
 his  church  by  means  of  faithful  pastors :  and  to 
 them  therefore  He  requires  that  devout  attention 
 and  obedience  should  be  paid.  Of  how  great 
 dignity  and  importance  is  the  sacred  function : 
 Those,  who  are  called  to  it,  will  be  ready  to 
 shrink  from  the  office,  or  faint  in  the  discharge 
 of  its  duties,  crying  out,  "  Who  is  sufficient  for 
 these  things f  ?"  For  how  many  are  their  obliga- 
 tions, their  difficulties,  and  dangers  !  Their  first 
 concern  should  be  to  make  a  surrender  of  them- 
 
 *Gal.  vi.  1.  f  2  Cor.  ii.  16. 
 
172  ON  THE   FIFTH   COMMANDMENT, 
 
 selves  to  God,  to  his  service,  and  disposal ;  and 
 having  avowed  themselves  the  servants  of  Christ, 
 they  are  to  go  forth  with  fidelity  and  zeal  to  pro- 
 claim the  glad  tidings  of  his  gospel,  and  labour 
 assiduously  in  those  parts  of  his  vineyard,  which 
 He  may  assign,  to  them.  His  word  they  should 
 study  well  and  understand,  that  they  may  faith- 
 fully dispense  it,  as  good  stewards  of  the  Lord's 
 family,  giving  to  each  member  his  portion  of 
 meat  in  due  season.  "  They  should  watch  for 
 souls,  as  they  that  must  give  account  *."  They 
 must  therefore  consult  their  various  cases,  and,  as 
 occasion  shall  require,  instruct,  reprove,  "  exhort 
 and  comfort,  and  charge  every  one  of  them,  as  a 
 father  does  his  children  f."  They  are  enjoined 
 to  exhibit  a  pattern  in  themselves  of  what  they 
 teach,  and  not  only  to  point  out  the  way  in 
 which  men  ought  to  walk,  but  to  go  before  them 
 in  all  holy  and  godly  conversation.  Who  does 
 not  tremble  at  the  awful  responsibility  attached 
 to  this  office  r  Who  does  not  feel  his  own  inabi- 
 lity, and  his  manifold  defects,  as  a  minister  of 
 Jesus  Christ  ?  Then  let  them  pray  for  an  abun- 
 dant measure  of  the  influences  of  the  Spirit,  and 
 implore  the  pardoning  mercy  of  heaven,  entreat- 
 ing at  the  same  time  the  candour,  the  forbear- 
 ance, and  forgiveness  of  their  people. 
 
 But  what  are  the  obligations  of  those,  who  are 
 
 *  Heb.  xiii.  17.  t  1  Thess.  ii.  11. 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  173 
 
 committed  to  their  spiritual  guidance  and  go- 
 vernment ?  "  Obey  them  that  have  the  rule  over 
 you,  and  submit  yourselves  *."  In  them  you 
 should  acknowledge  the  authority  of  Christ, 
 whose  representatives  and  ambassadors  they  are ; 
 and  whatever  be  the  men,  revere  their  office,  and 
 receive  their  message  with  a  meek  and  teachable 
 disposition.  Are  they  fathers  in  Christ  ?  Then 
 as  their  children  honour  them,  and  by  your  gen- 
 tle and  affectionate  behaviour  shew  yourselves 
 grateful  for  their  labours  of  love.  Want  they 
 must  not,  while  it  is  in  your  power  to  contribute 
 to  their  support.  They  have  a  claim  upon  you 
 for  a  comfortable  provision  :  and  "  if  they  have 
 sown  unto  you  spiritual  things,"  let  it  not  be 
 thought  "  a  great  thing,  if  they  shtill  reap  your 
 carnal  things  f."  But  do  not  therefore  treat  them 
 as  dependants,  or  sit  in  judgment  upon  them  to 
 dictate,  to  cavil,  or  to  condemn.  Check  not  their 
 zealous  exertions  for  the  advancement  of  religion 
 by  any  opposition  or  unkmdness.  They  are  en- 
 titled to  your  countenance  and  warmest  support ; 
 and  it  will  be  your  honour,  as  it  is  your  duty,  to 
 strengthen  their  hands,  and  to  be  "  fellow- helpers 
 to  the  truth  £."  As  standing  in  the  front  of  the 
 battle,  they  have  peculiar  difficulties  to  struggle 
 with ;  they  are  exposed  to  the  fiercest  onset.  O 
 pray  for  them,  that  their  faith  and  courage  fail 
 
 *  Heb.  xiii.  17.  f  1  Cor.  ix.  11.     Gal.  vi.  6. 
 
 t  3  John  8. 
 
174  OiST  THE   FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 not,  that  they  may  be  endued  with  wisdom  and 
 fidelity  in  "  declaring  all  the  counsel  of  God,*' 
 and  "  that  the  word  of  the  Lord"  in  their  mouth 
 *c  may  have  free  course  and  be  glorified*."  But 
 Is  there  no  cause  to  lament  a  supercilious  con- 
 tempt cf  the  ministers  of  Christ  ?  Is  not  the  sa- 
 cred office  itself  reviled,  and  they  who  are  in- 
 vested with  it  complained  of  as  an  incumbrance 
 and  a  burden  upon  society  ?  Even  the  most  emi- 
 nently devout  and  zealous  among  the  clergy  meet 
 with  no  small  share  of  scorn  and  ridicule :  and 
 there  is  no  surer  proof  of  the  growing  profane- 
 ness  of  the  age.  It  may  be  thought  a  trifling 
 offence :  but  we  know  Him  that  hath  said,  "  He 
 that  despiseth  you,  despiseth  nief." 
 
 Consider 
 
 IV.  The  general  obligations  of  superiors  and 
 inferiors  to  each  other.  The  Lord  is  good  to 
 all :  but  he  distributes  his  gifts  severally  as  he 
 will ;  and  though  he  dispenses  to  men  in  very 
 different  measures,  he  is  accountable  to  none. 
 
 1.  In  natural  things  some  are  favoured  with 
 various  advantages  above  others ;  and  from  this 
 inequality  many  duties  result.  There  are  those, 
 who  are  elevated  above  the  level  of  their  species 
 by  riches,  by  power,  by  learning:  and  the  danger 
 is,  lest  they  should  be  covetous,  proud,  disdain- 
 ful, and  oppressive.     Their  advancement  implies 
 
 *  2  Thess.  ill.  1.  t  Luke  x.  l6. 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  1  75 
 
 not  any  superior  merit  in  them  :  it  may  be  ap- 
 pointed for  the  sake  of  others,  to  whom  they 
 should  shew  all  possible  kindness,  courtesy,  and 
 protection.  With  great  diligence  and  fidelity 
 they  should  improve  their  talents,  as  stewards, 
 who  must  give  account :  and  it  will  prevent  a 
 foolish  conceit  of  their  own  importance,  to  recol- 
 lect, that  soon  the  grave  will  level  all  distinctions, 
 and  lay  them  in  the  dust. 
 
 But  in  the  present  state  of  society,  persons  so 
 exalted  by  divine  providence  should  be  treated 
 with  deference  and  respect.  Those,,  wrho  enjov 
 not  the  same  advantages,  should  be  willing  to 
 iC  take  the  lower  room,"  should  be  content  and 
 thankful,  and  guard  against  an  envious,  petulant, 
 and  refractory  spirit.  Even  advanced  age  gives 
 a  title  to  reverence.  <fc  Thou  shalt  rise  up  before 
 the  hoary  head,  and  honour  the  face  of  the  old 
 man,  and  fear  thy  God  *." — (i  Ye  younger.,  sub- 
 mit yourselves  unto  the  elder  f."  Very  contrary 
 are  these  injunctions  to  the  doctrine  of  equa- 
 lity, which  has  been  lately  broached  among  us: 
 a  doctrine,  which  may  suit  the  rebellious  dispo- 
 sition of  human  nature,  and  may  flatter  the  pride 
 of  the  vulgar,  but  it  counteracts  the  plans  of 
 God's  providence,  and  is  opposite  to  the  whole 
 system  of  revelation.  The.  doctrine  is  full  of  ab- 
 surdity j  yet  has  it  prevailed  so  far  as  to  introduce 
 
 *  Lev.  xix.  32.  t  t  Pet.  v.  5. 
 
I j  O  ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 a  spirit  of  insubordination,  which  has  shaken  the 
 very  foundations  of  civil  society,  and  spread  con- 
 fusion and  anarchy  over  extensive  empires.  Have 
 we  not  ourselves  witnessed  tremendous  instances 
 of  outrage  and  insolence  among  the  very  lowest 
 orders,  determined  to  brook  no  restraint  ?  And 
 in  all  ranks,  how  unwilling  are  men  every  where 
 to  "  submit  themselves  one  to  another  in  the  fear 
 of  God*  i"  What  envy  and  contention  !  What 
 strife  for  precedency!  What  anguish  and  vio- 
 lence under  slights  and  insults  ! 
 
 2.  There  is  as  great  a  difference  in  spiritual 
 attainments  among  real  Christians,  some  of  whom 
 shine  with  a  peculiar  lustre  of  wisdom  and  holi- 
 ness above  others.  They  are  taught  with  humi- 
 lity, thankfulness,  and  love,  to  adore  the  distin- 
 guishing favour  of  heaven  towards  them,  and  to 
 say,  "  Unto  every  one  of  us  is  given  grace  ac- 
 cording to  the  measure  of  the  gift  of  Christ  f." 
 But  from  the  propensity  of  human  nature  to  be 
 lifted  up,  they  have  need  to  be  reminded,  that  in 
 themselves  they  are  nothing.  "  For  who  maketh 
 thee  to  differ  from  another  ?  and  what  hast  thou 
 that  thou  didst  not  receive  ?  now  if  thou  didst 
 receive  it,  why  dost  thou  glory,  as  if  thou  hadst 
 riot  received  it  J  V  How  dangerous  is  spiritual 
 pride  !  Yet  how  often  does  it  insinuate  its  poi- 
 son, without  notice  or  suspicion  !   O  search  it  out 
 
 *  Eph.  v.  21.        .     f  Eph,  iv.  7.  J  1  Cor.  iv.  7. 
 
ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT,  Jjj 
 
 in  the  inmost  recesses  of  your  hearts,  for  it  will 
 spoil  your  best  of  duties :  and,  however  eminent 
 you  are,  learn  "  to  walk  humbly  with  your  God." 
 Whatever  gifts  or  graces  you  possess,  on  your 
 part  they  are  perfectly  unmerited  ;  and  they  are 
 committed  to  you  as  a  trust,  to  be  improved  for 
 the  glory  of  the  donor,  and  for  the  benefit  of  his 
 church.  Instead  therefore  of  despising  any  the 
 weakest  or  most  unworthy,  et  let  each  esteem  other 
 better  than  themselves*."  Labour  to  be  more 
 exemplary  and  more  useful ;  and  this  will  be  your 
 highest  and  best  distinction. 
 
 A  proper  conviction  of  your  own  deficiencies 
 will  dispose  you  iC  in  honour  to  prefer  one  an- 
 other j-;"  and  while  you  perceive  many,  who  are 
 your  superiors,  you  will  cheerfully  yield  the  pre- 
 cedence. You  will  look  at  their  excellencies  and 
 your  failings,  and  be  humbled  on  the  compari- 
 son. Instead  therefore  of  envying  or  murmur- 
 ing, as  your  corrupt  nature  might  incline  you  to 
 do,  you  will  admire  the  grace  of  God  in  them, 
 and  be  encouraged  to  aim  at  higher  degrees  of 
 wisdom  and  holiness.  But  is  this  thctemper  of 
 mind  you  possess  ?  Is  there  no  such  contention 
 among  modern  Christians,  as  there  was  among 
 the  apostles,  "  who  should  be  the  greatest  ?"  Do 
 you  not  overrate  your  own  attainments,  or  detract 
 from  those  of  others  ?    Or  are  you  not  grieved 
 
 *  Phil.  ii.  3,  t  Rom.  xii.  10, 
 
 TQL.  Ill,  tf 
 
1/8  ON  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 and  angry,  that  they  should  be  called  to  a  higher 
 eminence  than  yourselves  ? 
 
 Upon  the  whole  it  is  obvious,  that,  in  all  the 
 various  relations  of  life,  pride  is  the  greatest  ob- 
 struction in  duty.  Explore  the  subtle  foe  in  all  its 
 secret  windings,  and  resist  its  influence !  Humility 
 is  the  very  essence  of  Christianity.  Seek  for  and 
 cultivate  this  most  amiable  grace.  You  must 
 learn  it  at  the  feet  of  Jesus ;  for  u  He  is  meek 
 and  lowly  in  heart*,"  What  an  illustrious  ex- 
 ample has  He  exhibited,  of  true  disinterestedness 
 and  unfeigned  lowliness  of  mind  f !  Those,  who 
 most  resemble  Him,  are  the  lowest  in  their  own 
 estimation,  but  the  highest  in  God's  account. 
 "  For  He  resisteth  the  proud,  and  giveth  grace 
 to  the  humble  J." 
 
 *  Matt,  xi,  29.         t  Phil.  ii.  5— S.         J  1  Pel.  T.  5. 
 
ESSAY  LXXI. 
 
 ON  THE  SIXTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 Few  will  allow t  that  they  have  broken  this  command- 
 ment. But  consider,  that  it  forbids  not  only — ■ 
 murder, —  suicide, —  duelling , —  but  also  retalia* 
 tion, — causeless  and  immoderate  anger, — destruc- 
 tion  of  s oids  i  and  that  it  requires — forgiveness 
 of  all  trespasses, — meekness, — and  universal  bene- 
 volence. 
 
 Whosoever  shall  keep  the  whole  law,  and 
 yet  offend  in  one  point,  he  is  guilty  of  all  *." 
 He  despises  and  resists  the  authority  of  the  Law- 
 giver by  any  single  instance  of  transgression ; 
 and  therefore  he  is  as  certainly  condemned,  and 
 as  incapable  of  t;  establishing  his  own  righteous- 
 ness," as  if  he  had  broken  every  commandment, 
 though  the  same  degree  of  turpitude  does  not 
 attach  to  him.  But  this  consideration  need  not 
 be  insisted  on.  Our  case  is,  we  have  not  only 
 failed  of  the  demands  of  one,  or  another  precept, 
 but  w7e  have  violated  the  whole  of  the  sacred 
 code.  The  declaration  is  offensive,  and  few  are 
 sufficiently  humbled  to  receive  it. 
 
 *  James  ii.  10. 
 N  2 
 
180  ON  THE  SIXTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 But  of  those,  who  would  justify  themselves, 
 we  ask,  To  which  of  the  ten  commandments 
 would  you  appeal  in  proof  of  your  innocence? 
 If  to  any,  we  suppose,  it  will  be  to  that  which  is 
 the  subject  of  the  present  essay,  "  Thou  shalt 
 not  kill."  You  strenuously  maintain,  "  We 
 are  no  murderers."  You  may  not  be  so  in  the 
 common  acceptation  of  the  term :  but,  as  u  the 
 law  is  spiritual,"  suspend  your  judgment,  till 
 you  have  carefully  examined  the  tempers  and 
 dispositions  of  your  minds.  On  a  more  minute 
 inspection  it  will  appear,  that  you  have  felt  and 
 indulged  those  thoughts  and  principles,  which 
 are  contrary  to  the  full  meaning  and  spirit  of  the 
 precept;  and  therefore  it  will  become  you  to 
 confess,  even  in  this  point,  es  We  are  verily 
 guilty."  Such  a  conviction  may  be  produced, 
 while  you  consider, 
 
 I.  What  is  forbidden.  According  to  the  cate- 
 chism you  are  taught  to  say,  My  duty  is,  "  To 
 hurt  no  body  by  word  or  deed, — to  bear  no  ma- 
 lice nor  hatred  in  my  heart."  From  the  bare 
 letter  of  the  commandment,  and  on  a  superficial 
 view,  we  perceive 
 
 1.  Murder  is  prohibited.  This  sin,  the  very 
 mention  of  which  strikes  us  with  horror,  consists 
 in  taking  away  the  life  of  a  fellow-creature  with- 
 out just  authority,  by  design,  and  from  a  malignant 
 disposition.  The  divine  Legislator  speaks  of  man, 
 not  of  other  animals,  when  He  says,  "  Thou 
 
ON  THE  SIXTH  COMMANDMENT.  18] 
 
 shalt  not  kill."  The  Lord  of  life  has  put  a  fence 
 around  the  human  species  for  their  protection, 
 and  declares  himself  the  avenger  of  those  who 
 suffer  violence.  Yet  in  some  cases  He  has 
 allowed  and  authorised  the  infliction  of  death. 
 The  magistrate  is  required  to  punish :  "  He 
 beareth  not  the  sword  in  vain :"  he  must  "  exe- 
 cute wrath  upon  him  that  doeth  evil*."  Cri- 
 minals of  various  descriptions  were  doomed  to 
 die  by  the  hand  of  justice.  The  Lord  himself 
 directed,  "  Thine  eye  shall  not  pity  them." 
 
 It  may  not  be  contrary  to  the  will  of  God  for 
 one  nation  to  wage  war  against  another :  for  the 
 occupation  of  the  soldier  is  not  condemned  or 
 censured  in  the  sacred  scriptures.  Many  devout 
 men  have  gone  forth  to  battle;  and  in  such  painful 
 circumstances,  when  called  to  kill  and  to  destroy, 
 they  may  properly  consider  themselves  as  the 
 Lord's  instruments.  But  when  the  necessity 
 clearly  exists,  it  should  be  deplored;  for  the 
 effects  are  most  tremendous.  We  decide  not,  in 
 what  cases  recourse  may  be  had  to  arms:  but 
 they,  who  are  placed  at  the  head  of  affairs, 
 should  beware,  lest  through  their  ambition,  co- 
 vetousness,  revenge,  or  impetuosity,  they  bring 
 desolation  upon  kingdoms,  and  the  guilt  of  inno- 
 cent blood  be  laid  to  their  charge.  It  is  equally 
 incumbent  upon  all  men  to  be  afraid  of  stirring 
 
 *  Rom.  xiii.  4. 
 
182  ON  THE  SIXTH  COMMANDMENT* 
 
 np  strife  and  sedition,  which  may  terminate  in 
 horrible  confusion  and  devastation :  the  fomenters 
 arc  responsible  for  all  the  consequences. 
 
 Private  persons,  if  assailed  by  a  furious  enemy, 
 and  placed  in  extreme  danger,  may  defend  their 
 own  lives,  though  it  should  be  by  the  destruc- 
 tion of  their  opponent.  But  it  were  highly  cri- 
 minal to  be  the  authors  of  his  death,  by  returning 
 the  blow  of  violence  wantonly,  needlessly,  or  for 
 the  preservation  of  a  trifling  property.  Far  more 
 heinous  is  the  deliberate  and  unprovoked  attack 
 of  the  assassin,  who  stabs  his  neighbour  from 
 malice,  or  for  the  acquisition  of  a  little  profit. 
 How  base  the  action !  It  robs  the  community 
 of  a  member,  and  makes  a  chasm  in  society.  It 
 brings  distress  upon  private  families,  removing 
 perhaps  their  chief  support,  or  only  remaining 
 comfort.  To  the  sufferer  it  is  the  greatest  pos- 
 sible injury;  it  not  only  terminates  every  earthly 
 enjoyment  and  opportunity  of  usefulness,  but  it 
 closes  the  day  of  grace,  precludes  any  further- 
 preparation  for  the  eternal  world,  and  frequently 
 hurries  away  an  unpardoned  sinner  into  endless 
 misery.  Murder  has  still  higher  aggravations. 
 It  is  a  direct  attack  upon  God  himself.  It  is  a  pre- 
 sumptuous invasion  of  the  rights  of  the  almighty 
 Sovereign,  whose  prerogative  it  is  to  dispose  of 
 the  life  of  his  creatures.  Man  bears  His  imagev 
 and  is  His  representative :  and  he,  who  aims  a 
 blow  against  the  one,  would  do  so  against  the 
 
ON  THE  SIXTH   COMMANDMENT.  183 
 
 other,  if  placed  within  his  reach.  It  is  therefore 
 decreed,  "  Whoso  sheddeth  man's  blood,  by  man 
 shall  his  blood  be  shed:  for  in  the  image  of  God 
 made  he  man  *,."  The  offence  is  so  great,  that, 
 in  the  course  of  divine  providence,  it  is  generally 
 detected  and  punished  even  here.  Blood  cries  unto 
 God  for  vengeance.  May  we  be  preserved  from 
 sinning  and  from  suffering  in  such  a  way ! 
 
 2.  Suicide  is  equally  forbidden.  We  have  no 
 more  right  to  take  away  our  own  life,  than  that 
 of  another.  We  should  maintain  the  post  as- 
 signed us,  till  we  receive  a  regular  dismission. 
 Let  us  say  therefore,  in  the  patience  of  faith  and 
 hope,  "  All  the  days  of  my  appointed  time  will  I 
 wait,  till  my  change  comef."  What  can  be 
 more  unnatural  or  monstrous,  than  for  a  man  to 
 be  armed  against  himself,  and  become  his  own 
 executioner?  By  what  horrible  madness,  infa- 
 tuation, or  possession,  must  he  be  actuated!  Yet 
 how  frequent  is  the  crime  !  Persons,  whose  in- 
 tellects are  deranged,  are  often  urged  to  it  by 
 strong  temptation.  We  decide  not  upon  their 
 state;  but  leave  them  to  the  disposal  of  a  righteous 
 and  merciful  God.  But  though  no  responsibility 
 can  attach  to  the  insane,  all  are  not  lunatics,  who 
 may  be  so  pronounced  by  an  inquest  after  the 
 perpetration  of  this  foul  deed.  Many  jurors  are 
 influenced  in  their  verdict  by  a  false  tenderness 
 
 *  Gen.  ix.  6.  f  Job  xiv.  14. 
 
1S4  ON  THE  SIXTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 to  survivors:  but  they  should  recollect  that  "  the 
 oath  of  the  Lord"  is  upon  them,  and  that  an 
 awful  reckoning  awaits  them  for  the  sin  of 
 perjury. 
 
 If  the  Suicide  be  in  possession  of  his  rational 
 faculties,  how  great  is  his  offence !  Not  to  men- 
 tion his  cruelty  to  his  friends  and  relatives,  upon 
 whom  he  brings  unmerited  reproach  and  misery, 
 he  commits  an  act  of  rebellion  against  the  Al- 
 mighty, and  presumptuously  rushes  into  the  pre- 
 sence of  his  Judge  with  blood  upon  his  hands. 
 He  cannot  afterwards  repent :  but  as  he  dies,  so 
 he  must  remain,  an  enemy  to  God,  and  under 
 his  righteous  condemnation.  He  is  actuated  by 
 pride,  or  resentment,  by  an  unwillingness  to  sub- 
 mit to  the  Lord,  or  a  despair  of  his  mercy.  With 
 such  vile  affections  he  plunges  himself  into  de- 
 struction. O  consider  well  the  atrociousness  of 
 the  deed,  and  its  dire  consequences,  that  you  may 
 never  be  prevailed  on  to  lift  up  your  hand  against 
 yourselves! 
 
 There  are  many  self-murderers  of  another  sort: 
 for  there  are  thousands  who  shorten  their  days 
 by  dissipation,  by  lust,  by  drunkenness,  and  glut- 
 tony. They  may  die  a  slow  death,  but  they 
 destroy  themselves  as  certainly,  as  if  they  did  it 
 by  a  stroke,  and  they  are  transgressors  of  that  law, 
 which  says,  "  Thou  shalt  not  kill." 
 
 3.  Duelling  or  single  combat  is  a  violation  of 
 the  precept.     The  practice   is  patronized  and 
 
ON  THE  SIXTH  COMMANDMENT.  185 
 
 vindicated,  as  if  it  were  no  more  than  a  proper 
 and  necessary  vindication  of  honour.  But  what 
 is  this  honour,  of  which  we  hear  so  much,  for 
 which  such  dangers  are  to  be  incurred,  and  so 
 large  sacrifices  made?  The  enquiry  will  prove, 
 that  the  oracles  of  God  and  the  principles  of  the 
 world  are  in  direct  opposition.  The  world  will 
 teach  you  to  condemn  a  man  for  an  unguarded 
 expression,  and  require  him  to  hazard  his  life ; 
 but  the  Bible  commands  you  to  u  suffer  long  and 
 be  kind."  In  the  world  it  is  accounted  disgrace- 
 ful, the  mark  of  a  mean  and  contemptible  spirit, 
 to  pass  by  the  least  insult.  Your  honour  is  con- 
 cerned, the  person  accused  must  give  you  satis- 
 faction ;  that  is,  he  must  either  murder  you,  or 
 expose  his  life  to  your  murderous  hand.  But  the 
 sacred  scriptures  enjoin,  "  Avenge  not  yourselves, 
 but  rather  give  place  unto  wrath  *."  Be  more 
 solicitous  to  obtain  the  approbation  of  Him,  who 
 hath  said,  "  Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit,"  than 
 to  be  admired  in  the  circles  of  fashion  for  your 
 high  courage  and  magnanimity. 
 
 By  this  mode  of  deciding  a  quarrel,  you  set 
 aside  the  laws  of  your  country;  nay,  you  usurp 
 the  prerogative  of  heaven :  "  for  it  is  written, 
 Vengeance  is  mine,  I  will  repay,  saith  the  Lord." 
 It  is  also  equally  unchristian  to  accept  as  to 
 give  a  challenge  :  it  is  an  implicit  consent  to  the 
 
 *  Rom.  xii.  19. 
 
]80  ON  THE   SIXTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 commission  of  murder.  No  consideration  of 
 worldly  consequences,  of  reputation,  of  prospects, 
 or  of  necessary  support,  would  justify  you  in 
 agreeing  to  fight  your  adversary,  or  even  to  re- 
 ceive his  fire.  It  is  enough  to  reply,  "  I  am 
 forbidden  to  Rill*. — I  am  not  at  liberty  to  take 
 away  another's  life,  or  to  sacrifice  my  own."  Be 
 willing  to  be  accounted  mean,  and  cheerfully 
 leave  to  God  the  vindication  of  your  character. 
 Very  dignified  upon  such  an  occasion  was  the 
 answer  of  the  celebrated  Colonel  Gardiner,  "  I 
 fear  sinning,  though  I  do  not  fear  fighting:"  and 
 he  never  incurred  the  imputation  of  cowardice. 
 
 4.   Retaliation  or  revenge  is  condemned  by  the 
 divine  precept.    We  are  prohibited  from  seeking 
 the  hurt  of  our  neighbour,  however  insulted  or 
 injured  by  him.     u  Recompense  to  no  man  evil 
 for  evil*."     Rather  submit  to  injustice  or  op- 
 pression:   at   least,    do   not   redress  your    own 
 grievances,  or  assume  the  office  of  the  magistrate. 
 You  may  appeal  to  the  laws,  and  demand  their 
 protection  •,   but  you  must  not,  in  your  private 
 capacity,  inflict  the  appointed  punishment.    The 
 directions  given   to   the  Jewish   rulers   to  exact 
 "  an  eye  for  an  eye,   and  a  tooth  for  a  tooth," 
 were  so  interpreted  by  malignant  minds,  as  if 
 every  man  might  bear  the   sword,   and  avenge 
 himself  of  his   adversary.     But    our  Lord    has 
 
 *  J\>>m,  xii.  l/. 
 
ON  THE  SIXTH  COMMANDMENT.  187 
 
 shewn  that  such  a  sense  is  inconsistent  with  the 
 law. 
 
 Even  those  tempers,  which  would  dispose  you 
 to  mischief,  envy,  malice,  and  hatred,  are  no 
 other  than  the  seeds  of  murder  in  the  heart.  If  che- 
 rished, they  would  bring  forth  that  deadly  poison; 
 and  the  Lord  God,  who  sees  actions  in  principles 
 and  desires,  before  whom  to  wish  evil  is  to  do  it, 
 hath  determined,  "Whosoever  hateth  his  bro- 
 ther is  a  murderer;  and  no  murderer  hath  eternal 
 life  abiding  in  him  *."  Beware,  how  you  in- 
 dulge those  affections,  which  might  lead  to  such 
 an  issue,  and  are  in  themselves  so  sinful !  Beware, 
 how  you  grieve  at  the  prosperity,  or  rejoice 
 at  the  fall  of  an  enemy!  For  what  is  this  but 
 malignity  ?  Talk  not  of  the  injuries  you  have 
 received,  or  of  the  baseness  of  your  enemies  :  if 
 you  have  forgiven  them,  why  should  you  dwell 
 on  the  subject  with  perturbation  of  mind,  or  why 
 so  frequently  recur  to  it  ?  Is  there  not  some  latent 
 maliciousness  in  your  hearts  ? 
 
 It  is  a  sad  proof  of  human  depravity,  that  these 
 deplorable  evils,  "  hatred,  variance,  emulations, 
 wrath,  strife,  envyings,  murders,  are  the  works 
 of  the  flesh  f."  No  man  therefore  is  exempt  from 
 the  charge:  the  propensity  is  inherent  in  all; 
 and  we  know  not  how  soon  a  temptation  may 
 draw  it  forth  into  action.   The  allowed  indulgence 
 
 *  1  John  iii.  15,  t  Gal-  v.  19—21. 
 
1S8  ON  THE  SIXTH  COMMANDMENT, 
 
 of  this  propensity  is  unchristian :  it  is  opposite 
 to  the  mind  and  conduct  of  the  Saviour,  who 
 wept  over  his  bitterest  enemies,  who  prayed  upon 
 the  cross,  and  even  died  for  their  salvation. 
 It  is  an  imitation  of  Satan,  who  is  full  of  all  vile 
 affections,  whose  continual  employment  is  de- 
 struction, "  who  was  a  murderer  from  the  begin- 
 ning V  Be  this  then  our  petition,  for  surely  it 
 is  expedient  and  needful,  "  From  envy,  hatred, 
 and  malice,  and  all  uncharitableness,  Good  Lord, 
 deliver  us  f  P 
 
 5.  Causeless  and  immoderate  anger  is  a  trans- 
 gression of  the  law.  There  may  be  anger  with- 
 out guilt.  "  Be  ye  angry,  and  sin  not,"  is  an 
 apostolical  direction  ;  and  "  Jesus  looked  on  the 
 Pharisees  with  anger,  being  grieved  for  the  hard- 
 ness of  their  hearts  J."  But  how  rarely  is  this 
 passion  of  the  mind  exercised,  without  wrong 
 principles  and  sensations!  The  glory  of  God 
 should  be  its  object,  and  it  should  be  restrained 
 within  due  bounds.  Otherwise,  it  indicates  a 
 bad  state  of  the  heart,  and  produces  serious  mis- 
 chief. If  not  resisted  and  subdued,  it  infuriates 
 the  possessor;  and,  however  trifling  his  provoca- 
 tion, he  boils  with  rage,  and  wants  only  the  op- 
 portunity to  commit  murder.  It  is  therefore 
 condemned  by  our  Lord  as  a  breach  of  this 
 
 •*  John  viii.  44.  f  Litany. 
 
 %  Eph.  iv.  20.    Mark  iii.  5. 
 
ON  THE  SIXTH  COMMANDMENT.  I8Q 
 
 commandment :  "  Ye  have  heard,  that  it  was 
 said  by  them  of  old  time,  Thou  shalt  not  kill : 
 and  whosoever  shall  kill  shall  be  in  danger  of 
 the  judgment :  But  I  say  unto  you,  That  whoso- 
 ever is  angry  with  his  brother  without  a  cause, 
 shall  be  in  danger  of  the  judgment ;  and  whoso- 
 ever shall  say  to  his  brother,  Raca,  shall  be  in 
 danger  of  the  council ;  but  whosoever  shall  say* 
 Thou  fool,  shall  be  in  danger  of  hell-fire  *." 
 
 Certain  expositors  of  the  law  had  explained  it, 
 as  forbidding  no  more  than  the  perpetration  of 
 murder  in  the  outward  act.   But  Jesus  vindicates 
 its  extent  and  spirituality,  and  declares  that  it 
 prohibits  all  causeless  anger  in  the.  breast,  and 
 all  passionate  language,  the  expressions  of  hatred 
 and  reviling,  and  condemns  the  transgressor  in 
 thought  and  word  to  everlasting  misery.     Who 
 can  stand  in  thy  sight,  O  Lord,  who  art  of  purer 
 eyes  than  to  behold  iniquity?    Who  can  endure 
 the  scrutiny  of  so  strict  a  precept,  and  the  exa- 
 mination of  that  Judge,  who  searcheth  the  heart  ? 
 Who   among  us  has  at    all  times    bridled  his 
 tongue  ?  or  restrained  the  first  risings  of  all  ma- 
 levolent affections  ?     Have  you  conformed  to  the 
 christian  rule,  <c  Let  all  bitterness,  and  wrath, 
 and  anger,  and  clamour,  and  evil  speaking,  be 
 put  away  from  you,  with  all  malice  f?" — f<  But 
 
 *  Matt.  v.  2l?  22.  %  Eph.  iv.  3L 
 
IQO  ON  THE   SIXTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 • 
 
 if  ye  bite  and  devour  one  another,  take  heed  that 
 ye  be  not  consumed  one  of  another  *.M 
 
 6.  The  destruction  of  immortal  souls  is  the 
 worst  murder  of  all.  If  it  be  so  heinous  a  sin  to 
 kill  the  body  only,  how  much  more  atrocious  is 
 it  to  be  accessory  to  the  final  damnation  of  any ! 
 Do  we  not  tremble  at  the  thought  of  being 
 chargeable  with  such  guilt,  "  when  the  Lord 
 maketh  inquisition  for  blood  ?"  Yet  who  can  say, 
 tc  I  am  innocent  ?" 
 
 Have  you  never  tempted  others  to  sin  ?  Have 
 you  not  solicited  your  friends  to  join  you  in 
 your  schemes  of  dissipated  pleasure  ?  Your  ex- 
 ample at  least,  if  not  your  counsel,  may  have 
 been  injurious  and  destructive.  Many  may  have 
 learnt  from  you  to  neglect  and  despise  their  God. 
 Possibly,  you  have  discouraged  and  persecuted 
 some,  who  were  giving  a  serious  attention  to  reli- 
 gion, and  have  drawn  them  back  into  foolish  and 
 hurtful  ways.  There  is  no  work  more  diabolical 
 than  this :  for  the  persecutor  is  like  Satan,  "  who 
 goeth  about  seeking  whom  he  may  devour."  If 
 you  have  succeeded,  and  any  persons  have  pe- 
 rished through  you,  they  are  plunged  into  "  the 
 second  death,"  from  which  there  can  be  no  de- 
 rice.     What  reparation  can  be  made  ? 
 
 1     ;  subject  claims  the  peculiar  notice  of  pa- 
 
 *  Gal.  v.  15. 
 
ON  THE  SIXTH   COMMANDMENT.  ]gi 
 
 rents  and  christian  ministers :  for  to  them  especially 
 the  care  of  souls,  which  are  of  inestimable  value, 
 is  committed.  What  holy  vigilance,  assiduity, 
 circumspection,  and  prayer,  should  they  use,  lest 
 any  of  those,  with  whom  they  are  intrusted, 
 should  finally  be  lost  through  their  ignorance, 
 negligence,  or  evil  example !  How  will  they 
 endure  hereafter  to  meet  those,  whom  they  have 
 destroyed  for  ever !  "  Deliver  us  from  blood- 
 guiltiness,  O  God !" 
 
 The  commandment  is  negative,  and  we  have 
 pointed  out  what  sins  are  forbidden ;  but  wc  may 
 also  consider  briefly, 
 
 II.  What  positive  duties  are  enjoined.  It  is 
 not  enough  that  we  do  not  take  away  life ;  we 
 should  do  our  utmost  to  preserve  it :  for  not  to 
 save  life,  when  it  is  in  our  power,  is  to  destroy  it. 
 We  should  practise  whatever  is  opposite  to  those 
 malignant  tempers,  which  are  condemned. 
 
 1.  We  should  forgive  all  trespasses.  Let  it 
 not  suffice  us  to  abstain  from  retaliation  :  the 
 law  of  Christ  requires  us  to  love  and  pray  for  our 
 enemies,  and  to  be  as  ready  to  perform  any  acts 
 of  kindness  for  them,  as  if  they  had  never  injured 
 us.  Nay,  we  are  to  overcome  their  evil  with  our 
 good  *.  We  are  to  exercise  "  all  long  suffering," 
 and  be  ready  to  pardon  innumerable  offences. 
 Do  you  ask  with   Peter,   "  How  oft  shall  my 
 
 *  Matt.  v.  43,  44.     Rom.  xii.  20,  21. 
 
1Q2  ON  THE  SIXTH  COMMANDMENT^ 
 
 brother  sin  against  me,  and  I  forgive  him  ?  till 
 seven  times  ?  Jesus  saith,  I  say  not  unto  thee, 
 until  seven  times  5  but  until  seventy  times 
 seven  *•" 
 
 It  is  not  easy  for  our  corrupt  nature  to  comply 
 with  these  injunctions.  We  are  disposed  to  be 
 CG  implacable,  unmerciful;"  and  through  pride  of 
 heart  we  magnify  the  injuries  we  receive.  But, 
 knowing  that  our  offences  against  God  are  inex- 
 pressibly more  and  greater,  we  shall  feel  a>  readi- 
 ness to  extend  as  unlimited  a  pardon  to  others, 
 as  we  have  received  from  Him.  Let  us  think  of 
 His  patience ;  how  long  has  he  botne  with  us  I 
 — of  his  rich  offers  of  mercy  •,  how  large,  how 
 gratuitous,  and  yet  how  dearly  purchased  ! — of 
 his  earnest  and  repeated  entreaties,  by  his  word, 
 by  his  ministers,  and  his  Spirit,  that  we  should 
 be  reconciled  to  him  !  Let  us  act  thus  towards 
 the  most  perverse,  "  forbearing  one  another  and 
 forgiving  one  another,  if  any  man  have  a  quarrel 
 against  any  ■£.•'  Otherwise,  how  can  we  pray,  or 
 how  can  we  expect  the  pardon  of  our  own  offences ! 
 "  If  ye  forgive  not  men  their  trespasses,  neither 
 will  your  Father  forgive  your  trespasses  J." 
 
 2.  We  should  shew  all  meekness  to  all  men. 
 The  haughty,  ferocious,  ungoverned  temper  ex- 
 cites animosities,  and  leads  to  murder.  But  the 
 grace   of  God   restrains   and   subdues    it,    and 
 
 *  Matt,  xviii.  21,22.         f  Col.  iii.  13. 
 
 6 
 
ON  THE  SIXTH  COMMANDMENT.  1Q3 
 
 produces  in  its  stead  the  humble,  meek,  and 
 childlike  disposition.  The  Christian  then,  so 
 far  from  exalting  himself  above  others,  or  ex- 
 pecting an  implicit  submission  from  them,  will 
 be  ready  to  yield  to  every  one  a  proper  deference 
 and  respect : — "  peaceable,  gentle,  and  easy  to 
 be  entreated*."  Such  is  the  grace,  which  is 
 essential  to  the  believer's  character,  as  described 
 by  St.  Paul,  (( It  sufFereth  long  and  is  kind  ;  en- 
 vieth  not ;  vaunteth  not  itself,  is  not  puffed  up  ; 
 doth  not  behave  itself  unseemly ;  seeketh  not  her 
 own,  is  not  easily  provoked  ;  thinketh  no  evil ; 
 rejoiceth  not  in  iniquity,  but  rejoiceth  in  the 
 truth ;  beareth  all  things,  hopeth  all  things, 
 endureth  all  things  f." 
 
 But  how  rare  is  such  charity  as  this !  How 
 defective  is  the  principle  in  the  best !  Let  us 
 examine,  Are  we  living  under  its  influence  ?  Are 
 we  not,  on  the  contrary,  haughty,  clamorous,  op- 
 pressive ?  peevish,  discontented,  irritable,  and 
 resentful  ?  Let  us  take  shame  to  ourselves,  and 
 learn  our  religion  better.  Let  us  hear  the  voice 
 of  our  Lord  and  Master,  w  Whosoever  shall 
 humble  himself  as  a  little  child,  the  same  is 
 greatest  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven  J." 
 
 3.  We  should  exercise  universal  benevolence. 
 cf  Love  worketh  no  ill  to  his  neighbour:  therefore 
 
 *  James  iii.  J  7.  f  1  Cor.  xiii.  4 — 7. 
 
 J  Matt,  xv iii.  4. 
 VOL.  III.  Q 
 
ig4-  ON   THE  SIXTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law*."     Deeply  im- 
 pressed by  this  principle,  you  can  offer  no  violence 
 to  any  man.     But  you  will  not  only  abstain  from 
 murder,  and  from  all  injurious  conduct,  you  will 
 exert  yourselves  in  acts  of  kindness,  and  labour 
 to  do  good,  according  to  your  opportunities  and 
 abilities.     You  will  be  anxious  to  relieve  their 
 temporal  distresses  by  such   liberal  supplies,  as 
 your  circumstances  will  allow.     You  will  not 
 spend  in  dissipation  or  the  pride  of  life,  what 
 your  poor  neighbours  want  for  food  or  raiment. 
 You  will  watch  over  them  with  compassionate 
 regard,   and  be  glad  to  perform  every  charitable 
 office.    You  will  "  visit  the  fatherless  and  widows 
 in  their  affliction  f :"  you   will  advise,  comfort, 
 pray  for  them. 
 
 You  will  more  especially  have  an  eye  to  their 
 spiritual  wants.  To  prevent  the  loss  of  their  im- 
 mortal souls  will  appear  to  you  one  of  the  highest 
 objects  in  life.  You  will  therefore  fear  for  them, 
 who  are  in  a  state  of  ignorance  and  alienation  from 
 God,  and  desire  to  bring  them  under  the  means 
 of  grace,  and  the  sound  of  the  gospel.  You  will 
 warn,  instruct,  exhort,  and  encourage,  as  occasion 
 shall  be  given.  You  will  mourn  for  those,  who 
 remain  obdurate,  and  "  refuse  to  return ;"  and, 
 longing  for  the  salvation  of  all,  you  will  rejoice 
 like  "  the  angels  of  God  over  one  sinner  that 
 
 *  Rom.  xiii.  JO.  f  James  i.  27. 
 
ON  THE   SIXTH  COMMANDMENT.  Ig5 
 
 repenteth."  This  is  extensive,  and  this  alone  is 
 christian  charity.  He  who  thus  "  loveth  another, 
 hath  fulfilled  the  law."  O  that  such  tempers  and 
 exertions  universally  prevailed! 
 
 We  may  infer  from  the  subject, 
 
 1 .  How  great  is  our  corruption !  Is  it  so, 
 that  there  is  need  of  such  a  commandment  to 
 restrain  men  from  destroying  one  another,  and 
 that  no  sanctions  whatever  can  prevent  the  fre- 
 quent and  most  atrocious  violations  of  it  ?  Then 
 *£  what  is  man  ?"  How  unlike  to  that  glorious 
 image,  in  which  he  was  created,  the  image  of 
 that  God,  who  is  love!  Does  he  not  rather 
 resemble  the  murderous  spirit  ?  "  For  out  of  the 
 heart  of  men  proceed  evil  thoughts, — murders  *.'' 
 "  Their  feet  are  swift  to  shed  blood  f."  Let  the 
 fair  occasion  be  offered,  let  the  passions  be  irri- 
 tated by  provocation,  and  with  what  eagerness 
 do  they  rush  forward  to  acts  of  violence  !  The 
 history  of  mankind  from  the  beginning  has 
 evinced  the  truth  of  the  charge-,  for  in  what 
 nation,  or  in  what  age,  have  not  rivers  of  human 
 blood  been  shed  ? 
 
 Let  us  not  look  with  arrogant  contempt  on  the 
 most  abandoned  of  our  species.  They  shew  what 
 we  might  have  been,  to  what  we  are  all  prone. 
 We  may  be  thankful  that  we  have  not  been  left 
 in  similar  circumstances  of  temptation  3  or  else, 
 
 *  Mark  v&  21 .  f  Rom.  iii.  15. 
 
 Q  % 
 
190  ON  THE   SIXTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 our  hands  might  have  been  stained,  even  a& 
 their's.  Let  us  be  humbled  and  fear.  "  For  we 
 ourselves  also  were  sometimes  foolish,  disobedient, 
 deceived,  serving  divers  lusts  and  pleasures,  liv- 
 ing in  malice  and  envy,  hateful,  and  hating  one 
 another  V 
 
 2.  How  desirable  and  how  necessary  is  the 
 grace  of  Christ !  We  stand  in  need  of  it  both  for 
 pardon  and  sanctification  j  and  without  it  wc 
 must  be  wretched  and  undone  for  ever.  If  such 
 be  the  extent  and  spirituality  of  the  law,  that  we 
 are  condemned  by  it  for  an  evil  temper,  or  for 
 words  of  anger,  what  shall  we  do  ?  Let  us 
 betake  ourselves  to  Him,  in  whom  alone  u  we 
 have  righteousness  and  strength ;"  and  let  us 
 daily  cleave  to  him,  with  deepest  self-abhorrence, 
 and  earnest  cries  for  his  help.  His  blood  will 
 cleanse  us  from  all  our  defilement :  and  he  will 
 give  strength  to  resist  temptation,  overcome  our 
 vile  affections,  soften  the  most  ferocious  disposi- 
 tions, change  the  lion  into  a  lamb. 
 
 Are  we  "  partakers  of  Christ  ?"  Then  we  may 
 rejoice  in  His  obedience,  though  not  in  our 
 own.  But  let  us  look  to  him,  as  our  pattern, 
 and  enquire  how  far  we  resemble  him.  We 
 should  prove  our  faith,  and  adorn  our  profession, 
 by  cc  walking,  even  as  he  walked  f:" — and  He 
 "  came  not  to  destroy  men's  lives,  but  to  save 
 
 *  Thus  HI,  3;  I  1  John  ii.  & 
 
ON  THE  SIXTH  COMMANDMENT.  1Q7 
 
 them*."  Our  meekness  and  lowliness  of  mind, 
 our  benevolence  and  usefulness,  will  demonstrate 
 the  truth  and  excellence  of  our  religion,  will 
 "  convince  the  gainsayers,"  will  conciliate  ene- 
 mies, will  bring  peace  to  ourselves  and  glory  to 
 God. 
 
 *  Luke  ix.  56. 
 
ESSAY   LXXIL 
 
 ON    THE    SEVENTH    COMMANDMENT. 
 
 Man  is  sunk  into  a  state  of  carnality, — contrary  to 
 this  commandment,  which  forbids  all  uncleanness, 
 — in  our  actions,  by  adultery, — fornication, — or 
 any  other  violation  of  chastity,— in  our  words, — in 
 our  thoughts  and  desires.  For  the  prevention  of 
 impurity y — think  of  its  baseness, — meditate  on  the 
 presence,  purity,  goodness,  and  justice  of  God, — 
 fly  from  all  tempt  ation> — look  unto  Jesus  by  faith 
 and  prayer. 
 
 IVIan  is  compounded  of  two  parts,  body  and 
 spirit.  As  to  his  body,  he  has  animal  desires  and 
 appetites,  in  common  with  the  brute  creation  : 
 but  in  his  mind,  as  endued  with  understanding 
 and  reason,  he  possesses  a  superior  excellence. 
 The  corporeal  part  should  be  kept  in  subjection 
 to  the  spiritual :  and  so  it  was  originally,  when 
 he  was  first  formed.  How  glorious  a  creature 
 then  !  The  senses  and  all  their  gratifications  were 
 regulated  by  the  rational  faculty,  against  which, 
 as  the  governing  principle,  there  was  no  disposi- 
 tion to  rebel.  But  how  fallen  now  !  how  griev- 
 3 
 
ON  THE  SEVENTH   COMMANDMENT.        1 QQ 
 
 ously  debased  !  Reason  is  dethroned :  man  has 
 sunk  down  into  a  state  of  carnality,  and  is  an  ab- 
 solute slave  to  a  variety  of  lusts.  Impure  and 
 unchaste  desires  have  occupied  and  denied  his 
 heart ;  and  he  manifests  a  propensity  to  transgress 
 that  holy  law,  which  says,  "Thou  shalt  not 
 
 COMMIT  ADULTEKY." 
 
 May  divine  grace  renovate  our  nature  ;  that 
 we  may  be  restored  to  the  image  of  God  in  right- 
 eousness, and  ic  crucify  the  flesh  with  the  affec- 
 tions and  lusts  !"  We  shall  not  otherwise  possess 
 that  chastity  of  body  and  mind,  which  the  com- 
 mandment requires.  The  subject  is  delicate,  and 
 should  be  treated  with  extreme  caution.  Let 
 every  reader  beware  of  levity,  and  guard  his  ima- 
 gination, lest  the  very  things  which  may  be 
 brought  before  him  excite  improper  ideas  and 
 inclinations.  Let  us  charge  ourselves  to  be  se- 
 rious and  devout,  while  we  hear  what  the  Lord 
 God  has  enjoined,  and  examine  whether  we  have 
 yielded  obedience.  It  will  appear,  that  all  un- 
 cleanness  is  forbidden,  and  perfect  chastity  pre- 
 scribed, in  our  actions,  words,  and  desires. 
 
 L  In  our  actions. 
 
 1.  Adultery,  or  the  unfaithfulness  of  married 
 persons,  is  prohibited  by  the  very  letter  of  the 
 Jaw.  This  is  a  sin  most  atrocious  in  its  nature^ 
 and  its  consequences  are  tremendous.  u  ft  is  an 
 heinous  crime';  yea,  it  is  iniquity  to  be  punished  ( 
 by  the  judges.     For  it  is  a  fire  that  consumeth  to 
 
200       ON  THE  SEVENTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 destruction,  and  would  root  out  all  our  increase/" 
 "  It  is  the  way  to  hell,  going  down  to  the  cham- 
 bers of  death  *." 
 
 It  is  a  complicated  offence,  being  not  only  a 
 presumptuous  infringement  of  the  restrictions, 
 which  God  hath  imposed  on  our  passions,  but  a 
 species  of  lying  the  most  detestable.  It  violates 
 the  solemn  promise,  whereby  the  man  and  wife 
 are  bound  to  u  cleave  only  to  each  other,  so  long 
 as  they  both  shall  live."  It  includes  also  the 
 guilt  of  perjury,  and  is  therefore  an  impious  con- 
 tempt of  Jehovah  :  the  marriage  vow  having  the 
 nature  of  an  oath,  being  made  in  the  house,  and 
 before  the  altar  of  God,  "  in  the  name  of  the 
 Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost." 
 It  brings  inconceivable  distress  upon  families, 
 destroys  the  peace  of  the  injured  party,  entails 
 disgrace  and  misery  upon  children,  excites  be- 
 tween those  who  should  be  most  united,  the  dia- 
 bolical passions  of  jealousy  and  rage,  and  sub- 
 verts the  very  foundation  of  civil  society.  The 
 Lord  God  hath  accordingly  marked  it  with  pecu- 
 liar abhorrence,  commanding  in  the  Mosaic  law, 
 that  "  the  adulterer  and  adulteress  shall  surely  be 
 put  to  death  f,"  and  declaring  that  for  this  sin, 
 among  others,  "  the  land  shall  mourn,  and  every 
 one  that  dwelleth  therein  shall  languish  J." 
 
 Our  national  statutes  may  be  more  favourable, 
 
 1  Job  :;xxi.  13,  12.     Pror.  vii.  27.         f  Lev.  xx.  10. 
 %  Hos.  iv.  1—3. 
 
ON  THE  SEVENTH  COMMANDMENT.       201 
 
 and  we  larnent  their  sad  defect ;  but  the  trans- 
 gression of  the  divine  precept  is  equally  heinous 
 now,  and  we  have  reason  to  dread  the  judgments 
 of  heaven  on  this  account.  For  how  much  does 
 the  sin  prevail !  What  scenes  of  filthiness  are  dis- 
 closed in  our  courts  of  justice  !  How  numerous 
 are  the  applications  for  divorce,  which  occupy  a 
 large  share  of  the  attention  of  one  branch  of  our 
 legislature !  There  are  those,  who  publicly  de- 
 fend it,  or  treat  it  with  profane  merriment  as  a 
 trifling  offence  when  known,  and  as  none  at  all 
 when  not  discovered.  Will  not  the  righteous 
 Lord  be  avenged  on  such  a  nation  as  this  ?  But 
 if  punishment  do  not  overtake  the  sinners  in  this 
 life,  it  will  surely  come  upon  them  in  full  weight 
 and  measure  hereafter.  "  Marriage  is  honour- 
 able in  all,  and  the  bed  undefiled :  but  whoremon- 
 gers and  adulterers  God  will  judge." — They 
 "  shall  not  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God  #." 
 
 The  original  institution  of  marriage  and  its 
 important  designs  being  well  understood,  we 
 shall  more  clearly  perceive  what  particular  prac- 
 tices constitute  a  violation  of  this  commandment. 
 The  primitive  appointment  was  the  union  of  one 
 man  with  one  woman,  who  were  designed  to  be 
 a  mutual  help  and  comfort,  sharing  in  each 
 other's  joys  and  sorrows,  knit  together  by  an  ap- 
 propriate and    inalienable   affection,   and   who 
 
 *  Hebr.  xiii.  4,     1  Cor.  vi,  g,  10. 
 
202       ON  THE   SEVENTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 should  join  their  counsels  and  labours  to  train 
 np  their  offspring  in  useful  and  virtuous  habits. 
 The  union,  so  formed,  was  intended  to  be  indis- 
 soluble, till  death  should  terminate  the  connec- 
 tion. Through  the  depravity  of  human  nature, 
 and  the  predominance  of  carnal  affections,  many 
 sad  deviations  from  this  holy  plan  were  soon 
 introduced  into  the  world,  and  were  for  a  time 
 permitted  or  connived  at  even  among  the  patri- 
 archs and  the  whole  of  the  Jewish  nation.  Such 
 was  their  polygamy,  and  such  those  numerous 
 divorces  which  were  conceded  even  to  their  mere 
 caprice  or  disgust.  The  effects  were  most 
 deplorable  j  and  the  Lord  God  testified  that  he 
 required  a  degree  of  purity  inconsistent  with  this 
 practice.  He  declared  that  a  plurality  of  wives 
 was  not  agreeable  to  his  purpose :  for  "  did  not 
 he  make  one  ?  Yet  had  he  the  residue  of  the 
 Spirit.  And  wherefore  one?  That  he  might  seek 
 .a  godly  seed."  He  added  also,  ."  that  he  hateth 
 putting  away*."  The  Lord  Jesus  has  taught 
 us  in  plainest  language,  that  these  things  were 
 not  so  "  from  the  beginning,"  and  are  to  be  re- 
 nounced by  his  followers,  as  incompatible  with 
 the  holiness  of  his  religion  f.  Let  Christians 
 evince  their  regard  to  Him,  by  preserving  the 
 honour  and  the  sanctity  of  the  married  state. 
 They  are  not  at  liberty  to  dissolve  the  union,  in 
 
 *  Mai.  ii.  15,  16.  f  Matt.  xix.  3-9. 
 
ON  THE   SEVENTH  COMMANDMENT.        £03 
 
 order  to  please  a  vitiated  taste,  or  to  be  delivered 
 from  any  painful  trial  they  may  feel :  and  they 
 should  avoid,  not  separations  only,  but  whatever 
 might  lead  to  them,  neglect  of  each  other,  jea- 
 lou  sies,  suspicions,  contentions,  all  which  are 
 criminal  in  themselves,  as  well  as  pernicious  in 
 their  consequences. 
 
 ation  is  forbidden.     Tins  is  the  sin- 
 ful coi      ierce  of  single  persons  with  each  other, 
 less  heinous  than  adultery,  because  it  includes 
 not  the  violation  of  the  marriage  vow,  yet  equally 
 contrary    to    God's   appointment.      He    has  re- 
 strained the   gratification   of  our  carnal  desires 
 within  certain  limits,  and  He  has  a  right  to  do  so. 
 It  is  therefore  enacted,  "  to  avoid  fornication,  let 
 every  man  have  his  own  wite,  and  let  every  wo- 
 man  have    her   own  husband*."     Man,   being 
 created   for  nobler  purposes  than  to  be  the  slave 
 of  appetite,   is  not  left  at  large  to  roam  without 
 bounds ;   and  when  he  quarrels  with  the  restric- 
 tions imposed   upon  him,  he  proves  that  he  is 
 sunk  very  low  indeed,  seeking  his  happiness  in 
 the  flesh.     This  carnality  must  be   resisted   and 
 subdued,  or  else  the  soul  will  be  lost  for  ever. 
 
 Some  presume  to  ask  with  much  profaneness, 
 "  Why  were  such  strong  passions  given  us,  if  we 
 are  to  be  damned  for  indulging  them  ?"  This  is 
 &o  charge  God  foolishly.     He  made  us  not5  cor- 
 
 *  1  Cor.  vii.2, 
 
204       ON  THE  SEVENTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 rupted  as  we  now  are.  The  vehemence  and  un- 
 ruliness  of  our  passions  prove  our  extreme  depra- 
 vity, and  have  been  increased  by  our  foolish  com- 
 pliances. To  ourselves,  then,  not  to  our  Crea- 
 tor, the  criminality  belongs. 
 
 In  various  ways  men  make  light  of  the  sin,  as 
 if  it  were  a  trifling,  venial  offence.  Let  us  not 
 for  a  moment  listen  to  their  arguments,  however 
 specious.  Clear  and  incontestable  facts  prove, 
 that  misery  and  destruction  follow  close  upon  it, 
 and  mark  its  progress  through  our  land.  Thou- 
 sands are  reduced  by  it  to  a  state  of  extreme 
 poverty,  and  are  pining  away  in  disgrace  and 
 loathsome  disease.  The  multitudes,  which  an- 
 nually perish  in  this  way  are  far  beyond  the  con- 
 ceptions of  those,  who  have  not  attended  to  the 
 subject,  and  are  indeed  incalculable  *.  Is  not 
 this  to  be  ascribed  to  the  righteous  judgment  of 
 God,  declaring  his  abhorrence  of  the  sin  ?  And 
 does  it  not  convey  an  awful  admonition  to  the 
 living,  to  beware  of  that  fatal  pest,  which  will 
 be  ruinous  to  their  bodies, — "  which  hath  cast 
 down  many  wounded  ;  yea,  many  strong  men 
 have  been  slain  by  it  j-  ?" 
 
 It  is  more  certainly  destructive  to  the  soul.  It 
 blinds  the  understanding,  it  hardens  the  heart,  it 
 pollutes  every  faculty,  it  subverts  every  right 
 principle,  it  fills  the  mind  with  filthy  imagina- 
 
 *  See  Mr.  Colquhoun's  Account  of  the  Police  of  the  Me- 
 tropolis* t  Prov.  vii.  20, 
 
ON  THE  SEVENTH  COMMANDMENT.       205 
 
 lions  and  base  desires,  and  it  leads  to  the  com- 
 mission of  the  most  atrocious  crimes.     Can  it  be 
 doubted,  whether  it  be  offensive  to  God  ?    He 
 has  expressly  declared  his  determination  to  pu- 
 nish it,  even  as  adultery.     "  The  works  of  the 
 flesh  are  manifest,  which  are  these,  Adultery, 
 Fornication,  Uncleanness,  &c— they  which  do 
 such   things  shall  not   inherit  the   kingdom  of 
 God." — u  For  this  ye  know,  that  no  whoremon- 
 ger, nor  unclean  person, — hath  any  inheritance 
 in  the  kingdom  of  Christ  and  of  God.     Let  no 
 man  deceive  you  with  vain  words :  for  because 
 of  these  things  cometh  the  wrath  of  God  upon 
 the  children    of  disobedience." — "  Whoremon- 
 gers, &c. — shall  have  their  part  in  the  lake  which 
 burneth  with  fire  and  brimstone :   which  is  the 
 second  death  *." 
 
 This  sin,  even  as  adultery,  involves  two  per- 
 sons at  once  in  guilt  and  condemnation.  A  man 
 may  rob,  and  swear,  and  be  drunken,  by  himself: 
 but  the  fornicator  and  adulterer  cannot  sin  alone: 
 they  solicit  another  to  join  with  them  in  trans- 
 gression, and  may  be  accessary  to  the  final  dam- 
 nation of  their  associate.  How  wiH  the  seducer 
 and  the  seduced,  the  tempter  and  the  tempted, 
 meet  together  hereafter  !  How  will  they  accuse, 
 upbraid,  and  execrate  each  other  !  They  will  fall 
 into  the  same  pit,  and  mutually  increase  one 
 another  s  torments  for  ever  and  ever. 
 
 *  Gal.  v.  10— 21.     Eph.  v.  5,  6.     Rev.  xxi,  8. 
 
206       ON  THE  SEVENTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 Every  serious  person  must  lament  the  preva- 
 lence of  prostitution.  It  has  become  so  general, 
 as  almost  to  surmount  the  shame,  which  formerly 
 attended  it.  Once  it  sought  the  cover  of  the 
 nightj  but  now  it  stalks  forth  abroad  in  the  sight 
 of  the  sun,  and  it  has  spread  its  baneful  effects 
 from  our  metropolis  to  every  corner  of  the  land. 
 Will  none  arise  to  check  this  dreadful  mischief, 
 to  plead  the  cause  of  God,  and  save  our  yet  un- 
 corrupted  youth  (if  such  there  be)  from  destruc- 
 tion ?  Magistrates,  to  you  is  committed  the  exe- 
 cution of  our  laws  :  what  might  not  you  accom- 
 plish by  increased  vigilance,  and  the  full  energy 
 of  your  power!  But  why  should  not  all  unite 
 their  influence  to  promote  reformation  by  resist- 
 ing the  progress  of  impurity,  and  at  least  to 
 cleanse  our  streets  by  preventing  the  numerous 
 prostitutes  from  offering  their  baits  in  public  ? 
 
 3.  All  other  acts  of  uncleanness,  of  whatever 
 kind,  though  carefully  concealed  from  the  notice 
 of  the  world,  are  condemned  by  the  holy  law  of 
 God.  It  is  needless,  it  would  be  improper,  to 
 enter  into  a  minute  detail.  "  Let  them  not  be 
 once  named  amongst  you,  as  becometh  saints: — 
 For  it  is  a  shame  even  to  speak  of  those  things, 
 which  are  done  in  secret*.''  Many,  we  fear, 
 indulge  their  libidinous  affections,  and  practise 
 in  private,  what  they  would  not  do  in  the  pre- 
 
 *  Eph.  v.  3,   13. 
 
ON  THE  SEVENTH   COMMANDMENT.        207 
 
 sence  of  a  child.  They  may  appear  chaste,  and 
 abstain  from  gross  lewdness,  out  of  regard  to 
 their  character,  their  health,  or  their  worldly 
 interest.  But  let  all  examine  and  judge  as  in  the 
 sight  of  God  :  Are  your  lusts  subdued  ?  Is  there 
 no  unseemly  act  committed  in  your  chamber  ? 
 Are  you  aware,  that  your  passions  may  gain 
 strength  by  what  may  appear  trivial  gratifica- 
 tions, and  may  soon  hurry  you  away  to  those 
 open  impurities,  which  now  you  abhor  ?  Are  you 
 properly  sensible,  that  the  most  secret  indulgence 
 of  carnality  is  offensive  to  God,  and  inconsistent 
 with  a  spiritual  frame  of  mind  ?  You  should 
 avoid  every  thing,  which  has  a  tendency  to  un- 
 cleanness,  all  indecent  gestures,  the  wantonness 
 of  the  eye,  the  gay  and  loose  attire,  and  the  ex- 
 posing of  the  person,  which  may  excite  lasci- 
 viousness.  An  apostle  enjoins,  "  that  women 
 adorn  themselves  in  modest  apparel,  with  shame- 
 facedness  and  sobriety*."  The  direction  may 
 be  thought  insignificant,  but  the  neglect  of  it  is 
 mischievous.  The  evil  should  be  checked  in  its 
 beginning:  for  "  he  that  contemneth  small  things, 
 shall  fall  by  little  and  little  j\" 
 
 Lewdness  should  be  avoided 
 
 II.  In  our  words.  How  few  consider  the  im- 
 portance of  what  they  utter  in  their  intercourse 
 with  each  other !    Is  the  solemn  admonition  of 
 
 *  1  Tim.  il.  Q.  f  Ecclus.  xix,  J. 
 
208       ON  THE  SEVENTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 our  Saviour  forgotten  ?  "  I  say  unto  you,  that 
 every  idle  word  that  men  shall  speak,  they  shall 
 give  account  thereof  in  the  day  of  judgment. 
 For  by  thy  words  thou  shalt  be  justified,  and  by 
 thy  words  thou  shalt  be  condemned  *."  Immo- 
 dest language  is  particularly  injurious  :  it  raises 
 impure  thoughts,  and  cherishes  lust.  It  mani- 
 fests a  corrupt  state  of  the  heart,  and  a  desire 
 after  the  forbidden  gratification,  to  which  it  al- 
 ludes. The  man  of  lewd  discourse  waits  only 
 for  an  opportunity  to  commit  uncleanness;  and 
 he,  who  can  sit  with  pleasure  or  content  to  hear 
 him,  or  who  forbears  to  reprove  him,  cannot  long 
 be  innocent.  How  inconsistent  is  it  with  chris- 
 tian holiness  !  "  Let  no  corrupt  communication 
 proceed  out  of  your  mouth  : — neither  filthiness, 
 nor  foolish  talking,  nor  jesting,  which  are  not 
 convenient,  but  rather  giving  of  thanks  f."  The 
 sportive  wit,  when  such  is  its  tendency,  and  even 
 the  word  of  double  meaning,  when  designed  to 
 convey  an  unchaste  idea,  is  here  condemned. 
 
 What  shall  we  say,  then,  to  the  general  strain 
 of  conversation  in  circles  of  gaiety,  to  those 
 loose  stories  and  wanton  songs,  which  furnish 
 entertainment  in  so  many  companies,  and  to  those 
 theatrical  performances  and  exhibitions,  in  which 
 modesty  must  be  perpetually  put  to  the  blush, 
 which  yet  are  numerously  attended  with  eager- 
 
 *  Matt.  xii.  36,  '67.  f  Epb.  iv.  2Q.     v.  4. 
 
 6 
 
ON  THE  SEVENTH  COMMANDMENT.      20g 
 
 ness  and  delight  ?  Are  these  the  things,  which 
 become  persons  "  professing  godliness  ?"  Should 
 you  express  yourselves  pleased  with  them,  or  be 
 willing  to  give  your  presence?  Is  this  to  (i  re- 
 deem the  time?"  or  to  "  walk  circumspectly?" 
 or  to  "  do  all  to  the  glory  of  God  ?"  Is  this  to 
 "  let  your  speech  be  alway  with  grace,  seasoned 
 with  salt  ?"  Is  this  "  the  communication  which 
 is  good,  to  the  use  of  edifying,  ministering  grace 
 unto  the  hearers  ?"  Is  not  the  tendency  manifestly 
 evil  ?  Are  not  impure  ideas  excited  ?  Are  not 
 corrupt  passions  inflamed  ?  Then  "  have  no  fel- 
 lowship with  them,  but  rather  reprove  them." 
 
 Chastity  should  be  preserved 
 
 III.  In  our  thoughts  and  desires.  Some  pro- 
 bably may  flatter  themselves,  that  they  are  not 
 transgressors  of  the  commandment,  because  they 
 have  not  committed  any  gross  acts  of  unclean- 
 ness:  they  thank  God,  that  whatever  be  their 
 faults,  "  they  are  no  adulterers."  But  the  Lord 
 searches  the  heart,  and  his  law  is  spiritual,  taking 
 cognizance  of  the  state  of  the  mind  and  its  secret 
 inclinations,  condemning  the  first  risings  of  evil 
 within  it.  Such  is  our  Lord's  explanation  ;  and  ' 
 his  comment  must  be  infallible  :  "  Ye  have  heard 
 that  it  was  said  by  them  of  old  time,  Thou  shalt 
 not  commit  adultery:  But  I  say  unto  you,  That 
 whosoever  looketh  on  a  woman  to  lust  after  her, 
 hath  committed  adultery  with  her  already  in  his 
 
 vol.  in.  p 
 
210       ON  THE  SEVENTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 heart  *."  The  application  must  be  made  to  one 
 sex  as  well  as  the  other  j  for  the  same  chastity 
 is  required  of  both. 
 
 And  now,  in  the  view  of  that  extensive  and 
 internal  purity,  which  is  enjoined,  we  shall  be 
 disposed  to  exclaim,  "  Who  is  able  to  stand  be- 
 fore this  holy  Lord  God  >" — ■"  Concupiscence 
 and  lust  hath  of  itself  the  nature  of  sin  f ."  And 
 where  is  the  person,  who  has  not  found  irregu- 
 lar desires  ?  Who  would  dare  to  disclose  the 
 whole  of  his  thoughts  to  another,  even  to  the 
 dearest  friend  ?  It  would  be  useful  to  keep  a 
 daily  register  of  what  passes  within  us.  But  are 
 all  our  imaginations  such  as  we  could  bear  to 
 write  down,  and  deliberately  examine  ?  Have  not 
 indecencies  been  acted  over  in  the  secret  recesses 
 of  our  minds,  and  that  too  with  delight  ?  Do  not 
 our  memories  faithfully  retain  ideas  and  expres- 
 sions of  lewdness,  which  we  might  wish  to  ba- 
 nish for  ever;  whilst  they  have  lost  all  recollec- 
 tion of  the  most  important  instructions  ?  The 
 case  is,  we  are  totally  defiled  ;  "  we  must  be  born 
 again." — "  O  wash  thine  heart  from  wickedness, 
 that  thou  mayest  be  saved :  how  long  shall  thy 
 vain  thoughts  lodge  within  thee  J  ?"  Search  out 
 and  manfully  resist  every  corrupt  affection.  "  If 
 thy  right  eye  offend  thee,  pluck  it  out,  and  cast 
 it  from  thee  : — and  if  thy  right  hand  offend  thee, 
 
 *  AfHtt.  v.  2fs  28.         f  Article  IX.         ♦  Jer.  iv.  14. 
 
ON"  THE  SEVENTH   COMMANDMENT.       fill 
 
 cut  it  off,  and  cast  it  from  thee*." — "  Let  not  sin 
 reign  in  your  mortal  body,  that  ye  should  obey 
 it  in  the  lusts  thereof.  Neither  yield  ye  your 
 members  as  instruments  of  unrighteousness  unto 
 sin:  but  yield  yourselves  unto  God,  as  those  that 
 are  alive  from  the  dead;  and  your  members  as 
 instruments  of  righteousness  unto  God  j- ." 
 
 As  a  further  improvement  of  the  subject,  some 
 expedients  may  be  suggested  for  the  prevention 
 or  the  cure  of  uncleanness. 
 
 1.  Think  on  its  baseness.  It  is  a  mean  grati- 
 fication :  it  puts  you  on  a  level  with  the  lowest 
 of  the  brutes.  It  renders  you  the  worst  enemies 
 of  your  species;  and  you  would  destroy  yourselves 
 by  it  as  well  as  others.  It  banishes  peace  from 
 the  breast :  it  excites  a  furious  tempest  there :  it 
 arms  the  conscience  with  stings  and  terrors  even 
 in  this  world :  and,  if  continued  in,  it  is  the  sure 
 road  to  hell,  where  body  and  soul  will  be  tor- 
 mented for  ever.  For  a  short  and  momentary 
 pleasure  will  you  debase  your  faculties  ?  will  you 
 ruin  a  fellow  creature  ?  will  you  bring  upon 
 yourselves  days  and  years  of  pain  ?  will  you  give 
 up  all  hopes  of  the  favour  of  Almighty  God,  and 
 provoke  him  to  consign  you  to  eternal  misery? 
 Let  these  questions  be  seriously  weighed,  before 
 you  perpetrate  or  contrive  any  scheme  of  wanton- 
 ness or  lust. 
 
 *  Matt,  v,  2p,  30,  f  Roia  vi.  12,  IS 
 
 P    2 
 
212        ON  THE  SEVENTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 2.   Meditate  on  the  presence,  purity,  goodness, 
 and  justice  of  God.     Do  you  think  to  escape  His 
 notice,  when  you  fly  to  darkness  as  a  cover,  and 
 say  that  no  eye  shall  see  you  ?  You  cannot  hide 
 yourselves  from  Him,  who  looks  into  every  secret 
 corner,  and  before  whom  "  the  night  shineth  as 
 the  day."     The  presence  of  a  child  would  re- 
 strain you  -,  and  shall  not  the  God  of  heaven  be 
 more  regarded,  when  you  recollect  that  "  He  is 
 acquainted  with  all  your  ways  r"  Remember  too, 
 that  he  abhors  impurity:  and  in  the  allowed  and 
 habitual  indulgence  of  lascivious  thoughts  and 
 affections,  you  must  be  vile  in  his  sight,  utterly 
 unfit  for  that  kingdom,  into  which  no  unclean 
 thing  shall  ever  entrr.     He  is  indeed  good  and 
 gracious,  <6  slow  to  anger:"  but  this  very  circum- 
 stance aggravates  the  offence.     Will  you  abuse 
 his  kindness,  pervert  his  favours  into  means  of 
 provoking  him,  and  become  the  more  obdurate, 
 because  he  is  merciful  ?  Presume  not  however  on 
 impunity:  for  he  will  arise  to  take  vengeance. 
 How  will   you  elude  his  justice  ?    or  how  will 
 you  abide  the  fierceness  of  his  anger  ?  Say  then 
 to  your  enticing  lusts,  cc  How  can  I  do  this  great 
 wickedness,  and  sin  against  God  *  ?" 
 
 3.  Fly  from  all  temptation:  for  if  you  rashly 
 venture  into  danger,  you  know  not  how  soon, 
 and  how  very  low,  you  may  fall.     Watch  over 
 
 v  Genesis  xxxix.  Q. 
 
ON  THE   SEVENTH  COMMANDMENT.       213 
 
 the  secret  motions  of  your  hearts,  and  dally  not 
 with  any  libidinous  desires.  Would  you  parley 
 with  an  enemy,  who  is  aiming  a  dagger  at  your 
 breast  ?  Light  and  wanton  company  must  be 
 avoided.  Their  "  evil  communications  corrupt 
 good  manners  V  However  you  may  at  first 
 abhor  their  practices,  you  will  probably  be  in- 
 duced by  associating  with  them  to  run  "  to  the 
 same  excess  of  riot."  Suspecting  therefore  your 
 own  weakness,  "  enter  not  into  their  path, — 
 avoid  it,  pass  not  by  it,  turn  from  it,  and  pass 
 away  j\"  Observe  the  conduct  of  Joseph  to  his 
 alluring  mistress,  "  He  hearkened  not  unto  her, 
 to  lie  by  her,  or  to  be  with  her  ;£." 
 
 Other  cautions  must  be  given.  Many  lewd 
 books  and  pictures  are  exposed  to  view,  and  so- 
 licit your  notice.  This  is  an  evil  of  immense 
 magnitude,  and  calls  loudly  for  the  salutary  inter- 
 ference and  vigorous  coercion  of  the  magistrate. 
 Turn  from  the  sight :  it  may  kindle  a  destructive 
 flame  within  you,  ere  you  are  aware.  Your  very 
 streets  are  dangerous  :  temptations  await  you  at 
 every  corner,  especially  "  in  the  twilight  in  the 
 evening  §."  To  be  secure,  you  must  be  keepers 
 at  home,  or  retire  early.  Your  amusements 
 should  be  well  chosen.  Those,  which  are  most 
 fashionable,  will  inflame  your  passions,  and  teach 
 you  how  to  practise  sin   with   dexterity.     You 
 
 *   1   Cor.  xv.  33.  f  Prov.  iv.  14,    13. 
 
 }  Gun.  xxxix.   10.  §  Prov.  vil.  U. 
 
214*        ON  THE  SEVENTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 should  contrive  to  be  usefully  employed :  for 
 when  you  have  no  object,  the  devil  will  not  fail 
 to  propose  one.  You  must  "  keep  your  body 
 in  temperance,  soberness,  and  chastity*.*'  Excess 
 and  high  living  will  be  like  fuel  to  feed  the  fire 
 of  lust.  The  glutton  and  the  drunkard  are  fit 
 for  the  commission  of  every  base  action.  You 
 must  "  deny  yourselves,"  "  keep  under  your 
 body,  and  bring  it  into  subjection."  Occasions 
 of  peculiar  abstinence  may  be  salutary;  but  at  all 
 times  you  must  use  moderation  both  in  food  and 
 sleep.  Examine,  where  your  chief  danger  lies  ; 
 and  while  you  walk  circumspectly,  you  will  walk 
 safely. 
 
 4.  Look  unto  Jesus,  by  faith  and  prayer.  Are 
 your  hearts  so  impure,  that,  as  our  Lord  testifies, 
 "  out  of  them  proceed  evil  thoughts,  adulteries, 
 fornications,  lasciviousness f  ?"  Then  come  to 
 "  the  Fountain  opened  for  sin  and  for  unclean- 
 ness." — u  The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  cleanseth 
 from  all  sin  J.'*  He  also,  who  can  pardon  and 
 justify,  can  renew  the  soul  in  righteousness. 
 Depend  not  on  the  strength  of  your  own  resolu- 
 tions, or  any  system  of  uncommanded  austerities, 
 to  overcome  your  impetuous  lusts  :  He  alone  can 
 subdue  them ;  and  "  if  the  Son  shall  make  you 
 free,  ye  shall  be  free  indeed  §."  We  refer  you 
 to  thp  case  of  the  Corinthians,  some  of  whom 
 
 *  Catechism.  f  Mark  vii.  21,  22. 
 
 t  Zech.  xiii.  1.     1  John  i.  ?.  §  John  viii.  3§. 
 
ON  THE  SStENTH  COMMANDMENT.       215 
 
 had  been  "  fornicators,  adulterers,  effeminate, 
 abusers  of  themselves  with  mankind:  but  they 
 were  washed,  but  they  were  sanctified,  but  they 
 were  justified,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and 
 by  the  Spirit  of  our  God  *."  Why  should  you 
 not  partake  of  the  same  grace  ? 
 
 Seek  then  for  the  purifying  influence  of  the 
 Holy  Ghost,  and  beware  that  you  "  quench  not 
 the  Spirit"  by  any  forbidden  indulgences.  Im- 
 plore in  fervent  supplication  his  continual  aid,  to 
 enable  you  to  maintain  and  successfully  to  finish 
 the  conflict  against  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the 
 devil,  and  to  "  make  you  meet  to  be  partakers  of 
 the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light."  Such  an 
 earnest  application  in  prayer  must  be  daily  re- 
 newed and  persevered  in,  that  you  may  "  live  in 
 the  Spirit,"  and  enjoy  "  the  communion  of  the 
 Holy  Ghost."  Hereby  you  will  rise  above  the 
 delights  of  sense,  and,  from  an  anticipation  of 
 the  felicities  of  heaven,  you  will  long  for  the 
 completion  of  your  bliss  in  a  state  of  perfect  and 
 everlasting  purity. 
 
 *  1  Cor.  vi.  9—11. 
 
ESSAY   LXXIII. 
 
 ON    THE    EIGHTH    COMMANDMENT. 
 
 The  Lord  has  given  and  secured  to  men  various 
 degrees  of  property.  His  law  commands  them  nof 
 to  encroach  on  one  another :  it  is  therefore  broken  by 
 robbery, — by  oppression  and  exaction, — by  fraud 
 and  deceit, —  by  covetousness, — and  by  extrava- 
 gance. It  requires  restitution  of  dishonest  gain, 
 and  the  exercise  of  universal  love. 
 
 The  Lord  God  Almighty,  the  Creator  of  the 
 universe,  is  the  proprietor  and  absolute  disposer 
 of  all  things.  "  The  heavens,  even  the  heavens, 
 are  the  Lord's :  but  the  earth  hath  He  given  to 
 the  children  of  men  #."  Of  this  lower  part  of 
 his  dominion  he  has  made  us  a  general  grant : 
 it  is  designed  for  our  accommodation,  and  by  his 
 sovereign  appointment  is  divided  among  us  in 
 various  proportions.  The  laws  of  human  society 
 direct,  regulate,  and  secure  this  division  of  pro- 
 perty :  but  Jehovah  "  rulcth  over  all."  In  his 
 providence  he  so  orders  events,  that  he  may  be 
 said  to  assign  to  men  their  respective  habitations 
 
 *  Psalm  cxv.  16. 
 
GN  THE  EIGHTH  COMMANDMENT.         217 
 
 and  possessions.  We  are  therefore  to  consider 
 that  which  we  occupy,  and  have  gained  by  inhe- 
 ritance, industry,  or  the  fertility  of  the  earth,  as 
 our  portion,  adjudged  to  us  by  the  Lord  himself: 
 and  to  invade  or  encroach  upon  another  man's 
 right,  or  his  established  possession,  is  no  other 
 than  an  opposition  to  Him,  to  whom  all  thin  as 
 of  right  belong,  and  who  bestows  them  "  after 
 the  counsel  of  his  own  will;*  He  has  accord- 
 ingly set  a  fence,  as  it  were,  about  the  property 
 of  each  individual,  commanding  us  to  be  content 
 with  our  own,  and  not  to  seize  upon  or  touch 
 with  the  hand  of  violence  or  fraud  that  which  is 
 another's.  Such  is  the  equity  and  kindness  of 
 his  holy  law,  which  by  an  express  injunction  has 
 enacted,  "Thou  shalt  not  steal." 
 
 But  to  whom  is  this  subject  applicable  ?  Let 
 thieves  and  robbers  consider  it  seriously :  but 
 can  it  be  at  all  interesting  to  those,  who  in  prin- 
 ciple are  strictly  honest,  and  in  their  transactions 
 have  always  been  fair  and  punctual  ?  Honesty, 
 we  fear,  so  generally  pretended,  is  a  rare  attain- 
 ment in  the  world ;  and  therefore  it  is  the  more 
 needful  for  all  persons  to  examine,  whether  they 
 do  actually  possess  it,  or  whether  they  may  not 
 in  one  respect  or  other  be  chargeable  with  in- 
 justice. Is  there  one,  who  is  not  concerned  to 
 know,  what  his  conduct  ought  to  be,  what  is  the 
 rule  of  duty,  and  whether  he  has  been  in  any 
 degree  fraudulent  or  unfaithful  ?  May  the  searcher 
 
213         ON  THE  EIGHTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 of  hearts  detect  oar  insincerity,  and  shew  us 
 whereinsoever  we  have  offended  !  It  will  be 
 found  upon  enquiry,  that  the  commandment  may 
 be  violated  in  many  more  instances  than  we  can 
 enumerate:  but  it  may  be  sufficient  to  observe, 
 that  it  is  so  by  robbery,  oppression,  fraud,  covet- 
 ousness,  and  extravagance. 
 
 I.  By  robbery,  which  is  the  unjust  seizing  or 
 detaining  of  another's  property.  There  needs 
 but  little  argument  to  convince  men,  that  this  is 
 criminal.  It  is  condemned  by  every  one's  con- 
 science, when  fairly  appealed  to  :  for  who  would 
 endeavour  to  prove,  that  no  blame  can  attach  to 
 it  ?  The  language  of  divine  revelation  upon 
 this  point  is  too  plain  to  be  misunderstood,  and 
 it  is  strong  enough  to  alarm  the  fears  of  the 
 guilty.  It  was  enacted  in  the  old  law,  "  Ye  shall 
 not  steal,  neither  deal  falsely. — Thou  shalt  not 
 defraud  thy  neighbour,  neither  rob  him  V  The 
 injunctions  of  the  new  testament  are  not  less 
 explicit ;  "  That  no  man  go  beyond  and  defraud 
 his  brother  in  any  matter  ;  because  that  the  Lord 
 is  the  avenger  of  all  such  f.w  We  should  there- 
 fore  consider  dishonesty,  not  merely  as  injurious 
 to  society  and  tending  to  its  subversion,  but  as 
 offensive  to  God,  and  ruinous  to  the  soul.  u  The 
 curse  goeth  forth, — and  it  shall  enter  into  the 
 
 *  Lev.  xix,  11,  13.  fl  Thess.  iv.  G. 
 
ON  THE  ETGHTH  COMMANDMENT.         2)9 
 
 house  of  the  thief." — "  The  unrighteous  shall 
 not  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God  *." 
 
 Yet  it  should  seem  that  no  considerations 
 whatever,  no  fear  of  shame  or  of  human  punish- 
 ment, nor  even  the  dread  of  divine  wrath,  arc 
 sufficient  to  restrain  men  from  preying  upon  one 
 another,  even  with  open  force  and  threats  of 
 extreme  violence.  In  this  way  the  exigencies  of 
 the  gamester  and  the  spendthrift  are  frequently 
 supplied.  It  is  the  common  resource  of  the  idle, 
 the  vain,  and  the  dissipated  :  and  not  seldom,  to 
 conceal  a  robbery,  murder  is  committed.  How 
 tremendous  an  event !  You  abhor  such  compli- 
 cated  villany,  and  allow  that  it  merits  the  severest 
 vengeance  of  the  laws.  Then  beware  of  those 
 habits  and  practices,  of  pride  and  extravagance, 
 which  might  gradually  lead  you  to  so  fatal  an 
 issue.  You  had  rather  die  with  want,  than  pro- 
 cure subsistence  or  relief  by  robbery  or  theft.  It 
 is  a  proper  resolution  :  may  you  be  confirmed 
 in  it  I  But  knowing  the  corrupt  tendencies  of 
 your  nature,  presume  not  on  your  own  integrity, 
 nor  despise  those,  who  have  fallen,  as  if  you  were 
 incapable  of  the  same  iniquity.  But  watch  and 
 pray,  that  you  enter  not  into  temptation.  The 
 grace  of  God  is  your  only  effectual  preservative. 
 
 There  are  other  ways  of  committing  injustice. 
 
 *  Zcch.  v.  3,  4.     1  Cor.  vi.  Q. 
 
G20        ON  THE  EIGHTH   COMMANDMENT, 
 
 Bring  your  conduct  under  further  examination, 
 and  consider  the  law  in  its  most  extensive  mean- 
 ing.    It  is  violated 
 
 II.  By  oppression  and  exaction :  and  these  we 
 fear  are  generally  practised  among  all  orders  from 
 the   highest  to   the   lowest.     However  men   of 
 different  ranks  may  differ  from  each  other,  they 
 agree  in  a  disposition  to  secure  their  own  advan- 
 tage, though  it  should  be  to  the  prejudice  of  a 
 neighbour.     How   dangerous   is   power!      And 
 how  few,  who  do  not  abuse  it,  to  the  injury  of 
 those  who  cannot  resist  them,  especially  if  no 
 discovery  be  apprehended,   or  if  justice  can  be 
 eluded!     What  shall  be  said  to  the  ambitious 
 statesman  or  warrior,  who  for  his  own  exaltation 
 desolates  or  plunders  defenceless  nations  or  pro- 
 vinces ?     Are  they  not  thieves  and  robbers  of  a 
 high  degree  ?     But  in  private  life  almost  every 
 one  is  ready  to  avail  himself  of  the  ignorance, 
 the  weakness,   or  the  necessities  of  those,  with 
 whom  he  has  business  to  transact.     Great  men 
 are  driven  by  their  extravagance  to  oppress  their 
 dependents.      Rents    are   advanced   beyond  the 
 bounds  of  moderation,  servants  are  engaged  for 
 scanty  wages,   and   the  price  of  their  labour  is 
 often  withheld.     i(  What  mean  ye  that  ye  beat 
 my  people  to  pieces,   and  grind  the  faces  of  the 
 poor  ?  saith  the  Lord  God  of  hosts." — <f  For  the 
 oppression  of  the  poor,   for  the  sighing  of  the 
 needy,  now  will  I  arise,   saith  the  Lord :  I  will 
 
 3 
 
ON  THE  EIGHTH  COMMANDMENT.        221 
 
 set  him  in  safety  from  him  that  pufFeth  at  him." 
 — "  Behold,  the  hire  of  the  labourers  who  have 
 reaped  down  your  fields,  whieh  is  of  you  kept 
 back  by  fraud,  crieth :  and  the  cries  of  them 
 which  have  reaped  arc  entered  into  the  ears  of 
 the  Lord  of  sabaoth  *." 
 
 Selfishness  is  not  confined  to  persons  of  any 
 condition.  It  prevails  among  the  poorest,  and 
 where  it  bears  the  ascendancy,  it  cannot  long  be 
 innocent.  Immoderate  wages  are  exacted,  com- 
 binations are  formed  to  enhance  the  price  of 
 labour,  articles  of  traffic  are  overcharged,  and 
 commended  beyond  the  truth. — Or  on  the  other 
 hand,  the  needy  tradesman  is  beaten  down,  and 
 his  goods  are  undervalued ;  and  he  who  must 
 sell  or  borrow,  is  compelled  to  do  it  on  the  most 
 disadvantageous  terms.  In  all  commercial  trans- 
 actions men  are  ingenious  to  overreach  and  out- 
 wit one  another  j  so  that  "  sin  sticketh  close 
 between  buying  and  selling  f"  Veracity  is  but 
 little  regarded,  either  on  one  side  or  the  other, 
 in  order  to  obtain  an  undue  profit.  "  It  is 
 naught,  it  is  naught,  saith  the  buyer:  but  when 
 he  is  gone  his  way,  then  he  boasteth ;['."  Is  this 
 honesty  ?  Is  it  not  robbery  in  God's  account  ? 
 Examine  then,  Are  all  your  transactions  just  ? 
 Are  your  gains  honourable,  and  such  as  you  can 
 
 *  Isaiah  iii.  15.     Psalm  xii,  5.     James  v.  4. 
 
 f  Ecclus.  xxvii.  2.  t  Yrov.  xx.  14- 
 
222      on  th*  Eighth  commandment. 
 
 vindicate  ?  You  may  conceal  your  exactions 
 from  the  notice  of  the  world,  but  the  Lord  per- 
 fectly discerns  and  He  will  punish  them.  He  is 
 the  avenger  of  the  oppressed  :  how  tremendous 
 an  enemy  to  encounter  !  Better  beg  your  bread, 
 or  suffer  any  difficulties,  than  exalt  yourselves  or 
 procure  subsistence  by  the  miseries  of  others. 
 The  law  is  also  broken 
 
 III.  By  fraud  and  deceit.  These  arc  practised, 
 not  with  the  publicity  or  violence  of  robbery,  but 
 secretly  and  with  pretensions  of  honesty.  They 
 are  on  this  account  the  more  abominable,  and, 
 as  eluding  observation,  are  the  more  dangerous 
 to  society.  Yet  how  genera]  the  disposition  to 
 pilfer  and  to  cheat,  where  opportunities  are  given  ! 
 What  subtleties  are  invented  in  all  trades,  what 
 mean  evasions  and  tricks  are  resorted  to,  by  men 
 who  would  be  accounted  honest !  Every  branch 
 of  business  has  certain  mysteries  incorporated 
 with  it,  which  are  but  so  many  ways  of  blinding 
 the  eyes  of  the  public,  and  gaining  undue  advan- 
 tages by  their  ignorance  or  credulity.  To  pro- 
 cure an  exorbitant  price,  many  wares  are  sold 
 under  a  false  name:  goods  are  adulterated  and 
 passed  for  genuine :  defects  are  concealed,  and 
 the  unwary  are  imposed  on :  the  full  quantity 
 purchased  is  not  fairly  delivered.  "  Are  there 
 yet  the  treasures  of  wickedness  in  the  house  of 
 the  wicked,  and  the  scant  measure  that  is  abo- 
 minable ?     Shall   I  count  them   pure  with  the 
 
ON  THE   EIGHTH   COMMANDMENT.         223 
 
 wicked  balances,  and  with  the  bag  of  deceitful 
 weights  ?" — "  Divers  weights,  and  divers  mea- 
 sures, both  of  them  are  alike  abomination  to  the 
 Lord  V 
 
 How  numerous  are  the  instances  of  unfaith- 
 fulness, where  trust  is  reposed  !  Where  can  you 
 place  confidence,  without  a  fear  of  its  being 
 abused  ?  The  wanness  and  caution  of  those, 
 who  know  the  world,  is  a  sufficient  proof  that 
 strict  fidelity  is  but  rarely  to  be  found.  Men  in 
 general  are  not  mindful  of  their  engagements. 
 Artificers  and  labourers  deceive  you  in  not  per- 
 forming their  work  with  proper  care  and  atten- 
 tion :  they  do  it  slightly,  or  with  bad  materials. 
 Your  very  domestics  defraud  you  by  their  idle- 
 ness in  trifling  away  that  time,  for  which  you 
 pay  them ;  and  by  their  negligence  your  goods 
 are  wasted  or  embezzled.  If  you  give  credit 
 without  much  caution,  many  will  avail  them- 
 selves of  your  unsuspicious  temper,  and  borrow 
 of  you  what  they  do  not  intend  to  repay,  or 
 contract  debts,  which  they  have  no  prospect  of 
 discharging. 
 
 Dishonesty  is  practised  upon  a  large  scale, 
 when  the  public  is  defrauded;  and  very  many 
 are  the  ways  in  which  this  is  done.  Taxes  are 
 shamefully  evaded  by  unfair  representations  or 
 concealments.    To  what  an  extent  has  smuggling 
 
 *  Micah  vi.  10,  11.     Prov.  xx,  10, 
 
224         ON   THE  EIGHTH  COMMANDMENT, 
 
 been  carried  !  Innumerable  are  the  articles  of 
 merchandise,  which  have  not  paid  the  appointed 
 custom :  the  revenue  is  diminished,  and  the  whole 
 nation  is  robbed  ;  for  fresh  imposts  must  be  ex- 
 acted in  order  to  supply  the  deficiency.  Is  this 
 the  traffic,  which  is  consistent  with  religion,  or 
 with  common  integrity  ?  Let  us  stand  at  a  dis- 
 tance from  it,  and  et  render  to  all  their  dues; 
 tribute  to  whom  tribute  is  due,  custom  to  whom 
 custom  *.*•'  Let  us  examine  in  every  respect, 
 Have  we  clean  hands  ?  Is  there  no  unrighteous- 
 ness with  us  ?  "  Bread  of  deceit  is  sweet  unto  a 
 man:  but  afterwards  his  mouth  shall  be  filled 
 with  gravel  f."  If  we  have  concealed  "  the  ac- 
 cursed thing"  in  our  tent,  the  Lord  will  find  us 
 out,  as  he  did  Achan,  and  we  shall  bear  the 
 punishment  of  our  iniquity  +. 
 
 The  commandment  is  still  more  extensive,  and 
 may  be  transgressed 
 
 IV.  By  covetousness.  This  is  too  eager  a  so- 
 licitude about  worldly  property,  too  strong  an 
 attachment  to  what  we  possess,  or  a  discontented 
 wish  to  obtain  what  is  withheld  from  us.  It  is 
 "  the  love  of  money,"  a  desire  to  be  rich,  or  an 
 unwillingness  to  be  poor,  contrary  to  the  appoint- 
 ment of  Providence.  It  is  in  itself  a  mean, 
 ignoble  principle,  and  in  its  consequences  is 
 "  the  root  of  all  evil  §."     It  brings  with  it  the 
 
 *  Rom.  xiii.  7.  f  Prov.  xx.  17.  i  Josh.  vii. 
 
 §   1  Tim,  vi.  10. 
 
ON  THE  EIGHTH  COMMANDMENT.         225 
 
 most  forcible  temptation  to  dishonesty :  for  what 
 is  it,  that  puts  men  upon  fraudulent  schemes, 
 but  a  dissatisfaction  with  their  own  proper  por- 
 tion ?  It  is  therefore  dishonesty  in  the  heart;  and 
 it  is  sufficient  to  account  for  a  system  of  the 
 basest  conduct. 
 
 The  covetous  man  robs  the  poor,  as  well  as 
 himself,  of  the  comforts  which  God  hath  designed 
 them.  We  are  only  stewards  under  Him  :  and 
 he  requires  that  our  money  be  not  hoarded  up  in 
 useless  heaps,  but  laid  out  to  advantage.  Not 
 to  employ  it,  as  he  commands,  is  to  embezzle  it. 
 The  servant,  who  hid  his  Lord's  talent  in  the 
 earth,  was  condemned  as  if  he  had  wasted  it  % 
 He  has  appointed  the  poor  to  be  his  receivers ; 
 and  for  this  cause  we  have  them  always  with 
 us.  They  meet  us  in  every  place,  with  various 
 distresses,  and  in  our  Lord's  name  solicit  relief. 
 What  is  done  unto  them,  out  of  regard  to  Him, 
 He  will  account  as  done  unto  himself.  Can  we 
 refuse  their  application,  when  it  is  in  the  power 
 of  our  hands  to  give  ?  Not  to  minister  to  their 
 necessities,  as  we  have  opportunity,  is  to  rob 
 them  :  for  we  detain  what  is  their  due.  They 
 have  a  right  to  some  portion  of  our  substance :  a 
 right,  not  which  they  can  plead  in  an  earthly 
 court,  but  which  will  be  pleaded  in  the  court  of 
 heaven  against  him,  "  that  withholdeth  more 
 than  is  meet" 
 
 *  Matt.  xxv.  30. 
 
 vol.  in.  <a 
 
^26         ON  THE  EIGHTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 What  other  conclusion  should  we  draw,  but 
 that  of  the  apostle,  Cfc  Let  your  conversation  be 
 without  covetousness  ;  and  be  content  with  such 
 things   as   ye   have  *."      Distrust   not    the   all- 
 sufficient  providence   of  God  in  your  severest 
 trials  ;   and  never  be  persuaded  to  have  recourse 
 to  unfair  means  to  extricate  yourselves  from  any 
 difficulties.     Be  willing  to  be  poor,  if  such  be 
 your  appointed  lot,  and  dread  the  thought  of 
 procuring  any  advancement  or  relief  at  the  ex- 
 pense of  a  good  conscience.     If  favoured  with 
 opulence,  forget  not  your  responsibility.     "  As " 
 every  man  hath  received  the  gift,  even  so  minister 
 the  same  one  to  another,  as  good  stewards  of  the 
 manifold  grace  of  God  ff     What  would  your 
 gold  and  silver  avail  you,  if  "  the  rust  of  them 
 should  be  a  witness  against  you,  and  eat  your 
 flesh  as  it  were  fire  %  i" 
 
 There  are  those,  who  detest  covetousness,  but 
 are  in  danger  from  the  opposite  extreme.  They 
 should  be  warned  therefore,  that  they  may  violate 
 the  law 
 
 V.  By  extravagance.  You  may  without  scruple 
 take  a  comfortable  support  from  those  means, 
 with  which  you  are  supplied  :  but  you  have  no 
 right  to  be  profuse,  or  to  squander  away  the  rest 
 in  foolish  whims,  or  for  sensual  purposes.  You 
 must  be  frugal,   in  order  #to  be  liberal.     The 
 
 *  Hcb.  xiii.  5.         f  1  Peter  iv.  10.         }  James  v.  3. 
 
ON  THE  EIGHTH  CQMMANDMENT.        22? 
 
 spendthrift  is  frequently  penurious:  lavish  in 
 his  own  expenses,  but  niggardly  toward  others. 
 He  robs  his  family  or  the  poor,  and  perhaps 
 both,  that  he  may  maintain  his  own  system  of 
 prodigality.  He  eannot  satisfy  their  claims,  and 
 those  of  his  own  inordinate  desires. 
 
 How  common  a  character  is  this !  How  many 
 live  above  their  income !  It  is  the  prevailing  sin 
 of  the  present  day.  Are  not  most  persons  striv- 
 ing to  equal  those  of  better  fortunes,  in  the 
 splendour  of  their  appearance  and  the  expenses 
 of  their  table  ?  The  general  enquiry  is,  not,  How 
 may  I  be  the  most  useful  with  what  I  have,  but, 
 How  may  I  make  the  greatest  shew  ?  The 
 finances  are  exceeded :  resources  fail :  debts  are 
 contracted,  with  no  prospect  of  discharging  them. 
 Is  not  this  notorious  robbery  ?  The  poor  are 
 forgotten  :  children  and  relatives  are  deprived  of 
 their  just  expectations,  and  left  in  distress,  perhaps 
 to  inherit  shame  as  well  as  want.  Creditors  are 
 defrauded,  no  less  than  if  their  houses  were 
 plundered  ;  with  this  difference,  that  violence  is 
 not  offered,  but  friendship  basely  pretended. 
 Let  us  examine,  whether  we  do  not  exceed  the 
 proper  bounds  of  frugality :  or  whether  all  our 
 expenses  are  such  as  we  can  justify.  We  shall 
 have  a  sad  account  to  render  at  the  last  day,  if  it 
 shall  appear  only,  that  we  have  spent  our  whole 
 income  upon  ourselves. 
 
 Tho^e   who   allow  themselve^  in  habits    of 
 
228        ON  THE  EIGHTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 gaming  are  dishonest.   Not  to  mention  the  various 
 tricks  they  practise  upon  each  other,  what  they 
 lose  they  steal  from  necessary  uses,  and  their 
 very  gains  are  a  sort  of  robbery ;  for  they  take 
 from  another  what  he  will  want  for  different  pur- 
 poses,,  and  what  he  had  no  authority  to  throw 
 away  or  to  hazard. — Lovers  of  pleasure,   who 
 consume  large  sums  in  foolish  or  unprofitable 
 amusements,  come  under  the  same  condemnation. 
 "  The  lust  of  the  flesh,  the  lust  of  the  eyes,  and 
 the^  pride  of  life,"  not  only  incite  men  to  the 
 commission  of  fraud   and    oppression,   but  are 
 themselves  as  so  many  thieves,   usurping  an  au- 
 thority to  which  they  have  no  just  claims. — The 
 careless  or  the  wasteful  servant,  though  he  may 
 not  pilfer  from  his  master,  is  guilty  of  dishonesty, 
 because  he  suffers  that  to  be  wantonly  dissipated 
 or  destroyed,  which  he  ought  to  watch  over  and 
 preserve. — In  how  many  ways  may  we  be  un- 
 faithful !     Let  us  not  deceive  ourselves  with  vain 
 excuses.    We  have  to  do  with  a  righteous  Judge, 
 who  will  not  be  mocked.    The  day  of  reckoning 
 will  shortly  come:  and  "  He  will  render  to  every 
 man  according  to  his  deeds  *." 
 
 As    a    further  practical  improvement   of  the 
 subject,  we  may  remark  in  the  conclusion, 
 
 ].    We    are    all    condemned    by    this    holy 
 law,  in  one  respect  or  another.     We  have  not 
 
 *  Rom.  ii.  6. 
 
ON  THE  EIGHTH  COMMANDMENT.         12$ 
 
 been  perfectly  honest  in  all  our  transactions  and 
 engagements.  We  have  not  always  observed  our 
 Saviour's  rule,  to  do  unto  others  as  we  would  that 
 they  should  do  unto  us.  This  indeed  is  uni- 
 versally pretended  to  ;  for  who  does  not  boast 
 that  he  has  been  just  and  upright  in  his  deal- 
 ings ?  Now,  could  this  plea  be  verified,  it  is  no 
 proper  ground  of  confidence  before  God.  We 
 are  chargeable  with  other  offences,  and  our  strict 
 observance  of  this  commandment  will  not  atone 
 for  our  violation  of  another.  But  upon  an  accu- 
 rate scrutiny  this  very  plea  would  be  wrested 
 from  us,  and  we  should  be  convicted  of  having 
 failed  of  perfect  probity.  There  is  no  one  precept, 
 which  does  not  discover  our  guilt 
 
 %  This  law  requires  the  restitution  of  disho- 
 nest gain.  To  detain  in  your  own  possession, 
 what  you  have  acquired  by  injustice,  is  continued 
 robbery.  The  restitution  should  be  immediate, 
 according  to  the  utmost  of  your  power :  to  delay 
 it  is  to  persist  in  the  original  theft.  Many  diffi- 
 culties may  attend  the  performance  of  this  mor- 
 tifying duty:  but  where  it  is  practicable,  it  should 
 be  attempted  without  any  paltry  subterfuges  or 
 procrastination.  Where  it  is  declined,  or  need- 
 lessly deferred,  there  is  no  sound  proof  of  genuine 
 repentance.  Yet  if  you  should  restore  a  hundred 
 fold  for  what  you  have  fraudulently  or  injuriously- 
 taken,  you  would  not  thereby  expiate  your  offence. 
 Silver  and  gold  will  not  purchase  the  pardon  of 
 
230        ON  THE  EIGHTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 sin.  You  cannot  be  redeemed  without  a  ransom 
 of  higher  value,  even  the  precious  blood  of  the 
 eternal  Son  of  God.  "  By  Him  all  that  believe 
 are  justified  from  all  things,  from  which  ye  could 
 not  be  justified  by  the  law  of  Moses  *." 
 
 3.  The  law  requires,  not  only  that  we  do  not 
 rob  or  steal,  and  do  no  harm,  but  that  we  do  all 
 the  good  possible,  that  we  "  look  not  every  man 
 on  his  own  things,  but  every  man  also  on  the 
 things  of  others  j\"  We  are  to  love  our  neighbour 
 as  ourselves,  and  therefore  to  consult  his  interest 
 as  we  would  our  own.  Is  this  the  temper  we 
 possess  ?  Is  this  the  plan  we  are  pursuing  ?  Are 
 we  not  drawn  aside  by  a  mean  principle  of  selfish- 
 ness ?  O  for  the  love  of  God,  and  of  all  mankind, 
 to  be  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts  !  Then  should 
 we  indeed  "  be  true  and  just  in  all  our  dealings, 
 — keep  our  hands  from  picking  and  stealing, — 
 not  covet  or  desire  other  men's  goods,  but  learn 
 and  labour  to  get  our  own  living  J."  We  should 
 be  solicitous  and  active  to  promote  general  happi- 
 ness, and  not  hesitate  to  sacrifice  private  advantage 
 to  it.  Thus  we  should  "  owe  no  man  any  thing, 
 but  to  love  one  another." — cc  And  tfiis  command- 
 ment have  we  from  Christ,  that  he,  who  loveth 
 God,  love  his  brother  also  §." 
 
 4.  It  is  not  an  unsuitable  reflection,  that,  what- 
 ever  may  have  been  our  integrity  towards  man, 
 
 *  Acts  xiii.  39.  f  Phil-  U»  4.  f  Catecnisrn,. 
 
 §  Rom.  xiii.  8.     J  John  iv.  21. 
 
ON  THE  EIGHTH   COMMANDMENT.         231 
 
 we  have  all  robbed  God.  Sacrilege  is  justly  ac- 
 counted most  abominable :  it  is  the  most  pre- 
 sumptuous robbery  of  all:  Yet  who  has  not 
 incurred  the  guilt  ?  We  have  not  given  to 
 Jehovah  the  honour  due  to  his  name ;  we  have 
 withheld  the  reverence,  fear,  love,  worship,  and 
 obedience,  which  He  claims.  Are  not  these  his 
 just  and  inalienable  rights  ?  Or  will  he  be  content 
 to  resign  them  ?  Who  is  he.  that  we  should  sport 
 ourselves  against  him  ?  It  is  He,  who  made  and 
 preserves  us,  who  governs  heaven  and  earth,  at 
 whose  tribunal  we  must  all  appear,  and  who  is 
 able  to  destroy  both  body  and  soul  in  hell.  Is  He 
 to  be  resisted  or  despised  ?  Let  us  rather  implore 
 from  him  the  remission  of  our  numerous  offences. 
 Our  debt  is  immense :  we  cannot  discharge  it. 
 But  let  us  humbly  entreat  him  to  have  patience 
 with  us;  and  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  who 
 hath  graciously  undertaken  to  answer  for  us,  he 
 will  freely  forgive  the  whole. 
 
ESSAY    LXXIV. 
 
 ON    THE    NINTH    COMMANDMENT. 
 
 The  tongue,  like  every  other  member,  ■  is  defiled  with 
 sin.  To  guard  our  neighbour's  character  from 
 its  attacks  the  ninth  commandment  was  delivered. 
 This  is  broken, — by  false  testimony  in  a  court  of 
 justice, — by  detraction  or  slander, — by  a  suspicious 
 temper, — by  evil- speaking, — and  by  a  willingness 
 to  hear  of  the  faults  of  others. 
 
 How  totally  depraved  is  man  !  Every  member 
 of  his  body,  as  well  as  every  faculty  of  his  mind, 
 has  been  engaged  in  the  service  of  sin,  and 
 evinces  the  corruption  of  his  nature.  His  hands, 
 his  feet,  his  ears,  his  eyes,  and  his  tongue,  have 
 all  been  "  the  instruments  of  unrighteousness." 
 He  has  yielded  them  as  "  servants  to  iniquity :" 
 and  they  have  been  employed  wii:h  activity  and 
 vigour  in  rebellion  against  his  Creator.  The 
 tongue  especially  is  described  by  an  infallible 
 penman  as  more  ungovernable  than  any  ferocious 
 animal,  "  an  unruly  evil,  full  of  deadly  poison ; 
 — a  world  of  iniquity; — it  defileth   the  whole 
 
ON   THE  NINTH  COMMANDMENT.  233 
 
 body,  and  setteth  on  fire  the  course  of  nature ; 
 and  it  is  set  on  fire  of  hell  t"  Another  writer 
 of  equal  authority,  declares  of  all  mankind, 
 "  Their  throat  is  an  open  sepulchre  ;  with  their 
 tongues  they  have  used  deceit ;  the  poison  of  asps 
 is  under  their  lips :  whose  mouth  is  full  of  curs- 
 ing and  bitterness-)-."  There  are  accordingly 
 two  commandments  out  often,  expressly  directed 
 against  the  depravity  of  this  "  little  member  " 
 the  third  being  designed  to  repress  men's  profane- 
 ness  against  God,  and  the  ninth  their  deceiving 
 and  slandering  of  one  another. 
 
 The  divine  Lawgiver  has  taken  peculiar  care 
 to  secure  the  rights  of  our  neighbour,  requiring 
 us  to  respect  his  authority,  and  to  abstain  from 
 all  injury  to  his  person,  chastity,  property,  and 
 character.  It  is  the  last  of  these  considerations, 
 to  which  we  now  proceed.  What  is  dearer  or 
 more  valuable  to  a  man  than  his  character?  Yet 
 this  is  attacked  without  fear  or  remorse  by  many, 
 who  would  be  ashamed  to  commit  violence,  un- 
 cleanness,  or  robbery.  It  is  hard  to  say,  which 
 of  all  the  commandments  is  most  frequently 
 broken:   but  this,  which  says,  "Thou    shalt 
 
 NOT     BEAR      FALSE      WITNESS      AGAINST      THY 
 
 neighbour,"  is  perhaps  the  less  regarded,  be- 
 cause you  may  live  in  the  constant  violation  of 
 it,  without  coming  under  the  punishment  or  cog- 
 
 #  James  iii  6— S.  |  Rom.  iii.  13,  14. 
 
23-fc  ON  THE  NINTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 nizance  of  human  laws.  Is  therefore  no  guilt 
 incurred;  is  no  clanger  to  be  apprehended  ?  How- 
 ever lenient  man  may  be,  God  both  abhors  and 
 condemns  the  false  and  slanderous  tongue.  May 
 every  offender  be  convicted  within  himself,  de- 
 plore his  own  sin,  and  learn  to  pay  moie  strict 
 attention  to  the  words  of  his  mouth,  and  to  the 
 general  tenor  of  his  conversation  ! 
 
 The  transgressions  of  the  commandment  are 
 various :  among  others  we  may  note  the  follow- 
 ing. 
 
 I.  False  testimony  in  a  court  of  judicature.  We 
 cannot  well  imagine  a  more  flagrant  violation. 
 It  discovers  a  disposition  the  more  malignant  and 
 profane,  because  it  is  committed,  not  as  some 
 other  sins  may  be  by  surprise  or  through  the  heat 
 of  passion,  but  coolly  and  deliberately,  and  with 
 a  peculiar  solemnity,  in  contempt  of  magistracy, 
 and  in  defiance  of  God.  It  tends  to  subvert  all 
 civil  society :  for  where  witnesses  cannot  be  re- 
 lied on,  the  administration  of  justice  is  impossi- 
 ble ;  protection  cannot  be  given  to  any  man's 
 property,  person,  or  life  itself:  in  other  words, 
 communities  cannot  exist. 
 
 Amongst  ourselves,  as  all  public  testimony 
 must  be  confirmed  by  an  oath,  a  false  witness  is 
 always  guilty  of  perjury.  He  appeals  to  the 
 most  high  God,  the  God  of  truth,  in  support  of 
 a  lie ;  and  therefore  he  treats  Jehovah  as  if  He 
 might  be  imposed  on  like  the  idols  of  the  hea- 
 
 3 
 
ON  THE  NINTH  COMMANDMENT.  235 
 
 then,  or  as  if  like  the  prince  of  darkness  He  were 
 ■"  a  liar  and  the  father  of  it."  What  more  hor- 
 rible blasphemy  can  be  conceived  !  Or  what 
 hath  he  to  look  for,  who  "  taketh  the  name  of 
 the  Lord  in  vain/'  but  that  "  the  Lord  will  not 
 hold  him  guiltless  }"  Such  an  one  indeed  re- 
 nounces the  hope  of  mercy  and  all  pretensions  to 
 heaven,  declaring  with  the  word  of  life  in  his 
 hand,  that  he  asks  no  help  of  God,  if  he  asserts 
 a  falsehood.  He  consigns  himself,  then,  to  u  in- 
 dignation and  wrath,  tribulation  and  anguish" 
 for  ever. 
 
 The  lying  witness  brings  upon  himself  a  com- 
 plication of  guilt.  He  not  only  breaks  the  third 
 commandment  by  swearing  in  the  name  of  God 
 contrary  to  truth,  but  he  violates  the  ninth  by 
 aiming  a  fatal  stab  at  his  neighbour's  reputation, 
 the  sixth  also  or  the  eighth,  according  as  his  life 
 or  his  property  may  be  at  stake.  Where  such 
 momentous  consequences  are  pending,  it  is  of 
 vast  importance  to  give  evidence  against  any  man 
 in  a  judicial  process.  It  is  often  necessary  •,  but 
 in  that  case  the  utmost  caution,  seriousness,  and 
 fidelity  should  be  exercised.  If  we  be  summoned 
 to  declare  our  knowledge  of  facts,  let  the  truth 
 be  spoken  at  any  risk,  without  favour  or  malice : 
 for  we  should  remember,  that  however  plausible 
 a  false  story  may  appear  before  men,  we  stand 
 before  the  all-discerning  eye  of  God,  and  shall 
 be  judged  at  his  tribunal,  where  the  secrets  of  all 
 
236         ON  THE  NINTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 hearts  shall  be  revealed. — Another  species  of  of- 
 fence is 
 
 II.  Detraction  or  slander.  The  two  are  nearly- 
 allied,  for  each  of  them  is  an  injurious  and  un- 
 merited attack  upon  our  neighbour's  reputation. 
 By  the  former  we  deny,  or  endeavour  to  lessen, 
 his  real  excellencies ;  by  the  latter  we  blacken 
 him  by  foul  misrepresentations,  charging  him 
 unjustly  with  crimes  or  failings.  In  either  case 
 we  "  bear  false  witness  against  him."  And  is 
 not  this  a  serious  mischief?  What  greater  loss 
 can  he  suffer,  than  that  of  his  character  ?  For  all 
 his  worldly  interests  and  prospects,  his  comfort 
 and  usefulness,  may  depend  on  the  estimation  in 
 which  he  is  held.  "  A  good  name  is  rather  to 
 be  chosen  than  great  riches,  and  loving  favour 
 rather  than  silver  and  gold*."  And  is  this  the 
 robbery  we  shall  dare  to  commit,  whether  from 
 malignity,  or  in  the  levity  and  foolishness  of 
 mirth  ?  An  irreparable  injury  may  be  done  in  a 
 moment  by  a  malicious  or  inadvertent  word,  by  a 
 laugh,  or  a  sly  insinuation. 
 
 Yet  who  is  sufficiently  aware  of  the  sin  or  the 
 danger  ?  Attend  to  the  general  strain  of  conver- 
 sation in  the  various  companies  you  frequent, 
 and  how  few  persons  will  you  mid,  who  speak 
 of  others  with  proper  tenderness  and  charity  ! 
 The   employment  and  the  seeming   delight  of 
 
 *  Proverbs  xxii.  1. 
 
ON  THE  NINTH  COMMANDMENT.         237 
 
 many,  when  they  meet  together,  is  to  canvass  the 
 characters  of  their  neighbours,  to  take  from  their 
 good  qualities,  and  to  magnify  their  faults.  What 
 unkind  reflections  !  what  cruel  censures  are  pass- 
 ed !    Is  any  one  liberal  ?    Yes,  but  he  is  ostenta- 
 tious, or  he  ought  to  contribute  more.     Is  an- 
 other frugal  and  industrious  ?   Yes,  but  he  is  mi- 
 serably covetous.     Is  this  man  grave  and  devout  ? 
 He  is  hypocritical,  or  gloomy.,  wild,  and  enthu- 
 siastical.     Nothing  is  exactly  right.     Especially 
 where  parties  prevail,  either  political  or  religious, 
 the  most  unfair  representations  are  made  of  ac- 
 tions truly  laudable,   they  load  their  opponents 
 with  unmerited  reproaches,  and  study  to  bring 
 each  other  into  contempt. 
 
 Do  they  suppose,  that  by  depressing  a  neigh- 
 bour they  shall  rise  the  higher?  They  are  grossly 
 deceived:  for  by  this  spirit  of  defamation  their 
 own  characters  sink  ;  they  render  themselves  des- 
 picable. However  they  may  disguise  their  mo- 
 tives, their  slanderous  reflections  proceed  from 
 pride,  from  envy,  or  malevolence.  Like  Satan, 
 "  the  accuser  of  the  brethren,"  these  calumnia- 
 tors are  often  busily  employed  in  aspersing  "  the 
 excellent  of  the  earth."  They  scruple  not  to 
 shoot  their  envenomed  darts  against  those,  who 
 have  done  them  no  injury,  and  of  whom  they 
 have  little  or  no  knowledge.  They  inhumanly 
 plunder  those,  whom  they  pretend  to  esteem  and 
 compassionate,  and  rob  them  of  a  treasure  which 
 
238         CN  THE  NINTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 no  money  can  purchase,  though  they  enrich  not 
 themselves.  The  man,  who  is  hurried  on  to 
 some  act  of  violence  in  the  heat  of  passion  or  re- 
 venge, is  far  less  culpable  than  they,  who  can  sit 
 down  coolly,  deliberately,  and  unprovoked,  to 
 blast  their  neighbour's  reputation. 
 
 To  whom  does  this  guilt  attach  ?  Or  rather 
 who  is  exempted  from  the  charge  ?  Let  the  con- 
 sequences be  well  weighed.  Would  you  plead 
 that  you  meant  no  harm,  or  that  you  were  only 
 in  jest  ?  The  injury  you  have  done  is  immense, 
 and  you  will  find  it  a  serious  matter,  when  you 
 are  called  to  answer  for  it  before  God.  Back- 
 biters are  no  other  than  liars :  and  te  what  shall 
 be  done  unto  thee,  thou  false  tongue  ?  Sharp 
 arrows  of  the  mighty,  with  coals  of  juniper."  For, 
 the  word  of  truth  declares,  "  A  lying  tongue  the 
 Lord  doth  hate :"  and  cc  all  liars  shall  have  their 
 part  in  the  lake  which  burneth  with  fire  and 
 brimstone  V — Equally  contrary  to  the  spirit,  if 
 not  to  the  letter,  of  this  commandment,  is 
 
 III.  A  suspicious  temper.  As  the  law  is  spi- 
 ritual, and  is  intended  to  regulate  the  heart,  no 
 less  than  the  life,  we  are  transgressors  when  we 
 condemn  one  another  unjustly,  even  in  our 
 thoughts,  or  harbour  any  injurious  suspicions. 
 A  censorious  disposition  is  the  fruitful  source, 
 from  whence  proceed  all  evil- speaking,  lying, 
 
 *  Psalm  ckx.  3,  4.     Prov.  vi.  l6,  1 7.     Rev.  xxi.  8. 
 
ON  THE  NINTH  COMMANDMENT.         23Q 
 
 and  slandering.     The  mind  under  such  influence 
 will  draw  the   most  unfavourable  conclusions, 
 however   groundless.     It   views   every  thing  in 
 the  worst  light,  misconstrues  words  and  actions, 
 vSO  as  to  suit  its  own  malignant  surmises,  and  like 
 a  jaundiced  eye  it  paints  its  own  colour  on  what- 
 ever it  beholds.  It  magnifies  little  faults  into  great 
 ones,  and,  giving  credit  to  its  own  vain  imagina- 
 tions, it  takes  up  a  charge  altogether  false,  and 
 passes  a  severe  sentence  against  the  supposed 
 offender.     This  temper  not  only  leads  to  sin, 
 but  is  sinful  in  itself.     Such  rash  uncharitable 
 judging,  though  not  expressed  by  the  tongue,  is 
 a   transgression   committed  in  the    heart;    it  is 
 "  bearing  false  witness  against  our  neighbour." 
 It  is  the  absence  of  that  love,  which  we  ouoht  to 
 possess,  which  "  beareth  all  things,  believeth  all 
 things,  hopeth  all  things,  endureth  all  things  */- 
 Here    is   a   wide   field   for  .self-examination. 
 What  has  been  the  state  of  our  minds  towards 
 others  ?  Have  we  not  watched  their  conduct  with 
 a  malignant  eye,  or  rashly  taken  up  injurious 
 prejudices  against  them  ?   Have  we  not  been  for- 
 ward to  condemn  them  from  slightest  appear- 
 ances, or  even  from  our  own  conjectures  ?    Let 
 us  check  this  disposition  in  future.     It  is  pre- 
 sumptuous :  it  usurps  the  office  of  the  Almighty 
 Sovereign,  "  to  whom  all  hearts  be  open,"  and 
 
 *  1  Cor.  xiii,  7. 
 
240  ON  THE  XTNTH  COMM ANDMENT. 
 
 to  whom  alone  the  judgment  belongeth.  It  is 
 unkindncss,  perhaps  injustice,  to  those,  whose 
 cases  we  decide,  and  whom  probably  we  misre- 
 present or  mistake.  Let  us  then  check  the  ri- 
 sings of  jealousy  and  suspicion,  and  cherish  an 
 enlarged  candour  and  benevolence.  We  should 
 not  indeed  apologize  for  sin,  where  we  are  con- 
 strained to  see  it :  but  of  characters  and  actions 
 we  should  form  the  most  favourable  opinion 
 which  all  the  circumstances  duly  considered  will 
 justify.  We  should  rather  chuse  to  think  too 
 well  of  a  bad  man,  than  pass  a  cruel  and  rash 
 censure  upon  a  good  one :  and  where  we  must 
 blame,  we  should  do  it  with  tenderness,  and  if 
 possible  cast  the  mantle  of  love  over  the  offence. 
 — The  precept  also  forbids 
 
 IV.  Evil  speaking;  by  which  we  may  under- 
 stand, not  only  groundless  and  malicious  calum- 
 ny, but  the  needless  publication  of  the  real  faults 
 of  others.  There  may  be  proper  and  strong  rea- 
 sons for  the  introduction  of  such  a  subject :  the 
 glory  of  God,  and  even  love  to  man,  may  some- 
 times demand  it.  Let  us  enquire  whether  we  be 
 actuated  by  these  motives.  The  ministers  of 
 Christ  should  faithfully  reprove  prevailing  of- 
 fences among  their  people,  and  warn  them  of  the 
 dangerous  practices  or  opinions,  which  obtain 
 around  them.  Private  Christians  also  may  ad- 
 monish their  friends  to  beware  of  the  misconduct 
 of  their  associates,  or  if  any  of  them  "  be  over- 
 
ON  THE  NINTH   COMMANDMENT.  241 
 
 taken  in  a  fault"  may  sharply  reprehend  them 
 with  a  view  to  their  recovery ; ,  but  even  this 
 should  be  done  ifi  the  spirit  of  meekness  and 
 love.  The  "  trespass  of  a  brother"  is  not  to  be 
 published  to  the  church,  till  secret  measures  for 
 reclaiming  him  have  been  tried  in  vain  *.  But 
 there  can  be  no  cause,  which  will  justify  the  in- 
 troducing of  your  neighbour's  failings  in  com- 
 mon conversation,  as  a  subject  for  invidious  re- 
 mark or  mere  entertainment.  Whether  this  be 
 done  to  gratify  your  own  censorious  temper,  or 
 to  please  a  dissipated  company,  who  can  relish  no 
 other  discourse,  in  either  case  "  sin  lieth  at  the 
 door." 
 
 Are  you  well  assured,  that  what  you  report  is 
 true  ?  If  not,  for  aught  you  know,  it  may  be  a 
 falsehood,  and  you  are  a  lying  witness.  Solomon 
 has  determined,  "  He  that  uttereth  a  slander,"  as 
 well  as  he  that  inventeth  it,  u  is  a  foolf." — You 
 enjoin  secrecy  perhaps  to  those,  to  whom  you 
 communicate  the  information ;  and  they  may 
 give  the  same  charge  to  others ;  but  the  tale 
 passes  from  circle  to  circle,  till  it  becomes  a  mat- 
 ter of  public  notoriety.  You  arc  then  responsible 
 for  the  consequences. — And  is  this  treating  an- 
 other, as  you  would  wish  to  be  treated  ?  Have  you 
 no  failings  of  your  own  ?  And  would  you  not 
 object  to  their  being  exposed  to  the  eye  of  the 
 
 *  Gal.  v.  1.     Matt,  xviii.  15—17.  t  Vroy ■  x«  1S- 
 
 VOL.   Ill,  R 
 
242  ON  THE  NINTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 world  ? — You  allege  possibly,  that  this  exposure 
 is  a  proper  punishment  for  offenders.  Undoubt- 
 edly, sin  deserves  universal  detestation  ;  but  the 
 sinner  is  an  object  of  your  pity.  Whatever  in- 
 famy he  may  merit,  it  is  not  your  part  to  bring 
 it  upon  him,  except  by  legal  process. — You  pro- 
 fess  your  sorrow  for  what  you  relate.  But  were 
 you  grieved,  as  you  ought  to  be,  you  would  ra- 
 ther hide  the  disgrace  than  publish  it :  you  would 
 try  to  heal  the  wound,  and  not  open  it  to  the 
 general  view.  "  Hatred  stirreth  up  strifes:  but 
 love  covereth  all  sins  #." 
 
 How  little  is  there  to  be  found  of  this  true 
 
 christian  charity  !   Who  is  afraid  of  spreading  an 
 
 injurious  report  ?    Rather,  who  does  not  delight 
 
 to  be  the  bearer  of  every  slanderous  tale  ?  Where 
 
 is  the  man,   who  has  not  thus  offended  with  his 
 
 tongue  ?    Alas  !  what  an  immense  load  of  guilt 
 
 have  we  brought  upon  our  consciences,  by  our 
 
 vain  conversation  in  reflecting  upon  others  !  Can 
 
 we  repair  the  mischief  we  have  done  ?   Let  us  be 
 
 humbled  for  the   past,  and  implore  forgiveness 
 
 through  the  blood  of  Christ.     But  let  us  also  be 
 
 more  watchful  over  our  words.     "  Speak  not  evil 
 
 one  of  another,  brethren.     He  that  speaketh  evil 
 
 of  his  brother,  and  judgeth  his  brother,  speaketh 
 
 evil  of  the  law,  and  judgeth  the  law:  but  if  thou 
 
 judge  the  law,  thou  art  not  a  doer  of  the  law,  but 
 
 *  Proverbs  x.   12 
 
ON  TH£  NINTH  COMMANDMENT.  243 
 
 a  judge.  There  is  one  lawgiver,  who  is  able  to 
 save  and  to  destroy.  Who  art  thou  that  judgest 
 another  ?" — "  To  his  own  Master  he  standeth  or 
 falleth  #." — Equally  opposite  to  the  temper  of 
 mind,  which  the  commandment  requires,  is 
 
 V.  A  willingness  to  hear  of  the  faults  of  others. 
 There  can  be  no  greater  encouragement  of  con- 
 tumelious and  slanderous  conversation.  The  law 
 of  love  enjoins,  not  only  that  you  should  not 
 injure,  but,  as  much  as  lieth  in  you,  maintain 
 and  vindicate,  the  characters  of  those,  who  are 
 defamed.  You  should  convince  the  officious 
 talebearer,  that  you  are  displeased  and  grieved 
 by  his  calumniating  reports.  Repel  the  accusa- 
 tion, where  you  can,  and  put  to  shame  the  false 
 witness :  and  even  where  the  charge  appears  to 
 be  substantiated,  yet  entreat  that  the  sentence  of 
 condemnation  may  be  withheld,  and  all  charita- 
 ble allowances  made.  This  is  what  you  would 
 wish  to  have  done  for  yourselves,  and  therefore 
 it  is  your  bounden  duty  to  do  it  for  others. 
 
 Have  you  in  this  way  acted  up  to  the  spirit 
 of  the  commandment?  Have  you  not  been  back- 
 ward to  speak  in  behalf  of  such  as  have  come 
 under  unmerited  reproach  ?  Instead  of  checking 
 the  busy  tatler,  who  goes  about  to  scatter  his 
 poison  from  house  to  house,  have  you  not  sought 
 his  company  that  you  might  learn  all  the  scandal 
 
 *  James  iv.  11,  12.     Rom,  xiv,  4. 
 R    2 
 
•244         ON  THE  NINTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 of  the  neighbourhood,  and,  by  listening  with 
 eagerness  to  his  slanderous  reports,  encouraged 
 him  to  bring  you  more  ?  It  is  evident,  there  is 
 no  subject  more  pleasing  than  defamation.  How 
 quickly  and  extensively  does  the  tale  fly!  How 
 well  is  it  remembered  !  and  with  what  difficulty 
 is  it  refuted  !  Should  it  not  be  checked  in  the 
 first  instance  ? 
 
 Your  associates  probably  cannot  converse  on 
 any  other  topic.  Then  fly  from  their  company, 
 or  else  be  silent  rather  than  join  in  defaming 
 your  neighbour.  But  try  at  least  to  give  an 
 useful  turn  to  the  conversation,  and  labour  to  at- 
 tain that  spiritual  wisdom  and  holy  zeal,  that 
 "  your  speech  may  be  alway  with  grace,  seasoned 
 with  salt,  that  ye  may  know  how  ye  ought  to 
 answer  every  man*."  Ah!  what  account  can 
 you  give  of  the  hours  and  days  you  have  trifled 
 away  in  mischievous  or  unprofitable  talk  about 
 the  characters  or  conduct  of  those  around  you  ! 
 How  much  of  your  precious  time  has  been  thus 
 shamefully  mispent ! 
 
 There  are  other  ways  of  transgressing  the  com- 
 mandment; such  are  hypocrisy  and  dissimulation, 
 all  guile  and  deceit  one  towards  another,  for  we 
 should  speak  the  truth  from  our  hearts :  such  arc 
 also,  vain  compliments  and  adulation,  the  deny- 
 ing or  cloaking  of  our  own  vices,  or  ostentatious 
 
 *  Cot  rv.  6. 
 
ON  THE  NINTH  COMMANDMENT.  245 
 
 pretensions  to  virtues  we  never  possessed.     We 
 need  not  carry  our  considerations  further.  Enough 
 has  been  said  to  prove,  that  the  precept  is  exten- 
 sive, and  that  "  in  many  things  we  offend  all ! 
 Some  practical  inferences  may  be  drawn. 
 
 1 .  Let  us  look  more  accurately  into  ourselves : 
 and  this  holy  vigilance  will  prevent  us  from  look- 
 ing with  censorious  eyes  on  others.  They  who 
 are  continually  wandering  abroad,  are  necessarily 
 strangers  at  home.  They,  who  know  every  per- 
 son's character,  seldom  know  their  own.  The 
 Pharisees,  ignorantly  "  trusting  in  themselves 
 that  they  are  righteous,  despise  others."  They 
 are  keen  and  merciless  in  their  invectives  against 
 the  wickedness  of  the  world,  and  "  thank  God 
 that  they  are  not  as  their  neighbours  *."  How 
 different  is  the  sentiment  and  the  language  of 
 one,  who  is  acquainted  with  his  own  internal 
 depravity!  Is  there  a  profligate  sinner  in  his 
 view  ?  He  is  not  forward  to  condemn  or  expose 
 his  faults.  He  says,  I  cannot  "  first  cast  a  stone 
 at  him,"  convinced  as  I  am  of  my  numberless 
 offences.  Study  yourselves,  then,  and  you  will 
 be  sufficiently  occupied :  you  will  not  be  disposed 
 for  scandal  and  talebearing :  you  will  not  dare  to 
 be  rigid  censurers  even  of  what  you  see  amiss, 
 but  be  candid,  gentle  and  forgiving.  If  you  dis- 
 cover u  a  mote'*  in  your  brother's  eye,  yet  you 
 
 *  Luke  xviii,  9—12, 
 
246  ON  THE  NINTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 will  be  aware  that  there  is  "  a  beam"  in  your 
 own.  "  Judge  not,  that  ye  be  not  judged."  Or 
 rather  "  judge  yourselves  :"  but  do  it  impartially, 
 and  be  more  ready  to  admit  an  excuse  for  others, 
 than  for  your  own  misconduct. 
 
 2.  Let  us  remember  that  God  is  the  Judge  of 
 all.  This  is  a  comfortable  reflection  to  such  as 
 are  calumniated,  especially  to  those  "  who  are 
 reproached  for  the  name  of  Christ."  Man  is  not 
 the  supreme  or  final  arbiter.  Before  the  right- 
 eous and  heart-searching  God,  whose  decisions 
 must  be  infallible,  you  stand  or  fall.  If  your 
 "  names  are  cast  out  as  evil,  for  the  Son  of  man's 
 sake,"  He  will  wipe  off  the  foul  aspersions,  and 
 your  crown  of  glory  shall  shine  the  brighter. 
 <'  He  shall  bring  forth  your  righteousness  as  the 
 light,  and  your  judgment  as  the  noon-day*.'* 
 Be  it  your  chief  concern  then,  to  approve  your- 
 selves to  Him,  regardless  of  the  censures  of  the 
 world,  "  that  when  he  shall  appear  you  may 
 have  confidence,  and  not  be  ashamed  before  him 
 at  his  coming  j."  But  he  will  confound  the 
 slanderers  and  "  busy  mockers."  O  fear  to  be 
 ranked  in  that  number  !  "  Every  idle  word  that 
 men  shall  speak,  they  shall  give  account  thereof 
 in  the  day  of  judgment  J."  Much  more  shall 
 the  malignant  revilers  of  his  people  review  with 
 deepest  horror  their  "  hard  speeches"  and  "  bit- 
 
 *  Psalm  xxKvii.  6,         f  l  John  Li.  28.         J  Matt.  xii.  36. 
 
ON  THE  NINTH  COMM ANDMENT.  247 
 
 ter  words."  "  Then  shall  the  righteous  man 
 stand  in  great  boldness  before  the  face  of  such 
 as  have  afflicted  him,  and  made  no  account  of 
 his  labours. — And  they  repenting,  and  groaning 
 for  anguish  of  spirit,  shall  say  within  themselves, 
 This  was  he,  whom  we  had  sometimes  in  derision, 
 and  a  proverb  of  reproach.  We  fools  accounted 
 his  life  madness,  and  his  end  to  be  without  ho- 
 nour. How  is  he  numbered  among  the  children 
 of  God,  and  his  lot  is  among  the  saints*  !" 
 
 3.  Let  us  pray  for  grace  to  order  our  conver- 
 sation. It  appears  from  the  whole  subject,  that 
 he  must  be  "  a  perfect  man,  who  offends  not  in 
 word."  Such  perfection  attaches  not  to  us.  "  The 
 tongue  can  no  man  tame  f."  Many  are  the  sins, 
 and  very  mischievous  are  the  effects,  which  spring 
 from  this  source.  The  most  lively  and  spiritual 
 Christians  possess  not  that  sanctity,  wisdom,  and 
 zeal,  which  are  necessary  to  enable  them  to  speak 
 at  all  times  to  the  praise  of  God,  and  the  edifi- 
 cation of  their  brethren.  "  Out  of  the  abundance 
 of  the  heart  the  mouth  speaketh  J."  Let  us  pray 
 then,  "  O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips,  and  my 
 mouth  shall  shew  forth  thy  praise :  it  shall  be 
 filled  with  thy  honour  all  the  day  §."  If  He 
 subdue  in  us  all  wrong  affections,  and  unite  us 
 in  love  to  one  another,  then  we  shall  not  possess 
 i(  the  deceitful  tongue,  which  loveth  all  devour- 
 
 *  Wisdom,  v.   1 — 5.  f  James  iii.   I,  3. 
 
 %  Malt,  xii.  34.  §  Psaim  ii.  15.     lx'xL  8. 
 
248  ON    THE   NINTH   COMMANDilEM. 
 
 ing  words ;'•  then  "no  corrupt  communication 
 will  proceed  out  of  our  mouth,  but  that  which  is 
 good,  to  the  use  of  edifying,  that  it  may  minister 
 grace  unto  the  hearers*."  Here  is  a  test,  by 
 which  we  may  try  our  sincerity:  this  is  the  way, 
 in  which  must  appear  the  truth  and  excellence 
 of  our  religion.  For  this  purpose  our  supplica- 
 tions should  ascend  up  to  heaven  continually, 
 "  Set  a  watch,  O  Lord,  before  my  mouth  ;  keep 
 the  door  of  my  lips."  And  let  us  also  resolve 
 with  David,  "  I  will  take  heed  to  my  ways,  that 
 I  sin  not  with  my  tongue  -jr." 
 
 *  Psalm  lii.  4.     Eph.  iv.  2g.       f  Psalm  cxli.  3.     xxxix.  1. 
 
ESSAY   LXXV. 
 
 ON    THE    TENTH     COMMANDMENT, 
 
 The  last  Commandment,  more  than  any  other,  proves 
 the  divine  origin  and  spirituality  of  the  Jaw. — 7/ 
 condemns  the  desire  or  thought  of  any  evil  against 
 our  neighbour,- — forbids  discontent  and  envy, — 
 and  requires  purity  of  heart. 
 
 No  human  lawgiver  could  so  speak;  as  did  the 
 voice  which  proclaimed  from  mount  Sinai, 
 "  Thou  shalt  not  covet."  It  is  the  appro- 
 priate language  of  the  almighty  and  universal 
 Sovereign.  Men  can  take  notice  only  of  outward 
 acts :  as  to  any  internal  principles  or  affections, 
 it  were  folly  for  them  to  enact  any  statutes  for 
 their  regulation :  for  how  could  they  detect  any 
 disobedience,  or  what  witnesses  could  they  call 
 to  convict  the  offender  ?  But  Jehovah  Ci  searcheth 
 the  heart  and  trieth  the  reins."  He  prohibits 
 and  condemns  every  deviation  from  perfect  pu- 
 rity, even  in  thought ;  and  as  he  discerns  every 
 rising  corruption  in  the  mind,  so  has  he  power 
 to  prove  and  to  punish.     Such  is,  the  peculiar 
 
250  ON  THE  TENTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 nature  of  his  government,  that  it  is  for  Film  alone 
 to  pass  the  decree,  cf  Thou  shalt  not  covet ;"  and 
 the  day  is  coming,  when  "  He  will  judge  the 
 secrets  of  men,"  according  to  its  demands. 
 
 This  commandment,  more  than  any  other, 
 confirms  the  apostle's  position,  that  "  the  law  is 
 spiritual  *;"  for  it  has  respect,  not  to  the  external 
 conduct,  but  to  the  inward  desires.  This  also, 
 more  than  any  other,  "  worketh  wrath,"  and  is 
 ec  the  ministration  of  death  and  condemnation  f," 
 for  it  establishes  the  conclusion  most  undeniably, 
 "  that  every  mouth  is  stopped,  and  all  the  world 
 become  guilty  before  God^."  Who  among  us 
 can  say,  I  have  never  violated  the  precept :  I 
 have  in  no  instance  felt  the  least  motion  of  envy, 
 discontent,  or  concupiscence  ?  Let  us  try  our- 
 selves faithfully  and  impartially  by  this  standard 
 of  purity.  But  let  us  examine  as  in  the  sight  of 
 Him,  who  knows  our  inmost  souls,  and  who  can 
 in  a  moment  convict  and  confound  every  trans- 
 gressor. It  is  not  for  man,  who  may  be  easily 
 imposed  on,  to  substantiate  a  charge  of  guilt 
 against  us :  "  for  man  looketh  on  the  outward 
 appearance,  but  the  Lord  looketh  on  the  heart  §." 
 He  "  is  not  mocked  ;"  and  when  "  he  looked 
 down  from  heaven  upon  the  children  of  men," 
 he  delivered  his  infallible  testimony,  "  There  is 
 
 -*  Rom.  vii.  7,  14.  t  Rom.  iv.  15.     2  Cor.  iii.  7>  9« 
 
 t   Rom.  iii.  19.  §   1  Sam.  xvi.  7. 
 
ON  THE  TENTH  COMMANDMENT.        251 
 
 none  that  doeth  good,  no  not  one/'  as  his  righte- 
 ous law  requires  *. 
 
 That  the  meaning  and  extent  of  the  command- 
 ment under  consideration  may  be  ascertained,  we 
 remark 
 
 I.  It  condemns  the  desire  or  thought  of  any 
 evil  against  our  neighbour.  It  strikes  therefore 
 at  the  very  root  of  sin  :  for  if  there  be  no  wrong 
 inclination  in  the  heart,  the  outward  conduct 
 will  be  invariably  right.  And  here,  it  is  the  in- 
 tention or  wish  of  doing  an  injury  to  another, 
 which  is  forbidden.  This  is  very  properly  placed 
 the  last  in  the  second  table,  as  being  the  guard 
 and  defence  of  all  the  rest,  and  containing  in 
 itself  a  short  summary  of  our  whole  duty  to  man. 
 It  secures  the  authority  of  our  neighbour,  and 
 requires  that  we  withhold  not  from  him  any  part 
 of  that  respect,  which  is  due  to  him  in  his  station, 
 according  to  the  fifth  commandment:  and  agree- 
 ably to  those  which  follow,  it  protects  his  person, 
 his  chastity,  his  property,  and  his  character,  pro- 
 hibiting the  very  contrivance  or  thought  of  hurt- 
 ing him  in  any  of  these  points.  The  other 
 commandments  restrain  our  hands,  our  feet,  our 
 tongues,  and  all  the  members  of  our  body,  from 
 perpetrating  any  evil :  the  object  of  this  is,  to 
 repress  every  injurious  disposition  in  the  heart; 
 gnd  from  a  due  regard  to  this  will  result  a  strict 
 
 *  Psalm  xiv,  2,  3. 
 
252  ON   THE  TOTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 observance  of  the  rest.  Coveting  or  lusting  is 
 the  source  of  ail  transgression  ;  and  where  it  is 
 cherished  or  indulged,  no  effectual  opposition 
 can  be  made  to  the  abounding  of  iniquity. 
 "  Then,  when  lust  hath  conceived,  it  briugeth 
 forth  sin  ;  and  sin,  when  it  is  finished,  bringeth 
 forth  death  *." 
 
 The  tenth  commandment  is  virtually  included 
 in  the  five  which  precede  its  for  they  also  con- 
 demn the  intention,  as  well  as  the  actual  com- 
 mission, of  evil.  But  since  the  ignorance  or 
 perverseness  of  many  might  consider  them  as 
 having  reference  only  to  external  conduct,  it  was 
 a  gracious  condescension  of  our  God  to  guard 
 against  such  a  conclusion  by  a  separate  precept, 
 which  shews  that  the  secret  sins  of  the  heart  are 
 equally  offensive  to  his  purity,  and  obnoxious  to 
 his  justice.  Men  are  disposed  to  overlook  their 
 inward  tempers  and  desires,  and  because  of  their 
 regularity  and  freedom  from  gross  wickedness  to 
 flatter  themselves  that  they  have  kept  the  law  and 
 fulfilled  their  duty.  But  the  close  of  the  decalogue 
 is  admirably  calculated  to  prevent  or  correct  so 
 dangerous  a  mistake,  and,  if  devoutly  studied,  to 
 excite  a  strong  conviction  of  guilt. 
 
 But  who  gives  the  due  attention  to  this  im- 
 portant subject  ?  Are  not  vast  multitudes  so 
 unacquainted  with  themselves,  as  to  be  elated 
 
 *  James  i.  15. 
 
ON   THE  TENTH   COMMANDMENT.  253 
 
 with  the  vain  conceit  of  the  goodness  of  their 
 hearts  ?  and  so  ignorant  of  the  extensive  claims 
 of  this  commandment,  as  to  suppose  that  none 
 but  profligate  sinners  need  be  alarmed,  and  that 
 against  them  only  the  curses  of  the  law  are  de- 
 nounced ?  Such  were  these  ancient  dissemblers 
 with  God,  of  whom  our  Lord  declares,  Ci  Except 
 your  righteousness  shall  exceed  the  righteousness 
 of  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees,  ye  shall  in  no  case 
 enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven  *."  Such  also 
 was  St.  Paul,  previous  to  his  conversion  ;  (i  alive 
 without  the  law,"  not  aware  of  its  spiritual  mean- 
 ing and  large  demands,  and  therefore  presuming 
 on  the  divine  favour  in  the  conceit  of  his  own 
 goodness.  But  it  pleased  God  to  undeceive  him, 
 and  to  shew  him  his  guilt  and  condemnation : 
 **  the  commandment  came,"  with  powerful  in- 
 fluence to  his  conscience,  and  he  felt  himself  a 
 sinner  liable  to  perish  :  "  sin  revived,  and  he 
 died."  It  deserves  our  attention,  that  this  effect 
 was  produced  by  a  clearer  view  and  more  serious 
 consideration  of  the  very  commandment  before  us. 
 Thus  he  describes  the  case,  "  I  had  not  known 
 sin,  but  by  the  law;  for  I  had  not  known  lust, 
 except  the  law  had  said,  Thou  shalt  not 
 covet  f."  Now  he  saw  that  he  had  incurred 
 guilt  by  the  concupiscence  of  his  heart,  and 
 dropping  all  his  self-righteous  plans,   he  bowed 
 
 *  Matt.  v.  20.  f  Rom.  vii.  7—10. 
 
 6 
 
'254        ON  THE  TENTH  COMMANDMENT* 
 
 at  the  foot  of  the  cross,  and  gloried  only  in  the 
 perfect  obedience  of  Jesus  Christ.  May  we  learn 
 from  him  so  to  contemplate  the  commandment, 
 that  it  may  be  iC  our  schoolmaster  to  bring  us 
 unto  Christ,  that  we  may  be  justified  by  faith  *  !" 
 
 II.  It  forbids  discontent  and  envy.  The  Lord 
 God  is  the  sovereign  and  absolute  disposer  of  all 
 things.  He  divideth  to  individuals  as  well  as  to 
 nations  their  inheritance,  as  He  pleaseth :  and  he 
 requires,  that  they  acquiesce  in  his  appointment, 
 and  be  satisfied  with  their  portion.  He  has  dis- 
 tributed his  gifts  in  various  measures ;  but  his 
 will  is,  that  every  one,  though  in  the  lowest  and 
 most  afflicted  state,  should  be  contented  and 
 thankful.  To  wish  to  contrive  for  ourselves,  and 
 to  chuse  our  own  lot,  is  to  cast  off  our  depen- 
 dence upon  Him  :  to  murmur  at  his  dispensa- 
 tions, in  fixing  us  where  we  are,  is  already  to 
 have  rebelled  against  him.  To  look  with  envy 
 upon  others,  who  may  seem  to  possess  superior 
 advantages,  and  to  desire  to  rise  at  their  expense, 
 or  to  their  prejudice,  is  to  call  in  question  his 
 authority  or  his  wisdom,  as  if  he  had  no  right  to 
 govern  us,  or  as  if  we  were  better  able  to  manage 
 the  affairs  of  his  universal  empire.  What  folly, 
 what  horrible  presumption  is  this !  Let  us  then 
 "  not  covet  nor  desire  other  men's  goods,  but 
 learn  and  labour  truly  to  get  our  own  living,  and. 
 
 *  Gal.  iii.  24. 
 
ON  THE  TENTH  COMMANDMENT.  255 
 
 do  our  duty  in  that  state  of  life,  unto  which  it 
 shall  please  God  to  call  us." 
 
 An  envious  disposition  is  also  injurious  to  our 
 neighbour.  To  be  grieved  at  his  happiness  or 
 exaltation,  or  to  rejoice  at  his  fall,  argues  a  want 
 of  that  love,  which  we  owe  to  him.  And  when 
 once  we  indulge  this  temper,  we  know  not  to 
 what  lengths  of  malignity  and  wickedness  it  may 
 carry  us.  It  may  hurry  us  on  to  the  perpetration 
 of  such  enormities,  as  might  fill  us  with  horror 
 in  the  first  instance,  and  plunge  both  ourselves 
 and  others  in  consummate  misery.  How 
 wretched  was  Ahab,  the  king  of  Israel,  when  he 
 set  his  heart  with  inordinate  desire  upon  the 
 vineyard  of  Naboth.  The  possession  of  his 
 whole  kingdom  could  give  him  no  satisfaction, 
 till  he  obtained  this  "  garden  of  herbs."  Bv 
 lawful  means  it  could  not  be  procured ;  but  this 
 "  evil  coveting"  will  bear  no  restraint;  every 
 consideration  must  be  sacrificed  to  it.  Perjured 
 witnesses  must  be  suborned;  and  Naboth  must 
 die  as  a  traitor,  in  order  that  Ahab  may  seize 
 on  the  paternal  inheritance  of  his  unoffending 
 subject  f. 
 
 When  discontent  is  harboured  in  the  breast, 
 wretchedness  ensues.  So  long  as  any  one  object, 
 which  cannot  be  attained,  is  thought  necessary 
 to  happiness,  no  other  advantages,  how  many  or 
 
 1  Kings  xsi. 
 
i56         ON  THE  TENTH  COMMANDMENT, 
 
 how  great  soever,  will  afford  any  delight,  or  pa- 
 cify the  troubled  mind.  The  language  is,  "  Give 
 me  this,  or  else  I  die*."  A  palace  will  not 
 complete  your  wishes,  any  more  than  a  cottage. 
 The  imperious  Haman  was  next  in  honour  and 
 authority  to  king  Ahasuerus.  His  seat  was 
 above  all  the  princes,  and  all  the  king's  servants 
 bowed  and  reverenced  him.  But  because  Mor- 
 decai,  an  insignificant  Jew,  refused  him  this  tri- 
 bute of  respect,  Haman  was  distracted  with  vin- 
 dictive rage,  and  said  of  his  highest  advancement, 
 u  All  this  availeth  me  nothing  f."  How  forcibly 
 does  the  conclusion  press  itself  upon  us,  w  Be 
 content  with  such  things  as  ye  have  J  ! 
 
 Yet  let  not  the  holy  precept  be  misunderstood. 
 All  desire  of  change  is  not  condemned ;  nor  are 
 we  prohibited  from  aiming  to  enrich  or  exalt 
 ourselves  by  honest  industry,  science,  ingenuity, 
 or  other  equitable  means,  provided  we  are  not 
 too  intent  upon  the  object,  and  can  bear  to  be 
 disappointed  of  it  by  the  providence  of  God, 
 Some  things  we  must  not  wish  to  possess :  they 
 are  unlawful  in  themselves:  <c  Thou  shalt  not 
 covet  thy  neighbour's  wife."  But  his  house  or 
 his  land,  if  he  may  dispose  of  them  with  pro- 
 priety, may  become  our's  for  a  fair  compensation: 
 otherwise  all  manner  of  traffic  would  be  sinful. 
 
 *  Gen.  xxx.  1.  t  Esther  iii.  1.2.     v.  13. 
 
 t  Heb.  xiii.  5. 
 
ON  THE  TENTH  COMMANDMENT.         25? 
 
 But  if  he  be  forbidden,  or  unwilling,  to  make  the 
 exchange,  we  may  not  urge  it,  we  should  not 
 desire  it.  It  pleases  God  to  withhold  it  from 
 us:  and  let  "  His  will  be  done."  However  suit- 
 able or  expedient  the  thing  may  appear  to  us, 
 we  are  in  a  wrong  slate  of  mind,  if  we  cannot 
 bear  to  be  denied.  The  wish  in  itself  might  be 
 proper,  but  it  is  "  a  transgression  of  the  law," 
 when  it  is  inordinate  and  excessive. 
 
 Commerce  may  be  conducted  with  integrity, 
 and  in  perfect  consistence  with  benevolence  and 
 love.  But  it  is  not  so  with  gaming,  every  spe- 
 cies of  which  seems  a  direct  violation  of  this 
 commandment.  When  you  play  for  a  valuable 
 stake,  you  expose  both  youselves  and  others  to 
 various  temptations:  or  rather  you  involve  one 
 another  in  guilt.  You  are  seeking  to  enrich 
 yourselves,  by  impoverishing  them.  This  is  not  * 
 (he  way,  which  God  authorizes  for  the  attain- 
 ,  ment  of  any  advantage.  And  could  we  look  into 
 the  mind  of  a  gamester,  by  what  unholy  pas- 
 sions should  we  see  him  agitated  !  Could  we 
 describe  the  consequences  of  his  unhallowed 
 practice,  what  tremendous  scenes  of  sin  and 
 misery  should  we  draw  !  ,  O  be  persuaded  to 
 discountenance  and  fly  from  every  thing,  which 
 may  lead  to  such  dire  effects ! 
 
 The  precept  was  intended  to  check  our  desires 
 after  all  earthly  possessions ;  and  it  seems  to  say 
 to  each  one,   "  Seekest  thou,   great   things  for 
 
 vol.  in.  s 
 
258         ON  THE  TENTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 thyself?  Seek  them  not."  When  you  are  dis- 
 satisfied with  the  portion  assigned  yon,  you 
 know  not  what  you  wish.  Perhaps  you  long  for 
 that,  which  would  be  your  heaviest  curse.  In- 
 stead of  indulging  impatience  or  'gloom  under 
 disappointment,  pray  for  a  contented  mind,  and 
 for  a  lively  hope  of  the  divine  favour,  which  will 
 fill  every  vacancy  in  your  heart,  and  be  "  better 
 than  life  itself.'*  "  But  covet  earnestly  the  best 
 gifts."  u  Set  your  affection  on  things  above,  not 
 on  things  on  the  earth/'  As  to  any  eagerness  in 
 the  pursuit  of  those  objects,  which  are  confessedlj 
 the  most  excellent,  there  is  no  danger  of  excess, 
 You  may  not  indeed  envy  others  their  spiritual 
 attainments,  but  you  may  all  with  a  holy  strife 
 contend  for  the  first  and  highest  place,  and  yet 
 rejoice  to  find  yourselves  outdone.  Such  a  hea- 
 venly ardour  would  repress,  if  not  eradicate,  our 
 ambitious  and  inordinate  desires  after  earthly- 
 honours,  powers,  or  possessions. 
 
 Who  then  can  stand  a  strict  examination  ac- 
 cording to  this  righteous  law  ?  Who  can  say, 
 There  has  never  been  any  dissatisfaction  in  our 
 minds  :  there  has  been  no  impatience,  no  envy  ? 
 When  our  wishes  have  been  crossed,  and  we 
 have  seen  others  rising  above  us,  have  we  always 
 and  without  reserve  acquiesced  in  the  Lord's 
 appointment,  and  blessed  his  name  for  dealing 
 better  with  us  than  we  deserve  ?     We  will  not 
 
 suppose  any  unfair  measures  adopted,  but  has 
 3 
 
ON  THE  TENTH  COMMANDMENT.         25g 
 
 there  been  no  secret  wish  to  take  our  neigh- 
 bour's place,  and  occupy  his  superior  advantages  ? 
 Alas!  it  is  evident,  that  both  in  temporal  and 
 spiritual  concerns  we  are  all  guilty,  and  have 
 much  cause  for  shame  and  penitential  sorrow. 
 Especially,  since  we  must  add,  concerning  this 
 commandment, 
 
 III.  It  requires  purity  of  heart.     This  indeed 
 follows  from  the  explanation  already  given.     Its 
 direct  purpose  is  to  regulate  the  thoughts  and 
 desires,  and  bring  all  the  affections  of  the  soul 
 under  due  subordination.     It  therefore  forbids 
 concupiscence,  not  only  because  it  leads  to  evil, 
 but  because  the  indulgence  of  it  or  of  any  carnaL 
 imagination  in  the  mind  is  the  same  as  the  actual 
 commission  of  sin  in  the  sight  of  God.     Its  lan- 
 guage is,  "  Wash  thine  heart  from  wickedness : 
 — how  long  shall  thy  vain  thoughts  lodge  within 
 thee*!"     And  while  it  banishes  every  the  least 
 degree  of  impurity  and  secret  corruption,  does  it 
 not  require  truth  and  sanctity  in  the  inward  parts, 
 and  the  vigorous  exercise  of  all  holy  principles, 
 ■tempers,  and  affections  ?     Such  are  its  demands 
 from  each  individual  of  the  human  race,  at  all 
 times,  and  in  all  circumstances.     In  other  words, 
 it  calls  for  absolute  perfection,  and  condemns 
 every  deviation  from  it. 
 
 What  the  law  enjoins,  the  faithful  followers 
 
 *  Jer.  iv.  14, 
 S  2 
 
200  ON  THE  TENTH   COMMANDMENT. 
 
 of  Christ  most  earnestly  desire  to  possess.  Thu3 
 they  exhort  one  another,  ((  Let  us  cleanse  our- 
 selves from  all  fillhiness  of  the  flesh  and  spirit, 
 perfecting  holiness  in  the  fear  of  God  *."  Such 
 are  their  sinccrest  wishes,  but  their  real  attain- 
 ments fall  far  short.  They  abhor  the  thought  of 
 pretending  to  an  unsinning  obedience,  and  in 
 their  best  days  and  duties  discover  so  great  a  de- 
 ficiency, that  they  lay  claim  to  no  higher  title 
 than  that  of  "  miserable  offenders."  With  one 
 voice  they  deprecate  deserved  punishment,  ac- 
 knowledge themselves  vile,  and  cry  for  mercy. 
 Thus  said  the  man  after  God's  own  heart,  "  If 
 thou,  Lord,  shouldst  mark  iniquities,  O  Lord, 
 who  shall  stand? — Enter  not  into  judgment  with 
 thy  servant:  for  in  thy  sight  shall  no  man  living 
 be  justified  j\"  The  very  chief  of  the  apostles 
 also,  who  "  delighted  in  the  law  of  God  after 
 the  inward  man,"  most  grievously  lamented  that 
 he  found  "  another  law  in  his  members  warring 
 against  the  law  of  his  mind,  and  bringing  him 
 into  captivity  to  the  law  of  sin,  which  was  in  his 
 members  :"  so  that  under  the  pressure  of  this  de- 
 praved principle  he  exclaimed  in  the  anguish 
 of  his  soul,  "  O  wretched  man  that  I  am  !  who 
 shall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  f?" 
 After  such  eminent  examples  who  shall  pretend 
 
 *  2  Cor.  vii.  I.  f  Psalm  exxx.  3,    cxliii.  2. 
 
 %  Rem.  yii.  22 — 24. 
 
ON  THE  TENTH  COMMANDMENT.         26l 
 
 to  have  yielded  an  exact  and  perpetual  obedience 
 to  this  commandment  ?  Who  can  say,  "  I  have 
 made  my  heart  clean,  I  am  pure  from  my  sin  *  ?" 
 What  ?  Are  you  never  troubled  by  an  evil  covet- 
 ing ?  Does  no  thought  of  ambition,  avarice,  lust, 
 or  fraud  intrude  ?  Does  no  corrupt  imagination 
 interrupt  even  the  sacred  moments  of  devotion, 
 and  defile  all  your  duties  ?  Are  you  cultivating 
 inward  purity  ?  And  are  your  tempers  and  de- 
 sires perfectly  conformed  to  the  mind  and  will 
 of  God  ?  Be  not  deceived :  "  Not  he  that  com- 
 mendeth  himself  is  approved,  but  whom  the  Lord 
 commendeth  f." 
 
 This  explanation  of  the  commandment  dis- 
 tresses many  sincere  persons,  especially  when 
 they  first  begin  to  be  acquainted  with  the  depra- 
 vity of  their  nature.  They  confess  the  most 
 extensive  demands  of  the  law  to  be  just  and  equi- 
 table, and  their  prayer  is  to  be  found  "  unblame- 
 able  in  holiness  before  God."  But  they  argue, 
 that  if  one  evil  desire  makes  them  transgressors, 
 and  exposes  them  to  wrath,  it  were  presumptuous 
 for  them,  so  polluted  and  harassed  with  secret 
 corruptions,  to  indulge  any  hope  of  the  divine 
 favour.  We  entreat  them  not  to  pervert  or  mis- 
 take the  subject.  Strong  consolation  may  be 
 administered.  It  is  well,  that  you  are  acquainted 
 with  your  entire  degeneracy^  and  that  you  hate 
 
 *  Prov.  xx.  Qf  f  2  Cor.  x.  18. 
 
162         ON  THE  TENTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 that  evil  principle  which  works  within  you.  It 
 is  well,  that  you  are  longing  and  labouring  after 
 holiness.  You  experience  a  painful  conflict: 
 "  the  flesh  lusteth  against  the  Spirit,  and  the 
 Spirit  against  the  flesh  ;  and  these  are  contrary 
 the  one  to  the  other ;  so  that  ye  cannot  do  the 
 things  that  ye  would.  But  if  ye  be  led  by  the 
 Spirit,  ye  are  not  under  the  law  *."  Christ  hath 
 redeemed  you  from  its  curse,  and  by  faith  in 
 Him  you  are  justified  from  all  things.  You  may 
 therefore  rejoice  and  triumph  in  him,  though  in 
 yourselves  you  see  cause  for  deepest  sorrow  and 
 humiliation.  The  struggle  also,  which  you  la- 
 ment, will  have  a  happy  termination.  Jesus 
 undertakes  to  "  purify  you  unto  himself/*  and  he 
 will  finally  u  present  you  to  himself,  not  having 
 spot  or  wrinkle,  or  any  such  thing,  but  holy,  and 
 without  blemish  j-.V 
 
 How  apposite  is  the  doctrine  of  our  ninth 
 Article  !  "  The  infection  of  nature  doth  remain, 
 yea  in  them  that  are  regenerated,  whereby  the 
 lust  of  the  flesh  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God. 
 And  although  there  is  no  condemnation  for  them 
 that  believe  and  are  baptized;  yet  the  apostle 
 doth  confess,  that  concupiscence  and  Just  hath  of 
 itself  the  nature  of  sin." 
 
 We  conclude  the  subject  with  the  following 
 inferences. 
 
 *  Gal.  vt  17.  f  Titus  ii.  14.     £ph.  v.  & 
 
ON  THE  TENTH  COMMANDMENT.  0,6$ 
 
 1.  With  what  a  God  we  have  to  do!     He  is 
 the  supreme  object  of  his  people's  desire  and  love: 
 their  all-sufhcient  and  satisfying  portion.     They 
 discover  such  a  beauty  and  excellence  in  Him, 
 that  they  look  with  comparative  contempt  upon 
 all  created  good,  and  are  weaned  from  the  best 
 enjoyments  of  the  earth  ;   praying  only,  that  they 
 may  know  more  of  him,  and  become  more  and 
 more  closely  united  to    him.     This  is  a  truly 
 happy  state.     But  others  are  tossed  about  from 
 object  to  object,  continually  craving  something 
 that  they  have   not,   and  varying  their  pursuits 
 from  day  to  day.     This  perpetual  coveting  is  a 
 feverish  heat,    which  renders  them  restless  and 
 miserable,  and  they  are  disappointed  and  morti- 
 fied in  all  their  schemes.     And  if  this  be  your 
 case,  "  shall  not  God   search  it  out  ?    for  Fie 
 knoweth  the  secrets  of  the  heart  *."   You  cannot 
 deceive  him  with  a  semblance  of  religion,  or  with 
 professions  of  devout  regard,  while  "  your  heart 
 goeth  after  your  covetousness."     You  have  not 
 to  do  with  a  man  like  yourselves,  who  might  be 
 imposed  on,  but  with  Him,  who  looks  through 
 your  very  souls,  who  sees  you  exactly  as  you  are, 
 and  takes  cognizance  of  every  thought,  that  passes 
 through  your  minds.     How  will  you  stand  in  his 
 sight  ?  You  cannot  hide  yourselves  from  him ;  nor 
 can  any  subterfuge  or  evasion  be  of  the  least  avail 
 to  you.     He,  who  gave  you  this  law,  will  judge 
 
 *  Psalm  xliv.  21. 
 
264         ON  THE  TENTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 you  by  it :  and  while  he  infallibly  detects  your 
 most  secret  violations,  he  is  able  to  convict  you 
 of  them  to  your  unutterable  confusion. 
 
 2.  How  indispensably  requisite  it  is,  to  seek 
 for  regenerating  and  renewing  grace !  "  In  us, 
 that  is  in  our  flesh,  dwelleth  no  good  thing." 
 We  are  destitute  of  all  holy  propensities  in  our 
 natural  state,  and  full  of  all  uncleanness,  concu- 
 piscence, and  vile  affections.  We  are  prone  to 
 covet  and  desire  what  we  ought  not ;  and  even 
 where  the  object  is  lawful,  we  are  inordinate  and 
 impatient.  What  is  the  proper  cure  ?  There  is 
 only  one  effectual  remedy :  "  Ye  must  be  born 
 again."  No  external  restraints  will  suffice :  no 
 such  regularity  of  conduct,  as  might  justify  you 
 before  men,  will  avail  before  God.  You  must  be 
 inwardly  holy;  and  therefore  nothing  short  of  an 
 entire  renovation  of  the  soul  will  answer  the  pur- 
 pose. Lay  your  plans,  form  your  resolutions, 
 watch  and  strive  against  every  temptation  to  sin  ; 
 but  vain  will  be  all  your  efforts,  you  will  be  per- 
 petually baffled  and  overcome,  without  the  sanc- 
 tifying influence  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  O  seek  for 
 his  grace,  to  ft  work  in  you  both  to  will  and  to 
 do*  of  his  good  pleasure:"  implore  his  constant 
 aid,  to  correct  the  sinful  bias  of  your  nature, 
 to  form  and  preserve  in  you  all  spiritual  princi- 
 ples, tempers,  and  affections.  Nor  should  you  be 
 satisfied  with  the  commencement  of  the  divine 
 life ;  but  earnestly  desire  its  progress.  Believers 
 6 
 
ON  THE  TENTH  COMMANDMENT.  265 
 
 In  Christ,  though  pardoned  and  accepted,  should 
 not  therefore  be  careless  and  indolent;  but  "  giv- 
 ing all  diligence"  should  aim  at  larger  measures  q>f 
 sanctification,  that  they  may  be  continually  ad- 
 vancing in  a  meetness  for  heaven. 
 
 3.  How  ignorant  are  those,  who  depend  on 
 their  own  goodness,  or  their  obedience  to  the  di- 
 vine law !  Yet  how  many  are  of  this  description ! 
 They  trust  to  their  fair  character  in  the  world,  to 
 the  decency  of  their  outward  conduct,  and  thus 
 vainly  suppose  they  have  done  their  duty,  because 
 not  chargeable  with  gross  immoralities.  Alas  ! 
 what  stupidity  and  blindness  is  this !  They  know 
 not  what  evil  passes  in  their  hearts,  and  how  radi- 
 cally corrupt  their  very  nature  is.  They  are  not 
 aware  of  the  perfect  purity  of  Jehovah,  but  "  think, 
 him  such  an  one  as  themselves."  They  under- 
 stand not  the  extent  and  spirituality  of  his  law,  and 
 .therefore  arrogantly  suppose  they  have  fulfilled  it 
 They  perceive  not  its  tremendous  sanctions,  and 
 dread  not  the  consequences  of  transgression. 
 Especially,  they  make  light  of  sinful  thoughts, 
 and  presumptuously  ask,  Since  no  one  is  injured 
 by  them,  where  is  the  harm  or  the  danger?  They 
 are  equally  strangers  to  the  character  and  offices 
 of  Jesus  Christ,  and  to  the  whole  plan  of  redemp- 
 tion by  Him.  Upon  their  principles,  that  won- 
 drous scheme  of  grace  is  vain  and  superfluous. 
 What  must  the  end  be  of  such  consummate  igno- 
 rance ?     O  that  the  Lord  may  take  away  the  vail 
 
2.66         ON  THE  TENTH  COMMANDMENT. 
 
 from  their  hearts ;  that  they  may  see  and  confess 
 their  guilt ;  that  they  may  sue  for  mercy,  and 
 thankfully  embrace  the  salvation  of  the  gospel ! 
 
 Let  all  then  join  with  mind  and  voice  in  the 
 devout  language  of  our  church,  "  Lord  have 
 mercy  upon  us,  and  write  all  these  thy  laws  in 
 our  hearts,  we  beseech  thee/' 
 
ESSAY  LXXVI. 
 
 ON  PRAYER  FOR  SPECIAL  GRACE   TO  KEEP  THE 
 
 COMMANDMENTS. 
 
 On  reviewing  the.  commandments,  and  under  a  con- 
 sciousness of  our  depravity, — while  we  acknow- 
 ledge our  obligations  to  obedience, — we  should  con- 
 fess our  inability, — and  fervently  implore  the  aid 
 of  God, — his  special  grace, — which  we  must  at 
 all  times  call  for,  by  diligent  prayer,  offered  up  in 
 faith. 
 
 After  considering  the  spiritual  meaning  and 
 the  large  demands  of  the  moral  law,  contained 
 in  the  ten  commandments,  it  may  be  proper  to 
 pause,  and,  upon  a  review  of  the  subject,  to  in- 
 dulge some  interesting  reflections.  How  nume- 
 rous and  comprehensive  are  the  duties  required  ! 
 How  manifold  and  continual  are  our  deviations  ! 
 Yet  how  excellent  is  the  appointed  rule  !  and 
 how  great  are  the  advantages  of  obedience !  "  The 
 law  is  spiritual,"  like  its  divine  Author;  but  cf  we 
 are  carnal  *."  We  are  therefore,  in  our  present 
 fallen  state,  incompetent  to  its  observance  :   and 
 
 *  Romans  yii.  J  4. 
 
26S     ON  PRAYER  FOR  SPECIAL  GRACE 
 
 how  shall  we  presume  to  set  about  the  arduous 
 task !  Is  there  no  way  of  obtaining  the  strength, 
 which  is  requisite  ?  or  shall  we  lie  down  in  utter 
 despondency  ? 
 
 With  such  meditations  and  enquiries,  we  shall 
 v  receive  suitable  directions  from  our  Catechism, 
 in  which,  after  repeating  the  ten  commandments, 
 and  an  exposition  of  our  duty  towards  God  and 
 our  neighbour,  each  Catechumen  is  thus  ad- 
 dressed, "  My  good  child,  know  this,  that  thou 
 art  not  able  to  do  these  things  of  thyself,  nor  to 
 walk  in  the  commandments  of  God,  and  to  serve 
 him,  without  his  special  grace ;  which  thou  must 
 learn  at  all  times  to  call  for  by  diligent  prayer." 
 An  exhortation  this,  so  important,  so  necessary 
 for  persons  of  all  ages  and  of  all  circumstances, 
 that  we  shall  be  well  occupied  in  ascertaining  its 
 full  extent,  and  endeavouring  to  impress  our 
 minds  with  it  ill  all  its  bearings.  According  to 
 its  just  representation,  we  should  acknowledge 
 our  obligations  to  obedience,  confess  our  inabi- 
 lity, and  implore  that  aid  which  alone  can  be 
 effectual. 
 
 L  We  should  acknowledge  our  obligations  to 
 obedience.  The  same  law,  as  to  its  substance, 
 which  was  delivered  from  mount  Sinai,  has  been 
 binding  upon  man  from  his  creation,  nor  has  it 
 lost  any  part  of  its  power  to  command,  under  the 
 christian  system.  It  is  at  all  times  equally  rea- 
 sonable and  excellent.     It  is  still  as  much  as  ever 
 
TO  KEEP   THE  COMMANDMENTS.        20() 
 
 the  mind  of  God,  and  contains  those  righteous 
 claims  upon  his  intelligent  creatures,  which  in 
 consistence  with  his  character  and  government 
 He  cannot  dispense  with.  It  approves  itself,  in 
 the  largest  demands  of  every  precept,  to  our  con- 
 science. For  review  the  whole,  and  we  ask,  To 
 what  would  you  object  ?  It  gives  to  the  Lord  God 
 no  more  than  his  due :  and  it  fixes  man  in  his 
 proper  place.  Obedience  to  it  in  all  its  points, 
 requires  only  the  rational  exercise  and  just  appli- 
 cation of  our  faculties :  it  is  the  true  dignity  of 
 our  nature ;  and  its  tendency  is  to  promote  uni- 
 versal harmony  and  happiness. 
 
 Do  we  then  approve  the  divine  law,  and  allow 
 its  force  ?  Is  it  the  desire  and  the  joy  of  our 
 hearts  to  observe  it  ?  Do  we  possess  any  measure 
 of  that  high  regard  for  it  which  David  expressed, 
 when  he  cried  out,  "  O  that  my  ways  were  di- 
 rected to  keep  thy  statutes !  Then  shall  I  not  be 
 ashamed,  when  I  have  respect  unto  all  thy  com- 
 mandments* !"  Such  declarations  of  fervent  love 
 to  the  law  of  God,  and  of  his  cordial  delight  in 
 all  the  duties  enjoined,  he  frequently  repeated  in 
 all  the  possible  strength  and  variety  of  language. 
 And  are  they  not  equally  proper  and  requisite 
 for  us?  Or  what  peculiar  exemptions  can  we 
 plead  ?  But  with  an  explicit  avowal  of  our  obli- 
 gations to  obedience,  are  not  many  of  us  un- 
 
 *  Psalm  cxix.  5,  $. 
 
270    ON  PKAYEH  FOR  SPECIAL  GBACK 
 
 mindful  of  it  ?  And  do  not  others  complain  of  it 
 as  a  grievance,  and  wish  for  prohibited  indul- 
 gences ?  There  are  those  indeed,  who  live,  as  it 
 should  seem,  without  fear,  in  constant  and  habi- 
 tual transgression :  and  not  a  few  presumptuously 
 vindicate  sin,  as  if  it  had  lost  all  its  enormity 
 through  the  grace  of  the  Saviour,  and  loudly  in- 
 veigh against  all  exhortations  to  duty,  as  incon- 
 sistent with  the  liberty  of  the  gospel.  Such  are 
 tremendous  cases ;  but  we  trust,  "  we  have  not 
 so  learned  Christ." 
 
 These  are  points  we  have  before  insisted  on  ; 
 but  it  is  not  unnecessary  or  unprofitable  to  advert 
 to  them  again  and  again.  Yet  while  we  approve 
 of  obedience  to  the  law, 
 
 II.  We  should  confess  our  inability  to  perform 
 it.  There  is  a  presumptuous  eagerness,  even  to 
 do  good,  which  ought  to  be  repressed.  Many 
 persons,  when  exhorted  to  duty,  and  convinced 
 of  its  importance,  push  forward  to  the  work  with 
 a  rashness  that  forebodes  a  disappointment.  They 
 are  not  aware  of  the  difficulties  they  will  meet 
 with ;  through  pride  of  heart  and  ignorance  of 
 themselves,  they  ask  no  aid,  but  arrogantly  de- 
 pend upon  their  own  resolutions  and  exertions. 
 The  consequences  are  very  injurious.  Their 
 plans  are  broken,  their  efforts  fail,  their  ardour 
 abates,  and  after  repeated  ineffectual  trials,  if  not 
 better  instructed,  they  sink  down  in  despondency. 
 It  is  expedient,  therefore,  that  you  be  aware  of 
 
TO  KEEP  THE  COMMANDMENTS.  271 
 
 the  real  state  of  the  case.  We  ask,  Are  you  pos- 
 sessed of  a  sufficiency  of  strength  ?  Or  is  there 
 not  rather  a  weakness  on  your  part,  wjiich  will 
 subject  you  to  dangers  and  to  failures  ?  Examine 
 well  your  resources,  and  what  your  undertaking 
 may  require.  The  caution  of  our  catechism  is 
 most  admirably  adapted  to  check  such  temerity. 
 "  My  good  child,  know  this,  that  thou  art  not 
 able  to  do  these  things  of  thyself,  nor  to  walk  in 
 the  commandments  of  God,  and  to  serve  Him, 
 without  his  special  grace." 
 
 In  perfect  consistence  with  this  humiliating 
 declaration  is  the  whole  system  of  doctrine  in  our 
 church.  Our  Articles  maintain,  that  ■<  man  is 
 very  far  gone  from  original  righteousness,  and  is 
 of  his  own  nature  inclined  to  evil : — He  cannot 
 turn  and  prepare  himself,  by  his  'own  natural 
 strength  and  good  works,  to  faith  and  calling 
 upon  God  :  wherefore  we  have  no  power  to  do 
 good  works,  pleasant  and  acceptable  to  God, 
 without  the  grace  of  God  by  Christ  preventing 
 us,  that  we  may  have  a  good  will,  and  working 
 with  us  when  we  have  that  good  will*."  So 
 preach  the  Homilies  upon  the  misery  of  all  man- 
 kind :  "  We  are  of  ourselves  very  sinful,  wretched, 
 and  damnable  ; — not  able  either  to  think  a  good 
 thought,  or  work  a  good  deed,  so  that  we  can 
 find  in  ourselves  no  hope  of  salvation,  but  rather 
 
 *  Articles  IX.  X. 
 
H/2         ON  PRAYER  FOR   SPECIAL  GRACE 
 
 whatsoever  maketh  unto  our  destruction."  Thus 
 therefore;  we  eonfess  upon  our  knees,  "  There  is 
 no  health  in  us : — From  thee,  O  God,  all  holy 
 desires,  all  good  counsels,  and  all  just  works  do 
 proceed: — We  have  no  power  of  ourselves  to 
 help  ourselves: — Of  thine  only  gift  it  cometh, 
 that  thy  faithful  people  do  unto  thee  true  and 
 laudable  service : — The  frailty  of  man  without 
 thee  cannot  but  fall  : — Forasmuch  as  without 
 thee  we  are  not  able  to  please  thee, — stir  up,  ym 
 beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  the  wills  of  thy  faithful 
 people  *. 
 
 We  rest  not  the  proof  of  these  principles  upon 
 the  positions  and  dogmas  of  our  church  :  but  we- 
 boast  that  she  is  in  perfect  harmony  with  pro- 
 phets and  apostles.  All  the  sacred  writers  speak^ 
 the  same  language :  all  represent  man  in  his  fallen 
 unrenewed  state  as  being  a  without  strength  :*' 
 and  all  the  ancient  saints,  most  eminent  for  holi- 
 ness, ascribe  their  best  obedience  and  attainments 
 to  the  efficacious  agency  of  the  divine  Spirit. 
 Their  devout  acknowledgments  are,  "  We  are 
 not  sufficient  of  ourselves  to  think  airy  thing  as 
 of  ourselves ; — but  by  the.  grace  of  God  we  are 
 what  we  are  f" 
 
 The  truth  is,  man  has  lost  his  spiritual  vigour, 
 his  ability  to  yield  that  obedience,  which  the 
 righteous  law  of  God  demands.  .  Such  is  no\# 
 
 *  Liturgy.  f  1  Car.  xv.  10.     2  Cor.  iii.  5. 
 
TO   KEEP   THE   COMMANDMENTS.  273 
 
 the  perversion  of  his  will,  that  he  exceedingly 
 dislikes  what  he  ought  to  love,  and  feels  a  strong 
 propensity  to  evil.  This  his  want  of  power  to 
 perform  his  duty,  is  no  other  than  his  wicked- 
 ness. "  The  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God: 
 for  it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God,  neither 
 indeed  can  be.  So  then  they  that  are  in  the  flesh 
 cannot  please  God  *."  This  corrupt  bias  must 
 be  corrected,  and  a  different  direction  given.  A 
 new  and  holy  principle  must  be  implanted  in  the 
 heart,  before  any  acceptable  service  can  be  ren- 
 dered to  the  Lord.  Those,  therefore,  who  un° 
 feignedly  desire  and  endeavour  to  keep  his  com- 
 mandments, are  "  his  workmanship,  created  in 
 Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works  f ." 
 
 But  the  regenerate  themselves  feel  and  lament 
 their  inability  to  do  good.  They  stand  in  need 
 of  the  constant  communication  of  a  divine  in- 
 fluence to  excite  and  maintain  in  them  all  right 
 affections,  to  invigorate  their  holy  purposes,  to 
 animate  and  support  them  in  all  exertions  of 
 duty.  They  are  fc  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in 
 the  power  of  his  might  J."  Then  they  gird 
 themselves  with  ardour  to  the  work  assigned 
 them,  they  account  his  service  the  most  perfect 
 freedom,  and  with  enlarged  hearts  they  run  the 
 way  of  his  commandments.  But  they  are  still 
 deeply   conscious  of  their   own  weakness,   and 
 
 *  Rom.  viii.  7,  8.         f  Eph.  ii.  10.         J  Eph.  vi.  10. 
 VOL.  III.  T 
 
2/4     ON  PRAYER  FOR  SPECIAL  GRACE 
 
 dread  the  thought  of  being  left  one  moment  to 
 the  devices  and  desires  of  their  own  hearts.  Such 
 is  their  remaining  depravity,  they  know  that  to 
 be  deserted  of  God  is  to  be  abandoned  to  all 
 manner  of  evil :  and  while  they  persevere  in 
 righteousness,  and  are  kept  from  their  own  ini- 
 quity, they  ascribe  it  entirely  to  the  power  of 
 God,  "  which  worketh  in  them  mightily."  Each 
 one  is  ready  to  exclaim  with  humble  gratitude, 
 "  Not  I,  but  the  grace  of  God  which  is  with  me." 
 
 Do  any  wonder  at  this  representation  and  think 
 that  obedience  to  the  law  is  easy?  Do  they  boast 
 of  their  sufficiency,  and  pride  themselves  in  their 
 own  goodness  ?  We  cannot  but  consider  them  as 
 betraying  their  ignorance.  They  attend  not  to 
 the  secret  workings  of  their  minds  •,  or  else  they 
 would  perceive  innumerable  corruptions,  in 
 thought,  desire,  and  temper,  defiling  their  duties, 
 and  rendering  them  offensive  to  God.  But  they 
 are  not  aware  of  his  purity,  and  the  extensive 
 nature  of  that  holiness,  which  He  requires:  there- 
 fore they  are  satisfied  with  their  own  perform- 
 ances, and  lament  not  the  want  or  defect  of  spi- 
 ritual principles  and  affections.  O  dread  so  fatal 
 a  presumption  ! 
 
 The  statement  here  given  of  man's  inability 
 may  seem  to  have  a  bad  tendency,  as  if  it  would 
 damp  all  religious  ardour,  and  check  every  effort 
 to  do  well.  But  in  fact  it  will  only  prevent  mis- 
 chievous errors  :  it  will  mortify  the  proud,  but  it 
 
TO  KEEP  THE  COMMANDMENTS.  £75 
 
 "will  direct  the  penitent  to  the  only  proper  re- 
 medy.    We  add  therefore, 
 
 III.  We  should  fervently  implore  that  aid, 
 which  alone  can  be  effectual.  An  adequate  pro- 
 vision is  made  for  our  complete  recovery  by  Jesus 
 Christ.  What  we  have  lost,  He  restores;  The 
 strength  we  stand  in  need  of,  He  will  supply. 
 The  Spirit,  which  He  bestows,  reduces  the  rebel 
 to  obedience,  teaches  and  inclines  him  to  love 
 the  law,  which  he  once  hated,  and  enables  hirn 
 to  persevere  in  a  course  of  holy  subjection  to  the 
 divine  will.  This  is  called  "grace:"  it  pro- 
 ceeds from  the  free  mercy,  the  undeserved  favour, 
 of  God,  and  is  altogether  a  gift,  imparted  gratui- 
 tously, without  any  pretensions  to  merit  in  the 
 receiver.  This  Ci  power  of  Christ,"  communicat- 
 ing spiritual  assistance,  is  so  denominated  in  that 
 answer  of  peace,  which  St.  Paul  obtained  from 
 him,  "  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee :  for  my 
 strength  is  made  perfect  in  weakness*." 
 
 Our  Catechism  terms  it  "  special  grace;" 
 and  not  without  important  instruction.  It  is 
 "  exceeding  abundant :"  it  is  an  "  unspeakable 
 giftf."  It  is  an  influence  of  a  special  kind, 
 totally  distinct  from  all  others,  and  far  exceeding 
 them  in  value.  There  is  a  restraint  imposed 
 upon  wicked  men,  whereby  their  vile  affections 
 are  checked,  but  not  subdued;  they  are  prevented 
 
 *  2  Cor,  xiL  g,  f  1  Tim.  i.  14.    2  Cor.  ix.  15. 
 
 T   2 
 
27^    &U  PRAYER  FOR  SPECIAL  GRACE 
 
 from  accomplishing  their  evil  purposes,  and  thejr 
 stand  in  awe  of  God  and  his  people,  whom  yet 
 they  continue  to  hate.  Such  was  "  the  fear1' 
 which  fell  upon  the  ancient  Canaanitcs,  and  upon 
 all  the  kingdoms  round  about  Jehoshaphat  *  : 
 And  by  a  similar  impression  upon  the  minds  of 
 the  most  abandoned ^among  ourselves,  the  peace 
 mid  good  order  of  society  are  preserved.  But 
 this  produces  no  righteous  principle  in  the  heart, 
 no  real  obedience  to  the  commandments  of  God. 
 His  special  grace  does  more  than  overawe  and 
 restrain  ;  it  renews  and  sanctifies  the  soul,  it  im- 
 plants and  cherishes  holy  dispositions,  it  excites 
 and  animates  to  diligence  and  perseverance  in 
 God's  service,  and  communicates  sufficient 
 strength  and  vigour  to  surmount  the  difficulties 
 attending  it.  By  this  alone  the  statutes  of  hea- 
 ven are  truly  regarded,  loved,  and  obeyed. 
 
 It  is  special  grace,  because,  though  the  calls 
 and  invitations  are  given  to  men  in  general,  this 
 is  the  exclusive  privilege  and  possession  of  the 
 redeemed  of  the  Lord.  However  others  may  re- 
 reive  what  has  been  termed  common  grace,  by 
 which  their  conduct  may  be  rendered  decent  and 
 regular,  these  persons  are  chosen  and  separated 
 and  discriminated  from  the  world,  and  by  this 
 strong  and  holy  influence,  we  are  considering, 
 their  character  is  marked  and  determined.    They 
 
 *  Exod.  xv.  16.    xxiii.  2/.     Deut.  ii.  25.     xi.  25, 
 2  Chron.  xx.  29. 
 
TO  KEEP   THE  COMMANDMENTS.  2J7 
 
 are  therefore  (i  a  special,  and  a  peculiar  people,, 
 redeemed  and  purified,  zealous  of  good  works  *?* 
 "  They  which  be  endued  with  so  excellent  a 
 benefit  of  God,  be  called  according  to  God's  pur- 
 pose by  his  Spirit  working  in  due  season  :  they 
 through  grace  obey  the  calling  :  they  bo  justified 
 freely :  they  be  made  sons  of  God  by  adoption  : 
 they  be  made  like  the  image  of  his  only  begotten 
 Son  Jesus  Christ :  they  walk  religiously  in  good 
 works,  and  at  length,  by  God's  mercy,  they  at- 
 tain to  everlasting  felicity f." 
 
 It  is  our  direction  and  encouragement,  that  the 
 favour  is  bestowed  in  answer  to  prayer.  ft  Our 
 heavenly  Father  will  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to 
 them  that  ask  Him  J.'1  We  therefore  beseech 
 Him,  "  that  as  by  his  special  grace  preventing 
 us  He  doth  put  into  our  minds  good  desires,  so 
 by  his  continual  help  we  may  bring  the  same  to 
 good  effect  §."  For  this  divine  and  effectual 
 influence  to  fit  him  for  and  support  him  in  a 
 course  of  holy  obedience,  the  Psalmist  offered  up 
 his  ardent  supplications  :  **  Make  me  to  go  in 
 the  path  of  thy  commandments ; — incline  my 
 heart  unto  thy  testimonies  ; — hold  thou  me  up, 
 and  I  shall  be  safe ;  and  I  will  have  respect  unto 
 thy  statutes  continually  ||."  In  like  manner  we 
 should  implore  the  blessing,  not  presume  upon 
 
 *  Dent.  vii.  6.     Titus  ii.  14.     1  Pet.  ii.  Q.       f  Art.  XVII- 
 
 £  Luke  xi.  13.  §  Collect"  for  Easier  Da  v. 
 
 ij  Psalm  cxi*.  35,  3.0,  117. 
 
278  ON  PRAYER  FOR  SPECIAL  GRACE 
 
 the  promise  in  the  neglect  of  appointed  means, 
 nor  wait  for  it  with  indolent  expectation.  ef  We 
 must  learn  at  all  times  to  call  for  it  by  diligent 
 prayer." 
 
 This  may  be  a  suitable  occasion  for  entering 
 upon  the  consideration  of  the  great  duty  of 
 prayer ;  and  the  present  essay  is  intended  to  be 
 an  introduction  to  a  practical  exposition  of  that 
 form  of  words,  which  our  Lord  has  taught  us. 
 For  the  present  let  us  briefly  remark 
 
 1.  Our  obligations  to  the  duty.     The  voice  of 
 reason  and  that  of  revelation  join  to  enforce  it. 
 Are  we  the  workmanship  of  an  almighty  Being  ? 
 and  are  we  every  moment  dependent  upon  Him 
 for  "  life,  and  breath,  and  all  things  ?"    It  must 
 appear  "  meet  and  right  and  our  bounden  duty" 
 humbly  to  acknowledge  our  relation  to  Him,  and 
 supplicate  his  aid.     Prayer  is  a  proper  expression 
 of  our  reliance  upon  the  God  of  providence.    But 
 it  is  the  more  necessary  on  account  of  our  sinful 
 character.     When  we  know  what  we  are,  and  to 
 what  we   are  exposed,   as  guilty,   polluted,  de- 
 praved, and  miserable  creatures,  can  we  forbear 
 supplicating  forgiveness  and  help  from  heaven  ? 
 To  this  the  sacred  scriptures  every  where  direct 
 and  encourage  us.     tc  Seek  ye  the  Lord, — call  ye 
 upon  him:— In  every  thing  by  prayer  and   sup- 
 plication, with  thanksgiving  let  your  requests  be 
 made  known  unto  God  *." 
 
 *  Isaiah  lv.  6.     Phil.  iv.  (). 
 
TO  KEEP   THE  COMMANDMENTS.  279 
 
 Do  we  stand  in  need  of  arguments  to  incite  its 
 to  the  practice  ?  Let  us  listen  to  those  gracious 
 promises,  which  ensure  its  success,  and  to  the 
 testimony  of  those  who  have  tried  and  experienced 
 its  efficacy.  "  I  say  unto  you,  Ask,  and  it  shall 
 be  given  you ;  seek,  and  ye  shall  find ;  knock, 
 and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you.  For  every  one 
 that  asketh,  receiveth  ;  and  he  that  seeketh,  find- 
 eth ;  and  to  him  that  knocketh,  it  shall  be  open- 
 ed *;"  Such  was  the  promise,  and  thousands 
 can  thus  witness  its  completion ;  "  In  the  day 
 when  I  cried,  thou  answeredst  me ;  and  strength  - 
 enedst  me  with  strength  in  my  soul  f ."  Do  we 
 not  hear  a  voice  from  heaven  addressing  us, 
 <c  Draw  nigh  to  God,  and  He  will  draw  nigh  to 
 you  J  ?"  And  shall  we  not  thankfully  embrace 
 the  offer,  and  rejoice  to  participate  the  high  pri- 
 vilege ?  Prayer  will  introduce  us  into  the  presence 
 of  almighty  God,  and  enable  us  to  maintain  com- 
 munion with  him.  It  will  give  us  access  to  him 
 with  such  confidence,  that  by  "  the  Spirit  of 
 adoption"  we  may  cry,  "  Abba,  Father  §  :"  it 
 will  open  to  us  the  very  portals  of  heaven,  so  that 
 by  faith  we  may  behold  f6  the  glory  which  shall 
 be  revealed." 
 
 It  is  God's  appointed  method,  we  observe,  for 
 our  reception  and  enjoyment  of  all  the  blessings 
 of  salvation..     In  this  way  only  may  we  expect  to 
 
 *  Luke  xi.  g,  10.  f  Psalm  exxxviii.  3. 
 
 %  James  iv.  8.  §  Romans  viii.  15. 
 
2S0     ON  PLAYER  FOR  SPECIAL  GKACE 
 
 obtain  pardon  and  peace  with  Him :  thus  only 
 shall  we  make  progress  in  the  divine  life,  and  be 
 growing  in  holiness.  Our  vigour  and  ability  for 
 the  work  assigned  us,  our  patient  and  steadfast 
 perseverance  through  trials  and  temptations,  de- 
 pend on  our  devout  and  continued  applications 
 to  God  for  them.  That li  special  grace  of  God/' 
 by  which  alone  we  shall  be  supported  in  his  ser- 
 vice, we  must  supplicate  with  ardent  petitions, 
 and  it  will  not  be  withheld  from  us.  The  sub- 
 ject will  be  more  largely  considered  in  com- 
 menting upon  the  Lord's  prayer:  we  now  remark 
 only 
 
 2.  The  manner  of  performing  the  duty.  Alas! 
 It  is  but  little  understood  or  attended  to.  Among 
 many  there  is  an  avowed  and  atheistical  profane- 
 nessand  impiety:  they  live  "  without  God  in  the 
 world."  But  even  with  those,  who  retain  a  sem- 
 blance of  religion,  we  have  to  lament  the  preva- 
 lence of  indifference  and  sloth,  of  formality  and 
 hypocrisy.  Against  these  our  catechetical  exhor- 
 tation will  suggest  very  suitable  cautions:  "  Thou 
 must  learn  at  all  times  to  call  for  God's  special 
 grace  by  diligent  prayer." 
 
 It  is  never  to  be  intermitted :  no  circumstances 
 will  justify  its  neglect  or  suspension.  It  is  to  be 
 carried  on  with  constant  perseverance,  through 
 all  difficulties  and  discouragements,  to  the  end  of 
 life.  For  our  general  necessities  and  obligations 
 will  remain  the  same,  under  every  change  of 
 7 
 
TO  KEEP   THE   COMMANDMENTS.  281 
 
 situation  and  experience,  till  our  distresses  and 
 conflicts  are  all  terminated.  Thus  our  Lord 
 <(  spake  a  parable,  to  this  end,  that  men  ought 
 always  to  pray,  and  not  to  faint,"  teaching 
 us  that  by  our  incessant  applications  we  shall 
 eventually  succeed  *."  So  we  are  instructed  by 
 his  apostle,  to  "  continue  instant  in  prayer," — to 
 "  pray  always  with  all  prayer  and  supplication 
 in  the  Spirit,  and  watching  thereunto  with  all 
 perseverance  i" — to  u  pray  without  ceasing  j-." 
 Is  our  practice  consistent  with  these  injunctions? 
 Are  not  habits  of  devotion  rare  ?  Or  do  they  not 
 suffer  sad  interruptions  ?  We  are  discouraged  by 
 temptations  through  the  incursions  of  an  enemy, 
 by  our  own  manifold  infirmities  and  corruptions, 
 by  the  apparent  denial,  or  rather  by  the  delay  of 
 our  requests.  What  is  this  but  to  "  be  wearied 
 and  faint  in  our  minds  ?" 
 
 We  shall  succeed  only  "  by  diligent  pray- 
 er." God  will  have  his  favours  to  t  valued; 
 and  therefore  he  may  chiiSfc  to  withhold  them  for 
 a  time,  till  we  esteem  them  niore  highly,  and 
 solicit  them  more  earnest!  \  Where  there  is  no 
 desire  for  spiritual  g1 ace,  there  can  be  no  prayer. 
 Where  the  desire  is  languid,  the  petition  will  not 
 be  "  fervent,"  a*i d- will  ftot  "avail  much,"  Let 
 us  be  roused  from  our  torpor,  and  not  be  satisfied 
 with  mere  professions  oi  the  lips,  to  which 
 
 *  Luke  xvi  .i.  i — 8 
 f  Rom.  xii.  12.     Eph.  vi.  13.     i  Thess.  v 
 
•2S'2  ON  PRAYER  FOR  SPECIAL  GRACE 
 
 hearts  do  not  accord.  All  the  faculties  of  our 
 souls  should  be  engaged  in  the  service  \  and  we 
 should  chide  ourselves  upon  every  appearance  of 
 languor.  For  though  the  blessings  of  God  are 
 bestowed  gratuitously,  yet  will  "diligent  prayer," 
 as  it  were,  wrest  them  out  of  his  hands.  Not- 
 withstanding his  seeming  reluctance  to  impart 
 them,  he  will  allow  himself  to  be  overcome  by 
 our  intenseness  and  importunity.  So  we  are 
 taught  by  the  example  of  a  patriarch  to  wrestle 
 with  God  in  our  supplications :  and  while  we 
 resolve  with  Jacob,  "  I  will  not  let  thee  go,  ex- 
 cept thou  bless  me,"  we  shall  doubtless  "  have 
 power  and  prevail*." 
 
 It  must  not  be  forgotten,  that  our  applications 
 for  "  special  grace"  must  ever  be  made  in  faith. 
 We  must  maintain  a  continual  regard  to  Jesus 
 Christ,  who  hath  opened  and  consecrated  for  us. 
 the  way  of  access  to  God,  and  who  is  himself 
 both  the  procurer  and  the  bestower  of  the  bless- 
 ing. Through  the  blood  of  his  sacrifice  the 
 fierce  anger  of  the  Lord  is  turned  away;  and  He 
 now  "  waits  to  be  gracious."  This  is  the  sole 
 foundation  of  all  our  hope  in  prayer ;  this  the 
 only  plea,  which  can  secure  us  a  favourable  au- 
 dience. Those,  who  presume  to  come,  (c  trust- 
 ing in  themselves  that  they  are  righteous/'  or  neg- 
 lecting  the   *'  one  mediator  between  God  and 
 
 *  Gen.  xxxii.  'M— 30.     Hosea  xii.  4. 
 
TO  KEEP  THE   COMMANDMENTS.  Q,83 
 
 men/'  shall  be  rejected  for  their  pride  of  unbelief. 
 The  vigour  and  progress  of  a  Christian  result 
 from  his  union  with  Christ ;  and  that  union  is 
 maintained  by  a  continual  reliance  upon  him. 
 "  He  lives  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God  ;"  and 
 this  life  of  faith  is  carried  on  and  manifested  by 
 prayer  offered  up  in  his  name. 
 
 Have  we  learned  this  great  secret  of  vital  and 
 practical  Christianity?  Is  our  eye  directed  unto 
 Jesus  ?  Are  we  renouncing  every  other  depend- 
 ence but  the  blood  of  his  cross  ?  Under  a  deep 
 sense  of  our  need,  are  we  applying  to  him  con- 
 tinually for  fresh  communications  of  his  Spirit  ? 
 For  "  no  man  cometh  unto  the  Father,  but  by 
 Him." — "  Seeing  then  that  we  have  a  great 
 High-priest,  that  is  passed  into  the  heavens, 
 Jesus,  the  Son  of  God, — let  us  come  boldly  unto 
 the  throne  of  grace,  that  we  may  obtain  mercy, 
 and  find  grace  to  help  in  time  of  need  *." 
 
 *  Tohnxiv.  6.    Heb.  iv.  14,  16. 
 
ESSAY   LXXVJL 
 
 ON    THE     LORD  S    PRAYER, 
 
 THE  INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The  Lord's  Prayer,  delivered  by  Jesus  Christ,  was 
 intended  loth  as  a  model  and  as  a  form, — The 
 introduction  is  calculated  to  produce  love  and  re- 
 verence.— We  address  God  as  a  father,  which 
 He  is  by  creation,  and  by  adoption; — as  our  Father, 
 because  we  should  fray  both  for  and  with  others  5 
 — and  as  being  in  Heaven,  which  is  the  throne 
 of  Ins  Majesty,  and  where  Christ  intercedes 
 for  ns. 
 
 The  word  of  God  is  intended  to  direct  and  re- 
 gulate our  conduct  in  all  the  varied  circumstances 
 and  duties  of  life.  It  opens  to  us  our  manifold 
 obligations,  and  explains  the  way  in  which  those 
 obligations  should  be  discharged.  Whilst  it 
 commands  us  to  pray,  it  teaches  us  in  what 
 manner,  and  even  in  what  language,  our  petitions 
 should  be  offered  up  to  almighty  God.  The 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ  has  condescended  to  give  us 
 
OX    THE    INTRODUCTION,    CCC. 
 
 ■fe>9 
 
 very  minute  instructions  upon  this  subject.  la 
 compassion  to  our  infirmities,  He  has  taught  as 
 how  we  ought  to  pray,  what  blessings  we  should 
 solicit,  and  what  words  we  should  make  use  of. 
 It  is  of  universal  importance,  that  these  instruc- 
 tions be  kept  in  view,  and  the  words  so  provided 
 be  clearly  understood  and  seriously  considered. 
 While  therefore  they  are  brought  before  us,  let 
 them  occupy  our  most  devout  meditations. 
 
 On  two  occasions  at  least  the  Saviour  delivered 
 that  most  excellent  address  to  the  Father,  which 
 from  its  divine  original  is  properly  called  The 
 Lord's  Prayer.  In  his  sermon  on  the  mount, 
 when  suggesting  general  directions  for  the  duty,  he 
 said,  "  After  this  manner  pray  ye  * :"  from  which 
 we  conclude,  that  he  intended  it  as  a  general  and 
 perfect  pattern,  and  that  our  petitions  should  be 
 framed  according  to  this  model.  But  we  do  not 
 conceive  it  was  meant  to  impose  such  a  restric- 
 tion and  limitation,  that  no  other  expression 
 should  be  used,  nor  any  favour  implored,  except 
 what  is  here  distinctly  mentioned.  It  comprises 
 indeed  within  itself  a  greater  extent  and  fulness 
 of  matter,  than  any  other  composition  of  equal 
 brevity:  and  it  would  be  difficult  to  say,  what 
 scriptural  petition  we  could  put  up  cither  for 
 ourselves  or  others,  which  is  not  implied  at  lea; 
 and    virtually    contained    in    this   praver.     V. 
 
 •    .Matt,  vi.  9, 
 
£80  ON    THE    INTRODUCTION 
 
 however  comprehensive  it  is,  we  are  not  forbidden 
 to  enlarge  upon  it,  or  to  represent  our  wants  and 
 desires  in  a  variety  of  language:  for  so  did  the 
 apostles,  and  such  has  been  the  usage  of  the 
 church  in  every  age. 
 
 But  it  is  not  only  a  model  to  direct  us,  it  should 
 also  be  considered  as  a  form :  so  that  we  should 
 frequently,  though  not  constantly,  approach  to 
 God  with  the  very  words  prescribed  to  us,  and 
 not  merely  according  to  their  meaning  and  ge- 
 neral tenor.  For  on  another  occasion,  when 
 one  of  his  disciples  said  unto  him,  <e  Lord,  teach 
 us  to  pray,  as  John  also  taught  his  disciples/* 
 expecting  probably  that  his  followers  should  be 
 distinguished  by  an  appropriate  form,  our  Lord 
 replied,  "  When  ye  pray,  say*."  The  inference 
 is  obvious:  it  is  to  be  retained  in  the  church  of 
 Christ ;  and  by  these  very  expressions  we  should 
 make  known  our  requests  unto  God.  It  has  been 
 thought  indeed  to  be  intended  only  for  the  dis- 
 ciples during  their  Master's  continuance  with 
 them,  and  to  be  peculiarly  adapted  to  their  cir- 
 cumstances. But  such  a  limitation  of  its  use  is 
 not  justified  by  any  one  consideration,  not  by  its 
 general  purport,  or  by  any  particular  petition.  It 
 is  a  prayer  of  universal  application;  and,  though 
 it  has  sometimes  been  profaned  by  a  superstitious 
 repetition,  yet  such  is  its  wisdom,  its  excellence-, 
 
 *  Luke  xi.  2, 
 
TO    THE    LORD  S    PRAYER.  28/ 
 
 and  comprehension,  it  is  always  proper,  and 
 seems  to  confer  a  sanctity  upon  our  other  devo- 
 tions, when  added  to  them. 
 
 How  many  are  ignorant  of  its  contents  !  many, 
 who  have  been  taught  it  from  their  youth,  and 
 who  are  daily  taking  it  into  their  mouths,  have 
 no  clear  conception  of  its  meaning'!  many,  we 
 fear,  hurry  over  the  words,  with  a  listless  or  a 
 distracted  mind,  without  any  holy  desires  or 
 affections  !  Is  this  to  "  worship  God  in  spirit 
 and  in  truth  ?"  Can  it  be  an  acceptable  service 
 unto  Him  ?  May  we  not  justly  dread  his  con- 
 demnation for  such  mockery  ?  But  those,  who 
 most  earnestly  wish  to  be  informed  how  they 
 ought  to  pray,  and  what  they  should  ask  for, 
 should  apply  themselves  with  reverence  and  hu- 
 mility to  the  study  of  the  subject  now  before  us ; 
 while  Jesus  Christ  himself  condescends  to  be 
 their  teacher. 
 
 The  prayer  opens  with  an  Introduction,  con- 
 taining a  solemn  address  to  God,  Ci  Our  Father, 
 which  art  in  heaven."  Such  an  appeal  to 
 the  almighty  Sovereign  is  calculated  to  produce 
 in  us  filial  love  and  dependence,  mixed  and  tem- 
 pered with  an  awful  veneration  and  fear,  from 
 the  twofold  consideration  of  his  grace  and  glory, 
 his  condescension  and  majesty.  It  may  excite 
 confidence  and  joy,  but  it  will  check  every  dis- 
 position to  familiarity  and  presumption.  He  is 
 our  Father,  and  yet  in  heaven.     It  may  be 
 
2SS  ON    THE    INTRODUCTION 
 
 always  profitable,  in  the  beginning  of  our  devo- 
 tions to  enumerate  some  parts  of  the  character, 
 the  works,  or  perfections  of  Jehovah,  the  serious 
 contemplation  of  which  will  tend  to  draw  forth 
 proper  and  vigorous  affections  towards  Himv 
 Thus  did  the  ancient  saiats  * ;  and  thus  we  are 
 here  instructed  to  do. 
 
 1.  We  address  the  Lord  God  as  a  Father. 
 He  stands  in  that  relation  to  all  men  as  their 
 creator  and  preserver,  calling  them  into  existence 
 ■  ist,  and  still  upholding  them  by  the  word  of 
 his  power.  cc  Have  we  not  all  one  Father  ?  Hath 
 not  one  God  created  us  P1' — "  We  are  his  off- 
 spring;— for  in  Him  we  live,  and  move,  and 
 have  our  being  f."  This  is  a  general  style,  in 
 which  the  whole  human  race  may  and  should 
 join,  to  acknowledge  their  dependence  upon  him: 
 and  in  this  character  he  claims  the  reverence, 
 love,  and  obedience  of  every  individual.  But  is 
 he  so  regarded  ?  Have  we,  have  all  others,  be- 
 haved to  him,  as  obedient  children  ?  If  we  de- 
 spise his  authority,  and  habitually  violate  his 
 precepts,  we  are  only  insulting  him  by  calling 
 him  our  Father.  He  complains  of  such  mockery: 
 u  A  son  honoureth  his  father; — \i  then  I  be  a 
 Father,  where  is  mine  honour  J?"  He  has  been 
 kind  and  liberal,  as  the  most  indulgent  parent ; 
 
 *  See  2  Kings  xix.  15.     Jer.  xxxii.  I1/.     Dan.  ix.  4, 
 f  Mai.  ii.  10.     Acts  xvii.  28.  +  Mai.  i.  6. 
 
TO    THE    LORDS    PRAYER.  280 
 
 but  we  have  been  undutiful  and  rebellious.  We 
 have  therefore  forfeited  all  right  and  title  to  his 
 favour ;  we  are  obnoxious  to  his  displeasure ; 
 end  are  considered  as  exiled  from  his  family : 
 "  We  were  by  nature  children  of  wrath,  even  as 
 others  V' 
 
 But  there  is  a  gracious  restoration  by  Jesus 
 .Christ:   and  through  his  merciful  interposition 
 the  Lord  God  is  the  Father  of  all  them  that  be- 
 lieve.    It  is  therefore  their  high  and  exclusive 
 privilege  to  approach  him  with  this  endearing 
 compellation,  with  filial  love,  and  in  full  confi- 
 dence of  his  parental  care  and  affection.     Being 
 redeemed  by  Christ,  they  "  receive  the  adoption 
 of  sons :"  and  by  the  regenerating  influence  of 
 the  Spirit  they  return  to  him  with  a  deep  sense 
 of  their  obligations,  and  feel  the  most  dutiful 
 regards.    The  Saviour  "  giveth  power  to  become 
 the  sons  of  God,  even  to  them  that  believe  on  his 
 name;  who  are  born,  not  of  blood,   nor  of  the 
 will  of  the  flesh,  nor  of  the  will  of  man.  but  of 
 God." — "  As  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of 
 God,  they  ate  the  sons  of  God  :" — and  "  they 
 receive  the  Spirit  of  adoption,  whereby  they  cry, 
 Abba,   Father."     The  Lord  graciously  acknow- 
 ledges the  relation ;  and  u  the  Spirit  itself  beareth 
 witness  with  their  spirit,  that  they  are  the  children 
 of  God  f." 
 
 *  Eph.  ii.  3  f  John  i,  12,  13.     Rom.  Viii.  14— 2  S. 
 
 VOL.   IH,  V 
 
290  ON    THE    INTRODUCTION 
 
 These  are  the  favoured  people,  who  can  pray 
 as  here  directed,  and  this  is  the  foundation  of 
 their  confidence.     "  Through  Jesus  Christ  they 
 have  access  by  one  Spirit  unto  the  Father*." 
 Shall  we  not  pause  in  admiration  of  this  unpa- 
 ralleled  condescension   and   grace  ?     "  Behold, 
 what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath  bestowed 
 upon  us,  that  we  should  be  called  the  sons  of. 
 Godf!"     It  is  an  exertion  of  infinite  power,  as 
 well  as  mercy:   for  by  what  other  means  "  shall 
 he  put  us  among  the  children  J  ?" — "  That  he 
 should  take  aliens  and  strangers  near  to  himself, 
 and  adopt  enemies  and  rebels  into  his  family, 
 register  their  names  in  the  book  of  life,  make 
 them  heirs  of  glory,  and  co-heirs  with  his  own 
 eternal  Son, —  this  is  both    mercy   and  miracle 
 together  §." 
 
 With  what  enlarged  expectations,  then,  may 
 believers  approach  to  the  throne  of  grace  !  Re- 
 garding God  as  your  Father,  what  may  you  not 
 look  for  at  his  hands  ?  He  will  pity,  he  will 
 relieve  your  wants.  "  The  Father  of  mercies'* 
 cannot  be  less  tender  than  a  man.  And  "  what 
 man  is  there  of  you,  whom  if  his  son  ask  bread, 
 will  he  give  him  a  stone  ?  Or  if  he  ask  a  fish, 
 will  he  give  him  a  serpent  ?  If  ye  then,  being 
 evil,   know  how  to  give  good  gifts  unto  your 
 
 *  Eph.  ii.  18.  f  1  John  iii.  1.  +  Jer.  iii.  19„ 
 
 i  §  Bishop  Hopkins. 
 
TO    THE    fcORD  S    PRAYED.  2()1 
 
 children,  how  much  more  shall  your  Father 
 which  is  in  heaven  give  good  things  to  them  that 
 ask  him*!" — w  O  Christian,  is  not  God  thy 
 Father  ?  Go  and  boldly  lay  open  thy  case  to 
 him,  and  his  bowels  will  certainly  yearn  towards 
 thee.  Why  shouldst  thou  go  so  dejected  and 
 disconsolate,  who  hast  a  Father  so  able  and  so 
 willing  to  relieve  and  supply  thee  ?  Only  ask 
 what  is  for  thy  good,  and  thou  shalt  surely  re- 
 ceive itf;" — What,  though  you  have  departed 
 from  him ;  recollect  his  name,  and  while  ashamed 
 of  having  offended  so  tender  a  parent,  encourage 
 the  hope,  that  he  will  not  finally  abandon  you. 
 Determine  with  the  prodigal,  "  I  will  arise,  and 
 go  to  my  father,  and  will  say  unto  him,  Father, 
 I  have  sinned  J :"  and  he  will  "  heal  your  back- 
 slidings,"  and  give  you  renewed  assurances  of  his 
 love. 
 
 But  with  these  lively  expectations  in  prayer, 
 be  solicitous  also  to  possess  every  filial  disposi- 
 tion. While  you  address  Jehovah  as  your  Father, 
 learn  to  reverence  his  authority,  to  submit  to  his 
 disposal,  to  believe  his  promises,  to  delight  in  his 
 presence,  and  cheerfully  to  execute  his  com- 
 mands. As  his  dear  children,  you  should  endea- 
 vour to  walk  before  him  "  unto  all  pleasing," 
 from  gratitude  and  love,  and  in  every  respect  to 
 conduct  yourselves  as  becomes  that  high  and 
 
 *  Matt,  vii,  g— H,         |  BP-  Hopkins.         X  Luke  xv.  18. 
 
'2Q2  ON    THE    INTRODUCTION 
 
 honourable  relation,  to  which  you  are  called.  If 
 God  be  your  Father,  you  will  in  your  measure 
 resemble  him,  and  be  concerned  for  the  promo- 
 tion of  his  glory.  Thus  will  your  prayers  con- 
 tinually remind  you  of  your  obligations  to 
 holiness,  and,  while  they  enliven  your  hopes, 
 will  increase  your  circumspection  and  diligence 
 in  duty. 
 
 2.  We  arc  taught  individually  to  address  God 
 as  "  our  Father."  There  is  no  reason  to  sup- 
 pose, that  the  Lord's  prayer  was  not  intended  for 
 the  use  of  private  Christians,  as  well  as  of  so- 
 cieties and  congregations:  nor  tvould  it  be  proper 
 to  vary  the  expression  iu  the  solitude  of  the 
 closet,  and  say  "  My  Father."  For  even  when 
 alone,  we  should  remember  the  cases*  of  others, 
 and  solicit  grace  for  them  as  well  as  for  ourselves. 
 Thus  Daniel  in  his  secret  chamber  speaks  to 
 God,  as  the  God  of  his  people,  and  entreats  him 
 in  their  behalf:  "  O  our  God  *  I"  And  while 
 we  are  here  taught  to  regard  the  Lord  as  the 
 universal  Parent,,  we  learn  the  duty  of  interces- 
 sion. We  should  not  be  unmindful  of  any  of 
 our  brethren  in  the  general  mass  of  mankind:  it 
 is  meet  and  right  to  pray  that  i(  all  flesh  may  see 
 the  salvation  of  God."  The  household  of  faith 
 should  be  peculiarly  dear  to  us  ;  and  for  all  our 
 fellow  Christians,  who  are  brethren  of  the  same 
 
 *  Dan.  ix.17. 
 
TO    THE    LORD'S    PRAYER.  2()3 
 
 common  Father,  we  should  offer  up  our  constant 
 petitions.  And  have  we  not  "  brethren  according 
 to  the  flesh,"  our  dear  kindred,  for  whose  happi- 
 ness we  are  especially  concerned  ?  We  should 
 bear  them  upon  our  hearts,  whenever  we  thus 
 pray,  Our  Father,  and  entreat  him  to  be  their 
 God  as  well  as  out's. 
 
 The  expression  however,  as  being  best  adapted 
 to  the  use  of  persons  associated  together  to  solicit 
 the  same   blessings,  reminds  us   of  the  duty  of 
 public  worship.     We   should  pray  in  company 
 with  those  of  the  same  household,   both  in  the 
 family  and  in  the  church  :  for  our  general  obli- 
 gations and   necessities  are    the   same,    and   we 
 should  join  with  one  heart  and  mouth  in  adoring 
 and  supplicating  our  common  God  and  Father. 
 "  O  come,  let  us  worship  and  bow  down  :  let  us 
 kneel  before  the  Lord  our  Maker:   for  He  is  our 
 God,  and  we  are  the  people  of  his  pasture  *:** 
 But  is  not  the  house  of  God  neglected  ?     Do 
 not  vast  multitudes  of  nominal  Christians  habi- 
 tually absent  themselves  from  all  christian  con- 
 gregations ?     What  proof  then  do  they  give,  of 
 their  calling  upon  the  Father  ?     Their  practice 
 is  no  other  than  a  virtual  denial  of  their  depen- 
 dence upon   him   in   this   relation.     The  social 
 worship  of  those,   who  dwell   under  the  same 
 roof,    is    still    less    frequent.      It    is    shamefully 
 
 *  Psalm  xcv.  6,  7- 
 
294  0N    THE    INTRODUCTION 
 
 disused  by  many,  who  yet  profess  a  serious  regard 
 to  religion.  Where  are  the  families,  that  meet 
 together  each  morning  and  evening  for  devo- 
 tional exercises  ?  How  far  are  we  departed  from 
 primitive  Christianity !  So  many  prayerless  houses 
 among  us  exhibit  a  sad  declension.  Those,  who 
 truly  fear  and  love  the  Lord,  will  be  solicitous  to 
 erect  an  altar  for  his  worship  in  their  domestic 
 circles,  and  to  call  on  all  so  intimately  connected 
 with  them  to  join  in  offering  up  the  same  sacri- 
 fices. Thus  only  will  they  act  agreeably  to  the 
 instructions  of  Christ,  conveyed  in  this  prayer, 
 while  with  united  voices  they  cry,  i(  Our 
 Father." 
 
 3.  We  present  our  petitions  to  Him,  as  being 
 u  in  Heaven*"  The  expression  may  seem  to 
 limit  his  residence  and  contradict  his  immensity. 
 It  may  be  asked,  Is  he  not  every  where  present, 
 and  privy  to  the  most  secret  transactions  and 
 desires  of  men  upon  earth  ?  Why  then  are  we 
 taught  to  address  him,  as  in  heaven  ?  Jt  is  true, 
 that  he  is  confined  to  no  place,  neither  can  we 
 hide  ourselves  from  his  all- seeing  eye.  Cf  Behold, 
 heaven,  and  the  heaven  of  heavens  cannot  contain 
 him  *."  But  that  is,  as  it  were,  the  seat  of  his 
 royal  majesty :  it  is  his  throne  f;  where  chiefly 
 he  displays  his  power  and  glory.  There  he  is 
 surrounded  by  innumerable  hosts  of  pure  and 
 
 *  2  Chron.  vi.  18.  f  Isaiah  Ixvi.  I.  * 
 
TO    THE    LORD  S    PRAYER.  2g5 
 
 blessed  spirits,  continually  employed  in  bis  ser- 
 vice. There  as  a  King  he  receives  the  petitions 
 of  his  subjects ;  and  in  our  prayers  we  are  to 
 view  him  there  as  enthroned  on  high,  in  his 
 magnificent  palace,  "  the  habitation  of  his  holi- 
 ness," "  where  his  honour  dwelleth."  What 
 can  be  better  calculated  to  impress  our  minds  with 
 iS  reverence  and  godly  fear,"  and  give  a  solemnity 
 to  our  devotions  ? 
 
 "  In  Heaven"  he  is  represented  as  hearing  and 
 accepting  the  supplications  of  sinful  men  through 
 the  mediation  of  Jesus  Christ.  It  is  there,  that 
 our  great  High  Priest  performs  the  office  of  In- 
 tercessor, and  presents  our  prayers  as  incense 
 before  the  throne.  We  have  no  other  hope  of  a 
 favourable  audience;  and,  while  we  address  the 
 Father  in  Heaven,  it  will  strengthen  and  animate 
 our  faith  to  recollect,  that  there  the  Saviour  sits, 
 "  on  his  right  hand,"  ready  to  plead  our  cause, 
 and  that  he  is  an  all-prevailing  "  Advocate  with 
 the  Father." 
 
 The  consideration  may  teach  us  to  pray  always 
 and  in  every  place.  Wherever  we  are,  heaven 
 is  equally  near  to  us;  and  there  the  Lord  is  upon 
 his  holy  throne,  "  waiting  to  be  gracious"  through 
 the  propitiation  of  his  beloved  Son.  No  situation 
 or  circumstance  can  debar  us  of  the  privilege  of 
 approaching  him.  Not  merely  at  church,  or  upon 
 our  knees,  but  at  all  times  and  from  the  very  ends 
 of  the  earth,  it  is  possible,   it  is  permitted  us3  to 
 
2QG  on  the  introduction 
 
 raise  our  hearts,  and  to  send  up  fervent  ejacula- 
 tions to  the  throne  of  God. — But  if  <c  we  have 
 access  to  the  Father/'  we  should  fix  our  thoughts 
 and  affections  upon  heaven,  where  he  is,  and 
 leave  our  earthly  cares  below.  Otherwise,  how 
 can  we  maintain  communion  with  him  ?  This  is 
 our  difficulty.  "  We  cleave  to  the  dust :"  and  it 
 is  a  work  of  labour,  even  for  the  shortest  time,  to 
 elevate  our  minds  with  devout  desires.  Our 
 worldly  schemes,  our  sordid  covetousness,  or 
 sensual  pleasures  occupy  our  attention,  while  we 
 profess  to  speak  to  that  God,  who  is  in  heaven. 
 What  a  sad  inconsistency  is  this ! 
 
 Viewing  Jehovah  in  his  glorious  habitation,  we 
 shall  possess  our  souls  with  a  reverential  awe  of 
 his  infinite  majesty;  and,  even  while  feeling  the 
 confidence  and  joy  of  faith,  we  shall  be  disposed 
 to  lie  down  in  the  dust  before  him,  with  shame 
 and  confusion  of  face.  For  who  can  stand  before 
 this  holy  Lord  God  ?  Angels  bow  at  his  throne, 
 and  devils  tremble  for  fear  of  him ;  and  shall 
 mortal  men,  shall  sinners,  disregard  him  ?  What 
 means  then  their  profane  contempt,  who  will  not 
 bend  the  knee  at  his  footstool  ?  Or  how  will  the 
 careless  worshipper  justify  his  listless  and  trifling 
 behaviour  in  his  professed  adorations  ?  Shall  we 
 not  dread  the  wrath,  and  supplicate  the  favour,  of 
 the  God  of  heaven  ?  He  is  the  almighty  Sove- 
 reign, who  has  innumerable  hosts  at  his  command ; 
 able  to  save,  and  able  to  destroy.     His  loving- 
 
TO    THE    LORD  S    PRAYER.  QgJ 
 
 kindness  is  better  than  life:  but  his  fury  burns  to 
 the  lowest  hell. 
 
 Yet  "  as  his  majesty  is,  so  is  his  mercy  *."  He 
 has  borne  with  our  heinous  and  innumerable  pro- 
 vocations, and  stiil  spares  us,  though  we  deserve 
 punishment.  He  is  God  and  not  man  :  therefore 
 we  are  not  consumed.  The  God  of  heaven  pro- 
 poses forgiveness,  and  even  solicits  the  rebellious 
 to  be  reconciled  to  him.  He  will  be  a  God  and 
 a  Father  to  us  in  Christ  Jesus.  O  that  we  may 
 indeed  possess  this  high  privilege  !  Then  shall 
 we  pray,  not  with  the  mere  service  of  the  lips, 
 but  with  all  suitable  affections,  and  by  ie  the  Spirit 
 of  adoption"  say,  "  Our  Father,  which  art  in 
 Heaven." — "  And  they  shall  be  mine,  saith  the 
 !Lord  of  hosts,  in  that  day  when  I  make  up  my 
 jewels,  and  I  will  spare  them  as  a  man  spareth 
 his  own  son  that  serveth  him  f." 
 
 *  Ecclus,  ii.  IS,  t  MaL  iii.  J/. 
 
ESSAY  LXXVI1L 
 
 ON    THE   LORD  S    PRAYER. 
 
 THE  FIRST  PETITION. 
 
 God's  glory  should  be  our  first  object.  His  name 
 means  himself, — any  titles  by  which  he  is  made 
 known, — or  any  attributes  of  his  nature.  In  fray- 
 ing that  his  name  may  be  hallowed,  we  desire  that 
 he  may  be  universally  known, — every  where  wor- 
 shipped,— supremely  loved  and  obeyed  by  ourselves y 
 and  by  all  others. 
 
 There  is  no  petition  throughout  the  prayer, 
 which  our  Lord  has  taught  us,  but  what  must 
 meet  the  wishes,  and  be  adapted  to  the  case,  of 
 those  who  love  God,  whatever  may  be  their  cir- 
 cumstances or  condition.  Let  us  beseech  Him, 
 who  dictated  the  words,  to  guide  us  into  their 
 true  meaning,  and  so  to  impress  us  with  their 
 suitableness  and  importance,  that  they  may  be 
 the  genuine  and  undissembled  language  of  our 
 hearts.  We  are  instructed  in  the  first  place  to 
 pray  for  the  manifestation  and  advancement  of 
 the  divine  glory,  and  then  for  the  supply  of  our 
 
ON  THE  FIRST  PETITION,  &C.  1QQ 
 
 own  temporal  and  spiritual  necessities.    Does  not 
 this  teach  us;  what  should  be  our  supreme  desire? 
 Even  that,  which  we  are  directed  to  ask  for,  be- 
 fore we  present  any  other  petition  :  that  the  name 
 of  Jehovah  may  be  hallowed,  or  in  other  words, 
 that  he  may  be  glorified.     Can  there  be  a  nobler 
 object  than  this  ?  It  is  what  He  proposes  to  himself 
 in  ail  his  plans  and  operations,  what  is  the  very- 
 end  of  our  creation,  preservation,   and  redemp- 
 tion, and  what  we  are  commanded  to  aim  at  in 
 all  our  pursuits.     When  we  have  learned  that 
 lesson,  "  to  do  all  to  the  glory  of  God,"  then  shall 
 we  pray,  not  with  unfeeling  formality,  but  with 
 true  fervour  of  devotion,  "  Hallowed  ee  thy 
 
 NAME  !" 
 
 By  his  name  we  understand  God  himself: 
 for  so  the  term  is  used.  "  The  Lord  hear  thee 
 in  the  day  of  trouble,  the  name  op  the  God 
 of  Jacob  defend  thee!" — "The  name  of  the 
 Lord  is  a  strong  tower*."  But  how  little  do 
 we  know  concerning  him  !  Of  the  mode  of  his 
 existence  we  can  form  no  conceptions :  and  of 
 his  perfections  our  ideas  are  inadequate  and 
 confused.  He  has  been  pleased  to  reveal  to  us, 
 in  some  measure,  his  character  and  his  will ;  and 
 beyond  that  information  it  would  be  absurd  and 
 impious  to  institute  any  enquiry.  But  the  word 
 pr  expression,  whatever  it  may  be,  by  which  he 
 
 *  Psalm  xx.  1.     Prov.  xviii.  10. 
 
300  ON    THE    FIRST    PETITION 
 
 is  described  or  signified  to  us,  may  properly  be 
 called  bis  name. 
 
 We  speak  of  him  under  certain  titles,  by  which 
 we  do  not  so  much  declare  what  he  is  in  himself, 
 as -mark  the  relation  in  which  he  stands  to  us. 
 The  Lord  is  He,  who  exercises  universal  do- 
 minion; and  our  God  is  our  Governor,  to  whose 
 supreme  power  and  authority  we  are  subject.  The 
 Creator  is  He,  who  formed  all  things  ;  and  by 
 Him,  as  Redeemer,  our  spiritual  deliverance  is 
 effected. 
 
 He  is  sometimes  designated  to  us  by  the  per- 
 fections or  excellencies  of  his  nature,  which  are 
 called  his  name.  He  is  the  omniscient,  to 
 whom  no  event  or  circumstance,  past,  present,  or 
 to  come,  can  be  unknown;  the  omnipresent, 
 who  can  be  excluded  from  no  place,  for  he  nils 
 immensity;  the  omnipotent,  to  whom  every 
 thing,  not  implying  a  contradiction,  is  possible 
 and  easy.  We  speak  of  him  as  the  Holy  One, 
 just,  and  true,  yet  good  and  gracious,  and 
 he  is  so  in  an  infinite  degree,  without  any  bounds 
 or  mixture  of  weakness  or  fallibility.  He  is  the 
 self-existent,  the  source  of  being,  the  foun- 
 tain of  all  excellence:  this  is  the  import  of  Je- 
 hovah, his  peculiar  and  incommunicable  name. 
 
 His  attributes  and  his  character  are   in  some 
 
 measure  seen  in  his  works  and  the  administration 
 
 of  his  government.     We  discover  the  footsteps 
 
 of  Deity,  and  read  his  name  inscribed  on  every 
 
 3 
 
OP    THE    LORD'S    PRAYER.  301 
 
 part  of  this  habitable  world,  notwithstanding  the 
 dimness  of  our  sight.  "  For  the  invisible  things 
 of  him  from  the  creation  of  the  world  are  clearly 
 seen,  being  understood  by  the  tilings  that  are 
 made,  even  his  eternal  power  and  Godhead  *.'' 
 Looking  also  to  his  providential  care  and  sove- 
 reign disposal,  more  especially  to  that  moral  go- 
 vernment, which  he  maintains,  we  exclaim  with 
 devout  admiration,  i;  O  Lord  our  Lord,  how  ex- 
 cellent is  thy  name  in  all  the  earth!" — ci  The 
 Lord  is  known  by  the  judgment,  which  he 
 executeth  f." 
 
 .  But  in  his  word  his  glory  is  displayed  in 
 brightest  colours;  and  the  whole  book  of  revela- 
 tion may  be  considered  as  written  for  the  purpose 
 of  exhibiting  tjie  character  of  Jehovah.  In  the 
 presence  of  his  astonished  servant  Moses,  <f  the 
 Lord  descended  in  the  cloud, — and  proclaimed 
 the  name  of  the  Lord.  And  the  Lord  passed  by 
 before  him,  and  proclaimed,  The  Lord,  The 
 Lord  God,  merciful  and  gracious,  long-suffering, 
 and  abundant  in  goodness  and  truth,  keeping 
 mercy  for  thousands,  forgiving  iniquity,  and 
 transgression,  and  sin  ;  and  that  will  by  no  means 
 clear  the  guilty  J."  But  still  there  was  a  com- 
 parative darkness,  till  the  Saviour  appeared  ;  and 
 now  he  hath  "  given  the  light  of  the  knowledge 
 
 '"•   Rom.  i.  20.  f  Psalm  viii.  i.     ix.  16. 
 
 t  Exod.  xxxivi  5 — /. 
 
302  ON    THE    FIRST    PETITION 
 
 of  his  glory  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ5*." — "  The 
 only  begotten  Son,  which  is  in  the  bosom  of  the 
 Father,  he  hath  declared  him  f."  So  he  speaks, 
 <c  1  have  manifested  thy  name  j."  This  he  did, 
 not  only  as  a  prophet  by  his  instructions,  but  as 
 our  high  priest  offering  up  himself  as  an  atone- 
 ment; thus  exhibiting,  to  the  astonishment  even 
 of  angels,  the  united  and  harmonious  exercise  of 
 perfections  apparently  repugnant  to  each  other. 
 In  Jesus  Christ  "  mercy  and  truth  are  met  toge- 
 ther ;  righteousness  and  peace  have  kissed  each 
 other  §." 
 
 Now  concerning  the  name  of  Jehovah,  we  are 
 taught  to  pray,  that  it  may  be  ".hallowed;" 
 or  in  other  words,  that  it  may  be  sanctified,  reve- 
 renced, and  exalted,  by  us  and  by  all  his  rational 
 creatures.  It  is  meet  and  right  that  it  should  be 
 so.  Such  is  the  claim  which  he  urges  upon  his 
 people  ;  such  his  own  righteous  determination  ; 
 "  Ye  shall  not  profane  my  holy  name,  but  I  will 
 be  hallowed  among  the  children  of  Israel  ||." 
 The  petition  then  is  the  same,  in  effect,  as  that 
 of  our  Lord,  "  Father,  glorify  thy  name  ** !"  The 
 essential  glory  of  the  Godhead  cannot  be  in- 
 creased :  but  it  may  be  displayed,  understood, 
 and  admired,  in  a  clearer  manner  and  to  a  larger 
 extent  upon   the   earth.     This  great  event  we 
 
 *  2  Cor.  iv.  6.  f  John  i.  18.  %  John  xvii.  6. 
 
 §  Psalm  Ixxxv.  10.       |[  Leyit.  xxii.  32.       **  John  xii.28. 
 
OP    THE    LORD'S    PRAYER.  303 
 
 should  desire  and  long  for :  "  Be  thou  exalted, 
 Lord,  in  thine  own  strength  !  Yea,  throughout 
 all  the  nations  of  the  world  assert  the  honour  of 
 thy  name  !"     We  pray  therefore 
 
 J.  That  God  may  be  universally  known. 
 Alas  !  what  ignorance  of  his  true  character  pre- 
 vails among  men !  What  gross  conceptions, 
 what  erroneous  and  unworthy  notions  are  formed 
 of  him  !  By  far  the  greater  part  of  the  human 
 species  still  remain  idolaters,  "  and  change  the 
 glory  of  the  uncorruptible  God  into  an  imao-e 
 made  like  to  corruptible  man,"  and  even  to  ani- 
 mals of  the  lowest  kind  *.  We  should  feel  the 
 tenderest  compassion  for  the  poor  benighted 
 heathen,  "  who  sit  in  darkness  and  the  shadow 
 of  death."  Can  no  expedients  be  devised,  no  ex- 
 ertions made,  to  communicate  to  them  that  spi- 
 ritual instruction,  in  which  both  their  present 
 and  eternal  happiness  are  involved  ?  Let  every 
 pious  and  benevolent  plan  for  this  purpose  be 
 encouraged  :  but  especially  let  us  commend  their 
 case  to  God,  and  beseech  him  to  arise  for  his  own 
 glory,  and  bring  them  to  the  light  of  life. 
 
 We  should  not  however  confine  our  attention 
 to  pagan  or  idolatrous  nations :  what  is  called 
 the  christian  world  exhibits  a  sad  picture  of  de- 
 plorable ignorance,  superstition,  and  infidelity. 
 Even  among  ourselves,  in  this  highly  favoured 
 
 *  Rom.  i.  23, 
 
S04  ON    THE   FIRST    PETITION 
 
 kingdom,  where  the  gospel  is  preached  in  its  pu- 
 rity, and  the  divine  ordinances  are  administered 
 with  regularity  and  decorum,  the  way  of  truth 
 and  righteousness  is  not  generally  understood, 
 and  therefore  God  is  not  honoured.  It  should 
 grieve  us,  that  so  many  in  every  town  and  village 
 of  Great  Britain,  to  whom  the  word  of  life  and 
 salvation  is  sent,  should  yet  "  have  their  under- 
 standing darkened,  and  be  alienated  from  the  life 
 of  God  through  the  ignorance  that  is  in  them." 
 Something  more  is  needfel,  we  perceive,  than 
 the  means  of  instruction  :  the  illuminating  in- 
 fluence of  the  Holy  Ghost  can  alone  render  those 
 means  effectual.  Let  us  supplicate  this  influence 
 for  ourselves  and  others :  for  till  we  know  the 
 Lord,  we  shall  never  hallow  his  name.  Have  we 
 no  dear  friends  or  relatives,  of  whose  spiritual 
 state  we  are  jealous  ?  Let  us  bear  them  upon 
 our  hearts  in  this  petition.  But  especially  we 
 should  be  solicitous  for  our  own  souls,  that  we 
 may  "  acquaint  ourselves  with  God."  We  should 
 pray  therefore,  that  both  we,  and  all  whom  we 
 remember  in  our  intercessions,  may  be  brought 
 under  the  teaching  and  guidance  of  the  Spirit, 
 C(  with  one  mind  and  one  mouth  to  glorify  God, 
 even  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ*." 
 Then  let  us  implore  that  grace  from  him, 
 
 2.  That  he  may  be  every  where  worshipped* 
 
 *  Rom.  xv.  6. 
 
OP  the  lord's  prayer.      305 
 
 It  is  not  enough  that  men  understand  what  are 
 his  attributes,  but  they  should  honour  him,  and 
 give  a  public  testimony  of  their  regard.  A  just 
 conception  of  his  character  will  induce  us  to 
 adore  and  serve  him,  to  erect  an  altar  for  his 
 name,  and  to  offer  thereon  the  sacrifices  of  prayer 
 and  praise.  Where  this  is  not  done,  he  is  not 
 "  hallowed,"  but  overlooked,  forgotten,  or  de- 
 spised. And  is  not  a  large  proportion  of  the 
 human  species  living  in  such  contemptuous  neg- 
 lect of  Jehovah  ?  Even  that  external  reverence, 
 which  is  due  to  him,  is  not  generally  paid.  The 
 very  rites  and  ceremonies  of  religion  are  falling 
 into  disuse.  Amongst  many  thousands,  who  ac- 
 knowledge his  existence  and  perfections,  there  is 
 no  devout  adoration  of  him :  and  even  with  a 
 great  part  of  those,  who  call  themselves  believers 
 in  revelation,  the  very  form  of  godliness  is  aban- 
 doned. How  lamentable  is  this  state  of  things ! 
 It  should  urge  us  to  pray  the  more  earnestly, 
 "  Hallowed  be  thy  name  !" 
 
 The  day  of  the  Lord  is  set  apart  for  his  ser- 
 vice, and  he  claims  it  for  his  own.  But  is  he 
 every  where  honoured  by  a  devout  observance  of 
 it,  even  in  this  christian  land  ?  The  sacred  season 
 is  shamefully  profaned  by  indolence,  by  pleasure, 
 or  by  business:  a  sure  proof  of  the  low  state  of 
 religion.  O  that  men  may  remember  themselves, 
 and  be  turned  to  the  Lord,  and  they  will  reve- 
 rence   his   sabbaths! — It  is  desirable,- that   the 
 
 vol,  in,  x 
 
3O0  ON    THE    FIRST    PETITION* 
 
 means  of  grace  be  administered:  for  they  ar£ 
 calculated  to  bring  glory  to  God,  and  promote 
 the  sanctification  of  his  name.  We  should  there- 
 fore pray  for  the  general  establishment  of  these 
 means,  and  for  the  divine  blessing  upon  them. 
 We  are  thankful  that  churches  are  erected, 
 through  every  part  of  our  nation,  for  the  honour 
 of  Jehovah  :  but  we  have  still  reason  to  lament, 
 that  by  vast  multitudes  at  least  he  is  not  hallowed 
 in  them.  Many  scornfully  refuse  their  attendance, 
 and  others  by  their  levity  and  irreverence  shew, 
 that  they  regard  not  the  God,  whom  they  profess 
 to  worship.  O  that  He  would  arise,  and  maintain 
 his  own  cause  ! 
 
 If  true  religion  universally  prevailed,  every 
 house  would  be  a  church,  and  each  family  apart 
 would  hallow  the  name  of  God  in  their  daily 
 devotions.  But  is  there  such  a  solemn  acknow- 
 ledgment of  him  in  domestic  circles  ?  How  far 
 otherwise  !  How  many  arc  "  the  families,  that 
 call  not  upon  his  name  !" — But  is  he  honoured 
 even  in  secret  ?  Are  we  individually  presenting 
 to  him  spiritual  sacrifices  in  our  closets  ?  If  there 
 be  no  solemn  and  fervent  invocation  of  his  name, 
 in  our  private  capacities,  we  cannot  feel  any  proper 
 concern  for  his  glory  f  we  refuse  to  adopt  the 
 
 tition,  which  our  Lord  has  taught  us. 
 
 The  prayer  instructs  us  in  our  duty:  but  it  also 
 convinces  us  of  sin.  The  name  of  God,  which 
 should  be  glorified,  is  profaned.    In  what  mouth 
 
OF  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.        307 
 
 has  it  not  been  taken  in  vain  ?  It  should  never 
 be  mentioned  within  our  lips,  but  with  deep 
 seriousness  and  reverence  of  heart,  agreeably  to 
 the  third  commandment.  That  commandment 
 is  violated  with  a  shameless  audacity.  The  sin 
 of  perjury  is  not  unfrequent.  But  who  can  num- 
 ber the  impious  oaths  and  blasphemous  execra- 
 tions, with  which  men  are  every  where  cursing 
 one  another  ?  Where  is  the  company,  in  which 
 the  sacred  name  is  not  invoked,  in  mere  wanton- 
 ness and  frivolity  ?  These  things  are  done  by 
 thousands,  who  scruple  not  to  bow  the  knee,  and 
 say,  ci  Hallowed  be  thy  name  V  What  incon- 
 sistency, what  accumulated  guilt  is  here  !  Let 
 us  entreat  the  Lord  by  his  effectual  grace  to  re- 
 press these  overflowings  of  ungodliness.  Let  us 
 implore  the  abundant  effusion  of  the  Spirit, 
 
 3.  That  he  may  be  supremely  loved  and  obeyed 
 by  ourselves  and  by  all  others.  Where  his  name 
 is  truly  hallowed,  there  will  be  inward  sentiments 
 of  devout  regard,  as  well  as  outward  expressions. 
 The  precept  is,  ci  Sanctify  the  Lord  God  in" 
 tour  hearts  *."  He  should  be  revered  even 
 in  thought :  He  claims  our  unreserved  affiance 
 and  our  warmest  affections.  But  he  has  appointed 
 an  infallible  test  of  the  real  state  of  our  hearts 
 towards  him,  and  that  is  obedience.  "  Hereby 
 we  do  know  that  we  know  him,  if  we  keep  his 
 
 *  1  Peter  iii.  15. 
 X  2 
 
30$  ON    THE    FIRST    PETITION 
 
 commandments*.'*  Many  alas!  give  him  no 
 more  than  the  service  of  the  lips,  the  mere  ex- 
 ternal profession  of  regard.  They  cry  "  Lord, 
 Lord,  and  do  not  the  things  which  he  saysf." 
 This  is  not  to  hallow  his  name:  it  is  a  solemn 
 mockery;  it  is  a  gross  insult.  He  will  accept  no 
 other  proof  of  our  sincerity,  than  an  unreserved 
 subjection  to  his  will,  a  prevailing  desire  and 
 endeavour  to  please  him :  and  in  no  other  way 
 can  we  promote  the  honour  of  his  name.  Thus 
 our  Lord  determines  the  case,  "  Herein  is  my 
 Father  glorified,  that  ye  bear  much  fruit;  so  shall 
 ye  be  my  disciples  J."  Christians  are  "  a  people 
 for  his  name  §  :"  and  they  are  therefore  required 
 to  be  the  more  circumspect  and  exemplary, 
 "  that  the  name  of  God  and  his  doctrine  be  not 
 blasphemed  ||." 
 
 These  are  very  forcible  considerations :  but 
 upon  whom  do  they  produce  their  proper  in- 
 fluence ?  Where  are  they,  that  mourn  for  the 
 dishonour  done  to  God,  not  only  by  the  avowed 
 opposition  of  his  open  enemies,  but  by  the  incon- 
 sistency and  treachery  of  his  pretended  friends ! 
 The  subject  should  deeply  affect  us,  and  excite 
 earnest  prayer  both  for  ourselves  and  others.  For 
 ourselves,  we  should  be  ashamed  and  grieved,  that 
 by  our  frequent  declensions  we  have  brought 
 feproach  upon  the  cause  of  God  in  the  world: 
 
 *   1  John  ii.  3.  f  Luke  vi.  4(5.  J  John  xv\  3. 
 
 §  Acts  xv.  14.  j|  1  Tim.  vi.  1. 
 
OF   THE    LORD  S    PRAYER.  SOQ 
 
 and  we  should  supplicate  such  measures  of  his 
 grace,  as  may  enable  us  by  the  most  active  and 
 disinterested  exertions  to  "  adorn  the  doctrine  of 
 God  our  Saviour  in  all  things  *."  For  others  also 
 we  should  be  solicitous,  while  we  see  them  pour- 
 ing such  contempt  on  the  name  of  Jehovah,  for 
 which  He  is  jealous  ;  and  we  should  earnestly 
 implore  his  merciful  and  effectual  interposition* 
 that  they  may  be  recovered  to  a  sense  of  their 
 danger  and  their  duty.  O  that  in  every  place  he 
 may  be  devoutly  regarded,  and  his  praise  declared 
 by  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  world  ! 
 
 Such  is  the  import  of  the  petition  we  are  con- 
 sidering. Does  it  express  our  genuine  sentiments, 
 and  the  real  desires  of  our  hearts  ?  To  be  un- 
 concerned about  the  honour  of  God,  is  a  manifest 
 proof  of  ignorance  and  impiety.  How  tremendous 
 a  state  !  We  may  refuse  to  pray  ;  but  He  will 
 vindicate  his  own  righteous  character.  Thus  saith 
 the  Lord  of  hosts,  "  I  will  sanctify  my  great 
 name  f."  But  what  then  will  become  of  us  ?  He 
 will  get  himself  glory,  though  it  be  in  the  final 
 and  everlasting  destruction  of  all  his  enemies. 
 
 *  Titus  ii.  10,  f  Ezek.  xxxvi.  23, 
 
ESSAY    LXXIX. 
 
 ON    THE    LORD  S    PRAYER. 
 
 THE  SECOND  PETITION. 
 
 This  properly  follows  the  preceding.  God  possesses 
 a  kingdom  of  power,  which  being  complete,  we 
 cannot  pray  that  it  may  come3 — He  is  establish- 
 ing a  kingdom  of  grace,  which  being  in  a  state, 
 of  progress,  we  pray  for  its  advancement,  by  the 
 general  diffusion  of  the  means  of  grace  and  by  the 
 divine  blessing  to  render  those  means  efficacious,- — 
 and  He  inhabits  a  kingdom  of  glory,  concerning 
 which  we  should  desire,  that  the  number  of  its 
 members  may  be  completed,  and  that  %ve  may 
 speedily  attain  its  enjoyment. 
 
 However  the  situations  of  men  may  vary,  their 
 general  wants  are  always  the  same.  Their  pri- 
 vate circumstances  may  render  particular  addresses 
 to  God  proper  and  necessary  :  but  in  every  part 
 of  the  Lord's  prayer,  it  has  been  already  remarked, 
 we  are  equally  concerned.  From  supreme  love 
 to  God,  we  should  all  feel  an  anxious  desire  for 
 7 
 
ON  THE  SECOND   PETITION,  &C.  3[\ 
 
 the  manifestation  and  advancement  of  his  glory ; 
 and  if  our  hearts  be  thus  affected,  we  shall  pray 
 with  fervour,  "  Thy  kingdom  come."  This 
 petition  follows  with  propriety :  for  there  only  is 
 "  His  name  hallowed,"  where  his  authority  and 
 dominion  are  acknowledged.  The  consideration 
 will  furnish  us  with  important  subjects,  on  which 
 we  may  enlarge  in  our  daily  supplications. 
 
 I.  The  Lord  God  possesses  a  kingdom  op 
 power.  This  is  universal  and  uncontrolled  :  it 
 extends  to  the  utmost  bounds  of  creation :  for 
 "  His  kingdom  ruleth  over  all  *."  u  He  is  the 
 blessed  and  only  Potentate,  the  King  of  kings, 
 and  Lord  of  lords  j\"  All  existences  in  heaven, 
 earth,  and  hell,  are  dependent  upon  him,  and 
 subject  to  his  direction  and  control.  Even  wicked 
 men  and  devils  feel  his  sovereignty:  they  are  en- 
 gaged in  a  system  of  hostility  against  him,  but 
 with  all  their  rage  they  can  proceed  no  farther 
 than  He  permits  ;  they  are  restrained  by  his  su- 
 perior strength,  and  smart  under  the  rod  of  his 
 vengeance.  The  whole  universe,  then,  proclaims, 
 iC  The  Lord  God  Omnipotent  reigneth  J." 
 
 Concerning  this  kingdom  we  cannot  pray  that 
 it  may  "  come:"  for  u  coming"  implies  the  want 
 of  completion,  and  a  progress  towards  perfection, 
 not  yet  attained,  but  expected  and  desired.  The 
 dominion  of  Jehovah,  now  spoken  of,  cannot  be 
 
 *  Psalm  ciii.  KJ.        f  1  Tim.  vi.  15.         J  Rev.  xix.  6. 
 
312  ON    THE    SECOND    PETITION 
 
 enlarged,  by  an  augmentation  of  power  or  au- 
 thority over  any  part  of  it.  There  is  no  point  in 
 time  or  eternity,  in  which  it  is  capable  of  any 
 increase  or  improvement.  ff  Thy  kingdom  is  an 
 everlasting  kingdom,  and  thy  dominion  endureth 
 throughout  all  generations*."     But 
 
 II.  The  Lord  God  is  establishing  a  kingdom 
 of  grace  upon  the  earth.  This  contains  a  pe- 
 culiar selection  out  of  the  rebellious  race  of  Adam, 
 recovered  from  the  ruins  of  the  fall.  Of  his  own 
 abundant,  free,  and  undeserved  grace,  He  hath 
 been  pleased  to  interpose,  to  rescue  us  from  the 
 usurpation  and  tyranny  of  Satan,  "  the  god  of 
 this  world,"  to  bring  us  back  to  a  state  of  dutiful 
 allegiance,  to  fix  us  again  in  his  favour,  under 
 his  own  government  and  protection.  The  won^ 
 drous  plan  is  brought  into  effect  by  the  incarna- 
 tion, obedience,  sacrifice,  and  exaltation  of  the 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  is  constituted  Head  and 
 Ruler  over  this  new  kingdom.  Every  member 
 of  it  is  purchased  by  his  blood,  renovated  and 
 sanctified  by  his  Spirit,  conformed  to  his  mind 
 and  image,  and  cordially  disposed  to  submit  to 
 his  appointments  and  obey  his  statutes.  "  God 
 hath  delivered  us  from  the  power  of  darkness, 
 and  hath  translated  us  into  the  kingdom  of 
 &is  dear  Son  -j-." 
 
 The  seat  of  this  dominion  is  the  human  hearty 
 
 %  Psalm  cxlv.  13,  f  Col,  i.  13.. 
 
OF    THE    LORD  S    PRAYER.  313 
 
 the  former  residence  of  Satan,  now  secured  for 
 the  possession  of  Jesus  Christ.  The  usurper  is 
 dethroned  ;  the  rightful  owner  is  admitted  to  the 
 sovereignty.  Such  is  the  internal  and  spiritual 
 government  of  the  Saviour  over  all  his  redeemed 
 people :  "  Grace  reigns  through  righteousness 
 unto  eternal  life  by  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  *." 
 Thus  He  himself  describes  it,  "  The  kingdom  of 
 God  is  within  you :"  and  his  apostle  represents 
 its  blessed  effects  as  "  righteousness,  and  peace, 
 and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost  f ." 
 
 This  kingdom  is  sometimes  spoken  of  as  in- 
 cluding all  nominal  Christians,  who  profess  to  be 
 the  subjects  of  Jesus  Christ,  whether  sincerely  or 
 not.  Such  however  is  only  the  outward  and 
 visible  church,  compared  to  u  a  net  which  ga- 
 thered of  every  kind,"  both  bad  and  good  J. 
 Let  not  any  member  presume  from  his  exact 
 conformity  to  the  instituted  rites  and  ceremonies 
 of  this  society,  that  he  bears  true  allegiance  to 
 his  Sovereign.  Many  bow  the  knee  to  him,  and 
 give  him  titles  of  honour,  who  are  disaffected  in 
 their  hearts.  Yet  even  the  external  administra- 
 tion of  his  ordinances  are  of  incalculable  import- 
 ance :  since  they  are  his  own  appointed  means  of 
 subduing  the  rebellious,  and  of  maintaining  his 
 spiritual   government  over  his  faithful  people. 
 
 £  Rom.  y.  21.  f  Lake  xvii.  21.     Rom.  xiv.  I?* 
 
 $  Matt.  xiii.  47.    xxii.  10. 
 
314  ON    THE    SECOND    PETITION 
 
 The  gospel  is  therefore  called  "the  gospel  of 
 the  kingdom  *,"  not  only  because  it  asserts  the 
 just  claims  of  the  righteous  King,  but  chiefly  be- 
 cause it  is  the  honoured  instrument  by  which  he 
 establishes  his  authority,  and  enlarges  his  domi- 
 nion among  men. 
 
 Now  the  kingdom  of  grace  is  in  an  imperfect 
 state.  It  has  not  attained  that  wide  extent  over 
 the  nations  of  the  earthy  which  we  should  desire 
 and  are  taught  to  expect:  nor  is  any  one  indivi- 
 dual subject  so  entirely  and  invariably  obedient 
 and  devoted  to  his  Lord,  as  he  ought  and  as  he 
 may  hope  to  be.  The  vast,  the  wondrous  plan 
 is  carrying  on  from  age  to  age,  and  will  proceed, 
 though  not  without  much  and  violent  opposition, 
 till  it  is  brought  into  full  effect,  and  all  its  pur- 
 poses are  completed.  On  this  account  we  are 
 directed  to  pray  for  its  progress  :  "  Thy  kingdom 
 come  !"  May  it  every  where  prevail !  May  all 
 resistance  be  subdued,  every  obstacle  removed  ! 
 May  its  adversaries  be  clothed  with  shame, 
 and  submit  themselves  !  May  the  government 
 of  Jesus  Christ  be  sincerely  acknowledged  and 
 rejoiced  in!  May  his  dominion  reach  to  the  ut- 
 most bounds  of  the  habitable  world ! — According 
 to  this  petition  then, 
 
 1 .  Wc  should  pray  for  the  propagation  of  the 
 gospel,,  and  the  general  diffusion  of  the  means  of 
 
 *  Matt.  iv.  23.     ix.  35.     xxiv.  14, 
 
OF  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.        315 
 
 grace.  What  does  the  present  face  of  the  earth 
 exhibit,  but  a  very  large  majority  of  the  human 
 species  buried  in  the  profoundest  ignorance  of 
 Christ,  or  with  scornful  defiance  casting  off  his 
 yoke  ?  Millions  are  enveloped  in  Pagan  or  in 
 Popish  darkness  :  they  have  no  means  of  evange- 
 lical instruction.  "  And  how  shall  they  believe 
 in  Him,  of  whom  they  have  not  heard  ?  and  how 
 shall  they  hear  without  a  preacher  *  ?"  Shall  we 
 not  compassionate  "  the  people,  who  are  destroyed 
 for  lack  of  knowledge  j-  ?"  Let  our  incessant 
 supplications,  then,  ascend  unto  God  on  their 
 behalf.  May  Cf  He,  that  hath  the  key  of  David, 
 He  that  openeth  and  no  man  shutteth  J,"  raise 
 up  faithful  witnesses  for  his  name,  and  "  set  be- 
 fore them  an  open  door/'  where  they  may  pro- 
 claim his  truth  and  salvation !  May  they  go 
 forth  under  the  mighty  energy  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
 like  their  divine  Master,  saying,  "  The  time  is 
 fulfilled,  and  the  kingdom  of  God  is  at  hand : 
 repent  ye,  and  believe  the  gospel  §  V* 
 
 Great  Britain  is  a  nation  peculiarly  fa- 
 voured with  religious  privileges.  u  Unto  us  is 
 the  word  of  this  salvation  sent."  We  enjoy  a 
 rich  profusion  of  the  means  of  grace.  The 
 goodly  edifice  of  our  established  Church  is  "  built 
 upon  the  foundation  of  the  apostles  and  prophets, 
 
 *  Rom.  x.  14.  f  Hosea  iv.  6. 
 
 X  Rev,  iii.  7.  §  Mark  i.  \5. 
 
3l6  ON    THE    SECOND    PETITION 
 
 Jesus  Christ  himself  being  the  chief  corner- 
 stone*," In  the  most  important  sense,  then, 
 "  the  kingdom  of  God  is  come  nigh  unto  us." 
 May  we  be  thankful  for  our  opportunities,  and 
 give  all  diligence  to  improve  them !  But  does 
 the  clear  light  of  the  gospel  pervade  every  part 
 of  our  land  ?  Is  there  no  darkness  to  be  dis- 
 persed ?  Do  all,  who  preach  in  the  name  of 
 Jesus,  display  his  glory,  magnify  his  grace,  and 
 require  subjection  to  his  government  ?  It  is  not 
 needless  or  improper  to  pray,  that  his  ministers 
 throughout -all  our  land  may  declare  his  salvation 
 with  clearness,  fidelity,  and  zeal :  "  That  it  may 
 please  God  to  illuminate  all  Bishops,  Priests,  and 
 Deacons  with  true  knowledge  and  understanding 
 of  his  word ;  and  that  both  by  their  preaching 
 and  living  they  may  set  it  forth  and  shew  it 
 accordingly  f !" 
 
 Plans  may  be  contrived,  and  strenuous  exer-. 
 tions  made,  to  evangelize  the  nations :  but  God 
 alone  can  supply  the  necessary  means ;  and  to 
 Him  therefore  should  we  continue  to  raise  our 
 suppliant  hands.  Such  is  the  direction  of  our 
 Lord,  "  The  harvest  is  plenteous,  and  the  la- 
 bourers are  few; — Pray  ye  therefore  the  Lord  of 
 the  harvest,  that  he  will  send  forth  labourers  into 
 his  harvest  {." — We   may  also  rejoice  in   the 
 
 *  Eph.  ii.  20.  f  Litany, 
 
 X  Matt.  ix.  %J,  38. 
 
OF    THE    LORD  S    PRAYER.  3\y 
 
 assurance,  that  our  intercessions  will  finally  pre- 
 vail.    The  most  explicit  promises  are  given  us, 
 that  this  petition,   which  is  daily  offered  up  by 
 the  whole  church  militant,  will  surely  be  heard, 
 and  the  kingdom  of  our  God  shall  come  "  with 
 power."     Thus  saith  the  Father  to  Messiah  the 
 Prince,  "  Ask  of  me,  and  I  shall  give  thee  the 
 heathen  for  thine  inheritance,  and  the  uttermost 
 parts  of  the  earth  for  thy  possession  *."     And 
 there  shall  be  "  given  him  dominion,  and  glory, 
 and  a  kingdom,  that  all  people,  nations,  and  lan- 
 guages, may  serve  him  :  his  dominion  is  an  ever- 
 lasting dominion,  which  shall  not  pass  away,  and 
 his  kingdom  that  which  shall  not  be  destroyed  +." 
 In  firm  expectation  of  that  great  event  we  pray, 
 "  Gird  thy  sword  upon  thy  thigh,  O  most  mighty, 
 with  thy  glory  and  thy  majesty :  And  in  thy  ma- 
 jesty ride  prosperously. — Go   forth  conquering 
 and  to  conquer. — Send  the  rod  of  thy  strength 
 out  of  Zion :  Rule  thou  in  the  midst  of  thine 
 enemies  J!" 
 
 2.  We  should  therefore  pray  that  the  means  of 
 grace  may  be  rendered  efficacious  by  the  divine 
 blessing.  For  without  this,  the  promotion  of 
 foreign  missions,  or  the  erection  of  churches  at 
 home,  the  administration  of  ordinances,  and  the 
 labours  of  the  most  zealous  and  devout  preachers 
 
 *  Psalm  ii.  8.  f  Daniel  vii.  14. 
 
 t  Psainrxlv.  3,  4.     ex.  2,      Rev,  vi.  2. 
 
318  ON    THE    SECOND    PETITION 
 
 of  Christianity,  will  be  in  vain.  The  Lord  alone, 
 by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  establishes  his 
 kingdom.  He  illuminates  the  darkened  mind  ; 
 He  subdues  the  wills  of  the  most  rebellious;  He 
 sanctifies  the  carnal  affections,  and  engages  them 
 in  his  own  service.  Where  this  power  was  not 
 put  forth,  the  people  remained  ignorant  and  ob- 
 durate, under  the  instructions  and  warnings  of 
 the  apostles  and  of  Christ  himself.  When  the 
 kingdom  of  grace  was  so  wonderfully  enlarged 
 after  the  effusion  of  the  Spirit,  the  reason  is 
 assigned,  "  The  Lord  added  to  the  Church  daily 
 such  as  should  be  saved  *."  When  the  primitive 
 preachers  succeeded  in  propagating  the  gospel,  so 
 that  6i  a  great  number  believed  and  turned  unto 
 the  Lord,"  it  is  accounted  for, — "  the  hand  of 
 the  Lord  was  with  them  j-." 
 
 The  apostle  of  the  Gentiles,,  was  probably 
 more  eminent  and  more  useful  than  any  of  his 
 brethren :  but  he  continually  reminds  us  of  his 
 own  weakness  and  the  inefficacy  of  all  human 
 means.  "  Our  sufficiency  is  of  God. — The  wea- 
 pons of  our  warfare  are — mighty  through  God. 
 Who  then  is  Paul,  and  who  is  Apollos,  but  mi- 
 nisters by  whom  ye  believed,  even  as  the  Lord 
 gave  to  every  man  ?"  The  obvious  conclusion 
 is,  that  while  one  planteth,  and  another  watereth., 
 our  supplications  should  ascend  up  continually., 
 
 *  Acts  ii.  47.  f  Acts  xi.  21. 
 
OF     THE    LORD  S    PRAYER.  S\g 
 
 that  "  God  may  give  the  increase, — that  the 
 word  of  the  Lord  may  have  free  course,  and  be 
 glorified  •*  1" 
 
 We  are  here  furnished,  then,  with  abundant 
 matter  for  our  daily  addresses  to  "  the  God  of  all 
 grace."  Do  we  lament,  that  the  work  of  God  is 
 obstructed,  that  missions  fail,  that  there  are  sad 
 declensions  in  the  church,  and  that  under  an 
 evangelical  profession  there  is  much  formality, 
 hypocrisy,  and  licentiousness  ?  What  remedy 
 can  be  applied  ?  O  for  the  Spirit  to  be  poured 
 out  from  on  high,  in  a  more  abundant  measure ! 
 May  his  enlightening,  quickening  influences  rest 
 both  upon  them  that  preach  and  upon  them  that 
 hear  !  We  should  intercede  for  those,  who  are 
 admitted  to  the  sacred  function,  that  they  may 
 go  forth  with  divine  light,  and  life,  and  love, 
 that  the  holy  "  anointing"  may  abide  in  them,  to 
 cheer  their  own  souls,  and  to  prosper  their  la- 
 bours. For  those,  to  whom  they  are  sent,  we 
 should  implore  grace,  that  they  may  know  the 
 time  of  their  visitation,  and  that  iC  while  they 
 have  light,  they  may  believe  in  the  light,  and  be 
 the  children  of  light  J!"  We  should  feel  pecu- 
 liar solicitude  for  our  country.  May  God  revive 
 his  work  among  us!  And  if  He  establish  his 
 kingdom   of   righteousness,    that    will    be    the 
 
 *  1  Cor.  iii.  5—7.     2  Cor.  iii.  5.     x.  4.      2  Thess.  in.  1. 
 f  John  xii.  36. 
 
3£0  ON    THE    SECOND    PETITION 
 
 bulwark  of  the  land,  against  all  threatening  or 
 desolating  enemies.  The  cases  of  those,  who  are 
 more  intimately  connected  with  us  by  the  ties  of 
 friendship  or  relation,  we  should  bear  upon  our 
 minds  in  this  petition ;  that  they  may  all  be 
 "  delivered  from  the  power  of  darkness,  and 
 translated  into  the  kingdom  of  Christ.*'  Bat 
 above  all,  let  us  not  be  unmindful  of  ourselves. 
 Who  feels  not  the  necessity  of  praying  for  the 
 establishment  and  increase  of  the  dominion  of 
 grace  within  himself?  u  O  Lord,  set  up  and 
 maintain  thy  throne  in  my  heart :  subdue  the 
 opposition  of  my  corrupt  affections,  and  bring 
 into  captivity  every  thought  to  the  obedience  of 
 Christ  T     We  add 
 
 I'll.  The  Lord  God  inhabits  a  kingdom  of 
 glory.  That  is  Heaven.  There  he  reigns  in 
 majesty,  and  exhibits  his  royal  state,  surrounded, 
 admired,  and  obeyed  by  myriads  of  pure  and 
 happy  spirits.  "  The  Lord  hath  prepared  his 
 throne  in  the  heavens  V  Angels  and  archangels 
 are  his  favoured  attendants,  and  form  his  magni- 
 ficent retinue.  They  "  do  his  commandments, 
 hearkening  unto  the  voice  of  his  word,"  and  are 
 as  "  a  flaming  fire,"  from  the  ardour  of  their  love 
 and  zeal  in  his  service  f.  The  u  spirits  of  just, 
 men  made  perfect"  are  incorporated  into  their 
 society,  and  participate  of  their  employments  and 
 
 Psalm  ciii.  10.  f  Psalm  ciii.  2Q.     civ.  4* 
 
OF  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.        321 
 
 felicities.  They  also  "  are  before  the  throne  of 
 God,  and  serve  him  day  and  night  in  his  temple : 
 and  he  that  sitteth  on  the  throne  shall  dwell 
 among  them, — and  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from 
 their  eyes.  And  there  shall  be  no  night  there, 
 and  they  need  no  candle,  neither  light  of  the 
 sun  ;  for  the  Lord  God  giveth  them  light :  and 
 they  shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever  *.** 
 
 This  kingdom  is,  in  the  full  sense  of  the  word, 
 everlasting.  It  cannot  admit  of  any  diminution 
 or  decay.  The  glory  of  Jehovah  must  be  inva- 
 riably the  same;  and  those,  who  "  see  his  face/' 
 are  incapable  of  any  defect  in  purity  or  happi- 
 ness. There  is  no  mixture  of  characters.  ci  The 
 unrighteous  shall  not  inherit  the  kingdom  of 
 God f."  All  its  inhabitants  "  shall  be  like  him; 
 for  they  shall  see  him,  as  he  is  J."  This  blessed 
 company  is  continually  increased  by  the  death 
 of  departing  saints :  for  no  sooner  are  they  re- 
 leased from  their  earthly  tabernacles,  than  they 
 wing  their  flight  to  these  -blissful  mansions: 
 being  "  absent  from  the  body,  they  are  present 
 with  the  Lord  §."  In  this  sense,  then,  there  is  a 
 progress,  a  gradual  advancement  towards  perfec- 
 tion, by  the  admission  of  fresh  members  into  the 
 kingdom  of  glory :  and  with  a  reference  to  thai 
 circumstance,   though   the  petition   seems  best 
 
 *  Rev.  vii.  15,  17.    xxii.  5.  f  1  Cor.  vi.  9- 
 
 $  1  John  iii.  2.  §  2  Cor.  v.  8. 
 
 VOL.  III.  X 
 
322  ON    'THE    SECOND    PETITION 
 
 adapted  to   our  former  consideration,   we  may 
 pray,  "  Thy  kingdom  come  !" 
 
 1 .   We  should  desire  that  the  number  of  its 
 inhabitants  may  be  completed,  and  all  the  re- 
 deemed be  speedily  gathered  in.     "  Precious  in 
 the  sight  of  the  Lord  is  the  death  of  his  saints  * :" 
 and  it  should  be  the  cause  of  rejoicing  upon  earth, 
 as  it  is  in  heaven.    When  a  child  of  God  departs 
 from  this  life,  an  event  of  great  magnitude  is  ac- 
 complished.    He  has  reached  the  haven,  where 
 he  would  be;  he  is  delivered  from  sin  and  sorrow, 
 and  received  into  that  inheritance,  which  is  "  in- 
 corruptible, undefiled,  and  that  fadeth  not  away." 
 When  the  whole  <(  household  of  faith"  shall  have 
 finished  their  warfare,  and  obtained  this  honour- 
 able removal,   then  shall  the   end  come.     The 
 scheme  of  salvation  shajl  be  consummated ;  and 
 the  kingdom  not  admitting  any  farther  enlarge- 
 ment,  "  the  everlasting  doors"  shall  be  closed. 
 Whilst  the  present  system  of  things  is  upheld, 
 and  the  world  is  spared,  we  should  beseech  God 
 that  more  and  more  of  our  fallen  race  may  be 
 prepared  for  and  admitted  into  heaven.     Bat  the 
 continuance  of  sin  and  misery  should  be  grievous 
 to  us ;  and  whilst  we  behold  so  many  thousands' 
 rushing  down  to  endless  perdition,  we  should 
 pour  out  our  supplications  to  God,  that  He  would 
 vouchsafe  to  put  an  end  to  these  days  of  wicked- 
 ness, and  bring  his  ransomed  home.   We  cannot 
 
 *  Psalm  cxvi.  15. 
 
OF  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.        323 
 
 express  this  sentiment  better,  than  in  the  devout 
 and  elevated  language  of  our  Liturgy ;  "  That  it 
 may  please  thee  of  thy  gracious  goodness  shortly 
 to  accomplish  the  number  of  thine  elect,  and  to 
 hasten  thy  kingdom;  that  we,  with  all  those  that 
 are  departed  in  the  true  faith  of  thy  holy  name, 
 may  have  our  perfect  consummation  and  bliss,  both 
 in  body  and  soul,  in  thy  eternal  and  everlasting 
 glory,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  !  Amen  *." 
 Then 
 
 2.  We  should  most  ardently  pray,  that  we  may 
 safely  and  speedily  arrive  at  this  kingdom.  Our 
 chief  solicitude  should  be  directed  to  that  point. 
 The  devout  Christian  must  be  content  and  thank- 
 ful to  live,  while  his  God  is  pleased  to  continue 
 him  upon  earth,  and  to  employ  him  in  any  ser- 
 vice. But  he  sits  loose  to  this  world  -,  for  his  heart 
 and  his  treasure  are  above  ;  and  it  ought  to  be  the 
 prevailing  disposition  of  his  soul,  to  be  longing 
 for  the  complete  and  uninterrupted  enjoyment 
 of  heaven.  He  exclaims  therefore  with  fervent 
 desire  and  expectation,  "  Thy  kingdom  come !" 
 
 Thus  St.  Paul  declared,  that  "  he  had  a  desire 
 to  depart  and  to  be  with  Christ,  which  is  far 
 better."  St.  Peter  exhorts  believers  to  be  "  look- 
 ing for  and  hasting  unto  the  coming  of  the  day 
 of  God."  And  when  our  Lord  announced  the 
 design  of  his  speedy  appearance,  "  Surely,  I  come 
 quickly,"  St.  John  expressed  his  eagerness  to  meet 
 
 *  Burial  Service. 
 Y  2 
 
324  ON  THE  SECOND   PETITION,  &C. 
 
 him,  "  Amen  :  Even  so,  come  Lord  Jesus  *  P 
 This  implies  not  any  impatience  of  spirit,  or  un- 
 willingness to  suffer:  but  it  is  the  highest  attain- 
 ment of  the  children  of  God  upon  earth.  It  arises 
 from  a  lively  hope  of  their  acceptance  in  Christ, 
 and  from  such  an  ardent  love  to  him,  as  nothing 
 can  satisfy,  but  the  fruition  of  heaven.  Is  this 
 the  state  of  your  minds  ?  You  cannot  so  pray,  if 
 you  be  sensual,  or  covetous,  supremely  attached  to 
 this  present  world.  O  sinners,  what  kingdom  can 
 you  look  for  ?  Attend  to  the  warning  voice : 
 "  Wo  unto  you  that  desire  the  day  of  the  Lord : 
 to  what  end  is  it  for  you  ?  the  day  of  the  Lord  is 
 darkness  and  not  light; — even  very  dark,  and  no 
 brightness  in  it  f."  May  He  prepare  us  for  his 
 appearance,  that,  when  his  kingdom  shall  come, 
 we  may  meet  him  with  joy,  and  enter  into  his 
 glory !     Amen. 
 
 *  Phil.  i.  23.     2  Peter  iii.  12.     Rev.  xxii.  20. 
 f  Amos  v.  18,  20. 
 
ESSAY  LXXX. 
 
 ON    THE    LORD  S    PRAYER. 
 
 *      THE  THIRD  PETITION. 
 
 We  cannot  properly  pray  for  the  kingdom  of  God  to 
 come,  unless  we  can  add,  "Thy  will  be 
 done," — with  respect  to  the  dispensations  of  his 
 providence^ — to  his  precepts,  loth  in  the  moral 
 law,  which  is  still  binding, — and  in  the  gospel, 
 which  requires  men  to  repent, — to  believe  i?i  Christ, 
 — and  to  walk  in  holiness. — This  entire  subjection 
 to  God  should  he  yielded  by  all  mankind, — "  in 
 
 EARTH," "  AS  IT  IS  IN  HEAVEN,"    by  angels, 
 
 — whose  obedience  is  perfect, — cheerful, — humble \ 
 — constant  and  persevering. 
 
 The  title  of  King  is  no  better  than  an  insult  to 
 Him,  whose  authority  we  will  not  submit  to,  and 
 whose  laws  we  will  not  obey.  Let  us  try  ourselves 
 by  this  rule.  Do  we  profess  allegianee  to  the  great 
 almighty  Sovereign,  and  pray  for  the  prosperity 
 and  enlargement  of  his  government,  "  Thy  king- 
 dom come  ?"  But  can  we  add  with  sincerity, 
 "  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in 
 
326  ON  THE  THIRD    PETITION 
 
 heaven  ?"  The  former  petition  without  the 
 latter  would  be  hypocritical ;  and  we  cannot  ho- 
 nestly join  in  the  latter,  unless  we  desire,  at  least, 
 to  possess  an  entire  subjection  of  heart  to  all  the 
 dispensations  and  commands  of  God.  Is  this 
 the  real  state  of  our  minds  ?  Is  it  our  most  ardent 
 wish  and  supplication,  that,  relinquishing  all  our 
 opposition,  we  may  be  satisfied  with  the  Lord's 
 disposal,  and  yield  unto  Him  the  most  cheerful 
 and  unreserved  obedience  ?  or  in  other  words, 
 "  that  we  may  stand  perfect  and   complete  in 
 
 ALL  THE  WILL  OF  GoD  ?" 
 
 To  ascertain  what  his  will  is,  and  in  what 
 sense  we  pray  that  it  may  be  done, 
 
 I.  We  may  refer  the  petition  to  the  dispensa- 
 tions of  his  providence.  We  presume  not  to 
 judge  of  his  plans  or  purposes,  but  by  events. 
 His  decrees  are  irresistible  ;  and,  so  long  as  they 
 are  hidden  from  us,  they  cannot  be  the  subject 
 of  our  prayers.  But  it  is  proper  for  us  to  be 
 apprized  of  his  absolute  and  uncontrollable  sove- 
 reignty. "  He  worketh  all  things  after  the  coun- 
 sel of  his  own  will  *." — "  He  docth  according 
 to  his  will  in  the  army  of  heaven,  and  among  the 
 inhabitants  of  the  earth  :  and  none  can  stay  his 
 hand,  or  say  unto  Him,  What  doest  thou  -j-  ?" — 
 "  The  Lord  killeth,  and  maketh  alive:  He 
 bringeth  down  to  the  grave,  and  bringeth  up : 
 
 Eph.  i.  11.  }  Dan.  iv.  3 
 
 5. 
 
OF  THE  L6ED  S  PRAYER.  327 
 
 The  Lord  maketh  poor,  and  maketh  rich :  He 
 bringeth  low,  and  lifteth  up  *."  Whatever,  then, 
 may  be  our  situation  or  circumstances,  or  what- 
 ever changes  may  take  place,  they  are  what  he 
 hath  willed  and  ordained  for  us.  They  may  be 
 such  as  we  cannot  pray  for,  and  we  are  not 
 called  to  do  so :  but  in  every  case  we  should 
 devoutly  acknowledge  his  right  to  dispose  of  us, 
 and  supplicate  his  gracious  assistance,  that  we 
 may  cheerfully  acquiesce  in  his  appointments.  It 
 was  not  incumbent  on  Eli  to  ask  of  God  to 
 bring  upon  his  family  those  tremendous  judg- 
 ments which  were  denounced^  but  it  was  his 
 bounden  duty  to  submit  without  reserve,  and  to 
 reply  as  he  did,  u  It  is  the  Lord:  let  him  do 
 what  seemeth  him  good  f."  Thus  in  the  peti- 
 tion we  are  considering,  "  Thy  will  be  done," 
 we  do  not  pray  for  afflictions,  but  if  such  be 
 coming  upon  us,  we  resign  ourselves  to  God  as 
 a  righteous  Sovereign,  and  entreat  him  to  do 
 with  us  what  he  shall  judge  most  expedient. 
 
 And  is  not  this  the  frame  of  mind  we  should 
 possess  ?  How  many  reasons  may  be  urged  for 
 such  an  entire  and  unresisting  acquiescence ! 
 May  not  the  Lord  God  almighty  "  do  what  he 
 will  with  his  own  ?"  Who  are  we,  that  we 
 should  strive  against  him,  or  say  to  him,  What 
 doest  thou  ?     We  are  ignorant,  and  might  chuse 
 
 *  1  Sam.  ii.  6,  %.  t  1  Sam.  iii.  18. 
 
328  ON  THE  THIRD   PETITION 
 
 that  which  would  prove  our  heaviest  curse:  but 
 as  he  is  infinite  in  wisdom,  and  cannot  be  mis- 
 taken or  disappointed  in  his  measures,  we  should 
 refer  to  him  the  decision  of  every  event.     What, 
 though  he  smite  us  with  his  rod  ?    A  conviction 
 of  his  justice,  and  of  our  own  guiltiness,  will  pre- 
 vent  or    silence   every   complaint.      Our    trials 
 might  have  been  far  heavier  in  this  life,  and  our 
 souls  consigned  to  everlasting  misery.     "  It  is  of 
 the  Lord's  mercies  that  we  ate   not  consumed, 
 because  his  compassions  fail  not  */'     From  the 
 riches  of  his  grace,  as  manifested  in  Christ  Jesus, 
 we  may  derive  "  strong  consolation  ;"  and  if  we 
 have  "  laid  hold  upon  that  hope  set  before  us,,, 
 we  may  possess  a  firm  confidence  in  his  faithful- 
 ness and  love.     He  has  bound  himself  by  pro- 
 mises, by  covenant,  by  oath,  that   "  all  things 
 shall  work  together  for  our  good/'  and  cc  nothing 
 shall  be  able  to  separate  us  from  his  love."  These 
 are  forcible  considerations  to  induce  us  patiently 
 to  submit  to  his  severest  stroke.     It  becomes  us, 
 as  his  creatures,  and  as  sinners,  but  especially  as 
 believers  in  Christ,  to  say  from  the  heart,  "  Thy 
 will  be  done  !" 
 
 We  may  however  acknowledge  the  reasonable- 
 ness and  necessity  of  the  duty,  and  yet  find  the 
 performance  difficult.  Ou'r  corrupt  natures  rise 
 against  it.   We  are  disposed  to  fret,  and  murmur, 
 
 *  Lamen.  iii.  22. 
 
op  the  lord's  prayer.     329 
 
 and  rebel,  when  our  wills  are  resisted,  and  our 
 wishes  frustrated.  We  are  unthankful,  impa- 
 tient, unbelieving,  and  refractory :  and  nothing 
 but  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit  can  subdue  in  us 
 these  depraved  affections,  or  produce  a  contrary 
 and  proper  state  of  mind.  For  that  grace  there- 
 fore we  supplicate  the  Father  of  mercies,  be- 
 seeching him  to  reconcile  us  to  his  providential 
 appointments,  however  afflictive,  and  to  give  u£ 
 those  principles,  which  will  support  and  comfort 
 us  under  all  his  varied  dispensations. 
 
 II.  We  may  refer  the  petition  to  his  preceptive 
 will,  in  whatever  way  made  known.  There  are 
 certain  grand  points  of  duty,  which  the  light  of 
 reason  may  discover:  and  we  may  call  upon  men5 
 on  this  ground,  to  consider  what  is  right,  what 
 their  Creator  would  have  them  to  be  and  to  do. 
 There  is  a  sense  of  moral  obligation  impressed 
 on  their  consciences,  directing  and  restraining 
 them;  and  accordingly  the  gentile  world  has 
 furnished  instances  of  those,  who,  "  having  not 
 the  law,  did  by  nature  the  things  contained  in  the 
 law,  and  were  a  law  unto  themselves  *." 
 
 But  it  has  pleased  God  to  declare  his  mind  in 
 a  clearer  and  more  distinct  manner.  He  has  re- 
 vealed himself  in  the  holy  scriptures.  There  the 
 rule  of  duty  is  express  and  complete ;  not  con- 
 trary to  the  dictates  of  reason,  but  removing  its 
 
 *  Rom.  ii.  14. 
 
330  ON   THE  THIFvD   PETITION 
 
 obscurity,  supplying  its  defects,  and  giving  it  an 
 additional  force  and  obligation.  Would  you 
 therefore  know  and  do  bis  will,  you  must  search 
 the  scriptures,  where  it  is  minutely  and  perfectly 
 described  in  legible  characters,  and  where  your 
 obedience  is  demanded  on  considerations  the 
 highest  and  most  tremendous. 
 
 The  moral  law  is  a  transcript  of  his  mind,  re- 
 specting the  conduct  of  all  his  creatures.  It  is 
 comprised  in  ten  commandments,  "  written  and 
 engraven  in  stone"  by  his  own  finger;  and, 
 though  delivered  originally  to  the  ancient  Israel- 
 ites, yet  is  it  universally  and  perpetually  binding 
 upon  all  people  throughout  all  generations.  It 
 is  excellent  in  all  its  parts,  like  its  divine  author, 
 u  holy  and  just  and  good,"  immutable,  and  ever- 
 lasting. As  far  as  you  comply  with  its  injunc- 
 tions, He  is  glorified,  righteousness  and  peace  are 
 promoted,  and  you  preserve  the  true  dignity  of 
 your  nature.  O  that  this  will  of  God  were  every 
 where  done  upon  the  earth !  But  it  is  far  other- 
 wise. It  is  despised,  and  hated,  and  resisted. 
 Since  the  apostasy  of  Adam,  the  human  character 
 has  been  marked  by  a  rooted  aversion  and  violent 
 opposition  to  Jehovah.  "  The  carnal  mind  is 
 enmity  against  God  :  for  it  is  not  subject  to  the 
 law  of  God,  neither  indeed  can  be  *." 
 
 What  then  is  to  be  done?     Has  the  Lord 
 
 *  Rom.  viii.  7. 
 
OF  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.  331 
 
 relinquished  bis  claims  to  our  service  ?  Has  he 
 altered  or  relaxed  the  rule  of  duty,  merely  be- 
 cause we  dislike  it?  Impossible:  it  must  remain 
 his  will  for  ever,  in  all  its  purity  and  extent;  and 
 notwithstanding  our  depravity,  it  must  be  exhi- 
 bited and  enforced,  as  worthy  of  our  admiration, 
 love.,  and  obedience.  We  must  pray  that  he 
 would  assert  his  own  sovereign  authority,  recover 
 us  to  a  state  of  holy  and  entire  subjection,  and 
 make  us  in  all  respects  conformable  to  his  own 
 mind.  O  pour  out  upon  us,  and  upon  all  man- 
 kind, the  abundant  influence  of  thy  Spirit,  that 
 we  may  love  and  cheerfully  perform  the  things 
 which  thou  commandest,  and  walk  before  thee 
 unto  all  pleasing  !  "  Thy  will  be  done  in 
 earth  !" 
 
 The  law  is  not  abrogated,  but  we  must  look  to 
 the  gospel  for  a  more  fall  and  appropriate  decla- 
 ration of  the  mind  of  God  to  us  sinners.  Through 
 the  gracious  interposition  of  the  Saviour,  we  are 
 placed  under  a  new  dispensation  ; — a  dispensa- 
 tion of  mercy.  It  is  not  the  will  of  God,  that 
 men  should  perish  as  they  deserve ;  but  he  pro- 
 claims his  own  readiness  to  pardon,  accept,  and 
 save  all,  who  shall  return  to  him.  The  plan  of 
 redemption  is  most  agreeable  to  himself:  it  was 
 the  object  of  his  eternal  counsel,  and  is  the  effect 
 of  his  free  unmerited  love.  "  When  Jesus  cometh 
 into  the  world,  he  saith,  Lo,  I  come  to  do  thy 
 will,   O   God!" — u  By  the   which   will  we   are 
 
332  ON  THE  THIRD   PETITION 
 
 sanctified,  through  the  offering  of  the  body  of 
 Jesus  Christ  once  for  all  *  ;" — "  Who  gave  him- 
 self for  our  sins,  that  he  might  deliver  us  from 
 this  present  evil  world,  according  to  the  will  of 
 God  and  our  Father  f."  On  this  ground  a  pro- 
 clamation of  "  peace  on  earth  and  goodwill  to- 
 wards men"  is  commanded  to  be  made  throughout 
 the  world  ;  and  we  are  assured,  that  "  the  Lord 
 is  not  willing  that  any  should  perish,"  but  that  a 
 way  of  access  is  opened,  and  "  whosoever  will 
 may  take  the  water  of  life  freely." 
 
 Such  is  the  general  nature  of  the  dispensation 
 of  the  gospel:  its  particular  injunctions,  in  which 
 the  mind  of  the  Lord  is  declared  to  us,  should 
 be  more  minutely  considered.     It  is  his  will, 
 
 1.  That  men  should  repent.  We  are  not  ad- 
 dressed as  innocent  and  holy,  but  as  guilty  and 
 depraved  creatures  j  and  in  this  character  we  are 
 required  to  turn  from  all  our  transgressions,  with 
 deep  humiliation  and  unfeigned  contrition.  The 
 call  of  God  to  sinners  is,  il  Make  you  a  new  heart 
 and  a  new  spirit." — iC  He  now  commandeth  all 
 men  every  where  to  repent  J."  But  is  the  call 
 obeyed?  Is  the  injunction  complied  with  ?  The 
 divine  will  continues  to  be  resisted,  and  the  earth 
 is  overspread  with  a  race  of  rebels.  They  refuse 
 10  be  humbled,  and  to  be  reconciled  to  God. 
 
 *  Heb.  x.  5—10.  t  Gal.  i.  4, 
 
 X  Ezek,  xviii.  31.     Acts  xvii.  30. 
 
OP  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.        333 
 
 Yet  he  ceases  not  to  entreat  them,  and  commands 
 "  that  repentance  should  be  preached  among  all 
 nations*."  Wherever  the  ministers  of  Christ 
 open  their  commission,  this  is  their  invariable 
 address,  fc  Repent  ye,  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
 is  at  hand  f :"  and  men  being  considered  in  their 
 fallen  state,  then  they  begin  to  do  the  will  of 
 God,  when  such  a  change  is  accomplished.  Let 
 us  pray,  that  this  fruit  of  the  preaching  of  the 
 gospel  may  every  where  appear :  and  we  may 
 rejoice  in  the  promise,  that  u  all  the  ends  of  the 
 world  shall  remember  and  turn  unto  the  Lord  : 
 and  all  the  kindreds  of  the  nations  shall  worship 
 before  him  t." — It  is  his  will 
 
 2.  That  men  should  believe  on  the  L©rd  Jesus 
 Christ  This  may  be  called  the  grand  and  dis- 
 criminative precept  of  the  gospel.  What  are  all 
 its  calls,  invitations,  warnings,  and  promises,  but 
 so  many  declarations  of  the  necessity  of  faith, 
 "  without  which  it  is  impossible  to  please  God?" 
 The  Son  of  God  is  set  forth  as  the  only  and  all- 
 sufficient  Saviour;  and  never  do  we  acknowledge 
 him  in  that  character,  or  comply  with  the  gra- 
 cious purposes  of  the  Father,  till  we  abandon 
 every  other  ground  of  hope,  and  place  our  whole 
 dependence  upon  him.  "  This  is  the  work  of 
 God, that  ye  believe  on  him,  whom  he  hath  sent  §." 
 
 *  Luke  xxiv.  47.  t  Matt.  iii.  2. 
 
 t  Psalm  xxii.  27.  §  John  vi.  29. 
 
334  ON  THE  THIRD  PETITION 
 
 It  is  the  work,  which  he  in  the  first  place  required 
 and  cannot  dispense  with,  for  without  it  every 
 other  work  will  be  vain  and  offensive:  but  this 
 is  peculiarly  honourable  and  delightful  to  him  ; 
 it  brings  into  effect  his  plans  of  mercy,  and  se- 
 cures the  participation  of  his  love.     "  This  is  his 
 commandment,    that   ye  should  believe  on  the 
 name  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ  *."     But  have  all, 
 in  this  respect,  obeyed  the  gospel  ?     Is  the  Re- 
 deemer universally  received  and  submitted  to  r 
 Alas !    Me  is    still    "  despised   and    rejected   of 
 men.*'     Very  few   comparatively,   among    those 
 who  profess  his  name,  seem  to  maintain  a  true 
 and  lively  faith.     Let  us  then  entreat  the  God  of 
 all  grace,  to  put  forth   his  efficacious  influence 
 with  the  word,  that  Christ  may  be  received  with 
 an  unfeigned  and  cordial  reliance,  and  thus  "  His 
 will  be  done  throughout  the  earth."     But  we 
 add, 
 
 3.  That  believers  should  walk  in  holiness. 
 They  are  brought  into  a  new  state,  in  which 
 they  participate  of  many  privileges  ;  but  they  also 
 assume  a  new  character,  to  which  various  duties 
 are  attached.  They  should  therefore  consider,  what 
 obligations  are  now  laid  upon  them,  and  what  is 
 "  the  will  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  concerning 
 them  j."  An  inward  purity  of  mind,  the  exercise 
 of  spiritual  principles  and  affections,  a  devout 
 
 *  l  John  iii.  23.  f  l  Thess.  v.  18, 
 
 6 
 
OF    THE    LORDS    PRAYER.  335 
 
 Und  holy  conduct  in  all  the  multiplied  relations 
 and  conditions  of  human  life; — these  are  the 
 things,  which  become  their  "  high  calling  in 
 Christ  Jesus/'  which  are  required  and  expected 
 of  them.  Thus  "  they  ought  to  walk  and  to 
 please  God :"—"  For  this  is  the  will  of  God, 
 even  their  saiictificatiori  *."  "  They  are  created 
 in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works,  which  God 
 hath  before  ordained  that  they  should  walk  in 
 them  f ."  But  are  there  no  defects  in  the  fol- 
 lowers of  Christ,  no  omissions  or  deviations  ?  Do 
 we  not  hear  them  accused  of  neglectincr  what 
 they  owe  to  God  and  man,  and  departing  from 
 the  law  of  truth  and  righteousness  ?  It  is  a  la- 
 mentable case,  but  it  should  call  forth  our  most 
 fervent  supplications,  "  that  with  well  doing  they 
 may  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish  men : 
 for  so  is  the  will  of  God  J."  May  a  larger  mea- 
 sure of  his  grace  be  poured  upon  all  the  members 
 of  his  church,  to  purify  them  from  their  corrup- 
 tions, and  to  advance  them  to  higher  degrees  of 
 holiness,  "  that  being  transformed  by  the  renew- 
 ing of  their  mind,  they  may  prove  what  is  that 
 good,  and  acceptable,  and  perfect  will  of  God§." 
 Such  is  our  petition.  We  pray,  that  the  uni- 
 versal Lord,  the  almighty  Sovereign,  may  be  de- 
 voutly  regarded   in    all   his   dispensations,    and 
 
 *  1  Thess.  iv.  1,3.  t  Eph.  ii.  10. 
 
 X  l  Peter  ii.  J  5.  §  Rom.  xii.  2. 
 
336  ON   THE  THIRD  PETITION* 
 
 submitted  to  without  reserve,  by  us  and  by  the 
 whole  human  race.  We  are  taught  to  extend 
 our  views  and  desires  beyond  ourselves,  when 
 we  say,  "  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth  !"  We 
 shonild  embrace  in  our  charitable  intercessions 
 the  countless  millions  of  our  fellow-creatures, 
 and  ask  for  the  completion  of  the  prophecy,  that 
 "  the  earth  shall  be  filled  with  the  knowledge  of 
 the  glory  of  the  Lord,  as  the  waters  cover  the 
 sea  *."  Such  an  event  would  give  a  delightful 
 aspect  to  the  whole  system  of  things  around  us; 
 and  our  Creator  would  look  down  with  compla- 
 cency on  the  work  of  his  hands.  At  present  the 
 scene  is  far  different :  we  cannot  turn  our  eyes  to 
 any  corner  without  being  compelled  to  weep  for 
 the  general  opposition,  which  is  made  both  to  the 
 government  and  to  the  grace  of  God. 
 
 Our  minds  may  be  relieved  by  directing  our 
 attention  to  a  better  world.  There  is  an  order  of 
 beings,  who  do  not  resist  him,  and  we  should 
 desire  to  possess  a  similar  spirit  of  love  and  obe- 
 dience. It  should  not  satisfy  us  to  imitate  any 
 defective  pattern,  not  even  the  most  eminent 
 saint ;  but  upon  a  comparison  of  ourselves  with 
 Angels,  we  shall  i%icl  cause  for  humiliation  and 
 prayer.  How  is  the  Lord  God  regarded  by  all 
 the  hosts  of  heaven  ?  They  are  proposed  for 
 our  example,  and  we  should  manifest  a  subjection 
 
 *  Hab.  ii.  14. 
 
OF  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.        337 
 
 as  entire,  as  cheerful,  and  as  constant  as  their' s 
 is.  "  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in 
 heaven  !" 
 
 The  whole  company  of  the  celestial  spirits  are 
 perfectly  conformed  to  the  will  of  God. 
 There  is  not  one  precept,  to  which  they  object, 
 or  which  they  do  not  fulfil  in  its  utmost  extent : 
 we,  alas!  dislike  many  obvious  duties,  and  per- 
 form none  without  some  failure  or  defect.  They 
 fly  to  their  appointed  work  with  ardent  loye 
 to  God,  and  delight  in  his  service.  It  consti- 
 tutes their  joy  and  felicity  to  exalt  and  glorify 
 him ;  and  therefore  their  zeal  in  executing  his 
 commissions  is  like  "  a  flaming  fire  *."  But 
 what  reluctance  and  hesitation,  what  indolence 
 and  weariness  do  we  discover,  when  he  requires 
 from  us  our  most  vigorous  exertions  !  They 
 approach  him  with  reverence  and  serve  him 
 with  humility.  They  arrogate  nothing  to 
 themselves,  but  give  all  glory  to  him ;  and  as 
 unworthy  to  claim  any  thing,  or  even  to  appear 
 in  his  sight,  "  they  cover  their  faces  and  fall 
 down  before  Him  that  sitteth  on  the  throne  f." 
 And  shall  we  be  presumptuously  elated  in  his 
 presence,  or  demand  a  recompense  for  our  obe- 
 dience ?  How  many  reasons  are  there,  why  we 
 should  "  hide  us  in  the  dust,  for  fear  of  the 
 Lord,  and  for  the  glory  of  his  majesty  % !"    There 
 
 *  Psalm  ciii.  20,  21.     civ.  4. 
 t  Isa.  vi.  2.     Rev.  iy.  10.     v.  8.  t  Isaiah  ii.  10, 
 
 VOL.  Ill,  Z 
 
338  ON   THE   THIRD    PETITION 
 
 is  also  ill  their  conformity  and  subjection  to  the 
 divine    will    an    unvarying    constancy,    an 
 
 UNINTERRUPTED   PERS  EVERANC  K.       "  They    RSt 
 
 not  day  and  night  *."  We  possess  not  their  fa- 
 culties, and  are  incapable  of  their  unceasing 
 fervour  and  activity.  But  we  feel  what  is  worse 
 than  mere  infirmity,  a  very  sinful  unsteadiness  of 
 mind,  a  fluctuation  and  uncertainty  of  principle, 
 a  strong  propensity  to  forget  and  depart  from  the 
 living  God.  O  for  his  quickening,  animating, 
 preserving  grace,  that  we  may  daily  come  nearer 
 and  nearer  to  that  pattern  of  excellence,  which  is 
 here  exhibited,  and  hold  on  our  way  till  we  shall 
 be  taken  up,  to  join  the  angelic  hosts  before  the 
 throne  ! 
 
 The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  human  nature  per- 
 formed the  whole  will  of  God  upon  the  earth, 
 and  we  are  required  to  tread  in  his  steps.  His 
 redeemed  people  are  partakers  of  his  Spirit,  and 
 in  their  measure  conformed  to  his  image.  They 
 may  also  rejoice  in  the  assurance,  that  the  pur- 
 poses of- his  grace  shall  finally  be  answered  in 
 them.  They  "  shall  behold  his  face  in  righte- 
 ousness, and  shall  be  satisfied,  when  they  awake, 
 with  his  likeness  f." — "  They  shall  be  like  him, 
 for  they  shall  see  him  as  he  is  J."  But  sinners, 
 who  remain  unchanged,  can  have  no  place  in 
 heaven.    It  is  not  possible,  that,  with  a  disposition 
 
 *  Rev.  i\\  8.  f  Psalm  xvii.  15.  J   1  John  iii.  2. 
 
OP  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.        33Q 
 
 full  of  hostility  against  Jehovah  and  hatred  of  his 
 service,  they  should  be  numbered  among  the 
 righteous,  or  permitted  to  interrupt  their  peace 
 and  harmony.  "  The  adversaries  of  the  Lord 
 shall  be  broken  to  pieces*:" — their  malignant 
 opposition  will  terminate  in  their  everlasting  de- 
 struction. "  Thou  shalt  break  them  with  a  rod 
 of  iron;  Thou  shalt  dash  them  in  pieces  like  a 
 potter's  vessel  f." 
 
 *  1  Sam.  ii.  10.  f  Psalm  ii.  Q. 
 
 7    J 
 
ESSAY   LXXXI. 
 
 ON    THE    LORD  S    PRAYER. 
 
 THE  FOURTH  PETITION. 
 
 Our  bodily  necessities  should  be  represented  to  God. 
 As  our  Lord  has  taught  us  to  say,  "  Give  us 
 this  day  our  daily  bread,"  we  may  fray 
 and  labour  for  whatever  is  needful  to  support  life, 
 — we  should  desire  temporal  favours  with  some 
 conditions  and  limitations, — every  day  implore  the 
 divine  blessing  on  our  labours, — and  seek  our  bread 
 by  lawful  means. 
 
 The  promotion  of  God's  glory,  as  the  end  of 
 our  creation,  should  be  the  supreme  object  of  our 
 desires  and  our  prayers.  In  this  we  shall  not  be 
 unmindful  of  our  own  interest ;  for  our  spiritual 
 and  eternal  happiness  are  necessarily  connected 
 with  it.  But  we  have  wants  of  a  lower  kind : 
 our  bodies  stand  in  need  of  continual  supplies, 
 and,  however  inferior  the  consideration  of  these 
 may  be,  we  are  allowed  and  required  to  make 
 mention  of  them  before  God.  In  the  very  short 
 model  which  our  Lord  has  given  us,  they  form 
 
ON  THE  LORD'S  PRAYEK,        341 
 
 the  subject  of  one  distinct  petition.  We  are 
 taught  to  pray,  "  Give  us  this  day  our  daily 
 b'read:"  and  we  may  take  occasion  from  it  to 
 enquire,  how  far  and  under  what  limitations  our 
 secular  affairs  may  occupy  our  attention  and  our 
 supplications.  s*  Q  God,  increase  and  multiply 
 upon  us  thy  mercy,  that  thou  being  our  ruler  and 
 guide,  we  may  so  pass  through  things  temporal, 
 that  we  finally  lose  not  the  things  eternal*  !'* 
 
 The  following  inferences  may  be  drawn  from 
 the  petition  before  us. 
 
 I.  Christians  may  pray  and  labour  for  their 
 bodily  sustenance,  and  whatever  is  needful  for 
 their  continuance  in  life.  Under  the  term  Bread 
 the  scriptures  comprise  the  common  means  of 
 subsistence,  all  necessary  provisions.  So  it  is 
 used,  when  the  Lord  promises,  <c  I  will  satisfy 
 her  poor  with  bread  f."  And  again,  when  he 
 threatens  a  famine  more  to  be  dreaded  than  "  a. 
 famine  of  bread  J."  So  that  in  asking  Ki  bread," 
 we  are  taught  to  pray  that  God  would  graciously 
 bestow  upon  us  whatever  may  be  expedient  for 
 the  preservation  of  life,  of  health,  and  strength . 
 "Religion  does  not  require  us  to  neglect  these,  but 
 rather  inculcates  a  due  attention  to  them,  as  en- 
 larging our  opportunities  of  glorifying  God.  Our 
 Lord  indeed  commands  us  to  beware  of  an  inor- 
 dinate anxiety,  "  Take  no  thought,  saying,  What 
 
 *  Collect  for  the  fourth  Sunday  after  Trinity. 
 f  Psalm  exxxii.  15.  '        |  Amos  viii.  11. 
 
342  OX  THE  FOURTH  PETITION 
 
 shall  we  eat  ?  or  what  shall  we  drink  ?  or  where- 
 withal shall  we  be  clothed  ? — for  your  heavenly 
 Father  knoweth  that  ye  have  need  of  all  these 
 things*."  But  he  allows  us  to  represent  our 
 wants  before  him,  and  for  our  encouragement  to 
 "  make  known  our  requests  in  every  thing  by 
 prayer  and  supplication,"  we  are  assured,  that  he 
 "  will  supply  all  our  need  f  „?' 
 
 But  as  we  should  pray,  so  we  should  also  labour 
 for  the  support  of  our  bodies.     Let  the  aposto- 
 lical injunction  be  seriously  regarded  by  all  Chris- 
 tians: "We  command  and  exhort  by  our  Lord 
 Jesus  Christ,  that  with  quietness  they  work  and 
 eat  their  own  bread  J."     We  shall  be  guilty  of 
 the  sin  of  tempting  God,  by  asking  or  expecting 
 any  blessing,  while  we  neglect  his  appointed  me- 
 thod for  obtaining  it.     We  should  patiently  ac- 
 quiesce in  the  sentence  He  has  pronounced  upoR 
 us  for  our  apostasy,   "  In   the  sweat  of  thy  face 
 shalt  thou  cat  bread  §  :"  nor  let  us  vainly  attempt 
 to  counteract  the  settled  plan  of  his  Providence, 
 tc  He  that  tilleth  his  land  shall  be  satisfied  with 
 bread  ; — but  an  idle  soul  shall  suffer  hunger  ||." 
 What  means,  then  the  man  of  sloth  or  dissipa- 
 tion ?  In  the  mouth  of  such  an  one,  this  petition 
 would  be  an   insult  to  God.     Or  what  shall  we 
 say  to  the  >ndolent  and  careless  professor  of  reli- 
 gion, who  talks  loudly  of  his  confidence  in  the 
 
 *  Matt,  vi  31,  32.      f  H>il.  **•  6>  19-      t  2  Thess.  iii.  12. 
 §  Gen.  iii.  ly.  ||  Prov.  xii.  1)..     xix.  15. 
 
OF   THE  LORD'S   PRAYER.  3J3 
 
 divine  promises,  that  he  shall  not  want,  but 
 trifles  away  his  time  in  the  neglect  of  his  busi- 
 ness, and  u  provides  not  for  his  own  house  ?  He 
 hath  denied  the  faith,  and  is  worse  than  an  in- 
 fidel V 
 
 Pious  persons,  whose  hearts  glow  with  love  to 
 God  and  delight  in  his  service,  may  lament  that 
 their  secular  affairs  leave  them  so  Jictle  leisure  for 
 religious  duties.  If  however  they  properly  im- 
 prove their  vacant  hours,  arrange  their  various 
 concerns  with  prudence,  and  pursue  their  worldly 
 callings  with  a  spiritual  mind,  they  should  not 
 be  discouraged.  He,  who  commanded  you  to 
 pray  for  your  "  daily  bread,"  cannot  be  displeased 
 with  your  labouring  for  it,  in  a  dependence  on 
 his  blessing.  Even  in  your  common  avocations 
 you  may  serve  the  Lord  Christ :  and  if  you  pro- 
 fess a  serious  regard  to  Him,  there  is  a  stronger 
 necessity  for  you  to  be  attentive,  and  punctual, 
 and  assiduous,  in  all  your  occupations  and  trans- 
 actions, H-  that  the  name  of  God  and  his  doctrine 
 be  not  blasphemed  f/'  If  on  such  principles  you 
 are  compelled  to  relinquish  some  opportunities, 
 which  you  would  gladly  embrace  for  devotional 
 purposes,  you  will  suffer  no  loss :  the  presence 
 and  the  gracious  communications  of  your  God, 
 even  in  the  midst  of  much  hurry  and  fatigue,  will 
 preserve  your  souls  from  declension,  and  render 
 them  prosperous  and  happy. 
 
 *  1  Tina.  v. -ft.  t  1  Tim.  vi.  I. 
 
344  ON   THE   FOURTH  PETITION 
 
 II.  We  should  desire  temporal  favours  with 
 some  conditions  and  limitations.  From  the  car- 
 nal propensities  of  our  minds,  we  are  in  danger 
 of  too  great  eagerness,  and  stand  in  need  of  cau- 
 tion, moderation,  and  patience.  The  spiritual 
 blessings,  which  are  proposed  to  us  in  Jesus 
 Christ,  may  be  desired  absolutely,  without  re- 
 striction ;  we  cannot  be  too  fervent :  our  estima- 
 tion of  them  must  fall  below  their  worth,  and 
 God  is  more  ready  to  give,  than  we  are  to  pray. 
 But  the  things  which  relate  merely  to  the  body 
 may  be  valued  far  beyond  their  importance,  and 
 sought  for  with  inordinate  affections,  incon- 
 sistent with  faith  and  the  love  of  God.  We 
 should  ask  them,  not  for  any  intrinsic  excellency 
 in  them,  or  for  the  gratification  they  afford,  but 
 rather  as  helps  to  us  in  our  spiritual  pilgrimage, 
 and  as  the  means  of  glorifying  God.  If  they 
 constitute  our  grand  object,  if  they  are  regarded 
 as  our  best  treasure,  if  we  know  no  higher  enjoy- 
 ment than  what  they  administer,  we  are  altoge- 
 ther earthly  and  sensual :  and  to  be  thus  "  car- 
 nally minded  is  death."  How  frequent  a  case  ! 
 The  common  bounties  of  divine  providence  are 
 idolized  by  many  thousands,  and  prove  a  snare 
 and  a  curse,  the  instruments  of  sin,  and  the  cause 
 of  their  aggravated  ruin.  From  such  worldly 
 prosperity,  Good  Lord,  deliver  us  ! 
 
 In  our  petitions  for  things  pertaining  to  this 
 life,  we  should  possess  a  submissive  mind,  a  wil- 
 3 
 
OP  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.        345 
 
 lingness  to  have  our  wishes  delayed  or  refused, 
 if  the  Lord  God  Almighty  should  so  deter- 
 mine. We  should  refer  every  event  to  his  will, 
 in  confidence  of  his  wisdom,  justice,  faithfulness, 
 and  grace.  We  may  possibly  ask,  what  He  may 
 be  pleased  to  withhold  from  us  in  compassion 
 and  mercy,  what  would  eventually  be  a  source 
 of  misery,  and  very  hurtful,  if  not  ruinous,  to 
 our  souls.  Our  prayers,  therefore,  and  our  de- 
 sires for  any  temporal  object,  should  be  mode- 
 rated and  guarded  by  such  conditions  as  these, 
 If  it  be  consistent  with  the  will  of  God, — If  his 
 wisdom  should  judge  it  conducive  to  our  best 
 interests, — If  it  would  tend  to  promote  our  use- 
 fulness and  his  glory.  If  otherwise,  we  should 
 even  solicit  a  denial.  But  is  this  the  state  of  our 
 hearts  ?  How  strong  and  ungovernable  are  our 
 anxieties  about  secular  affairs  ?  How  often  have 
 we  been  ready  to  say,  <c  Give  me  this,  or  else  I 
 die  *  ?"  With  what  impatience  of  spirit  and  loud 
 complaints  have  we  received  a  disappointment  ? 
 Let  us  chide  ourselves  for  our  folly  and  perverse- 
 ness,  and  weigh  well  the  question,  "  Should  it 
 be  according  to  thy  mind  f  ?" 
 
 The  petition  teaches  us  to  contract  our  views 
 and  limit  our  desires.  We  sav  not,  "  Give  us 
 affluence,  or  delicacies;"  but  "  Give  us  bread," 
 what  is  needful  for  our  support, — the  "  food  con- 
 
 *  Gen.  xxx.  11  f  Job  xxxiv.  33. 
 
346  ON  THE   FOURTH   PETITION 
 
 venicnt  for  us."  If  the  Lord  should  add  to  our 
 store,  we  ought  not  petulantly  to  refuse  his  kind- 
 ness. Let  us  accept  it  with  thankfulness,  and 
 pray  for  grace  to  improve  it.  But  "  having  food 
 and  raiment,  let  us  be  therewith  content  *."  By 
 how  many  considerations  may  we  press  upon 
 ourselves  the  advice  of  Jeremiah,  "  Seekest  thou 
 great  things  for  thyself?  Seek  them  notf  !"  We 
 are  required  to  repress  our  solicitude  about  days 
 and  years  to  come.  It  should  suffice  us,  that  the 
 Lord  has  supplied  our  present  wants.  We  ask 
 only  "  this  day"  for  "  our  daily  bread."  If  our 
 lives  be  lengthened  out,  He  that  has  sustained  us 
 hitherto,  is  able  to  provide  for  us  to  the  end,  and 
 we  should  learn  to  trust  him,  cc  casting  all  our 
 care  upon  him,  for  he  careth  for  us  J."  The 
 prayer  instructs,  but  it  also  conveys  a  reproof. 
 The  covetous  and  the  ambitious  are  actuated  by 
 principles  utterly  inconsistent  with  it.  How  few 
 are  satisfied  with  necessaries  !  To  attain  some- 
 thing more,  or  something  higher, — to  f<  lay  up 
 much  goods  for  many  years,'' — these  are  the 
 things,  to  which  the  thoughts  and  pursuits  of 
 the  greater  part  are  directed.  Multitudes  are 
 murmuring  at  their  hard  lot,  though  they  possess 
 far  more  than  they  are  taught  to  pray  for:  or 
 they  refuse  to  enjoy  what  God  has  given  them, 
 through  the  apprehension  of  wanting  in  future. 
 
 *  1  Tim.  vi.  8.  f  Jer.  xlv.  5.  +  1  Pet.  v.  7. 
 
OF   THE   LORD  S   PRAYER.  34/ 
 
 "  O  ye  of  little  faith,"  why  take  ye  so  much 
 thought  for  the  body  ?  Why  cannot  ye  trust  your 
 heavenly  Father  ?  "  Sufficient  unto  the  day  is 
 the  evil  thereof*."  Remember,  how  short  your 
 time  is  ;  how  near  you  stand  to  the  eternal  world. 
 Since  "  this  night  your  souls  may  be  required  of 
 you  f,"  learn  to  be  content  with  sustenance  for 
 the  day. 
 
 III.  We  should  every  day  implore  the  divine 
 blessing  on  our  labours.  The  Lord  God  is  to 
 be  acknowledged  as  u  the  preserver  of  men."  In 
 a  temporal  as  well  as  spiritual  sense,  whoever 
 planteth,  or  whoever  walereth,  "  He  giveth  the 
 increase  J." — "  He  causeth  the  grass  to  grow  for 
 the  cattle,  and  herb,  for  the  service  of  man  ;  that 
 he  may  bring  forth  food  out  of  the  eartji :  and 
 wine  that  maketh  glad  the  heart  of  man,  and  oil 
 to  make  his  face  to  shine,  and  bread  which 
 strengtheneth  man's  heart ^."  Whatever  may  be 
 our  occupation,  we  depend  entirely  upon  God, 
 and  should  "  seek  our  meat  from  Him."  It  is 
 not  in  man  to  command  success  in  commercial  or 
 any  other  engagements,  by  his  own  ingenuity, 
 diligence,  or  exertion.  It  becomes  us  then,  as 
 pensioners  upon  the  bounty  of  heaven,  to  solicit 
 upon  our  bended  knees  our  continued  subsistence, 
 and  to  say,  "  Give  us,  Lord,  our  daily  bread." 
 If  our  plans  prosper,  let  us  not  be  elated  or  tab 
 
 *  Matt.  vi.  34.  f  Luke  xii.  20. 
 
 I  I  Cor.  iii.  7.  §  Psalm  civ.  14,  15. 
 
34$  °^  THE  FOURTH  PETITION 
 
 any  credit  to  ourselves  for  our  wisdom  and  good 
 management,  but  ascribe  every  favourable  event 
 to  Him,  whose  providence  extendeth  over  all, 
 and  without  whom  not  a  sparrow  falleth  on  the 
 ground. 
 
 If  we  seek  support  and  success  from  God,  our 
 transactions  in  business  will  be  sanctified  by 
 prayer.  We  ask  our  bread  from  him;  and  there* 
 fore  we  implore  his  blessing  upon  that  way  of 
 life  and  those  employments,  to  which  he  has 
 called  us.  In  the  very  reception  also  of  our  com- 
 mon food,  we  look  for  him  to  impart  the  neces- 
 sary nourishment :  and  for  that  purpose,  when- 
 ever our  tables  are  spread,  our  supplications  and 
 our  praises  ascend  unto  heaven.  For  "  man  doth 
 not  live  by  bread  only,  but  by  every  word  that 
 proceedeth  out  of  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  doth 
 man  live*."  The  petition  reminds  us,  that  there 
 is  no  day,  in  which  we  should  not  maintain  this 
 believing  dependence  upon  the  Lord,  and  renew 
 our  applications  to  him:  "Give  us  this  day, 
 or  day  by  day,  our  daily  bread."  We  ask  it 
 only  for  the  present  season,  and  must  come  again 
 to-morrow. 
 
 We  enquire  then,  of  those  who  profess  a  de- 
 vout regard  to  God,  Are  you  indeed  setting  him 
 before  you  in  the  management  of  your  secular 
 affairs  ?    Do  you  thus  proceed  to  business  and  to 
 
 *  Deut.  viii.  3, 
 
OF   THE  LORD  S  PRAYER.  349 
 
 labour  morning  by  morning  ?  What !  is  prayer 
 neglected  ?  How  dare  you  lay  your  plans,  and 
 rush  forth  to  your  various  avocations  without  the 
 Lord  ?  Could  you  complain,  if  he  should  blast 
 your  designs,  and  send  his  curse  upon  all  your 
 undertakings,  and  upon  all  your  increase  ?  Do 
 you  plead  that  you  have  no  leisure  for  the  regular 
 discharge  of  the  duty  ?  The  excuse  is  manifestly 
 false:  or  if  it  were  true,  it  would  prove  your  em- 
 ployments to  be  sinful ;  for  nothing  can  supersede 
 your  obligations  to  prayer. 
 
 IV.  We  should  seek  our  bread  by  lawful 
 means.  We  cannot  ask  or  expect  it  from  God, 
 without  the  most  horrible  presumption,  in  such 
 methods  as  are  inconsistent  with  his  will.  Many 
 such  methods  are  taken  to  procure  support ;  and 
 those  who  practise  them,  should  be  warned  oi 
 their  sin  and  danger.  Let  the  subject  be  seri- 
 ously considered  by  those,  who  live  in  habits  of 
 gaming;  by  those  too,  whose  sole  occupation  it 
 is  to  minister  to  the  sinful  pleasures  of  others; 
 and  by  all  who  either  sell  or  buy  contraband 
 goods,  and  who  by  illicit  practices  defraud  the 
 public  revenue.  Can  they  entreat  the  God  of 
 truth  and  purity  to  prosper  their  exertions  ?  Can 
 they  insult  him  more  than  by  lifting  up  their 
 unholy  hands  to  implore  his  blessing  on  those 
 things,  which  are  an  abomination  in  his  sight  ? 
 But  the  fact  probably  is,  these  persons  bow  not 
 the  knee  to  God,  nor  can  they  with  sincerity  call 
 
330       ON  rHE  FOURTH  PETITION 
 
 u  bis  name     They  earn  their  meat  in  the 
 service  ol  another  master. 
 
 If  however  your  avocations  be  lawful  in  them- 
 selves,  you  should  examine  whether  they  be  con- 
 ducted in  a  lawful  manner.  Do  you  not  devote 
 to  them  some  of  those  sacred  hours,  which  God 
 claims  for  himself?  And  are  you  content  to  pro- 
 cure your  subsistence,  and  get  gain,  by  the  pro- 
 ition  pf  his  day  ?  Appeal  not  then  to  Him,  to 
 bless  your  labours,  or  to  supply  your  necessities. 
 — We  fear  that  some  trades  are  followed  at  the 
 expense  of  truth  and  of  a  good  conscience.  Are 
 not  many  persons  enriched  by  fraudulent  trans- 
 actions, by  the  adulteration  of  various  articles 
 exposed  to  sale,  by  short  weights  and  measures, 
 by  taking  advantage  of  the  ignorance  or  distress 
 of  others,  by  extortion  and  exorbitant  profits  ? 
 You  had  better  beg  your  bread  from  door  to 
 door,  than  obtain  it  in  any  of  these  ways.  So 
 procured,  it  would  be  iC  the  wages  of  unrigh- 
 teousness:" and  therefore  you  could  not  ask  it  of 
 God.  You  must  entirely  abandon  the  use  of  this 
 prayer;  or  else  renounce  every  scheme  of  unjust 
 dealing. 
 
 Wc  may  close  our  reflections  upon  this  subject 
 with  an  address  to  different  ranks. 
 
 1*  If  the  Lord  has  given  you  not  only  bread  to 
 eat  and  raiment  to  put  on,  but  superfluities  and 
 affluence,  you  have  the  greater  reason  to  be 
 thankful,  but  not  to  be  elated.     You  are  merely 
 
OF  THE  LORD  S   PRAYER.  351 
 
 stewards,  and  not  absolute  proprietors,  of  what 
 you  possess:  be  faithful  to  your  trust.  You 
 should  feed  your  Master's  household,  and  main- 
 tain his  interest,  not  living  in  sensuality,  or  aim- 
 ing to  aggrandize  yourselves.  If  you  are  mind- 
 ful of  the  account  you  must  give,  you  will  fear, 
 more  than  the  lowest  depths  of  poverty,  to  fall 
 under  final  condemnation.  Be  anxious  to  obtain 
 "  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ:1' — these  will 
 secure  you  u  in  the  day  of  wrath,"  and  abide  with 
 you  for  ever.  O  trifle  not  away  your  time,  nor 
 squander  your  Lord's  talents  in  vanity  and  dissi- 
 pation. He  thus  reproves  and  counsels  you, 
 "  Wherefore  do  ye  spend  money  for  that  which 
 is  not  bread?  and  your  labour  for  that  which 
 satisfleth  not  ?  hearken  diligently  unto  me,  and 
 eat  ye  that  which  is  good,  and  let  your  soul  de- 
 light itself  in  fatness  *." 
 
 2.  If  you  be  poor,  and  involved  in  difficulties, 
 compelled  in  the  most  literal  sense  to  "  eat  bread 
 in  the  sweat  of  your  face,"  repine  not,  neither 
 despond.  The  Saviour  of  the  world  submitted 
 to  a  lower  situation,  and  was  more  destitute  than 
 you.  "  Trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good, — and 
 verily  thou  shalt  be  fed  f ."  Let  not  your  tem- 
 poral embarrassments  induce  you  to  :u  gleet  your 
 spiritual  concerns :  they  should  rather  increase 
 your  ardour  in  seeking  for  a  better  country.  Your 
 
 *  Isaiah  lv,  2.  f  Psalm  xxxvii.  3. 
 
352  ON    THE    FOURTH    PETITION,    &C. 
 
 situation,  distressing  as  it  may  be,  is  not  the  most 
 unfavourable  to  religion  :  it  happily  secures  you 
 from  many  dangerous  temptations ;  it  should  con- 
 strain you  with  unremitting  importunity  to  cry 
 mightily  to  God  ;  it  should  endear  to  you  the 
 gracious  offers  and  the  rich  provision  of  the  gos- 
 pel. u  Hath  not  God  chosen  the  poor  of  this 
 world,  rich  in  faith,  and  heirs  of  the  kingdom*?" 
 Though  food  for  your  bodies  should  be  with- 
 held, Jesus  Christ  proposes  himself  to  you  as 
 tc  the  living  bread,  which  came  down  from 
 heaven."  He  declares,  "  If  any  man  eat  of  this 
 bread,  he  shall  live  for  ever :  and  the  bread  that 
 J  will  give  is  my  flesh,  which  I  will  give  for  the 
 life  of  the  world."  O  pray,  <c  Lord,  evermore 
 give  us  this  bread  !"  and  in  obedience  to  his 
 command,  as  well  as  in  dependence  on  his  pro- 
 mise, "  Labour  not  for  the  meat  which  perisheth, 
 but  for  that  meat  which  endureth  unto  everlast- 
 ing life,  which  the  Son  of  man  shall  give  unto 
 you:   for  Him  hath  God  the  Father  sealed f." 
 
 *  James  ii.  5.  f  John  vi.  27,  34,  51. 
 
ESSAY   LXXXII. 
 
 ON    THE    LORD  S    PRAYER, 
 
 THE  FIFTH  PETITION. 
 
 We  should  approach  io  God,  as  guilty  creatures, 
 imploring  pardon.  Consider,  What  is  the  for- 
 giveness we  pray  for: — How  it  is  to  he  obtained: 
 — How  needful  is  the  petition.  But  we  also  pro- 
 mise  FORGIVENESS    OP     TRESPASSES.       This   IS 
 
 an  imitation  of  God-, — a  sense  of  our  own  tin-wor- 
 thiness should  dispose  us  to  it  ■, — the  love  of  Christ 
 should  constrain  us\ — it  is  required  as  a  test  of 
 our  religion  j — we  cannot  pray  without  it  \ — with 
 a  revengeful  disposition  we  hind  a  curse  upon 
 ourselves. 
 
 Our  temporal  necessities  may  be  the  subject  of 
 prayer;  but  in  the  performance  of  this  duty  we 
 should  be  chiefly  occupied  with  our  spiritual 
 concerns,  which  are  infinitely  the  most  important. 
 It  is  in  the  first  place  requisite,  that  we  attend 
 to  our  state  of  guilt  and  condemnation,  and  im- 
 plore the  pardoning  mercy  of  our  God.  Thus 
 we  are  taught  to  say,  "  Forgive  us  our  debts, 
 
 VOL.  III.  A  A. 
 
354-  ON  THE  FIFTH  PETITION 
 
 AS   WE  FORGIVE  OUR  DEBTORS."       To  this  point 
 
 let  our  most  serious  attention  be  directed,  while 
 we  enquire 
 
 I.  What  is  the  forgiveness  we  pray  for  ?     It 
 is  obvious,  that  sins,  or  trespasses,  are  here  called 
 u  debts*;"  and  that  being  sinners  we  are  all 
 "debtors"  to  God,  as  by  any  injurious  con- 
 duct we  may  be  also  to  one  another.     The  Lord, 
 the  righteous  Governor,  has  a  demand  upon  us 
 for  complete  and  perpetual  obedience  to  his  holy 
 law :  and  every  failure  or  defect  is  noted  down 
 in  his  book  of  remembrance  against  us,  as  a  debt 
 for  which  we  are  responsible.     Consequently  He 
 has  a  claim  of  another  sort :  as  transgressors  we 
 are  under  obligation  to  suffer  punishment :  this 
 is  what  we  now  owe  to  his  justice.    "  The  wages 
 of  sin  is  death  f."     That  alone  would  be  the  full 
 payment  of  the  debt.     Who  does  not  tremble  at 
 the  thought  of  being  called  upon  to  discharge  it  ? 
 Who  does  not  deprecate  the  infliction  of  the 
 sentence? — <c  The  judge  shall  deliver  thee  to  the 
 officer,  and  the  officer  cast  thee  into  prison,  from 
 whence  thou  shalt  not  depart,  till  thou  hast  paid 
 the  very  last  mite  J."  We  pray  therefore,  "  Forgive 
 us  our  debts ;" — not  desiring  to  be  released  from 
 that  love  and  service  which  are  due  to  God  ; — 
 but  entreating  him  to  remit  the  penalty,  which 
 
 *  Compare  Matt.  vi.  12,  14,  15.  and  Luke  xi.  4. 
 t  Rom.  vi.  23.  $  Luke  xii.  58,  fig. 
 
OF    THE    LORD  S    PRAYER.  355 
 
 our  transgressions  have  incurred,  to  relinquish 
 the  demands  of  his  justice,  to  retract  the  con- 
 demnation pronounced,  and  to  acquit  us  of  all 
 obligation  to  suffer  eternally* 
 
 If  the  expression  be  varied  in  our  common 
 formularies,  and  we  say,  u  Forgive  us  our  tres- 
 passes ;"  the  petition  is  exactly  the  same.  We 
 have  trespassed  against  the  Lord,  by  withholding 
 from  him  his  just  claims,  and  violating  the  peace 
 and  order  of  his  government.  We  beseech  him 
 therefore  to  pardon  our  injurious  conduct, — not 
 to  be  i(  extreme  to  mark  what  is  done  amiss/'  nor 
 to  enter  into  judgment  with  us. 
 
 We  are  encouraged  to  prefer  this  request  by 
 the  explicit  declarations  of  the  holy  scriptures, 
 which  assure  us,  that  "  there  is  forgiveness  with 
 God  V  that  "  he  will  wait  that  he  may  be  gra- 
 cious f," — "  forgiving  iniquity,  and  transgression, 
 and  sin  J."    On  what  other  ground  indeed  should 
 we  presume  to  address  him  ?     if  pardon  be  im- 
 possible, and  the  Judge  be  inexorable,  we  need 
 not  be  exhorted  to  pray.     Say  at  once,  There  is 
 no  hope,  we  will  lie  down  in  despair.     But  the 
 very  petition  provided  for  us  by  our  compas- 
 sionate Redeemer  implies,  that  we  may  obtain 
 remission  of  our  sins.   He  would  not  have  mocked 
 our  expectations,    by   teaching   us  to  ask  what 
 could  never  be  granted.   And  of  what  inestimable 
 
 "   P:-a)m  cxxx.  4.         f  Isaiah  xxx.  18.         J  Exod.  xxxiv.  7. 
 A  A  2 
 
355  ON  THE  FIFTH  PETITION 
 
 value  is  the  gift  we  solicit !  It  is  that,  which 
 alone  can  establish  the  soul  in  composure,  peace, 
 and  joy.  "  Blessed  is  he,  whose  transgression  is 
 forgiven,  whose  sin  is  covered.  Blessed  is  the 
 man,  unto  whom  the  Lord  imputeth  not  ini- 
 quity *."  A  favour  so  great,  and  productive  of 
 such  happy  consequences,  should  draw  forth  the 
 most  fervent  desires  of  the  heart,  and  be  sought 
 for  with  incessant  and  importunate  entreaties. 
 But 
 
 II.  How  is  forgiveness  to  be  obtained  ?  It  is 
 the  prerogative  of  Jehovah  to  dispense  it.  He  is 
 the  guardian  and  avenger  of  his  own  law.  He 
 has  appointed  the  sanctions  j  and  he  alone  can 
 tell,  on  what  terms  and  in  what  cases  pardon 
 may  be  granted.  We  can  come  to  no  satisfactory 
 conclusion  upon  the  subject,  without  an  explicit 
 declaration  from  himself:  and  while  he  asserts 
 the  injured  rights  of  his  government  he  has 
 given  us  encouragement  to  hope.  For  thus  he 
 speaks,  "  I,  even  I,  am  He,  that  blotteth  out  thy 
 transgressions  f  .*'  We  condemn  the  presumption 
 and  impiety  of  the  Romish  priests,  who  usurp 
 the  office  which  belongs  exclusively  to  God,  and 
 dispense  their  pardons  and  indulgences  to  whom 
 they  please,  for  filthy  lucre's  sake.  Yet  we  main- 
 tain that  "  He  hath  given  power  and  command- 
 inent  to  his  ministers,  to  declare  and  pronounce 
 
 P.alrn  xxxid.  1,2.  • t  f  Isaiah  xliii.  25. 
 
OF  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.  357 
 
 to  his  people,  being  penitent,  the  absolution  and 
 remission  of  their  sins."  Beyond  this  they  pos- 
 sess no  authority  :  they  merely  publish  the  offers 
 of  his  grace,  and  affirm,  that,  according  to  the 
 tenor  of  his  promises,  "  He  pardoneth  and  ab- 
 solveth  all  them  that  truly  repent,  and  unfeign- 
 edly  believe  his  holy  gospel  *."  We  come  to 
 him  therefore  on  the  multitude  of  his  mercies 
 (for  whither  else  should  we  go  ?),  and  we  cry 
 continually,  "  Father,  forgive  us  our  trespasses !" 
 
 The  blessing  is  freely  bestowed,  but  it  is  con- 
 veyed through  such  a  medium,  as  evinces  its 
 value,  and  furnishes  the  strongest  motives  to  gra- 
 titude, love,  and  obedience.  It  is  procured 
 through  the  sacrifice  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  is 
 granted  only  for  his  sake.  Our  debt  cannot  be 
 discharged  by  any  expedients  of  our  devising,  or 
 by  any  painful  exertions  w*e  could  make.  We 
 cannot  purchase  our  release  by  any  costly  offer- 
 ings or  liberal  contributions,  by  tears,  or  fastings, 
 or  any  other  austerities,. — not  even  by  repentance 
 itself,  or  the  performance  of  any  moral  or  religious 
 duties.  These  will  not  be  accepted  in  lieu  of 
 payment:  they  form  no  just  compensation  for 
 our  trespass.  But  the  Lord  Jesus  interposed  in 
 our  behalf,  when  our  case  seemed  desperate :  He 
 answered  in  our  name,  condescended  to  be 
 accounted  the  debtor,  and  to  pay  the  penalty 
 which  justice  required. 
 
 *  Liturgy. 
 
558  ON    THE    FITFH    PETITION 
 
 (t  It  was  exacted,  and  He  was  made  answer* 
 able  *."  Alas!  how  much  did  it  cost  him,  when 
 he  stood  as  our  surety  !  What  agonies  both  of 
 body  and  mind  did  he  endure,  when  he  sweat 
 great  drops  of  blood,  when  he  was  overwhelmed 
 by  darkness  and  desertion,  and  when  he  made 
 his  soul  an  offering  for  sin  !  His  sacrifice  was 
 available,  and  has  procured  for  his  people  a  full 
 discharge.  And  now  that  the  Father  has  declared 
 his  acceptance  of  that  one  oblation,  wre  rejoice 
 that  "  we  have  redemption  through  his  blood, 
 the  forgiveness  of  sinsf."  But  we  are  equally 
 assured,  "  without  shedding  of  blood  is  no  re- 
 mission:);." We  institute  no  nice  calculation,  in 
 order  to  prove  that  an  exact  equivalent  is  paid 
 down  for  us;  but  it  should  satisfy  us,  that  divine 
 justice  accounts  the  compensation  adequate.  The 
 Saviour  pleads  it  before  the  throne,  and  so  should 
 we.  It  forms  our  only  plea,  and  should  animate 
 our  faith  and  hope,  when  we  put  up  this  petition, 
 "  Forgive  us  our  debts."  , 
 
 But  while  we  so  pray,  we  should  enquire  on 
 whom  is  the  blessing  conferred.  It  is  freely 
 offered  by  the  ministration  of  the  gospel ;  but  all 
 will  not  receive  it.  It  is  absolutely  necessary, 
 that  we  humbly  and  fervently  sue  for  remission, 
 and  be  willing  to  accept  it  on  God's  own  terms. 
 
 *  Isaiah  liii.  7.     Bishop  Lovvth's  translation. 
 f  Eph.  i.  7.  t  Heb.  ix.  22. 
 
OP     THE    LORD  S    PRAYER.  35g 
 
 "  Repent  ye  therefore,  and  be  converted,  that 
 your  sins  may  be  blotted  out." — For  f«  through 
 this  man  is  preached  unto  you  the  forgiveness  of 
 sins ;  and  by  Him  all  that  believe  are  justified 
 from  all  things.?."  These  two  requisites  do  not 
 derogate  from  the  merit  of  Christy  but  rather 
 establish  it.  Repentance  and  faith  are  no  pay- 
 ment of  our  debt  •,  nor  of  themselves  do  they 
 entitle  us  to  any  reward,  or  even  to  a  release  from 
 punishment.  They  are  wrought  in  the  heart, 
 not  by  man's  agency,  but  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  and 
 therefore  it  is  of  free  grace  alone,  and  not  by 
 their  own  goodness,  that  any  persons  do  possess 
 them.  The  self-righteous  man,  who  depends 
 upon  himself,  cannot  pray  acceptably  for  pardon: 
 but  the  penitent  believer,  while  he  implores  for- 
 giveness for  the  sake  of  the  propitiation  made 
 upon  the  cross,  is  entirely  discharged  from  every 
 demand  of  justice  against  him.  The  obligation 
 to  punishment  is  for  ever  done  away.  "  There 
 is  now  no  condemnation  to  them  that  are  in 
 Christ  Jesus  f."  O  that  men  would  thus  come; 
 and,  humbling  themselves  as  transgressors  before 
 God,  that  they  would  take  hold  of  his  promise, 
 and  supplicate  his  mercy  !  How  else  can  they 
 adopt  the  petition,  which  our  Lord  has  provided 
 for  them  ? 
 
 The  prayer  is  at  all  times,  and  for  men  of  all 
 
 *  Acts  Hi.  19.     xiii.  38,  39.  f  Rom.  viii.  1. 
 
360  ON    THE    FIFTH    PETITION 
 
 characters,  proper  and  needful,  inasmuch  as  u  all 
 have  sinned  and  come  short  of  the  glory  of 
 God  *."  None  can  say,  The  Lord  has  no  claim 
 upon  me  ;  or,  I  have  given  him  all  his  due.  You 
 have  failed  of  that  love  and  obedience  you  owe 
 to  him,  and  your  debt  is  immense.  How  will 
 you  calculate  the  mighty  sum  !  You  have  vio- 
 lated every  precept,  and  your  offences  have  been 
 so  often  repeated,  that  they  exceed  all  computa- 
 tion. Their  magnitude  and  heinousness  can  no 
 more  be  estimated,  than  their  number.  No  sins 
 should  be  considered  as  small  or  trifling ;  but 
 some  are  attended  with  worse  consequences  than 
 others,  and  betray  a  greater  malignity  of  heart., 
 And  are  not  your's  of  an  atrocious  nature  ?  Are 
 they  not  highly  aggravated  by  peculiar  consider- 
 ations,— by  the  instructions  and  admonitions 
 given  you, — by  the  strong  convictions  yqu  have 
 felt,  the  resolutions  and  professions  you  have 
 made, — by  the  mercies  of  God  which  you  abuse, 
 by  his  gracious  promises  which  do  not  allure 
 you,  and  by  his  tremendous  threatenings  which 
 do  not  alarm  you  ?  Do  they  not  lie  upon  your 
 conscience  M  as  an  heavy  burden,  too  heavy  for 
 you  ?"  and  will  you  not  cry  out,  '*'  O  Lord,  for- 
 give us  our  trespasses  ?" 
 
 lie  alone  can  deliver  you,  and  lie  still  waits  to 
 be  gracious.     Let  your  prayer  ascend  unto  him 
 
 *  Rom.  iii.  23, 
 
OF  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.        36l 
 
 without  ceasing.  Though  your  debt  exceed  Cf  ten 
 thousand  talents/'  he  can  freely  forgive  you  all  *. 
 Yea,  though  you  have  obtained  mercy  <c  through 
 the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,"  yet  should 
 your  applications  for  pardon  be  daily  repeated,, 
 for  you  are  daily  incurring  fresh  guilt.  Even 
 believers  should  pray  for  a  clearer  view  and  live- 
 lier hope  of  their  acceptance  and  security  in 
 Christ  Jesus.  For  how  much  happier  would 
 they  be,  with  an  increasing  knowledge  of  the  love 
 of  God  !  But  the  state  of  unpardoned  sinners  is 
 most  deplorable.  "  The  wrath  of  God  abideth 
 on  them  f ;"  and  they  are  every  moment  liable  to 
 be  consigned  to  that  state  of  misery,  where  no 
 sacrifice  can  be  accepted,  and  where  a  release 
 will  be  impossible.  It  will  be  too  late  then  to 
 pray,  "  Forgive  us  our  trespasses." 
 
 But,  that  this  petition  may  be  accepted  even 
 now,  we  should  enquire  further, 
 
 III.  What  forgiveness  do  we  promise  ?  A 
 sort  of  limit  or  condition  is  annexed.  When  we 
 say,  "  Forgive  us  our  debts/'  we  are  required  to 
 add,  "  as  we  forgive  our  debtors."  The  consi- 
 deration of  the  latter  clause  will  instruct  us  in 
 our  duties  to  one  another,  as  that  of  the  former 
 does  in  what  we  owe  to  God.  Possibly,  we  may 
 have  debtors  among  our  fellow- creatures:  those 
 are  so,  who  have  withheld  from  us  our  due,  who 
 
 f  Matt,  xviii.  24,  &rc,  f  John  iii.  36. 
 
liOJ  ON   THE  FIFTH  PETITION 
 
 have  done  us  any  injury,  or  denied  our  just 
 claims.  Alas !  we  have  all  fallen  short  of  the 
 righteousness  of  the  law,  with  respect  to  our 
 neighbours  as  well  as  to  God.  We  have  not 
 loved  one  another  as  we  ought;  we  .have  not 
 fulfilled  the  various  relations  in  which  we  have 
 stood;  we  have  malignantly  or  fraudulently  in- 
 vaded another's  rights.  We  are  "  debtors"  to 
 many:  and  what  now  is  our  obligation  as  such  ? 
 Doubtless  we  should  meekly  acknowledge  our 
 offences,  and  endeavour  to  make  restitution  and 
 satisfaction  to  the  utmost  of  our  power.  We  are 
 taught  that  we  cannot  worship  God,  and  that  he 
 will  accept  no  offering  at  our  hands,  till  this  at 
 least  be  attempted.  "  If  thou  bring  thy  gift  to 
 the  altar,  and  there  rememberest  that  thy  brother 
 hath  ought  against  thee,  leave  there  thy  gift  be- 
 fore the  altar,  and  go  thy  way;  first  be  recon- 
 ciled to  thy  brother,  and  then  come  and  offer 
 thy  gift*."  The  doctrine  is  unpleasant,  it  is 
 mortifying  to  the  pride  of  our  hearts:  many  pre- 
 tenders to  religion  will  not  receive  it ;  and 
 therefore  it  is  the  more  necessary  to  be  insisted 
 on.  v 
 
 You  may  have  injured  the  persons  or  pos- 
 sessions of  others:  you  may  have  gained  by 
 fraud  or  extortion,  if  not  by  violence  ;  and  what 
 should  be  their  property  may  be  in  your  hands. 
 
 *  Matt.  v.  23,  24. 
 
OF    THE    LORD'S    PRAYER.  363 
 
 What  then  is  to  be  done  ?  Make  a  full  and 
 frank  confession  of  your  guilt  to  those,  who  have 
 suffered  from  you,  and  instantly  restore  the  un- 
 righteous mammon.  Every  day  you  retain  it, 
 you  are  repeating  the  dishonesty.  — Or  have 
 you  aspersed  their  characters  ?  Have  you  in- 
 vented or  spread  a  slanderous  report?  The  mis- 
 chief may  be  more  serious,  than  any  you  could 
 have  committed  by  plundering  their  substance: 
 for  "  a  good  name  is  rather  to  be  chosen  than 
 great  riches  *."  How  is  this  to  be  repaired  ? 
 Can  any  restitution  be  made  ?  Perhaps  it  is  im- 
 possible. But  their  debtors  you  are:  and  you 
 should  try,  what  you  can,,  to  remedy  the  evil, 
 Stop  the  calumny ;  contradict  the  tale  of  false- 
 hood ;  defend  those  characters  you  have  tra- 
 duced ;  and  rather  incur  reproach  yourselves, 
 than  suffer  any  obloquy  to  remain  upon  them. — 
 Or  have  you  been  injurious  to  the  spiritual  inte- 
 rests of  others,  and  endangered  their  everlasting 
 salvation  ?  This  you  may  have  done  by  per- 
 suading them  to  embrace  error,  or  to  renounce 
 the  way  of  truth  and  righteousness;  by  corrupt- 
 ing their  principles,  by  laying  snares  and  tempta- 
 tions, or  by  pursuing  a  system  of  persecution. 
 There  is  no  injury  to  be  compared  to  this.  Some 
 may  have  perished  eternally  through  your  means; 
 and  others  may  be  too  obdurate  to  listen  to  your 
 advice.     But   try   what   can  be  done   by  your 
 
 *  Prov.  xxii.  1. 
 
364  ON   THE  FIFTH  PETITION 
 
 influence  and  exertion  to  counteract  the  evil  with 
 all  those  to  whom  you  can  have  access.  Confess 
 your  guilt,  entreat  their  forgiveness,  admonish, 
 exhort,  instruct  them,  weep  over  them,  and  cease 
 not  to  pour  out  your  prayers  for  them.  Whatever 
 you  can  do,  is  no  more  than  you  owe  them. 
 
 But  suppose,  on  the  other  hand,  that  you  are 
 the  injured  party;  and  then  our  Lord  teaches 
 you,  that  whoever  may  be  your  debtors,  or  how- 
 ever guilty,  you  should  not  withhold  from  them 
 your  cordial  and  entire  forgiveness.  The  duty  is 
 extensive  and  important :  but  we  must  consider 
 it  briefly. 
 
 You  should  abstain  from  all  acts  of  private 
 and  personal  revenge.  It  is  the  part  of  the  ma- 
 gistrate to  enforce  the  payment  of  a  debt,  and 
 the  strict  observance  of  equity,  and  to  punish  the 
 evil-doer.  Into  his  office  you  must  not  intrude, 
 nor  take  into  your  own  hands  that  sword,  with 
 which  he  is  invested.  There  are  cases,  in  which 
 you  may  request  his  interposition,  consistently 
 with  christian  forbearance  and  charity,  and  by  a 
 public  appeal  to  the  laws  of  your  country  demand 
 protection  and  satisfaction,  where  you  are  suffer- 
 ing wrongfully.  Such  a  recourse,  however,  to 
 judicial  proceedings  should  be  made  only  for  a 
 matter  of  moment,  and  not  for  any  trifling  incon- 
 venience. Our  Lord  commands,  "  that  ye  resist 
 not  evil;  but  whosoever  will  smite  thee  on  thy 
 
 right  cheek,  turn  to  him  the  other  also.     And  if 
 6 
 
OP  the  lord's  prayer.      3Q5 
 
 a  man  will  sue  thee  at  the  law,  and  take  away 
 thy  coat,  let  him  have  thy  cloak  also  *;"  The 
 direction,  it  is  obvious,  extends  not  to  injuries  of 
 great  magnitude,  which  may  endanger  your  life 
 or  subsistence  :  for  in  such  cases  there  are  other 
 paramount  duties,  which  require  you  to  act  in  your 
 own  defence ; .  and  even  a  regard  to  the  commu- 
 nity may  render  it  necessary  to  bring  an  atrocious 
 criminal  to  justice  and  to  punishment.  But  be- 
 ware of  a  vindictive,  retaliating  spirit,  and  abstain 
 from  all  frivolous  and  litigious  suits. 
 
 If  the  law  must  be  appealed  to,  other  means 
 should  first  be  used  for  obtaining  redress.  "  If 
 thy  brother  shall  trespass  against  thee,  go  and 
 tell  him  of  his  fault  between  thee  and  him  alone: 
 .if  he  shall  hear  thee,  thou  hast  gained  thy  bro- 
 ther :  but  if  he  will  not  hear  thee,  then  take  with 
 thee  one  or  two  moref."  By  such  a  private 
 representation,  or  by  the  mediation  of  common 
 friends,  how  often  might  the  most  destructive 
 contentions  be  prevented,  or  the  parties  at  va- 
 riance be  reconciled  !  It  should  always  appear, 
 that  you  are  very  reluctant  to  commence  a  legal 
 prosecution,  that  you  do  it  only  under  a  convic- 
 tion of  duty,  for  your  own  preservation,  for  the 
 good  of  society,  and  even  for  the  benefit  of  the 
 offenders  themselves. 
 
 You  may  thus  demand  the  decision  of  the  law; 
 
 *  Matt.  v.  39,  40.  f  Matt,  xviii.  15,  i& 
 
366 
 
 ON  THE  FIFTH  PETITION 
 
 but  even  then,  while  calling  for  punishment,  you 
 should  exercise  forgiveness  in  your  inward  dis- 
 positions.    You  should  endeavour  to  convince 
 them,  with  whom  you  contend,  that  you  arc 
 grieved  by  their  perverseness,  and  should  rejoice 
 to  see  them  recovered  to  a  better  mind.     Assure 
 them  of  your  compassion  and  your  prayers  ;  and 
 if  they  should  add  insult  to  injury,  shew  them  all 
 meekness,  tenderness,  and  benevolence.     cc  Love 
 your  enemies,  bless  them  that  curse  you,  do  good 
 to  them  that  hate  you,  and  pray  for  them  which 
 despitefully  use  you  and  persecute  you."     "  Be 
 not  overcome  of  evil,  but  overcome  evil  with 
 good  *."   Such  a  conduct  indeed  may  be  derided 
 as  meanness  of  spirit,  disgraceful  to  a  man  of  ho- 
 nour: it  is  directly  contrary  to  the  propensities 
 and  affections  of  human  nature ;  but  it  is  no 
 more  than  Christianity  requires.     It  is  the  mo- 
 rality of  the  gospel,  and  what  nothing  but  the 
 knowledge  and  belief  of  its  doctrines,  under  the 
 influence  of  divine  grace,  can  produce.     Alas ! 
 how   defective   are    the    professed   disciples   of 
 Christ  in  this  discriminating  principle  !     How 
 totally  opposite  to  this  temper  of  mind  do  the 
 prevailing  dispositions  of  the  generality  appear  ! 
 We  must  however  inculcate  such  a  forgiveness 
 of  "  them  that  trespass  against  us,"   as  indispen- 
 sably necessary.    Let  the  following  considerations 
 be  duly  attended  to. 
 
 *  Matt.  v.  44.     Rom.  xii.  2h 
 
CF  THE  LORP'S  PRAYER.        367 
 
 1.  It  is  an  imitation  of  the  ever-blessed  God. 
 If  you  profess  to  be  his  children,  you  should  re- 
 semble Him:  and  what  is  his  conduct  under 
 provocations  and  injuries  the  most  numerous  and 
 atrocious  ?  He  receives  cpntinual  instances  of 
 insult,  contempt,  and  hatred,  from  the  very  crea- 
 tures who  subsist  upon  his  bounty.  Yet  he  is 
 patient  and  longsuffering,  ready  to  forgive,  the 
 first  to  propose  a  reconciliation,  and  most  soli- 
 citous to  effect  it.  "  Be  ye  therefore  merciful, 
 as  your  Father  also  is  merciful  *."  But  anger, 
 malice,  and  revenge,  are  among  the  distinguish- 
 ing features,  which  mark  the  children  of  the 
 wicked  one  :  they  are  truly  diabolical. 
 
 2.  Your  own  need  of  forgiveness  should  dis- 
 pose you  to  exercise  it  towards  others.  Such  is 
 the  argument,  by  which  St.  Paul  inculcates  gen- 
 tleness and  meekness  unto  all  men  :  "  For  we  our- 
 selves also  were  sometimes  foolish,  disobedient, 
 deceived,  serving  divers  lusts  and  pleasures,  living 
 in  malice  and  envy,  hateful  and  hating  one 
 another  f."  Dwell  upon  the  thought,  however 
 painful.  What  have  you  been  and  done  !  How 
 strong  is  your  propensity  to  evil!  And  how 
 many  are  your  daily  deficiencies  I  In  such  a 
 view,  you  will  readily  make  allowances  for 
 others:  you  will  not  at  least  exult  over  them, 
 whatever  they  may  be :  but  instead  of  indulging 
 
 *  Luke  vi.  36,  t  Tims  ii!   3. 
 
3(38  ON  THE  FIFTH  PETITION 
 
 in  bitter  reproaches  and  invectives,  you  will  be 
 inclined  to  compassionate  and  pardon  them. 
 
 3.  The  love  of  Christ  in  redemption  should 
 powerfully  constrain  you  to  mutual  forgiveness. 
 What  did  He  relinquish  and  endure  ?  And  for 
 whom  did  he  lay  aside  his  glory,  and  stoop  to 
 such  a  depth  of  suffering  ?  Was  it  not  for  the 
 rebellious  ?  What  an  instance  is  this,  of  kind- 
 ness and  love  to  enemies  !  Be  fixed  in  the  de- 
 vout contemplation,  till  you  resemble  him  :  "  and 
 walk  in  love,  as  Christ  also  hath  loved  us,  and  hath 
 given  himself  for  us  *•"  He  has  discharged  your 
 debt,  "  having  forgiven  you  all  trespasses,  blot- 
 ting out  the  handwriting  that  was  against  you  f  .'* 
 And  while  He  is  pleased  to  remit  so  large  a  de- 
 mand, as  ten  thousand  talents,  must  you  rigo- 
 rously insist  upon  the  payment  of  a  few  paltry 
 pence  from  your  fellow-servant  ?  O  learn  of 
 Him,  who'  prayed  upon  the  cross  for  his  mur- 
 derers, Ci  Father,  forgive  them,"  and  who  has 
 selected  some  of  the  most  enormous  offenders  to 
 be  proofs  and  monuments  of  his  rich  and 
 abounding  grace. 
 
 4.  It  is  required  as  a  test  and  evidence  of  your 
 Christianity.  As  the  professed  disciples  of  Jesus 
 Christ  you  should  be  solicitous  to  ascertain  and 
 manifest  your  sincerity.  You  must  examine 
 therefore,  whether  your  principles  regulate  your 
 
 *  Eph.  v.  2.  f  Col.  ii.  13,  14. 
 
OF  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER*  3(X) 
 
 tempers,  and  render  you  meek,  gentle,  patient, 
 forbearing,  and  forgiving :  for  such  are  the 
 marks  required.  "  Faith  worketh  by  love  *  :" 
 and  what  is  the  nature  of  Jove  ?  It  <f  sufFereth 
 long,  and  is  kind ;— it  is  not  easily  provoked, 
 thinketh  no  evil; — beareth  all  things,  believeth  all 
 things,  hopeth  all  things,  endureth  all  things  f." 
 But  a  proud  vindictive  spirit  is  disgraceful  to 
 those,  who  pretend  to  understand  the  gospel. 
 Whatever  may  be  your  discernment  or  your  zeal 
 in  religion,  "  if  ye  have  bitter  envying  and  strife 
 in  your  hearts,  glory  not,  and  lie  not  against  the 
 truth.  This  wisdom  descendcth  not  from  above, 
 but  is  earthly,  sensual,  devilish  J." 
 
 5.  You  promise  upon  your  bended  knees  be- 
 fore God,  that  you  will  "  forgive  them  that  tres- 
 pass against  you*"  How  strong  an  argument  is 
 this !  You  cannot  pray  with  wrath  in  your 
 hearts.  For  what  is  the  import  of  the  petition, 
 which  our  Lord  has  taught  you  ?  You  declare 
 that  you  harbour  no  resentment  against  your  bit- 
 terest enemies,  —that  you  seek  no  revenge,  and 
 wish  them  only  good,— that  you  desire  peace  and 
 reconciliation,  and  are  ready  to  exercise  mercy 
 and  loving  kindness,  whenever  an  opportunity 
 shall  be  given  you.  Is  this  the  language  of  your 
 hearts?  Or  have  you  not  lied  unto  God  ?  Has 
 there  not  at  least  been  some  latent  hypocrisy,  or 
 
 *  Gal.  v.  6.  t  1  Cor.  xiii.  4—;. 
 
 X  James  iii.  14,  15. 
 VOL.  III.  B  B 
 
370  ON  THE  FIFTH  PETITION 
 
 mental  reservation,  when  you  have  repeated  the 
 words  ?  But  with  an  angry,  malicious  mind, 
 how  could  you  address  yourselves  to  the  God  of 
 peace  and  love  ?  Your  worship  would  be  offen- 
 sive to  him,  and  dangerous  to  yourselves.    For 
 
 6.  With  an  implacable  and  revengeful  dispo- 
 sition, by  this  very  prayer  you  would  bind  a  curse 
 upon  your  own  heads.     If  you  are  unwilling  to 
 shew  mercy  to  an  offending  brother,  you  renounce 
 the  mercy  of  Almighty  God  for  your  own  souls: 
 for  you  ask,  only  in  proportion  as  you  dispense, 
 pardon.   The  wrathful  man  says,  u  Forgive  me 
 not,   for  I  cannot  forgive.'*     And  this  we  are 
 assured  will  be  the  case.     "  He  shall  have  judg- 
 ment without  mercy,  that  hath  shewed  no  mercy.*' 
 —  "  If  ye  forgive  not  men  their  trespasses,  neither 
 will  your  Father  forgive  your  trespasses*."  O  fear 
 to  aggravate  your  guilt  and  condemnation!     If 
 you  have  not  sinned,  you  want  no  pardon  ;  but  a 
 black  catalogue  of  offences  is  recorded  against  you 
 in  the  book  of  God's  remembrance  :  and  when  he 
 shall  demand  from  you  the  full  payment  of  this 
 mighty  debt,  how  extreme  will  be  your  punish- 
 ment and  misery  1  Those,  who  are  living  in  hatred 
 and  malice,  are  wretched  even  here.   In  themselves 
 they  are  like  the  troubled  sea,  and  they  are  a  pest 
 in  their  families,  toimenting  all   around  them. 
 But  hereafter,  when  not  only  the  vials  of  divine 
 *vrath  shall  be  poured  out  upon   them,  but  all 
 
 *  James  ii.  13.     Matt,  vi,  15. 
 
OP  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.  371 
 
 restraint  removed  from  their  vile  passions,  their 
 state  will  be  most  tremendous  -,  their  anguish  in- 
 supportable. They  will  for  ever  blaspheme  God, 
 and  pursue  one  another  with  their  curses  and 
 execrations. 
 
 May  the  Prince  of  peace  extend  his  kingdom, 
 and  subdue  every  heart  to  himself!  May  his 
 gracious  Spirit,  who  alone  can  produce  in  us  a 
 disposition  to  forgiveness,  unite  us  together  in  the 
 bonds  of  peace  and  love,  "  that  we  may  with  one 
 mind  and  one  mouth  glorify  God,  even  the  Father 
 of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  *  !"     Amen. 
 
 *  Rom.  xv.  6. 
 
 B  B 
 
ESSAY    LXXXIII. 
 
 ON    THE    LORD  S    PRAYER. 
 
 THE  SIXTHS 'PETITION. 
 
 As  depraved  and  helpless  creatures,  we  are  taught 
 to  pray,  "Lead  us  not  into  temptation, 
 but  deliver  us  from  evil."  Consider ,whaf 
 temptation  is, — zvhence  it  proceeds, — what 
 reasons  we  have  to  dread  it,- — and  to  pray  to  he 
 preserved  from  it. — What  is  evil, — what  deli*- 
 verance  we  implore, — and  how  that  deliverance 
 may  he  obtained. 
 
 X«  e  Lord's  prayer  is  adapted  to  the  character 
 and  condition  of  fallen  man.  As  guilty  crea- 
 tures, we  should  implore  the  forgiveness  of  sins ; 
 and  as  depraved  and  helpless,  we  are  taught  to 
 supplicate   divine  assistance,   "  Lead    us    not 
 
 INTO     TEMPTATION,     BUT     DELIVER    US     FROM 
 
 evil."  Such  must  be  the  subjects  of  our  daily 
 requests  unto  God ;  pardon  for  the  past,  and  grace 
 for  the  future.  If  we  are  aware  of  our  danger 
 and  our  weakness,  this  will  be  the  constant  lan- 
 
 7 
 
ON    THE    LORD'S    PRAYER.  373 
 
 guage  of  our  hearts,  "  Lead  us  not  into  tempta^ 
 
 tion." 
 
 I.  On  this  first  branch  of  the  petition,  in  order 
 to  ascertain  its  proper  import  and  extent,  we  may 
 remark  that  "  temptation"  means  the  same  as 
 triai^,  and  may  be  of  various  kinds.  It  is  a 
 sort  of  test,  which  will  prove  the  sincerity  and 
 strength  of  our  religious  principles  ;  and  it  may, 
 or  may  not,  be  attended  with  some  allurement  to 
 evil.  It  may  proceed  from  God  himself:  but  as 
 far  as  He  is  the  author,  it  involves  not  any  en- 
 ticement to  sin.  He  may  afford  us  a  fair  oppor- 
 tunity to  shew  what  is  in  our  hearts ;  but  he  can- 
 not possibly  persuade  us,  or  suggest  any  motive 
 to  do  wrong.  If  there  be  offered  any  induce- 
 ment to  transgress,  "  let  no  man  say  when  he  is 
 tempted,  I  am  tempted  of  God  :  for  God  cannot 
 be  tempted  with  evil,  neither  tempteth  he  any 
 man  *."  But  he  may  bring  us  into  difficulties, 
 for  the  very  purpose  of  drawing  forth  renewed 
 proofs  of  our  faith  and  obedience.  Thus  "  he 
 did  tempt  Abraham/*  when  lie  commanded  him 
 to  offer  up  his  beloved  Isaac  f.  In  this  view  the 
 afflictions  of  life,  of  which  he  is  the  author,  are 
 called  u  temptations,"  for  they  are  calculated  to 
 evince,  what  manner  of  persons  we  are.  Be- 
 lievers therefore,  to  whom  they  are  eventually 
 the  means  of  great  good,  are  exhorted  to  "  count 
 
 *  James  i.  13.  %  Gen.-xxii.  1. 
 
374  ON    THB    SIXTH    PETITION 
 
 it  all  joy,  when  they  fall  into  divers  temptations*." 
 The  Lord  also  may  sometimes  withdraw  his  own 
 gracious  presence  and  assistance,  and  permit  our 
 spiritual  enemies  to  practise  upon  us  their  wiles 
 and  allurements :  and  then  the  temptation,  though 
 coming  from  them,  is  ascribed  to  Him.  He  is 
 said  to  have  "  moved  David  to  number  Israel," 
 because  he  gave  Satan  the  opportunity  of  doing 
 itf.  In  like  manner  that  malignant  adversary 
 obtained  leave  from  heaven  to  make  his  fiercest 
 assaults  upon  holy  Job.  And  in  one  instance  we 
 read  of  Hezekiah,  that  <f  God  left  him  to  try  him, 
 that  he  might  know  all  that  was  in  his  heart  J." 
 This  was  no  other  than  the  taking  away  of  all 
 restraint  and  good  influence,  for  the  time,  that  he 
 might  be  convinced  of  the  remaining  depravity 
 of  his  nature. 
 
 But  whatever  the  Lord  may  permit,  all  positive 
 solicitation  to  sin  (in  which  sense  <c  temptation" 
 is  commonly  understood;  proceeds  only  from  the 
 world,  the  flesh,  or  the  Devil. — Men  are  very 
 active  and  zealous  in  seducing  and  corrupting 
 one  another.  They  are  ingenious  in  the  con- 
 trivance of  snares,  plausible  and  earnest  in  per- 
 suading others  to  depart  from  truth  and  righte- 
 ousness. Accordingly,  the  world,  abounding 
 with  error  and  wickedness,  will  always  be  a  fruit- 
 ful source  of  temptation.     ic  Whosoever,  there- 
 
 *  James  j.  2.         f  2  Sam.  xxiv.  !.     l  Chron.  xxi.  \. 
 X  2  Chron.  xxxii,  31. 
 
OP  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.       375 
 
 fore,  will  be  a  friend  of  the  world,  is  the  enemy 
 of  God*."     Our  corrupt  nature,  in  which  there 
 are  so  many  evil   propensities,  perpetually  and 
 strongly  inciting  the  mind  to  transgress,  is  our 
 most  dangerous  foe,  and  is  most  effectual  in  its 
 attacks.     It  not  only  proposes  from  itself,  and 
 powerfully  recommends,   forbidden  indulgences, 
 but  it  is  ready  to  second  every  vile  artifie  from 
 other  quarters.     This  is  the  true  account :  (( every 
 man  is  tempted,  when  he  is  drawn  away  of  his 
 own  lust,   and   enticed  f" — Our  danger  is   in- 
 creased by  the  unceasing  and  subtle  machinations 
 of  an  invisible  enemy,  who  by  a  thousand  diffe- 
 rent snares  is  seeking  to  seduce  and  to  destroy 
 the  human  race,  and  is  therefore  termed  "  the 
 Tempter."     He  has  access  to  our  minds  in  a 
 way  we  cannot  explain;   but  it  is  evident  that 
 he  knows   so   much  of  our  character,  circum- 
 stances, and  particular  infirmities,  that  he  can 
 vary  his  assaults   according  to  them,  with   the 
 greater  strength  and  prospect  of  success.     He  is 
 frequently  neither  discovered  nor  suspected  :  but 
 being  warned   of  his  designs,  we  should  be  the 
 more  vigilant,  and  we  ought  not  to  be  *f,  ignorant 
 of  his  devices  J." 
 
 Against  all  these,  then,  we  raise  our  supplica- 
 tions to  God,  who  permits,  directs,  controls,  or 
 defeats  them  as  He  pleases  :  "  ixad  us  not  into 
 
 *  James  iv.  4.        f  James  i.  M.         X  2  Cor.  li.  11. 
 
3/6  ON    THE    SIXTH    PETITION 
 
 temptation."  He  knows  our  weakness  and  the 
 superior  force  of  oar  adversaries.  We  therefore 
 beseech  him  so  to  dispose  of  us  in  his  providence, 
 that  we  may  not  be  subjected  to  dangers,  which 
 we  cannot  withstand.  We  pray,  that  wTe  may 
 be  kept  at  a  distance  from  the  very  occasions  of 
 sinning, — or,  if  we  must  contend,  that  we  may 
 be  supported  in  the  conflict,  may  make  a  vigo- 
 rous opposition,  and  be  crowned  with  victory. 
 It  is  a  petition,  not  that  we  may  be  exempted 
 from  troubles,  bat  that  by  divine  grace  we  may 
 be  preserved  and  animated,  that  we  may  not  be 
 entangled  by  any  snares,  or  seduced  into  any 
 dishonourable  conduct.  "  O  God,  who  knowest 
 us  to  be  set  in  the  midst  of  so  many  and  great 
 dangers,  that  by  reason  of  the  frailty  of  our  na- 
 ture we  cannot  always  stand  upright ;  grant  to  us 
 such  strength  and  protection,  as  may  support  us 
 in  all  dangers,  and  carry  us  through  all  tempta- 
 tions, through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  *  !*' 
 
 How  many  and  forcible  are  the  reasons  for 
 such  an  application  to  the  mercy  seat  of  our  hea- 
 venly Father  !  Our  Lord  himself  has  taught  us 
 thus  to  pray:  and  the  exhortation,  which  he  gave 
 to  his  first  disciples,  may  properly  be  considered 
 as  addressed  to  all  his  followers,  "  Watch  and 
 pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation  f."  Are 
 we  not  all  exposed  to  the  incursions  of  the  same 
 
 *  Collect  for  the  fourth  Sunday  after  Epiphany,, 
 t  Matt.  xxvi.  41. 
 
OF    THE    LORD  S    PRAYER.  377 
 
 enemies  ?  Or  have  these  enemies  lost  any  thing 
 of  their  strength,  malignity,  or  vigilance  ?  They 
 never  lay  down  their  arms,  and  are  perpetually 
 seeking  for  some  opportunity  to  annoy  us.  Are 
 we  able  of  ourselves  to  stand  in  the  combat  ? 
 The  knowledge  of  our  depraved  nature  would 
 check  our  presumptuous  thoughts,  and  make  us 
 afraid  of  venturing  into  the  field,  without  suppli- 
 cating strength  and  protection  from  heaven. 
 Have  not  Christians  of  eminent  sanctity  fallen: 
 in  the  hour  of  trial  ?  And  what  has  been  our 
 own  experience  ?  Have  we  manfully  and  suc- 
 cessfully resisted  every  attack  ?  The.  recollection 
 of  our  repeated  failures  might  be  sufficient  to 
 mortify  our  pride,  and  to  convince  us  of  the  daily 
 necessity  of  this  petition,  "  Lead  us  not  into 
 temptation."  If  we  say,  There  is  no  danger,  and 
 despise  the  caution,  it  is  a  bad  sign,  a  presage  of 
 an  approaching  discomfiture :  it  is  the  "  haughty 
 spirit,  which  goeth  before  a  fall  #."  The  confi- 
 dent Apostle,  thinking  it  impossible  that  he 
 should  deny  his  Master,  prayed  not  to  be  pre- 
 served in  the  hour  of  trial :  for  that  very  reason 
 he  was  deserted,  and  in  his  base  defection  exhi- 
 bited a  grievous  specimen  of  human  weakness 
 and  depravity.  May  we  learn  from  his  ease  to 
 distrust  ourselves,  and  fervently  implore  the  aid 
 of  divine  grace ! 
 
 *  prov.  svi.  18, 
 
378  ON    THE    SIXTH    PETITION 
 
 The  petition  will  teach  us  to  maintain  a  holy 
 vigihmcc  and  circumspection.  For  while  we  ex- 
 press a  fear  of  being  oven  ome,  and  entreat  the 
 Lord  not  to  lead  us  into  temptation,  it  would  be 
 most  preposterous  indeed  to  exercise  no  caution, 
 to  take  no  heed  to  our  steps,  presumptuously  to 
 defy  our  enemies,  by  needlessly  exposing  our- 
 selves to  their  assaults.  Yet  how  common  is 
 this  careless  and  proud  spirit  !  What  is  more 
 usual  than  to  run  into  danger,  where  there  is  no 
 call  of  duty!  Many  seem  to  court  temptation  by 
 frequenting  places  and  companies,  in  which  (to 
 say  no  worse)  their  religious  principles  must  be 
 severely  tried.  Shall  we  be  surprised,  that  thcy 
 are  seduced  into  sinful  compliances,  and  have 
 not  maintained  faith  or  a  good  conscience  ?  In 
 the  mouth  of  such  persons,  the  prayer  is  an  insult 
 to  God.  He  will  support  and  bless  you,  while 
 you  are  faithfully  following  his  guidance.  He 
 will  protect  you  in  the  most  perilous  situation, 
 in  which  he  himself  has  fixed  you:  but  if  you 
 venture  into  the  midst  of  snares,  where  he  has 
 appointed  you  no  service,  you  have  no  promise 
 of  assistance  from  him,  and  it  is  probable  that  he 
 will  forsake  you,  to  convince  you  more  effec- 
 tually of  your  weakness  and  folly. 
 
 The  subject  may  suggest  encouragement  to 
 them,  who  are  tempted.  Your  situation  is  pain- 
 ful, and  may  excite  many  apprehensions,  as  to 
 the  final  event.     But  He,  who  has  taught  you  so 
 
OF  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.        379 
 
 to  pray,  will  secure  a  favourable  answer,  and  a 
 happy  deliverance  for  you.     "  He  h  able  to  suc- 
 cour you,  in  that  he  himself  hath  suffered,  being 
 tempted." — "  He   is  touched  with  a  feeling  of 
 your  infirmities,  having  been  in  all  points  tempt- 
 ed like  as  you  are,  yet  without  sin :"  and  there- 
 fore you  may  "  come  boldly  unto  the  throne  of 
 grace,  that  you  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace 
 to  help  in  time  of  need  *."     What,   though  you 
 be  harassed  with  the  subtle  insinuations  or  mo*e 
 horrible  suggestions  of  Satan  ?  This  is  a  proof  of 
 his  malice  against  you,  but  not  of  your  subjection 
 to  him.     The  machinations  of  all  your  enemies 
 shall    turn   to   their  confusion  and  your  good. 
 Under  the  divine  influence,  they  will  produce  in 
 you  deeper  humility  and  livelier  faith.     They 
 will  constrain  you   to   pray   more    fervently  for 
 help;   they  will  more  el'- equally  wean  you  from 
 the  world ;   and  while  you   rre  supported,  com- 
 forted, and  crowned  with  victory,  they  will  ma- 
 nifest God's  power,  faithfulness,  and  love,  to  the 
 glory  of  his  great  name.     Only  believe  in  his 
 promise,  hope  and  wait  for  its  completion,  and 
 salvation  will  be  your's.     "  God  is  faithful,  who 
 will  not  suffer  you  to  be  tempted  above  that  ye 
 are  able ;  but  will  with  the  temptation  also  make 
 a  way  to  escape,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  bear  itf ." 
 a  Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth  temptation : 
 
 *  Hebr.  ii.  18.     iv.  15,  If.  f  1  Cor.  x.  13. 
 
OftO  ON    THE    SIXTH    PETITION 
 
 for  when  he  is  tried  he  shall  receive  the  crown 
 of  life,  which  the  Lord  hath  promised  to  them 
 that  love  Him*." 
 
 II.  The  second  part  of  the  petition,  "  Deliver 
 us  from  evil,"  is  immediately  connected  with  the 
 foregoing  subject.  It  is  a  prayer  for  divine  grace 
 to  preserve  the  soul :  and  its  necessity  will  appear 
 from  considering,  how  many  and  great  are  the 
 evils,  to  which  we  are  exposed. — There  is  much 
 natural  evil  in  the  world,  for  every  thing  is 
 so  called,  which  produces  suffering.  This  arises 
 not  from  any  original  defect  in  creation,  but  is 
 the  consequence  of  man's  apostasy,  or  rather  it  is 
 God's  righteous  infliction  upon  his  sinful  crea- 
 tures. Such  is  poverty,  disease,  and  pain  ;  such 
 are  the  desolations  of  famine,  earthquakes,  and 
 pestilence;  and  such  are  all  the  common  cala- 
 mities of  life.  We  are  referred  to  God  as  their 
 author,  and  as  directing,  controlling,  or  remov- 
 ing them.  "  Shall  we  receive  good  at  the  hand 
 of  God,  and  shall  we  not  receive  evil  j-  ?" — "  Shall 
 there  be  evil  in  a  city,  and  the  Lord  hath  not 
 done  it  J?"  But  it  is  not  wrong  to  pray,  with 
 submission  to  his  holy  will,  that  he  would  spare 
 lis  though  we  deserve  punishment,  and  that  he 
 would  deliver  us  out  of  all  our  troubles. 
 
 Our  chief  consideration  is  the  evil;  whidh  re- 
 lates to  the  soul;  or,  as  it  is  generally  called, 
 
 *  James  i.  12.  f  job  ii.  10.  .t   Amos  ii,i.  Q. 
 
OF  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.        381 
 
 moral  evil.  Satan  is  "  the  evil  one,"  the  au- 
 thor and  promoter  of  all  iniquity.  Through  him 
 also  the  world  is  become  "  an  evil  world :"  it 
 "  lieth  in  wickedness/'  or  "  in  the  wicked  one  V 
 There  is  likewise  a  fruitful  source  of  evil  within 
 ourselves:  it  is  the  corrupt  nature,  "  the  flesh"  in 
 which  u  dwelleth  no  good  thing,"  u  the  heart/' 
 "  which  is  deceitful  above  all  things,  and  despe- 
 rately wicked  f."  Are  we  properly  aware  of  the 
 perils  to  which  we  are  liable  from  these  several 
 quarters  ?  Then  with  peculiar  reference  to  these 
 three  grand  adversaries,  we  shall  pray,  ce  Deliver 
 us  from  evil."  It  is  a  prayer  to  be  kept  from 
 every  thing,  which  may  pollute  or  hurt  the  soul, 
 that  is,  from  sin  of  every  kind  :  for  sin  is  the 
 greatest,  the  only  true  evil,  and  the  original  cause 
 of  all  other.  Here  is  the  principal  danger,  and 
 to  this  point  should  our  most  fervent  supplica- 
 tions be  directed. 
 
 If  we  are  conscious  of  being  enslaved  by  our 
 spiritual  enemies,  we  shall  implore  the  help  oi 
 the  Lord,  that  we  may  be  rescued  from  their 
 dominion,  and  brought  into  the  glorious  liberty 
 of  his  children.  How  great  is  that  deliverance  ! 
 Nothing  in  life  is  comparable  to  it.  Why  is  it 
 not  more  earnestly  desired  ?  Are  you  not  content 
 to  remain  in  bondage?  and  instead  of  soliciting, 
 do  you  not  reject^  the  salvation  which  is  oifcred  ? 
 
 *  1  John  v.  10.  f  Rom   vii.  18.     J*r.  xvii.  Q. 
 
382  ON  THE  SIXTH  PETITION 
 
 If  by  grace  you  have  been  emancipated  from 
 the  chains  of  sin,  you  are  thankful  to  that  God, 
 who  has  given  you  freedom  ;  and  now  your  peti- 
 tion is,  that  you  may  not  be  again  entangled  and 
 overcome.  You  dread  the  thought  of  returning 
 to  folly,  and  with  importunate  entreaties  you 
 seek  help  from  above,  that  you  may  be  kept  from 
 backsliding,  and  from  every  species  of  miscon- 
 duct. The  vile  affections  of  your  nature,  cor- 
 rupt tempers  and  desires,  which  rise  and  strive 
 for  the  mastery,  will  be  grievous  to  you,  and  ex- 
 cite you  to  pray  with  greater  ardour,  "  O  Lord, 
 deliver  us  from  all  remaining  evil !  O  sanctify 
 us  wholly,  that  our  whole  spirit,  and  soul,  and 
 body  may  be  preserved  blameless  unto  the  com- 
 ing of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  !'': 
 
 If  you  have  suffered  any  spiritual  declension, 
 and  have  lost  the  comfort  and  energy  you  once 
 enjoyed,  your  case  is  bad,  but  not  desperate.  Do 
 you  not  fervently  desire  to  be  recovered  ?  Say 
 not,  "  There  is  no  hope,"  but  renew  your  appli- 
 cation to  the  throne  of  grace,  and  cry  mightily  to 
 God,  that  He  would  raise  you  from  your  fall, 
 heal  your  backslidings,  and  establish  you  again 
 in  duty  and  in  peace.  iC  O  Lord,  deliver  me  out 
 of  my  present  evil  state.  Restore  unto  me  the 
 joy  of  thy  salvation,  and  uphold  me  with  thy 
 free  Spirit." 
 
 In  all  our  varied  cases  of  distress,  a  suitable 
 and  adequate  deliverance  is  provided,  and  will 
 
OP  THE   LORD  S  PRAYER.  '  383 
 
 be  granted  in  answer  to  prayer.  By  teaching  us 
 to  ask  for  it,  our  Lord  has  instructed  us  that  we 
 possess  not  any  help  in  ourselves.  Vain  and  in- 
 effectual will  be  our  plans  and  exertions.  Our 
 boasted  wisdom,  strength,  and  goodness,  will  as- 
 suredly fail  us  in  the  hour  of  difficulty.  But  be- 
 hold !  in  our  extremity  a  gracious  and  all-suffi- 
 cient "  Deliverer"  appears  !  Such  is  the  character 
 of  our  Redeemer.  ci  He  shall  deliver  the  needv 
 when  he  crieth  :  the  poor  also,  and  him  that  hath 
 no  helper*."  He  came  "  to  preach  deliverance 
 to  the  captives," — "  that  he  might  deliver  us 
 from  this  present  evil  world,"— K  that  through 
 death  he  might  destroy  him  that  had  the  power 
 of  death,  that  is,  the  Devil,  and  deliver  them  who 
 through  fear  of  death  were  all  their  life- time  sub- 
 ject to  bondage  j\"  He  hath  accordingly  "  re- 
 deemed us  from  the  curse  of  the  law,  being  made 
 a  curse  for  us ;" — and  hath  u  delivered  us  from 
 the  wrath  to  come  J." 
 
 The  salvation,  which  he  has  obtained  for  us  by 
 his  own  obedience  unto  death,  he  also  bestows. 
 He  brings  his  people  to  the  hope,  and  even  to 
 the  present  enjoyment  of  it,  by  the  grace  of  the 
 Holy  Spirit.  Under  that  influence  the  convinced 
 sinner  cries  to  him,  u  Lord  Jesus,  save  me,  or  I 
 perish  :"  and  none  ever  cry  in  vain.  He  imparts 
 to  the  troubled  mind  composure,  peace,  and  joy. 
 
 *  Psalm  lxxii.  12.         fLukeiv.  18.  Gal.i.4.  Fieb.  ii,  14, 15, 
 $  Gal  iii.  13.     1  Thess,  i.  10. 
 
384  ON    THE    SIXTH    PETITION 
 
 <c  He  giveth  power  to  the  faint,  and  to  them  that 
 have  no  might  he  increaseth  strength  *."  He 
 invites  the  distressed  to  implore  and  depend  upon 
 his  aid :  "  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labour  and 
 are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest :" — 
 u  Call  upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble ;  I  will  de- 
 liver thee,  and  thou  shalt  glorify  mef."  Though 
 exalted  to  the  highest  heavens,  he  is  yet  solicitous 
 fcr  the  safety  and  comfort  of  his  faithful  servants- 
 upon  earth,  and  thus  intercedes  for  them,  "  Holy 
 Father,  keep  through  thine  own  name  those 
 whom  Thou  hast  given  me:— -I  pray  not  that 
 thou  shouldest  take  them  out  of  the  world,  but 
 that  thou  shouldest  keep  them  from  the  evil  J." 
 This  therefore  is  a  strong  encouragement  to  pray, 
 cc  Deliver  us  from  evil  :•'  and  when  harassed  by 
 temptations,  and  struggling  with  his  own  cor- 
 ruptions, the  poor  distressed  believer  cries  out, 
 <e  O  wretched  man  that  I  am,  Who  shall  deliver 
 me  from  the  body  of  this  death  ?"  he  can  yet 
 gratefully  and  joyfully  exclaim,  "  I  thank  God 
 through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  §." 
 
 By  faith  and  prayer  this  deliverance  will  be 
 ours.  We  must  go  forth  to  the  spiritual  con- 
 flict, not  with  a  presumptuous  confidence,  or  any 
 dependence  upon  ourselves,  but  in  a  simple  and 
 unreserved  reliance  upon  Him,  who  hath  under- 
 taken for  us.     Those,  who  trust  in  their  own 
 
 *  Isaiah  xl.  2y.  f  Matt.  xi.  28.     Psalm  1.  \5, 
 
 %  John  xvii.  11,  15.  §  Rom.  vii.  24,  25. 
 
OF  THE  LORD  S  PRAYER.  385 
 
 strength,  he  generally  leaves  to  their  own  feeble 
 efforts,  that  they  may  be  convinced  by  painful 
 and  repeated  failures,  how  entirely  helpless  they 
 are,  and  how  absolutely  needful  is  the  assistance 
 of  his  grace.  When  they  have  learned  this  les- 
 son, and  are  willing  to  lean  upon  his  arm,  he 
 will  interpose  for  them,  and  his  strength  shall  be 
 made  perfect  in  their  weakness.  But  if  we  have 
 believed  in  his  name,  we  must  add  our  fervent 
 supplications  for  his  aid.  We  must  express  the 
 desires  of  our  hearts,  and  call  upon  him  for  the 
 promised  blessing.  The  petition  we  are  consi- 
 dering is  that  which  he  has  taught  us,  and 
 which  will  suit  our  situation  unto  our  dying  day. 
 We  must  not  cease  to  cry,  "  Deliver  us  from 
 evil,"  till  we  have  put  off  our  armour,  and  are 
 placed  beyond  the  power  of  temptation,  and  the 
 reach  of  all  our  enemies  for  ever.   ' 
 
 Yet  while  we  trust  and  pray,  we  must  also 
 strive  against  evil.  If  we  sink  into  a  desponding 
 inactivity,  or  a  listless  indifference,  we  shall  not 
 "  find  gvace  to  help  in  time  of  need."  All  the 
 powers  of  our  souls  must  be  roused  to  exertion, 
 we  must  gird  ourselves  to  the  combat,  be  ready 
 to  meet  our  adversary  with  courage,  and  firmly 
 resist  every  attack.  Alas  !  how  often  have  we 
 failed  and  been  discomfited  through  indolence 
 and  timidity!  Shall  we  be  so  satisfied  ?  Rather, 
 let  us  shake  off  our  lethargy;  and  let  us  listen  to 
 those  animated  calls,  which  are  addressed  to  us 
 
 vol.  in.  c  c 
 
380  ON   THE  SIXTH   PETITION,  &C. 
 
 m  the  word  of  inspiration:  "Watch  ye,  stand 
 fast  in  the  faith,  quit  you  like  men,  be  strong: — 
 Be  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his 
 might: — Take  unto  you  the  whole  armour  of 
 God,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  withstand  in  the 
 evil  day,  and  having  done  all  to  stand  V  Then 
 may  we  add  in  faith  and  hope,  "  The  Lord  shall 
 deliver  us  from  every  evil  work,  and  preserve  us 
 unto  his  heavenly  kingdom :  to  whom  be  glory 
 for  ever  and  ever.     Amen  f ." 
 
 *  1  Cor.  xvi.  13.     Eph.  vi.  10,  i3.         f  2  Tim.  iv,  IS. 
 
ESSAY  LXXXIV. 
 
 ON   THE  LORD  S  PRAYER, 
 
 THE  CONCLUSION. 
 
 We  should  adore  and  praise  the  Lord,  as  well  as 
 pray  to  him. —  What  is  implied  in  ascribing  to  him 
 
 "  THE     KINGDOM, AND   THE   POWER, AND 
 
 THE      GLORY, FOR      EVER. AMEN." TlilS 
 
 conclusion  contains  strong  reasons  for  praying,— 
 is  a  Doxology,  or  an  ascription  of  praise, — en- 
 forces the  preceding  petitions  by  urgent  pleas, — is 
 applicable  to  all  the  persons  of  the  Trinity, — 
 should  comfort  believers, — mid  alarm  the  impe- 
 nitent. 
 
 In  all  our  approaches  to  God  it  is  proper  that 
 we  possess  exalted  ideas  of  his  majesty  and  per- 
 fections, that  we  feel  towards  him  the  most  reve- 
 rential awe  and  devout  esteem,  that  we  offer  to 
 him  not  only  our  requests,  but  the  tribute  of 
 adoration,  praise,  and  thanksgiving.  Thus  our 
 Lord  has  taught  us  in  the  conclusion  of  that 
 form  of  words,  which  he  prepared  for  us.  We 
 close  our  petitions  with  an  ascription  of  all  honour 
 and   excellence   to    the    ever-blessed  Jehovah: 
 
 c  c  2 
 
383  on  the  conclusion 
 
 "For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the 
 power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.  amen." 
 Let  us  raise  our  thoughts  and  affections  to  him, 
 while  we  contemplate  and  adore  his  greatness 
 and  his  goodness,  as  we  are  here  instructed. 
 
 a  Thine  is  the  kingdom."     We  acknowledge 
 his  'sovereignty :   He  is   the  absolute  ruler  and 
 disposer  of  all  things,  persons,  and  events.     He 
 exercises  supreme,    uncontrolled,   and   universal 
 dominion.     He  is  "  the  King  of  kings,  and  Lord 
 of  lords:" — "high   above  all  nations,    and   his 
 glory  above  the  heavens."    Angels  and  archangels 
 bow  before  him,  and  the  very  devils  are  subject 
 unto  him.     We  say  then  as  David,  with  devout 
 admiration,  "  Thine,  O  Lord,   is  the  greatness, 
 and  the  power,  and  the  glory,   and  the  victory, 
 and  the  majesty:  for  all  that  is  in  the  heaven  and 
 in  the  earth  is  thine ;    thine  is  the  kingdom,   O 
 Lord,  and  thou  art  exalted  as  Head  above  all  *." 
 Such  praise  belongs  not  to  any  creature.     How 
 small  and  contemptible  are  the  dignity  and  do- 
 minion of  the  highest  and  most  powerful  mo- 
 narchs   upon   earth  !     They   cannot    order   the 
 concerns  or  even  take  the  oversight  of  those  little 
 circles,   in  which  tliey  govern.     But  He  "  the 
 Lord  God  Omnipotent"   is  every  where  present 
 throughout  the  universe,  and  by  himself  super- 
 intends,   directs,    commands,   and   actuates   the 
 
 *   1  Chron.  xxix.  1 J 
 
OF    THE    LORD'S    PRAYER.  38g 
 
 whole.  Have  we  thus  considered  him  ?  Do  we 
 yield  a  cheerful  and  unreserved  submission  to  his 
 authority  ?  Or  do  we  not  rather  resist  his  appoint- 
 ments, and  question  his  right  to  the  sceptre, 
 which  he  bears  ? 
 
 "  Thine  is  the  power."  This  attribute  cc  be- 
 longeth  unto  God"  exclusively,  without  any  limit 
 or  interruption.  Whatever  strength  or  ability 
 there  maybe  in  creatures,  it  is  derived  from  him, 
 and  its  continuance  depends  upon  him.  The 
 whole  creation  united  tog-ether  could  not  frustrate 
 his  designs,  or  bring  about  any  one  event  without 
 his  permission.  He  can  at  all  times  effect,  what- 
 soever he  pleases:  and  in  his  operations  he  sus- 
 tains no  difficulties.  He  has  only  to  speak,  or 
 even  to  will,  and  his  object  is  accomplished, 
 "  With  God  all  things  are  possible  #;  and  there- 
 fore his  proper  title  is  "  the  Omnipotent."  Vain  are 
 the  dignified  appellations  of  a  king,  who  possesses 
 not  sufficient  power  to  maintain  his  authority. 
 But  as  the  kingdom  is  the  Lord's,  so  is  the  power. 
 Throughout  his  immense  dominion,  "  He  doeth 
 according  to  his  will ;?'  and  whoever  may  resist, 
 p"  the  counsel  of  the  Lord,  that  shall  stand  f." 
 Let  us  devoutly  adore  him,  as  "  the  Almighty 
 Father :" — •"<  Thou  hast  a  mighty  arm  :  strong  is 
 thy  hand,  and  high  is  thy  right  hand  J."     Let 
 
 *  Matt.  xix.  2(5.  f  Dan.  iv.  35.     Prov.  xix.  21. 
 
 t  Psalm  lxxxix.  13. 
 
3Q0  ON  THE    CONCLUSION 
 
 his  people  trust  in  him  with  cheerful  confidence: 
 but  let  his  enemies  fear  and  tremble  before  him. 
 
 iC  Thine  is  the  glory."     He  is  represented  as 
 "  clothed  with  honour  and  majesty/'  seated  on 
 his  heavenly  throne,   and   surrounded  with  an 
 effulgence,  which    mortal   eyes  cannot  behold. 
 We  presume  not  therefore  to  describe,  what  that 
 lustre  is,   in  which  he  dwells:  but  it  "  shall  be 
 revealed,"  and  his  redeemed  people  are  admitted 
 to  a  sight  and  participation  of  it,  when  they  die. 
 But  his  principal  glory  consists  in  the  perfections 
 and  excellence  of  his  nature,  in  his  power,  wis- 
 dom, justice,   holiness,  and  mercy.     These  are 
 displayed  throughout  creation.     He  has  not  only 
 ci  set  his  glory  above   the   heavens,"   but  cc  the 
 whole  earth  is  full  of  his  glory*."    We  see  indeed 
 but  se  a  part  of  his  ways,"  and  that  as  it  were 
 ci  through  a  glass  darkly."     But  even  from  our 
 imperfect  discoveries  he  appears  worthy  of  all 
 honour,  praise,  and  adoration.     There  is  no  ex- 
 cellence in  any  creatures,  but   what  is  derived 
 from  him  :   their  excellence  also,  whatever  it  be, 
 is  always  obscured  by  some  defect.     But  ((  God 
 is  light,  and  in  Him  is  no  darkness  at  all  f,"   He 
 therefore,  and  He  alone,  is  worthy  to  be  glorified. 
 We  should  admire,  love,  and  praise  him,  for  the 
 manifestation  he  ha:s  made  of  himself,   as  in  his 
 other  works,  so  especially  in  the  redemption  of 
 
 *  Psalm  viii,  1.     Isaiah  vi.  3.  f  1  John  i.  5. 
 
OF  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER,  3y) 
 
 sinners  by  Jesus  Christ.  It  is  that  plan  of  mercy, 
 which  brings  "  glory  to  God  in  the  highest ;" 
 which  displays  his  character  in  brightest  colours, 
 and  will  call  forth  the  grateful  adorations  of  all 
 the  blessed  in  heaven  for  evermore.  That  is  the 
 subject,  then,  which  we  should  chiefly  study*  and 
 which  will  constrain  us  to  join  in  the  songs  of  the 
 church  triumphant,  saying,  "  Blessing,  and  ho- 
 nour, and  glory,  and  power,  be  unto  Him  that 
 sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb  for 
 ever  and  ever  *." 
 
 With  these  devout  acknowledgments  of  the 
 sovereignty  and  perfections  of  Jehovah,  we  are 
 taught  to  declare  our  belief  of  his  eternity  and 
 unchangeablenes,  when  we  say,  "  for  ever/'    All 
 other  beings  have  had  a  beginning :  there  was  a 
 time,  when  they  were  not :  and  whatever  they  now 
 are,  they  are  every  moment  dependent  upon  Him  ; 
 and  should  he  withdraw  his  support,  they  would 
 instantly  drop  into  nothing.     But  to  our  God 
 we -say,  "Thou  changest  not; — Thou  art  the 
 same ; — even  from  everlasting  to  everlasting  Thou 
 art  God : — Thou,  O  Lord,  remainest  for  ever  : 
 thy   throne   from    generation   to  generation  f. 
 His  kingdom,  his  power,  and  his  glory,  are  im- 
 mutable and  eternal.     Neither  his  nature  nor  his 
 plans  can  admit  of  any  alteration.   In  his  decrees 
 
 *  Rev,  v.  13. 
 f  Mai.  iii,  6.     Psalm  cii.  27,     xc  2.     Lam,  v.  19. 
 
3Q2  ON    THE    CONCLUSION 
 
 and  purposes  there  is  "  no  variableness,  neither 
 shadow  of  turning  *."  He  carries  on  one  uniform 
 system  of  government,  amidst  all  the  changes 
 and  revolutions,  to  which  terrestrial  things  are 
 subject.  His  law  is  irrevocable ;  his  covenant  is 
 everlasting  ;  his  promise  cannot  be  broken  ;  and 
 his  love  to  his  people  is  constant  and  endless  as 
 his  own  duration.  How  glorious  is  the  self- 
 existent  Jehovah,  "  whose  name  endureth  for 
 ever,  and  whose  memorial  throughout  all  gene- 
 rations f  !" 
 
 To  the  whole  of  tins  divine  prayer  we  add 
 "  Amen :"  a  word,  which  is  used  in  various  lan- 
 guages, for  the  same  purposes.     Its  original  im- 
 port is  fidelity  or  certainty 5  and  accordingly  our 
 Lord  hereby  expresses  the  truth  of  his  doctrine, 
 "  Verily,    verily,"    (or    amen,   amen)    (c  I   say 
 unto  thee:"  and  his  apostle  assures  us,  "  All  the 
 promises  of  God  in  Christ  are  amen,"  that  is« 
 firm  and    inviolable  J,     Hereby  we    ratify  any 
 aentence,  acknowledging  its  justice :  "  and  all  the 
 people  shall  say,  u  Amen  §:" — and  by  the  same 
 mode  we  testify  our  full  assent  to  any  creed  or 
 profession  of  faith,   (C  Amen  ;"  so  it  is.     At  the 
 conclusion  of  a  prayer,  a,s  in  the  instance  before 
 us,   it  implies  an  earnest  wish  or  desire  to  be 
 heard.  Thus  our  church  explains  it,  Cf  So  be  it:" 
 
 *  James  i.  if.  f  Psalm  exxxv.  13. 
 
 ohn  iii.  3.     2  Cor.  i.  20.  §  Deut.  xxvii,  15,  &c. 
 
OP  the  lord's   prayer.  3Q3 
 
 that  is,  "  May  the  Lord  grant  it^  and  fulfil  all 
 these  petitions  !"     It  is  therefore  a  confirmation 
 of  all  that  has  been  previously  asserted  or  asked 
 for.     When  thus  added   at  the  close  of  any  de- 
 votional form,  which  has  been  repeated  by  the 
 minister  alone  and  not  by  our  own  mouth,   we 
 make  every  part  of  it  our  own :   in  fact,  we  offer 
 it  up  for  ourselves.     How  proper  is  it  in  our 
 churches  and  families  thus  to  second  the  addresses 
 of  him,  who  speaks  for  us  unto  God !     Our  reli- 
 gious assemblies  would  be  more  solemn  and  de- 
 lightful, if  a  cordial  Amen  were  to  be  heard  from 
 every  professed  worshipper.     Only  let  it  not  be 
 uttered  in  hypocrisy  or  formality.    Let  us  under- 
 stand and  well  consider  the  words.     Do  they  in- 
 deed express  the   sentiments  and  desires  of  our 
 hearts  ?     Let  us  fear  the  condemnation  of  those, 
 who  "  draw  near  to  God  with  their  mouth,  and 
 with  their  lips  do  honour  him,  but  have  removed 
 their  heart  far  from  him,  and  their  fear  towards 
 him  is  taught  by  the  precept  of  men  *." 
 
 Having  stated  the  meaning,  we  may  now  exa- 
 mine the  propriety,  of  this  conclusion,  and  point 
 out  its  connection  with  the  preceding  parts. 
 
 I.  It  contains  strong  reasons  for  offering  up 
 our  supplications.  It  is,  as  if  we  should  say, 
 "  Thus  we  call  upon  thy  name,  and  worship 
 thee,  O  Lord,  because  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
 
 *  Isaiah  xxix.  13. 
 
3f}4  ON    THE    CONCLUSION 
 
 the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever."  It  is  a  suit- 
 able acknowledgment  of  our  obligations  to  the 
 duty.  Jf  "  the  kingdom*'  is  the  Lord's,  who  are 
 we,  that  we  should  refuse  to  serve  him  ?  If 
 almighty  u  power"  belongeth  unto  him,  we 
 should  bow  down  before  him,  and  seek  from  his 
 hands  the  supply  of  all  our  need.  If  his  be  "  the 
 glory,"  we  should  yield  him  the  honour  due  to 
 his  majesty,  and  admire,  love,  and  praise  him. 
 If  he  "  inhabiteth  eternity,"  and  his  name  en- 
 dureth  H  for  ever,"  we  owe  him  perpetual  ser- 
 vice, and  we  may  cheerfully  depend  upon  him. 
 He  cannot  fail,  as  creatures  do;  He  will  not  dis- 
 appoint our  expectation.  By  neglecting  prayer, 
 we  do  in  effect  deny  these  things  ;  we  deny  that 
 God  is  what  he  is:  we  are  at  least  practical 
 atheists,  u  without  God  in  the  world."  How 
 great  is  the  guilt !  how  tremendous  the  danger ! 
 Have  we  not  been  shamefully  defective  ?  And 
 do  not  the  very  words  wc  repeat  condemn  us  for 
 our  contemptuous  disregard  of  the  ever-blessed 
 Jehovah  ? 
 
 II.  It  is  a  Doxology,  or  an  ascription  of  praise. 
 Adoration  and  thanksgiving  form  an  important 
 part  of  divine  worship.  We  should  praise  God 
 for  what  he  is  in  himself,  as  well  as  for  what  he 
 is  to  us.  "  It  is  very  meet,  right,  and  our  bounden 
 duty,  that  we  should  at  all  times,  and  in  all 
 places,  give  thanks  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  Holy 
 Father,  Almighty,  Everlasting  God, — Therefore, 
 
OF  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.        3Q5 
 
 with  Angels  and  Archangels,  and  with  all  the 
 company  of  heaven,  we  laud  and  magnify  thy 
 glorious  name  ;  evermore  praising  thee,  and  say- 
 ing, Holy,  holy,  holy  Lord  God  of  hosts,  heaven 
 and  earth  are  full  of  thy  glory:  Glory  be  to  thee, 
 O  Lord  most  high  *  !"  What  abundant  matter 
 is  here  suggested  for  devout  admiration  and  lively 
 praise!  We  adoie  and  bless  the  Lord  for  his 
 universal  kingdom, — his  uncontrollable  power, 
 — his  unspeakable  glory, — his  unchangeable  and 
 everlasting  existence.  From  these  united  consi- 
 derations he  claims  the  reverence  and  love  of  all 
 intelligent  creatures.  "  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God, 
 the  God  of  Israel,  who  only  doeth  wondrous 
 things :  and  blessed  be  his  glorious  name  for 
 ever ;  and  let  the  whole  earth  be  filled  with  his 
 glory!  Amen,  and  Amen -J-."  Do  we  thus  honour 
 God  ?  Do  we  "  praise  him  according  to  his  ex- 
 cellent greatness;!;  ?"  Alas!  how  cold  and  lan- 
 guid are  our  affections  in  his  service  !  how  formal 
 is  our  worship  !  May  he  quicken  and  animate 
 us  by  his  life-giving  Spirit ! 
 
 III.  It  contains  many  strong  pleas  by  which 
 we  may  urge  the  preceding  petitions  with  God. 
 He  permits  and  instructs  us  to  be  importunate  in 
 our  addresses,  and  to  use  arguments  with  him 
 for  our  acceptance  ;  not  as  if  his  mind  could  be 
 
 *  Communion  Service.  f  Psalm  Jxxii.  18,  19. 
 
 i  Psalm  cl.  2. 
 
396  0^7    THE    CONCLUSION 
 
 changed  by  any  considerations  we  can   suggest, 
 but  in  this  way  our  spiritual  desires  are  drawn 
 forth  and  increased,  our  faith  is  strengthened,  our 
 hope  enlivened.     The  blessing  is  therefore  pro- 
 mised to  the  fervent  prayer :  and  those  will  most 
 surely  prevail,  who  like  Jacob  "  wrestle"  with 
 the  Lord,  and  say,  "  I  will  not  let  thee  go,  ex- 
 cept thou  bless  me*."     In  this  view  we  may 
 apply  the  conclusion  of  the  divine  formulary  pro- 
 vided for  us.     In  order  that  we  may  obtain  those 
 things,  which  we  have  asked,   we  may  remind 
 our  heavenly  Father,   that   He  possesses   "  the 
 kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever," 
 and  that  he  will  display  the  greatness  of  his  ma- 
 jesty, and  the  perfection  of  his  nature,  by  grant- 
 ing our  requests.     Say  then,  "  O  Lord,  since  thy 
 dominion  extendeth  over  all,   and  thou  art  able 
 to  do  exceeding  abundantly  above  all   that  we 
 ask  or  think, — since  every  excellence  is  thine, 
 and  thou  remainest  the  same  throughout  all  ge- 
 nerations,— we   pray   thee  to   fulfil   our   largest 
 desires,  and  supply  all  our  wants.    Let  thy  name 
 be  known  and  exalted  ; — establish   the  kingdom 
 of  thy  grace  upon  the  earth; — and  bring  all  men 
 every  where  into  a  state  of  unfeigned  subjection 
 to  thyself: — O  feed  thy  people  with  food  conve- 
 nient for  them  ; — take  away  all  their  iniquity; — 
 and  through  all  surrounding  snares  and  tempta- 
 
 *  Gen.  xxxii.  26. 
 
OF  THE  LORD'S   PRAYER.  S97 
 
 lions  conduct  them  safely  to  thy  heavenly  pre- 
 sence !"  Such  are  the  petitions  we  offer,  and 
 such  the  pleas  by  which  we  may  enforce  them. 
 O  that  our  principles  and  affections  were  always 
 in  exact  correspondence  with  the  words  ! 
 
 We    close  the    subject   with  a   few   practical  • 
 inferences. 
 
 1.  This  prayer  is  addressed  to  the  undivided 
 Trinity.     It  has  sometimes  been  asked,  why  no 
 reference  is  made  in  it  to  the  mediation  of  Jesus 
 Christ.     But  it  should  be  remembered,  that  it 
 was  delivered  to  the  disciples  before  the  death  of 
 their  Master,  and   therefore  that  the  mention  of 
 his    sacrifice    could    not    be   introduced.      Nor 
 should  it  be  thought  that  we  here  call  upon  the 
 first  Person  in  the  Trinity,  to  the  exclusion  of 
 the  Son  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.     For  the  three 
 Persons  together  are  to  be  considered  as  the  God 
 whom  we  worship,  and  whom  here  we  solemnly 
 invoke.     They   are    the    true  Jehovah,    who   k 
 i:  Our  Father  in  heaven,"  through  the  redemp- 
 tion that  is  in  Christ  Jesus.     The  properties  of 
 Deity  belong  equally  to  each  :    and  it  is  observ- 
 able, that  the  Doxology  before  us  is  justly  appli- 
 cable,   as    to   the  Father,   so   to   the  Son,    and 
 to  the  Spirit.     Each  possesses  unlimited  domi- 
 nion, and  powtr,  and  glory,  for  ever  and  ever. 
 On  this  mysterious  but  clearly  revealed  doctrine, 
 rests  the  foundation  of  our  hope:   and  therefore 
 it  is  never  to  be  lost  sight  of  in  the  Christian  life. 
 
3Q8  ON    THE    CONCLUSION 
 
 May  we  be  deeply  convinced  of  its  truth  and 
 importance,  and  derive  from  it  all  those  rich 
 consolations,  I  which  it  is  calculated  to  admi- 
 nister ! 
 
 2.  The  considerations,  suggested  by  the  con- 
 clusion of  this  prayer,  afford  strong  encourage- 
 ment to  believers.  However  weak  and  defenceless 
 you  are,  yet  if  you  have  fled  for  refuge,  to  lay 
 hold  upon  the  hope  set  before  you  in  Christ 
 Jesus,  yon  have  an  inviolable  security  in  the  per- 
 fections of  Jehovah.  This  God,  whose  is  "  the 
 kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for 
 ever/'  is  your  God  in  covenant,  and,  in  de- 
 pendence upon  him,  you  may  defy  the  assaults 
 of  all  your  enemies.  "  If  He  be  for  you,  who 
 can  be  against  you  ?"  If  he  be  so  great  and  so 
 mighty,  who  shall  be  able  to  separate  you  from 
 him  ?  His  strength  is  put  forth  for  your  sup- 
 port and  protection ;  and  his  honour  is  con- 
 cerned in  your  final  salvation.  He  liveth  for 
 ever  and  ever;  and  so  long  will  he  bless  his 
 people.  Yes :  He  will  be  your  portion  for 
 ever.  O  manifest  your  reverence,  gratitude,  and 
 love  for  him,  by  a  cheerful  resignation  to  his 
 will,  and  by  active  exertions  in  his  service ! 
 With  ardent  desires  be  continually  looking  and 
 longing  for  that  consummation  of  your  bliss, 
 which  you  will  receive  in  his  heavenly  presence 
 throughout  all  eternity  ! 
 
 3.  The  subject  is  full  of  terror  to  the  impe- 
 
OF  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.         3QQ 
 
 nitent.  What  shall  be  said  to  men  of  this  cha- 
 racter ?  The  Lord  is  against  you :  Who  can 
 defend  you  from  the  stroke  of  his  mighty  arm  ? 
 or  who  shall  support  you  under  the  pressure  of 
 his  fiery  indignation  ?  Those  very  consider- 
 ations, on  which  we  have  now  insisted,  shew 
 the  greatness  of  your  danger,  and  should  excite 
 in  you  an  awful  apprehension  of  approaching 
 misery.  "  The  kingdom  is  the  Lord's,"  and 
 sooner  or  later  he  will  vindicate  the  honour 
 of  his  government :  what  then  will  become  of 
 his  enemies  ?  "  The  power  is  his :"  and  will  you 
 not  dread  "  the  lighting  down  of  his  arm," 
 "  which  is  able  to  destroy  both  body  and  soul  in 
 hell*  ?"  "  The  glory  is  his  :"  and  if  you  will  not 
 yield  it  to  him  by  a  cheerful  subjection,  he  will 
 get  himself  honour  in  your  final  confusion  and 
 endless  misery.  He  will  reign  "  for  ever  and 
 ever,"  and  while  he  exists,  he  will  remain  your 
 adversary,  and  continue  to  inflict  upon  you  the 
 weight  of  his  anger.  O  bow  down  before  him 
 with  sincere  contrition,  and  w  through  the  blood 
 of  the  everlasting  covenant"  make  peace  with 
 him  !  Thus  may  you  attain  to  his  celestial  king- 
 dom, being  conducted  thither  by  his  mighty- 
 power,  and  there  may  you  behold  and  partake  of 
 his  glory  in  Christ  Jesus  for  ever  !     Amen. 
 
 *  Matt,  x  28. 
 
ESSAY  LXXXV. 
 
 ON    THE    CHURCH    OF    CHRIST. 
 
 What  is  meant  by  the  Churchy — the  church  of  Christy 
 — militant  9 — holy, — catholic, — a  mystical  body. — 
 A  visible  church  established  by  Christ, — enlarged 
 by  his  apostles, — its  unity  and  variety, — assaulted 
 but  preserved, — in  its  purest  state  is  imperfect  and 
 viixt. — Church  of  England  commended  for  the 
 apostolical  order  of  its  ministry, — the  excellency  of 
 its  Liturgy, — its  beneficial  tendency  and  effects. — 
 Exhortation  to  join  its  communion, — to  maintain 
 its  unity, — and  promote  its  prosperity. 
 
 ''  The  redeemed  of  the  Lord"  have  been  dc- 
 scribed  by  their  privileges,  their  principles,  their 
 conduct.  They  alone  of  all  the  children  of  men 
 are  "  the  excellent,  in  whom  should  be  all  our 
 delight*."  Taken  collectively  they  constitute 
 one  compact  well-ordered  society,  which  we  call 
 the  Church.  That  appellation  is  derived  from 
 the  Greek,  and  signifies  "  the  Lord's  house:"  and 
 
 *  Psalm  xvi.  3. 
 
ON  THE  CHURCH  OF  CHRIST*      401 
 
 the  word  in  that  language,  which  we  translate 
 "  Church,"  imports  in  the  original, <c  called  out," 
 or  "  separated  from  the  world  *."  How  expres- 
 sive of  the  grace,  by  which  they  are  distinguished ! 
 They  are  "  builded  together  for  an  habitation  of 
 God  through  the  Spirit;" — and  they  are  "  called, 
 and  chosen,  and  faithful  f ." 
 
 This  society,  in  its  highest  sense  and  full  ex- 
 tent, includes  all  those  of  every  age  and  place, 
 and  none  but  those,  who  partake  of  the  benefits 
 of  Christ's  redemption.  This  is  a  the  general 
 assembly  and  church  of  the  first-born,  which  arc 
 written  in  heaven  ;" — "  the  church,  which  Christ 
 loved,  and  for  which  he  gave  himself, — that  he 
 might  present  it  to  himself  a  glorious  church, 
 not  having  spot  or  wrinkle,  or  any  such  thing, 
 but  that  it  should  be  holy  and  without  blemish  J." 
 The  different  members  of  this  society  may  be 
 fixed  in  very  different  circumstances  upon  the 
 earth,  far  removed  from  and  unknown  to  each 
 other,  diversified  by  a  thousand  external  modes 
 and  customs,  and  divided  into  a  thousand  deno- 
 minations. Yet  how  many  soever  they  be,  they 
 are  all  u  one  body,"  united  together  under  one 
 common  Head,  actuated  by  one  Spirit,  having 
 the  same  hopes  and  enjoyments,  and  directed  by 
 the  same  laws  and  principles. 
 
 *  Church  is  derived  from  Kuf>iotx<&,  and  'ExxAijarfa  from 
 'sKxaKiw.  -f  Eph.  ii.  22.     Rev.  xvii.  14. 
 
 t  Heb.  xii,  23.     Eph.  v.  25,  27, 
 VOL.   HI,  D   D 
 
402  ON   THE   CHURCH  Of    CHRIST. 
 
 The  church  has  been  distinguished,  as  being 
 either  Jewish  or  Christian,  militant  or  trium- 
 phant. Before  our  Lord's  incarnation  it  assumed 
 not  his  name ;  and  therefore  when  we  speak  of 
 the  church  of  Christ,  we  generally  mean  that 
 part  of  it,  which  has  been  collected  since  that 
 important  sera.  And  of  these,  who  have  been 
 more  especially  discriminated  as  his  disciples, 
 some  have  already  finished  their  course,  and  are 
 inheriting  the  promises ;  while  others  still  remain 
 in  a  state  of  warfare,  encompassed  with  enemies,, 
 and  waging  a  severe  and  perpetual  conflict,  but 
 supported  and  guarded  by  his  almighty  arm.  It 
 is  to  the  latter,  "  the  church  of  Christ  militant 
 here  in  earth/'  that  our  present  attention  is  re- 
 quired. 
 
 It  is  not  yet  perfected^  as  it  shall  be;  but  with 
 all  its  defects  it  may  properly  be  denominated 
 '•  holy,"  because  every  member  is  so  in  truth 
 and  reality,  being  inwardly  renewed  and  in  a 
 measure  sanctified  by  the  divine  Spirit. — It  is 
 Catholic  or  universal,* because  it  is  not  confined 
 within  the  narrow  limits  of  any  sect  or  kingdom, 
 but  embraces  all  the  faithful  in  Christ  Jesus 
 throughout  all  the  nations  of  the  earth. — It  is 
 invisible,  inasmuch  as  we  do  not  infallibly 
 discern  who  certainly  belong  to  it ;  though  we 
 may  maintain  sensible  intercourse  with  their 
 ;ons,  yet  we  cannot  perceive  the  integrity  and 
 the  governing  principles  of  their  hearts.-— -It  is  a 
 () 
 
ON  THE  CHUIICH  OP   CHRIST.  403 
 
 Mystical  body,  because  their  union  with  Christ 
 and  with  each  other  is  supported  by  a  secret  pro- 
 cess, which  is  not  the  proper  subject  of  rational 
 disquisition,  or  obvious  to  the  human  under- 
 standing. How  distinguished  an  honour  is  at- 
 tached to  it !  how  high  and  inestimable  are  its 
 privileges!  how  firm  is  its  security!  It  is  the 
 object  of  the  Saviour's  incessant  and  affectionate 
 regard.  He  has  engaged  to  supply  all  its  wants, 
 and  to  favour  it  with  his  own  gracious  presence 
 during  all  its  trials  upon  earth.  "  The  Lord 
 hath  chosen  Zion :  he  hath  desired  it  for  his  ha- 
 bitation. This  is  my  rest  for  ever :  here  will  I 
 dwell;  for  I  have  desired  it.  I  will  abundantly 
 bless  her  provision :  I  will  satisfy  her  poor  with 
 bread  */'  Be  it  our  most  earnest  desire  and 
 prayer  to  be  incorporated  into  it,  and  to  be  pre- 
 served in  a  state  of  holy  fellowship  with  it,  till 
 we  join  the  company  of  those,  whose  warfare  is 
 accomplished,  "  the  spirits  of  just  men  made 
 perfect/' 
 
 It  may  be  thought  sufficient,  perhaps,  to  main- 
 tain communion  with  the  body  of  Christ  in  a 
 private  way,  by  cultivating  the  most  benevolent 
 affections  towards  it,  without  any  external  bonds 
 of  alliance  or  conjunction.  But  if  this  were  prac- 
 ticable, it  is  not  enough.  It  is  required,  not  only 
 that  we  "  believe  with  the  heart,"  but  that  u  con- 
 
 *  Psalm  exxxii.   13—15, 
 D   D    2 
 
404      ON  THE  CHURCH  OF  CHRIST. 
 
 fession  be  made  with  the  mouth. "     In  order  to 
 this,  we  must  declare  our  attachment  to  those, 
 who  hold  the  truth  of  the  gospel,  and  worship 
 our  God  and  Saviour  according  to  his  own  insti- 
 tutions.    In  other  words  Christians  should  be 
 joined  in  external  society*  and  "  glorify  God  with 
 one  mouth/'  as  well   as  be  "  knit  together  in 
 love.''     This  is  the  foundation  of  the  visible 
 Church  of  Cheist,"  for  the  appointment  and 
 continuance  of  which  trie  greatest  necessity  exists. 
 Christianity  cannot  well  be  propagated  or  pre- 
 served in  the  world,  or  the  purposes  of  spiritual 
 edification  be  promoted,  without  the  administra- 
 tion of  divine  ordinances.     And  how  are  these 
 ordinances  to  be  administered,  unless  the  pro- 
 fessed followers   of  Christ   associate,  and  bind 
 themselves  to  each  other,  for  his  service  ?    Such 
 an  union  was  very  early  formed  among  the  first 
 disciples  of  Christ,  probably  by  his  own  direc- 
 tions, and  he  has  made  provision  for  the  maintain- 
 ing of  a  similar  union  among  his  people  by  an 
 uninterrupted  succession  to  the  end  of  time.    He 
 declared  his  purpose  to  establish  such  a  society* 
 as  should  defy  the  most  violent  and  malignant 
 assaults :    "  Upon   this  rock   I   will   build   my 
 church,  and  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail 
 against  it  *."     He  appointed  the  proper  officers 
 for  its  regulation  and  government,  and  the  ge- 
 
 *  Matt.  xvi.  18. 
 
ON  THE  CHURCH  OF   CHRIST.  405 
 
 neral  ordinances  by  which  its  members  were  to 
 be  collected,  admitted,  and  live  in  mutual  inter- 
 course •,  and  he  promised  to  be  virtually  present 
 with  them  for  their  protection,  advancement, 
 and  comfort :  "  Lo !  I  am  with  you  alway,  even 
 unto  the  end  of  the  world  *." 
 
 Soon  after  his  ascension  into  heaven,  the  plan 
 began  to  take  effect.  His  professed  followers  at 
 Jerusalem  amounted  only  to  one  hundred  and 
 twenty;  but  on  the  day  of  Pentecost  three 
 thousand  new  converts  joined  their  company, 
 were  baptized,  "  and  continued  steadfastly  in  the 
 apostles'  doctrine,  and  fellowship,  and  in  break- 
 ing of  bread,  and  in  prayers  f."  Such  was  the 
 origin  and  constitution  of  the  church  of  Christ. 
 It  was  small  in  its  beginning,  but  it  received  a 
 rapid  and  large  increase:  "  The  Lord  added  to 
 the  church  daily  such  as  should  be  saved  J." 
 The  gospel  spread  its  influence  from  town  to 
 town  and  from  kingdom  to  kingdom:  numbers 
 in  almost  every  part  became  obedient  to  the  faith. 
 Each  society  of  believers  so  collected,  and  meeting 
 together  for  the  celebration  of  divine  worship  and 
 the  appointed  ordinances,  under  the  care  of  one 
 common  pastor,  was  called  a  church.  This  might 
 sometimes  be  so  small  as  to  be  confined  to  one  fa- 
 mily :  for  we  read  of  many  persons  having  churches 
 
 *  Matt,  xxviii.  20.        f  Actsii.  41,  42.         %  Acts  ii.  4Jf 
 
406      ON-  THE  CHURCH  OP  CHRIST. 
 
 in  their  houses  *.  But  generally,  the  company 
 of  the  faithful  in  any  one  town  or  district  were 
 classed  together,  and  received  their  denomination 
 from  the  place  where  they  dwelt.  Thus  arose 
 "  the  church  of  God  at  Corinth/'  "  the  church 
 of  the  Thessalonians/'  "  the  churches  of  Galatia/' 
 c<  the  seven  churches  of  Asia.''  Sometimes  a 
 number  of  christian  societies  in  the  same  neigh- 
 bourhood or  country  were  called  one  church,  as 
 being,  with  their  respective  ministers,  united  un- 
 der one  Head,  subjected  to  the  superintendance 
 and  government  of  one  principal  pastor  or  bishop. 
 And  more  generally,  all  the  different  congrega- 
 tions of  professed  believers  in  all  towns  and  na- 
 tions of  the  earth  were  spoken  of  collectively  as 
 "  the  Church,"  "  the  body  of  Christ/'  the  ob- 
 ject of  his  care,  directed  and  regulated  by  his 
 supreme  will  and  authority. 
 
 "  The  body  is  one,  though  it  hath  many  mem- 
 bers." It  is  of  importance  to  understand,  in 
 what  its  unity  consists ;  what  is  the  common 
 agreement  among  the  different  parts ;  what  are 
 those  bonds,  which  combine  the  whole  together. 
 Now,  they  all  stand  in  the  same  professed  rela- 
 tion to  one  common  Lord  and  Master.  They  are 
 "  named  by  the  name  of  Christ/'  they  publicly 
 declare  allegiance  to  him  and  dependence  on  him : 
 they  acknowledge  but  one  rule  of  faith  and  prac- 
 
 *  Rom.  xyi.  5.     1  Cor.  xvi.  19.    Col.  iv.  15.    Philem.  2. 
 
ON  THE   CHUECH   OP   CHHIST.  AOJ 
 
 tiee,  the  holy  scriptures :  they  are  initiated  by 
 the  same  external  rite,  the  baptismal  water;  they 
 are  required  to  maintain  a  visible  intercourse  bv 
 public  worship,  and  to  pledge  themselves  to  the 
 Lord  and  to  each  other  for  steadfast  perseverance 
 by  eating  the  same  bread  and  drinking  the  same 
 cup.  Thus  they  are  one  u  City,"  one  "  House- 
 hold/' one  ?■  Building,"  one  f*  Temple."—"  There 
 is  one  body,  and  one  Spirit,  even  as  ye  are  called 
 in  one  hope  of  your  calling;  one  Lord,  one  faith, 
 one  baptism,  one  God  and  Father  of  all,  who  is 
 above  all,  and  through  all,  and  in  you  all  *." 
 
 Yet,  consistently  with  this  unity,  the  church 
 of  Christ  admits  of  a  considerable  variety,  as  em- 
 bracing so  many  different  societies  of  Christians, 
 placed  in  such  very  different  circumstances.  It 
 was  intended  to  comprise  within  its  pale  the  in- 
 habitants of  remotest  countries,  yea,  of  all  the 
 nations  of  the  earth,  whose  habits  and  sentiments 
 and  political  governments  might  be  extremely 
 dissimilar;  and  therefore  its  general  form  and 
 constitution,  and  its  essential  ordinances  are  such, 
 that  it  may  be  every  where  established,  and 
 adapted  to  the  particular  cases  and  situations  of 
 its  members.  It  will  admit  of  many  rites  and 
 ceremonies  in  one  place,  which  are  not  of  indis- 
 pensable necessity  to  its  existence,  and  which 
 in  another  place  it  would  not  be  expedient  or 
 
 *  Eph.  ii.  19—  22.     iv.  4—6. 
 
408  ON  THE  CHUUCH  OF  CHKIST. 
 
 or  possible  to  practise.  The  modifications  may 
 be  endless ;  and  yet  under  them  all  it  may  remain 
 the  same  as  to  substance,  its  purity  may  be  pre- 
 served, its  prosperity  promoted.  The  apostolical 
 direction,  as  to  all  lesser  matters,  is  very  general, 
 u  Let  all  things  be  done  unto  edifying,— decently 
 and  in  order*:"  and  one  important  lesson  we 
 should  learn  from  it,  is,  that  different  societies 
 should  not  be  hasty  to  condemn  or  censure  one 
 another,  but  exercise  mutual  forbearance  and 
 maintain  fervent  charity  one  towards  another. 
 "  Why  dost  thou  judge  thy  brother  ?  or  why 
 dost  thou  set  at  nought  thy  brother  ? — Let  us  not 
 judge  one  another  any  more:  but  judge  this  ra- 
 ther, that  no  man  put  a  stumbling  block  or  an 
 occasion  to  fall  in  his  brother's  wayf." — "  The 
 God  of  patience  and  consolation  grant  you  to  be 
 like-minded  one  toward  another  according  to 
 Christ  Jesus ;  that  ye  may  with  one  mind  and 
 one  mouth  glorify  God,  even  the  Father  of  our 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ  J  !" 
 
 Against  innumerable  assaults  and  violent  per- 
 secutions, and  in  the  midst  of  lamentable  conten- 
 tions and  divisions  which  have  despoiled  and 
 rent  it,  the  church  of  Christ  has  continued  to 
 exist  by  a  wonderful  succession  of  ministers  and 
 believers  from  age  to  age.     This  continuance  is 
 
 *  1  Cor.  xiv.  26,  40.  f  Rom,  xiv,  10,  13. 
 
 X  Rom.  xv.  5,  (). 
 
ON  THE  CHURCH  OP  CHRIST.  4QQ 
 
 to  be  ascribed  only  to  the  promised  presence  of 
 Christ  and  his  almighty  protection.  These  have 
 so  far  secured  it,  and  by  his  infallible  word  we 
 are  assured  they  will  secure  its  perpetuity  in  the 
 world  even  unto  the  general  consummation. 
 Many  severe  storms  may  yet  arise  and  agitate 
 the  vessel,  but  it  shall  ride  over  the  troubled 
 ocean  in  perfect  safety,  because  the  Master  is  in 
 it.  "  God  is  in  the  midst  of  her ;  she  shall  not 
 be  moved :  God  shall  help  her,  and  that  right 
 early*."  Professors  of  the  gospel  may  depart 
 from  the  faith,  in  large  numbers,  and  their  apos- 
 tasy be  fatal ;  but  the  great  Shepherd  and  Bishop 
 of  souls  hath  said,  "  My  sheep  shall  never  perish, 
 neither  shall  any  man  pluck  them  out  of  my 
 hand  f."  They  "  are  kept  by  the  power  of  God 
 through  faith  unto  salvation  ready  to  be  revealed 
 in  the  last  time  J."  Such  is  their  security,  in 
 which  they  may  and  should  rejoice :  and  y^t  the 
 apostolic  caution  should  ever  be  enforced,  "  Let 
 him  that  thinketh  he  standeth,  take  heed  lest  he 
 fall  §.*' 
 
 The  church  of  Christ  shall  remain  upon  the 
 earth  by  a  continued  succession.  But  consist- 
 ently with  this  assurance  we  believe,  that  it  is 
 liable  to  various  changes  and  fluctuations,  that  it 
 may  be  removed  "  from  one  kingdom  to  another 
 
 *  Psalm  xlvi.  5.  f  John  x.  28, 
 
 t   I  Pet.  i.  5.  §  1  Cor.  x,  12. 
 
410      ON  THE  CHURCH  OF  CHRIST. 
 
 people."  Where  now  are  the  once  flourishing* 
 churches  of  Asia,  and  of  Africa,  planted  and 
 watered  by  the  hands  of  the  apostles  ?  On  those, 
 and  on  many  others,  the  tremendous  threatening 
 of  our  Lord  has  been  fully  executed,  "  I  will 
 come  unto  thee  quickly,  and  will  remove  thy 
 candlestick  out  of  his  place,  except  thou  repent*." 
 They  have  left  a  solemn  warning  to  succeeding 
 generations.  May  we  of  this  favoured  country 
 fear  for  ourselves ;  lest  confiding  in  and  abusing 
 our  privileges,  we  be  deprived  of  them,  and  fall 
 under  heavier  condemnation !  Like  Capernaum, 
 being  "  exalted  unto  heaven,"  we  may  be 
 "  brought  down  to  hell  -(-."  Be  it  our  concern, 
 "  to  walk  while  we  have  the  light,  lest  darkness 
 come  upon  us  J."  But  whatever  partial  failures 
 there  may  be,  God  is  engaged  to  maintain  his 
 own  cause  in  the  world,  and  finally  to  bring  it 
 to  a  successful  issue.  It  shall  triumph  over  all 
 opposition,  and  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  shall 
 become  ci  obedient  to  the  faith.'' — i(  The  God  of 
 heaven  hath  set  up  a  kingdom,  which  shall  never 
 be  destroyed :  and  the  kingdom  shall  not  be  left 
 to  other  people,  but  it  shall  break  in  pieces  and 
 consume  all  these  kingdoms,  and  it  shall  stand 
 for  evcr§."  The  prospect  should  console  and 
 cheer  our  hearts,  even  in  darkest  times. 
 
 -■'•-  Rev.  it.  5-  f  Matt.  xi.  23. 
 
 [ofcp  \ii.  35.  §  Dan.  ii.  4-\. 
 
ON  THE  CHURCH  OF  CHRIST.  4H 
 
 This  blessed  society  contains  within  itself  all 
 that  is  truly  excellent  upon  the  earth.  All  the 
 members  of  it  are  <c  called  unto  holiness,"  are 
 laid  under  the  strongest  obligations  to  be  holy., 
 are  furnished  with  the  means  of  sanctification, 
 and  by  their  very  profession  are  u  the  saints  of 
 God."  O  that  they  were  mindful  of  their  cha- 
 racter, consistent  with  their  principles,  and  assi- 
 duous in  the  improvement  of  their  high  privi- 
 leges !  But  alas !  we  are  compelled  to  own  and 
 lament  very  numerous  instances  of  inconsistency, 
 dissimulation,  and  departure.  The  truly  pious 
 and  devout  are  enrolled  in  the  society:  but  there 
 are  others  of  a  different  complexion,  who  have 
 given  in  their  names,  who  join  its  assemblies, 
 and  conform  to  its  outward  institutions,  without 
 any  cordial  attachment  or  sincerity  of  principle. 
 They  may  exclaim  with  an  ardent  zeal,  "  The 
 temple  of  the  Lord  are  we  ;" — but  they  "  trust  in 
 lying  words  #."  "  They  say  they  are  Jews,  and 
 are  not,  but  are  the  synagogue  of  Satan  f." 
 
 It  is  an  obvious  though  melancholy  truth,  that 
 the  visible  church  of  Christ  in  its  purest  state  on 
 earth  is  imperfect,  as  including  men  of  various 
 and  opposite  characters,  and  frequently  betraying 
 much  corruption.  It  is  "  the  kingdom  of  hea- 
 ven," which  our  Lord  compares  to  a  field,  where- 
 in ((  tares  are  sowed  among   the   wheat,"    and 
 
 *  Jer.  vii.  4,  t  Rev<  "•  9* 
 
412  ON  THE  CHURCH  OF   CHRIST. 
 
 "  both  grow  together  until  the  harvest."  It  is 
 <(  like  unto  a  net  that  was  cast  into  the  sea,  and 
 gathered  of  every  kind."  "  At  the  end  of  the 
 world,' '  but  not  before,  "  the  angels  shall  come 
 forth,  and  sever  the  wicked  from  among  the 
 just*;"  but  till  that  time  they  will  remain  in 
 some  sense  members  of  the  same  household. 
 
 In  what  period  of  ecclesiastical  history  has  not 
 this  been  exemplified  !  In  churches  planted  by 
 the  apostles,  during  their  lives,  and  even  under 
 their  eye,  various  heresies  sprang  up,  and  many 
 sad  cases  of  hypocrisy  and  profaneness  occurred. 
 We  should  not  therefore  be  offended  or  sur- 
 prised, if  the  state  of  things  among  ourselves  be 
 similar.  Must  we  scruple  to  associate  or  com- 
 municate with  those  christian  congregations,  in 
 which  there  is  any  impure  mixture  to  be  found  ? 
 Where  then  shall  we  fix  ?  or  what  limit  will 
 there  be  to  separations  and  schisms  ?  Every  man 
 will  think  himself  at  liberty  to  set  up  a  church 
 of  his  own,  and  perhaps  to  constitute  himself  its 
 minister.  The  confusion  will  be  endless,  the 
 mischief  incalculable. 
 
 Where  the  truth  of  the  gospel  is  maintained, 
 in  all  its  essential  points,  where  the  sacraments 
 are  duly  administered,  according  to  Christ's  ordi- 
 nance, "  in  all  those  things  that  of  necessity  are 
 requisite  to  the  same  f,"  and  where  also  the  pas- 
 
 *  Matt.  xiii.  24,  30,  47,  4Q.  t  Article  XIX. 
 
ON  THE  CHURCH  OF   CHRIST.  413 
 
 foral  office  has  its  regular  and  proper  exercise, 
 there   we    should    recognize   a  true  church    of 
 Christ.     And  now,  upon  looking  around  us  on 
 the  various  religious  societies  and  ecclesiastical 
 institutions,  which  prevail  in  our  own  time,  shall 
 we  be  at  any  loss  to  decide  where  we  should  give 
 the  preference,   or  where  we  should  enrol  our 
 names  ?    We  are  thankful  for  our  national  esta- 
 blishment, and  grudge  not  the  extended  tolera- 
 tion allowed  to  dissentients.     These  are  not  the 
 days  of  persecution,  and  we  wish  not  that  spirit 
 to  be  revived.     "  Let  every  man  be  fully  per- 
 suaded in  his  own  mind  *."     But  we  conceive, 
 that  the  power  of  the  civil   magistrate  is  then 
 most  honourably  and  usefully  employed,  when 
 exerted   in  making  due  provision   for  christian 
 ordinances,  and  supporting  an  evangelical  minis- 
 try.    Through  the  gracious  providence  of  God 
 this  has  been  effected  in  our  own  country  with 
 immense  advantage;  and  our  prayer  for  the  King 
 is,  that  he  may  continue  to  be  "  a  nursing  father" 
 to  the  church,  which  in  return  will  be,   as  it 
 ought,  the  bulwark  and  safety  of  the  state. 
 
 The  church  of  England  has  the  fairest  claim 
 to  our  favour  and  most  cordial  attachment  f." 
 
 *  Romans  xiv.  5. 
 f  See  a  small  tract  by  the  author  of  these  essays,  entitled 
 "  A  Serious  Call  to  a  Constant  and  Devout  Attendance  on  the 
 Services  of  the  Church  of  England}"  in  which  several  of  the 
 points  here  adduced  are  enlarged  on. 
 
414  ON  THE   CHURCH  OP  CHRIST. 
 
 It  contains  the  two  grand  requisites  for  a  chris* 
 tian  society,  Truth  and  Order.  Its  ministry, 
 consisting  of  Bishops,  Priests,  and  Deacons,  we 
 consider  not  only  as  a  rational  and  excellent  in- 
 stitution, calculated  for  edification,  but  as  most 
 consonant  to  the  mind  of  Christ,  as  having  been 
 established  by  his  apostles,  and  from  them  trans- 
 mitted and  continued  by  a  regular  succession. 
 What,  though  we  produce  no  positive  command 
 from  the  sacred  oracles  for  the  universal  appoint- 
 ment of  episcopacy,  the  impartial  historian  will 
 scarcely  deny  that  it  had  the  sanction  of  apostolic 
 usage,  and  obtained  from  the  earliest  times. 
 Surely,  this  amounts  to  a  strong  argument  in  its 
 favour:  for  who  shall  presume  to  offer  a  better 
 plan,  than  what  the  original  founders  of  the  chris- 
 tian church  introduced,  or  doubt  of  its  being  most 
 agreeable  to  their  divine  Master  ? 
 
 Our  national  creed  recommends  itself  to  our 
 approbation,  as  being  perfectly  sound  and  scrip- 
 tural. Its  doctrines,  which  are  clearly  stated  in 
 the  thirty  nine  Articles,  are  entitled  to  our  belief 
 and  admiration,  as  firmly  resisting  dangerous  er- 
 rors, and  comprising  a  well-compacted  system  of 
 evangelical  truth.  Every  important  principle  of 
 the  christian  faith  is  here  brought  before  us,  and 
 we  are  required  to  profess  our  unequivocal  and 
 cordial  assent  to  the  whole.  According  to  this 
 plan,  fallen  man  is  humbled,  the  Saviour  is  ex- 
 alted, the  believing  penitent  is  assured  of  accept- 
 
ON   THE   CHURCH   OF   CHRIST.  415 
 
 ance,  the  means  of  holiness  are  pointed  out,  and 
 God  is  glorified  in  our  final  salvation.  Is  not 
 this  the  proper  basis  of  a  christian  church  ? 
 "  Jesus  Christ  himself  is  the  chief  corner  stone*." 
 
 The  services  appointed  for  public  worship  are 
 grounded  on  the  same  religious  system.  The 
 discriminating  doctrines  of  the  gospel  run  through 
 aJl  our  prayers,  give  them  an  inexpressible  fulness 
 and  dignity,  and  render  them  instructive  and  inte- 
 resting to  every  attendant.  In  them  we  confess  and 
 deplore  our  guilt,  depravity,  condemnation,  and 
 helplessness  ;  we  seek  the  blessings  of  redemption 
 through  the  alone  merits  and  mediation  of  Jesus 
 Christ ;  we  supplicate  the  sacred  influences  of 
 the  Spirit  for  our  guidance,  sanctification,  and 
 comfort ;  "  we  offer  and  present  ourselves,  our 
 souls  and  bodies,  to  be  a  reasonable,  holy,  and 
 lively  sacrifice  unto  God."  The  excellency  of 
 our  liturgy  is  unrivalled  :  we  are  at  a  loss  whether 
 we  shall  most  admire  its  simplicity  and  perspi- 
 cuity, or  its  spirituality  and  devotional  fervor. 
 The  administration  of  divine  ordinances  among; 
 us  is  decent,  serious,  solemn  ;  our  religious  cere- 
 monies are  few,  and  rational,  well  calculated  for 
 edification  ;  the  holy  sacraments,  which  our  Lord 
 appointed,  are  celebrated  in  conformity  with 
 their  original  institution. 
 
 What  do  we  want  more ;  except  it  be  a  state 
 
 *  Eph.  ii.  20. 
 
41(5  ON  THE  CHURCH  OF  CHRIST. 
 
 of  mind  consistent  with  our  forms,  an  inward 
 experience  of  our  professed  principles,  and  such 
 affections  of  the  heart  as  will  correspond  with 
 the  language  of  our  prayers  ?  Were  all  our  paro- 
 chial churches  filled  with  congregations  suitably 
 and  deeply  impressed  with  our  services,  what  an 
 interesting  sight  would  they  exhibit !  what  a  de- 
 lightful prospect  of  a  general  revival  of  religion, 
 and  of  increasing  national  prosperity!  If  the  true 
 spirit  of  our  ecclesiastical  constitution  were  pre- 
 served, we  cannot  conceive  any  thing  more  ex- 
 cellent than  its  tendency  and  effects.  But  throw 
 down  its  bulwarks,  destroy  the  venerable  fabric, 
 and  what  numerous  evils  would  ensue  !  Would 
 those,  who  aim  at  its  demolition,  propose  a  better 
 system  ?  Would  they  not  rather,  by  removing 
 the  national  instruction  which  is  provided,  and 
 by  taking  off  that  restraint  which  it  imposes, 
 introduce  universal  licentiousness  ?  What  could 
 be  looked  for,  but  that  the  people  would  return 
 to  the  ignorance  and  barbarity  of  former  ages,  or 
 rather  that  a  state  of  unprecedented  anarchy  and 
 profanencss  would  follow  ?  So  much  do  we  owe 
 to  our  ecclesiastical  establishment;  and  such 
 strong  reasons  have  we  for  desiring  that  it  may 
 remain  unimpaired,  or  rather  that  it  may  flourish 
 with  increasing  vigour. 
 
 May  our  countrymen  be  sensible  of  their  true 
 interest,  and  cordially  unite  in  this  communion 
 from  a  conviction  of  its  excellence  !    Should  we 
 
Ott  THE  CHURCH   OP  CHRIST.  A\J 
 
 grant  that  some  trifling  objections  might  be  fairly- 
 urged,  or  real  imperfections  pointed  out;  yet  we 
 would  say.  Let  not  a  separation  be  thought  of. 
 Something  must  be  conceded  to  human  infirmity; 
 and  you  must  learn  to  practise  mutual  forbear- 
 ance, in  order  "  to  keep  the  unity  of  the  spirit  in 
 the  bond  of  peace  *."     Are  you  sufficiently  aware 
 of  the  sin  of  schism,  of  its  nature,  and  its  mis- 
 chievous effects  ?    If  Christians  are  to  be  perpe- 
 tually dividing  from  each  other  on  the  pretence 
 of  reformation,  or  for  the  sake  of  a  purer  society, 
 what  will  be  the  issue  ?    The  body  of  Christ, 
 which  should  be  one,  will  be  rent  in  many  pieces, 
 the  cause  of  true  religion  will  receive  a  serious 
 injury,  infidelity  will  increase  and  triumph.     Be- 
 ware of  the  insidious  designs  of  an  enemy;  and 
 remember  you  will  promote  his  purposes  by  fo- 
 menting strife,  and  multiplying  sects  and  parties. 
 It  deserves  your  most  attentive  consideration, 
 what  duties  you  owe  to  the  church,  of  which  you 
 are  members.   Revere,  as  you  ought,  its  truly  apos- 
 tolical order  and  government ;  and  pray  for  an  in- 
 creasing measure  of  the  divine  unction  upon  all, 
 who  are  admitted  into  its  sacred  offices.     Be  con- 
 stant, be  devout,  in  your  attendance  upon  its  ap- 
 pointed services;  and  by  the  consistency  and  holi- 
 ness of  your  conduct  convince  the  world,   that 
 your  religion  is  not  a  blind  and  bigotted  attach  - 
 
 *  Eph.  iv.  3. 
 VOL.   III.  E    E 
 
418  ON   THE  CHURCH  OF   CHRIST. 
 
 ment  to  forms  and  ceremonies,  but  a  vital  prin- 
 ciple fixed  in  your  heart,  directing  and  regulating 
 the  various  plans  of  your  life.  To  others,  who 
 may  differ  from  you,  candour  and  charity  should 
 be  exercised  in  their  full  extent;  yet,  without 
 opposing  them,  you  may  lend  your  most  active 
 influence  for  the  support,  the  enlargement,  and 
 continuance  of  your  own  church.  Be  this  your 
 prayer,  "  Peace  be  within  thy  walls,  and  prospe- 
 rity within  thy  palaces  !  For  my  brethren  and 
 companions1  sakes  I  will  now  say,  Peace  be  within 
 thee  !  Because  of  the  house  of  the  Lord  our  God, 
 I  will  seek  thy  good." — "  Arise,  O  Lord,  into  thy 
 rest;  Thou,  and  the  ark  of  thy  strength.  Letihy 
 priests  be  clothed  with  righteousness:  and  let  thy 
 saints  shout  for  joy*  I" 
 
 •  Psalm  exxii.  7—9.    exxxii.  8,  $. 
 
ESSAY  LXXXVL 
 
 ON"    PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 
 
 The  members  of  Christ's  Church  should  assemble  to- 
 gether,— publicly  to  acknowledge  their  regard  to 
 God, — to  offer  up  their  praises, — to  confess  their 
 sins, — to  present"  their  united  prayers, — to  main- 
 tain christian  fellowship, — and  revere?itly  to  hear 
 the  word  of  God.  It  is  a  vain  excuse  for  neglect- 
 ing public  worship,  that  many  receive  no  profit 
 from  it, — and  that  further  instructions  are  need- 
 less to  those,  who  are  acquainted  with  religion. 
 
 The  great  Founder  of  our  religion  has  instituted 
 a  Church  upon  the  earth,  on  the  support  and 
 continuance  of  which  the  promotion  of  his  cause 
 and  giory  very  much  depends.  It  is  the  duty  of 
 his  faithful  disciples  to  enrol  themselves  as  mem- 
 bers of  this  society,  to  avow  their  attachment  to 
 it,  and  to  be  zealously  concerned  for  its  interests. 
 To  do  this,  they  must  assemble  together  in  their 
 respective  places,  they  must  hold  frequent  and 
 solemn  meetings,  for  purposes  appropriate  to 
 themselves,   for   the   celebrating  of  divine  ordi- 
 
 £  E  2 
 
420  OX    TUBLIC    WORSHIP. 
 
 nances,  and  for  the  maintaining  of  a  holy  com- 
 munion with  each  other.  So  did  the  primitive 
 church  in  its  brightest  days :  "  They  continued 
 steadfastly  in  the  apostles' doctrine  and  fellowship, 
 and  in  breaking  of  bread,  and  in  prayers  : — con- 
 tinuing daily  with  one  accord  in  the  temple,  and 
 breaking  bread  from  house  to  house  *."  The 
 negligence  of  some,  indeed,  soon  gave  occasion 
 for  reproof,  and  others  were  admonished  from 
 their  bad  example  <c  not  to  forsake  the  assembling 
 of  themselves  together  j-." 
 
 Is  the  duty  practised,  as  it  ought  to  be,  among 
 ourselves  ?  Is  there  not  rather  a  growing  neglect 
 and  contempt  of  it  ?  With  all  our  professions 
 of  Christianity,  with  all  our  privileges  and  op- 
 portunities, how  many  are  in  the  constant  habit 
 of  declining  their  attendance  at  the  house  of  God, 
 and  deny  or  forget  their  obligations  to  public 
 worship  !  With  a  view  therefore  to  increase  the 
 numbers,  the  piety,  and  the  fervour  of  our  con- 
 gregations, it  may  be  proper  to  state  some  of  the 
 chief  purposes,  for  which  we  should  assemble 
 together,  as  members  of  the  church  of  Christ, 
 and  in  our  collective  capacity  offer  up  our  united 
 adorations  to  Almighty  God.  The  practice  will 
 appear  to  be  reasonable  and  advantageous,  recom- 
 mended and  enforced  by  strongest  consideration?, 
 2nd  absolutely  necessary  for  the  propagation,  the 
 
 *  Acfs  ii.  42,  46.  f  Heb.  x,  25. 
 
OX   PUBLIC   WORSHIP..  40] 
 
 support,    and  even  the   very   existence,    of  our 
 religion. 
 
 I.  One  great  end  of  "  calling  the  solemn 
 assembly"  for  the  worship  of  Jehovah  is  to  ac- 
 knowledge our  reverential  regard  for  him.  Few 
 persons  have  ever  doubted  of  the  existence  of  a 
 God  :  fewer  still  have  denied  that  God  is  to  be 
 worshipped.  Reason  itself  proclaims,  that  as  we 
 are  the  work  of  his  hands,  so  we  are  created  for 
 his  service  and  glory.  Accordingly,  the  heathens 
 have  universally  confessed  their  obligations  to 
 this  duty,  and  their  laborious,  expensive,  and 
 zealous  attention  to  it  is  a  striking  reproof  of  our 
 negligence.  With  the  light  of  revelation  before 
 us,  shall  we  maintain  that  he  has  no  claims  upon 
 us,  or  that  he  requires  no  public  service  ?  Let 
 us  listen  to  the  call  of  his  prophets,  "  O  come, 
 let  us  worship  and  bow  down :  let  us  kneel  be- 
 fore the  Lord  our  Maker  :  For  He  is  our  God  •, 
 and  we  are  the  people  of  his  pasture,  and  the 
 sheep  of  his  hand  *.'■  "  Enter  into  his  gates 
 with  thanksgiving,  and  into  his  courts  with 
 praise -j-." 
 
 It  is  not  enough  that  we  possess  a  secret  re- 
 verence for  his  majesty ;  we  should  openly  declare 
 it,  for  the  benefit  of  others,  and  for  his  glory. 
 Flow  can  it  be  known  that  we  have  any  internal 
 regard  to  him,   or  even  believe  his  cxistenee,   if 
 
 *  Psalm  xcv.  6;  /.  1  P^alm  c.  4. 
 
42Q  ON  PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 
 
 we  are  not  seen  to  offer  to  him  any  devout  adora- 
 tions? But  by  a  punctual  and  serious  attendance 
 upon  religious  ordinances,  we  call  upon  all 
 others  to  admire,  and  love,  and  serve  him.  And 
 is  not  this  the  conduct,  which  even  compassion 
 to  our  fellow-creatures  demands  from  us  ?  For 
 many  possibly  may  be  led  by  our  example  and 
 influence  to  deprecate  the  wrath  and  implore  the 
 favour  of  almighty  God. 
 
 But  our  worship  should  be  appropriate  to  our 
 profession  of  Christianity,  As  the  disciples  of 
 Jesus  Christ,  we  are  required  to  profess  him  be- 
 fore men :  and  we  should  therefore  shew  that 
 we  differ  from  Deists,  Jews,  and  Mahometans, 
 by  calling  on  his  name  for  salvation,  and  by  an 
 open  testimony  of  our  regard  to  him,  as  our  Pro- 
 phet, Priest,  and  King.  Such  an  acknowledg- 
 ment of  our  Redeemer  seems  essential  to  christian 
 worship :  and  we  are  solemnly  warned,  that  "  if 
 we  deny  him,  He  also  will  deny  us  *." 
 
 Hence  we  might  shew  the  propriety  and  use- 
 fulness of  creeds  and  other  formularies  in  our 
 public  services,  containing  an  explicit  avowal  of 
 the  gospel,  and  its  grand  peculiarities,  on  which 
 all  our  hopes  are  founded.  It  is  every  way  suit- 
 able to  stand  forward,  and  stir  up  ourselves  and 
 others  to  declare  a  firm  belief  in  God  the  Father, 
 God  the  Son,   and  God  the  Holy  Ghost,   as  our 
 
 *  2  Tim.  ii,  12. 
 
ON"  PUBLIC   WORSHIP.  423 
 
 Creator,  "Redeemer,  and  Sanctifier.  "  With  the 
 heart  indeed  man  belie veth  unto  righteousness, 
 but  with  the  mouth  confession  is  made  unto  sal- 
 vation *."  This  is  inconsistent  with  the  timid 
 and  time-serving  principle,  on  which  many  act, 
 of  keeping  their  religion  to  themselves :  and  it  is 
 equally  irreconcileable  with  their  plan,  who 
 boast  of  and  depend  upon  their  punctual  atten- 
 tion to  rites  and  ceremonies,  who  "  have  the  form 
 of  godliness,  but  deny  the  power  thereof  f;"  for 
 such  persons,  by  the  very  repetition  of  our  truly 
 evangelical  prayers,  must  belie  the  sentiments  of 
 their  hearts. 
 
 II.  In  public  worship  we  arc  called  to  offer  up 
 our  praises  to  God.  Our  obligations  to  him  arc 
 indeed  unspeakable.  His  favours  are  too  many 
 to  be  enumerated,  and  their  value  too  great  to  be 
 calculated.  They  are  also  perfectly  undeserved  ; 
 no  services  of  ours  being  any  price  or  compensa- 
 tion for  them.  We  are  the  work  of  his  hands: 
 we  are  every  day  preserved  by  his  power,  and 
 supported  by  his  bounty.  We  are  indebted  more 
 especially  to  his  free  and  abundant  grace  for  the 
 inestimable  blessings  of  redemption  through  our 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ.  And  shall  no  grateful  ac- 
 knowledgment be  made  ? 
 
 As  we  are  joint  partakers  with  many  others  of 
 his  kindness  and  mercy,  there  is  a  suitableness  in 
 
 *  Rom.  x.  10.  t  2  Tim.  ill-  5. 
 
4-24-  ON   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 
 
 our  uniting  together  to  offer  up  our  common 
 thanksgivings.     While  we  are  thus  stimulating 
 each  other  to  praise  and  bless  the  Lord,  we  shall 
 find  our  own  affections  enlivened,  and  the  flame 
 of  divine  love  and  zeal  will  burn  with  increased 
 ardour  in  our  hearts.     He,  whom  we  thus  glo- 
 rify with  one  mind  and  with  one   mouth,  will 
 look  down  on  our  assemblies  with  approbation 
 and  delight ;   and  were  all  our  churches   filled 
 with    thankful    and    devout   worshippers,    they 
 would  exhibit  the  best  representation  of  heaven. 
 Let  each  one,  then,  adopt  the   resolution,   6i  I 
 will  praise  thee  with  my  whole  heart:  I  will  wor- 
 ship towards  thy  holy  temple,   and  praise  thy 
 name  for  thy  loving  kindness  and  thy  truth  : — » 
 for  it  is  good,  it  is  pleasant  and  comely  to  sing 
 praises   unto    our  God   in  the  congregation  of 
 saints  *tM 
 
 III.  Another  end  of  public  worship  is  to  con- 
 fess our  sins  and  humble  ourselves  in  the  sight 
 of  the  Lord  We  are  sinful  and  polluted  crea- 
 tures. Our  offences  against  the  divine  majesty 
 are  many  and  highly  aggravated.  Nor  has  the 
 rebellion,  raised  in  this  lower  world,  been  con- 
 fined to  a  few  individuals:  it  has  involved  the 
 whole  human  race.  We  are  all  partakers  of  the 
 same  apostate  nature,  and  have  joined  hand  in 
 hand  to  oppose  and  subvert  the  government  of 
 
 *  Psalm  exxxviii.  1,  2.     cxlvii.  1. ,  cxlix.  1. 
 
ON  PUBLIC  WORSHIP.  425 
 
 the  Almighty.  We  should  therefore  unite  in 
 penitential  acknowledgments  of  our  guilt,  and 
 together  return  unto  Him,  from  whom  we  have 
 deeply  revolted,  depreeating  his  wrath,  implor- 
 ing his  merciful  forgiveness.  Are  there  any 
 among  us,  who  have  no  need  of  such  humi- 
 liation ? 
 
 But  confession  of  sins,   it  is  said,  should  be 
 made  in  private.     Doubtless  it  should  be  so ; 
 and  before  the  great  congregation  likewise.     In 
 our  retirement  we  may  be  more  particular,  and 
 dwell  on  all   the  minute  circumstances  of  our 
 transgressions.     But  a  general  confession  of  our 
 disobedience  and  depravity  is  highly  expedient 
 in  public,   and  is  calculated  to  produce  the  best 
 effects.    It  may  tend  to  abase  our  pride,  and  cure 
 us  of  our  vain  boasting,  while  we  bow  down  as 
 vile  and  condemned  sinners,  and  take  shame  to 
 ourselves  before  men.     Many  of  our  offences,  at 
 least,  have, been  committed  openly,  and  therefore 
 our   confession   and    repentance    should    be   as 
 openly  manifested.     How  affecting  is  the  sight 
 of  a  numerous  congregation  prostrating  them- 
 selves at  the  throne  of  grace,   as  those  who  de- 
 serve to  perish,  and  pleading  with  God   for  the 
 life  of  their  souls !     Let  us  examine,  whether  we 
 have  the  sentiments  and  affections,  as  well  as  the 
 garb  and  the  language,  of  real  penitents. 
 
 IV.   We  should  come  together  to  present  Our 
 united  petitions  to  the  Father  of  mercies,  and  to 
 
420  ON  PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 
 
 "  ask  those  things,  which  are  requisite  and  ne- 
 cessary as  well  for  the  body  as  the  soul."  A  sense 
 of  our  dependence  and  of  our  entire  helplessness 
 will  constrain  us  to  bow  the  knee  before  God. 
 He  bestows  his  blessings,  indeed,  freely,  without 
 any  merit  on  our  part ;  but  He  will  be  "  en- 
 quired of,"  and  his  appointed  rule  is,  "  Ask,  and 
 it  shall  be  given  you*."  There  is  no  blessing, 
 then,  to  be  expected  without  prayer. 
 
 Our  general  necessities  also  being  the  same, 
 both  in  temporal  and  spiritual  concerns,  there  is 
 a  propriety  in  our  joining  together  to  implore 
 the  mercies,  which  we  all  want.  The  union  of 
 many  has  a  tendency  to  excite  and  preserve  a 
 fervency  of  devotion  in  all :  and  we  are  assured 
 that  our  united  supplications  will  have  a  peculiar 
 prevalency  with  God.  The  promises  which  he 
 has  given,  encourage  us  to  the  practice  of  the 
 duty,  and  prove  its  obligations.  "  In  all  places," 
 saith  the  Lord,  "  where  I  record  my  name,  I  will 
 come  unto  thee,  and  I  will  bless  thee  j\"  iC  Where 
 two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  my  name, 
 there  am  I  in  the  midst  of  them  J  "  Such  assur- 
 ances of  the  divine  presence  in  the  midst  of  his 
 assembled  people  should  have  with  us  the  force 
 of  a  command  to  attend  upon  public  worship, 
 and  should  enliven  our  affections  and   hopes, 
 
 *  Ezek.  xxxvi.  37.     Matt.  vii.  7. 
 i   Exod.  xx.  24.  $  Matt.  xviiL  20, 
 
ON  PUBLIC   WORSHIP.  427 
 
 while  we  offer  our  petitions.  We  are  all  equally 
 interested,  and  while  we  come  to  the  throne  of 
 grace  with  many  others,  who  are  guilty,  depraved, 
 and  helpless,  like  ourselves,,  we  may  expect  that 
 by  our  united  influence  we  shall  have  power 
 with  God  and  prevail.  Let  not  one  duty  super- 
 sede another.  While  private  prayer  is  practised 
 with  constancy  and  fervour,  let  not  the  public 
 service  be  neglected ;  and  those,  who  with  faith 
 and  love  wait  upon  the  Lord  in  his  house,  where 
 He  has  promised  to  meet  them,  will  soon  be  able 
 to  testify,  "  It  is  good  for  us  to  be  here." 
 
 V.  Public  worship  seems  requisite  to  maintain 
 christian  fellowship  or  the  communion  of  saints. 
 It  is  vain  to  expect  in  the  present  state  of  things, 
 that  all  true  believers,  though  they  constitute  but 
 one  body,  of  which  Christ  is  the  head,  should 
 be  perfectly  joined  together  in  the  same  mind. 
 Peace  and  love,  however,  may  be  preserved 
 among  those,  who  worship  in  different  places 
 and  by  different  modes.  But  while  we  contend 
 not  with  others,  we  should  cordially  unite  in 
 celebrating  the  divine  ordinances  with  those, 
 whose  religious  principles  accord  with  our  own, 
 and  who  can  therefore  without  scruple  offer  up 
 the  same  prayers  and  praises.  We  should  thus 
 feel  a  lively  interest  in  the  congregation,  and  a 
 glowing  affection  towards  its  members,  who 
 serve  the  same  God,  depend  upon  the  same 
 Saviour,  and  in  the  very  same  words  petition  for 
 
428  ON   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 
 
 the  same  blessings.  There  is  one  ordinance  in 
 particular,  and  one  of  the  greatest  solemnity, 
 which  necessarily  supposes  public  worship,  and 
 cannot  be  administered  without  it.  In  the  sacra- 
 ment of  the  Lord's  supper  we  are  invited  to  meet 
 as  quests  at  one  common  table,  and  to  cultivate 
 a  holy  fellowship  with  each  other,  as  well  as 
 with  our  divine  Master.  "  The  cup  of  blessing 
 which  we  bless,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the 
 blood  of  Christ  ?  The  bread  which  we  break, 
 is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  body  of  Christ  ? 
 For  we  being  many  are  one  bread,  and  one 
 body:  for  we  are  all  partakers  of  that  one 
 bread  V 
 
 Is  it  objected,  that  all  are  not  sincere  ?  Alas  ! 
 where  will  the  society  be  found,  of  any  consider- 
 able number,  in  which  there  is  no  hypocrite  ? 
 Even  out  of  twelve  apostles,  one  proved  to  be  a 
 very  devil  f.  But  this  should  not  prevent  or  de- 
 stroy christian  fellowship.  Without  indulging 
 suspicious  or  censorious  reflections  upon  others, 
 we  should  unite  with  those,  whom  we  believe  to 
 be  sincere,  and  lift  up  our  hearts  together,  with 
 ardent  desires  after  the  glorious  inheritance 
 above.  Delightful  employment !  To  enter  into 
 it,  as  we  ought,  would  give  us  a  foretaste  of  the 
 heavenly  felicity. 
 
 VI.  Lastly,  public  worship  seems  indispensably 
 
 *  1  Cor.  x.  1(3,  17.  f  John  vi-  70. 
 
QN  PUBLIC  WORSHIP.  42Q 
 
 requisite  for  the  exercise  of  the  christian  ministry, 
 and  the  propagation  of  the  gospel,  according  to 
 our  Lord's  command.  It  is  his  appointment, 
 that  there  shall  be  a  succession  of  faithful  men, 
 ordained  as  pastors  and  teachers  in  the  church, 
 even  unto  the  end  of  the  world ;  and  these  are 
 all  charged  to  preach  the  word.  They  are 
 ambassadors  for  Christ;  but  how  shall  they  de- 
 liver their  message  to  those,  who  will  not  hear, 
 or  who  refuse  to  attend  upon  their  public  mi- 
 nistrations ?  The  scriptures,  indeed,  may  be 
 read  at  home ;  but  that  will  not  be  paying  any 
 respect  to  the  ordinance  of  Christ,  nor  can  it  so 
 effectually  tend  to  the  advancement  of  true  reli- 
 gion. "  Faith  cometh  by  hearing,  and  hearing 
 by  the  word  of  God.  But  how  shall  they  believe 
 in  him,  of  whom  they  have  not  heard  ?  and  how 
 shall  they  hear  without  a  preacher  *  V 
 
 A  peculiar  blessing  is  promised  to  the  faithful 
 publication  of  the  gospel ;  and  accordingly  it  has 
 been  the  chief  instrument  of  turning  men  from 
 the  power  of  Satan  unto  God,  of  enlarging  the 
 church,  and  edifying  the  body  of  Christ.  And 
 if  God  so  honour  the  ordinance,  in  which  his 
 word  is  faithfully  dispensed,  as  thereby  to  admi- 
 nister the  incalculable  blessings  of  salvation  to 
 them  that  are  "  ready  to  perish,"  shall  we  not 
 encourage  a  stated  and  devout  attendance  upon 
 
 *  Rom.  x.  14,  1/. 
 
430  ON    PUBLIC    WORSHIPS 
 
 it  by  our  example  and  influence  ?  We  should 
 do  so  from  a  regard  to  society,  to  the  souls  of  our 
 fellow  creatures j  to  the  promotion  of  true  reli- 
 gion in  the  world,  and  our  own  spiritual  pro- 
 gress. How  forcible  are  these  considerations ! 
 May  they  produce  their  full  effect  upon  the  minds 
 of  all,  that  our  churches  may  henceforth  exhibit 
 a  larger  and  more  serious  attendance  !■ 
 
 There  are  those,  who  vindicate  their  neglect 
 of  public  worship  by  the  inconsistencies  of  some, 
 who  receive  no  profit  from  their  attendance. 
 They  ask,  "  Why  should  we  go,  where  so  many 
 go  in  vain  ?"  The  fact  indeed  is  obvious  and 
 truly  lamentable,  that  multitudes  frequent  our 
 solemn  meetings,  who  yet  continue  ignorant, 
 careless,  and  immoral.  Possibly  they  may  take 
 encouragement  to  sin,  and  suppose  they  make 
 atonement  by  their  devout  appearance  on  the 
 Lord's  day.  Such  persons  bring  religion  into 
 contempt;  for  in  them  it  appears  to  be  an  empty 
 form,  an  unmeaning  and  ridiculous  ceremony. 
 They  put  the  most  insolent  affront  upon  God,  as 
 if  He  might  be  deceived  by  their  hypocritical 
 pretences.  Their  condemnation  therefore  will 
 be  the  more  aggravated.  The  many  prayers  they 
 offer  up,  and  the  frequent  warnings  they  receive 
 in  God's  house,  will  witness  against  them  to 
 their  everlasting  confusion. 
 
 But  while  we  grant  the  fact,  we  resist  the  in- 
 ference drawn  from  it.     Because  numbers  derive 
 
OK  PUBLIC  WORSHIP;  431 
 
 ao  benefit  from  the  public  ordinances  of  religion, 
 it  does  not  follow  that  there  is  no  efficacy  in 
 them,  no  advantage  to  be  expected  from  them  : 
 nor  will  this  sad  case  justify  you  in  forsaking 
 them.  Much  depends  on  the  manner  and  dis- 
 position, with  which  they  are  attended.  What, 
 if  some  "  ask  and  receive  not,  because  they  ask 
 amiss  * ;"  is  prayer  therefore  an  unmeaning  ser- 
 vice ?  Or  what  if  some,  who  frequent  the  tem- 
 ple, carry  away  no  blessing,  are  there  none,  who 
 can  tell  of  the  good  they  have  received  ?  Are 
 there  none,  who  are  recovered  to  God,  renewed 
 by  his  Spirit,  and  comforted  by  his  love  ?  Do 
 you  not  hear  of  those,  who  thank  God  for  the  means 
 of  grace,  as  the  source  of  all  their  spiritual  light 
 and  life,  and  whose  holy  steadfastness  of  conduct 
 confirms  and  adorns  their  profession  ?  Under 
 the  pressure  of  a  dangerous  disease,  would  you  not 
 apply  to  a  physician,  who  had  cured  many  of  a 
 like  disorder,  though  some  had  consulted  him  in 
 vain  ?  Yes :  and  an  earnest  solicitude  to  save 
 your  immortal  souls  would  bring  you  to  those 
 means,  which  God  has  ordained  to  promote  your 
 progress  towards  heaven.  Looking  to  yourselves, 
 rather  than  to  others,  and  depending  on  the  di- 
 vine promise,  you  would  u  wait  for  the  loving- 
 kindness  of  the  Lord  in  his  temple ;"  and  most 
 assuredly  you  would  not  be  sent  empty  away. 
 
 *  James  iv.  3. 
 
432  ON  PUBLIC  WORSHIP. 
 
 Many  absent  themselves  from  church,  on  the 
 ground  that  public  instructions  are  needless  to 
 them :  "  they  know  as  much  as  their  ministers 
 can  tell  them."  They  allege,  that  preaching  was 
 intended  only  for  the  vulgar  and  ignorant,  for 
 whom  it  may  be  proper  and  useful ;  but  as  for 
 themselves,  they  understand  the  subject  of  reli- 
 gion sufficiently.  It  may  be  answered,  "  Be  not 
 wise  in  your  own  conceits."  But  even  granting 
 your  assertion,  that  you  have  no  need  to  be 
 taught,  there  are  other  purposes  to  be  answered. 
 You  should  come  to  worship  God,  if  you  will 
 not  listen  to  his  ministers.  Prayer  and  praise 
 will  still  be  your  bounden  duty,  till  you  have  no 
 blessing  to  implore,  no  favour  to  acknowledge. 
 Besides,  while  so  many  various  descriptions  of 
 persons  may  derive  advantage  from  the  ordinance 
 of  preaching,  for  their  sakes  you  should  give 
 your  attendance,  lest  your  example  should  induce 
 them  to  despise  it.  How  extensively  injurious 
 may  your  influence  be  ! 
 
 But  instruction  is  equally  necessary  for  your- 
 selves. It  is  not  true,  as  you  suppose,  that  you 
 know  enough  already.  You  know  not  your  own 
 state  and  character  :  you  are  ignorant  of  the  first 
 principles  of  Christianity.  An  apostle  has  de- 
 termined the  case,  "  If  any  man  think  that  he 
 knowcth  anything,  ke  knowcth  nothing  yet  as 
 he   ought   to  know  *."     The   true   spirit   of  a 
 
 *  1  Cor.  via.  'I. 
 
ON  PUBLIC   WORSHIP.  433 
 
 Christian,  even  in  his  most  advanced  state,  is 
 that  of  a  little  child,  ever  desirous  to  learn  ;  and 
 his  continual  prayer  is,  "  That  which  I  see  not, 
 teach  thou  me : — Open  thou  mine  eyes,  that  I 
 may  behold  wondrous  things  out  of  thy  law  *  !" 
 He  goes  to  church  therefore,,  considering  it  as 
 God's  appointed  place  for  receiving  instruction, 
 and  looks  to  Him,  not  to  the  Minister,  for  the 
 desired  blessing,  Confessing  his  ignorance,  he 
 seeks  for  larger  supplies  of  the  divine  Spirit,  by 
 which  he  may  be  guided  into  all  truth  :  and  if 
 he  learns  not  any  new  thing,  his  heart  is  more 
 deeply  impressed  by  his  religious  principles,  he 
 discovers  more  of  their  excellence,  feels  more  of 
 their  sweetness,  and  thus  he  is  enabled  to  i:  hold 
 the  beginning  of  his  confidence  stead  last  unto 
 the  end  f.° 
 
 Whence  then  arises  your  neglect  ?  Or  why 
 is  your  place  in  the  congregation  so  frequently 
 deserted  ?  Do  your  excuses  satisfy  yourselves  ? 
 Are  they  such,  as  you  can  plead  before  the 
 judgment  seat  of  Christ ;  or  such  as  the  righte- 
 ous Lord  God  will  admit  ?  O  consider,  that 
 time  is  short:  "  the  end  of  all  things  is  at 
 hand."  Your  opportunities,  for  "  growing  in 
 grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and 
 Saviour  Jesus  Christ,"  will  soon  cease  for  ever. 
 O  give  diligence  to  improve  the  few  which  yet 
 
 *  JoU  xxxiv.  32.     Psalm  cxix.  18.  f  Heb.  iii.  U« 
 
 vol.  III.  F  F 
 
A34  ON  PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 
 
 remain :  c<  not  forsaking  the  assembling  of  your- 
 selves together,  as  the  manner  of  some  is;  but 
 exhorting  one  another :  and  so  much  the  moreP 
 as  ye  see  the  day  approaching  *." 
 
 *  Heb.  x.  25, 
 
ESSAY   LXXXVIL 
 
 ON  THE  CHRISTIAN  SACRAMENTS. 
 
 Various  rites  may  be  proper  in  the  church. — The 
 express  appointments  of  Christ  are  unalterably 
 binding. — What  are  Sacraments. — Christ  has 
 instituted  no  other,  but  Baptism  and  the  Lord's 
 Supper. — These  contain  an  outward  and  visible 
 sign, — are  significative  of  an  inward  and  spiritual 
 grace  given  to  us, — ordained  by  Christ  himself — 
 as  means  whereby  we  receive  the  same3 — and  are 
 pledges  to  assure  us  thereof  -*  JVIiat  obligations 
 they  lay  upon  us. 
 
 It  is  essential  to  the  prosperity,  dr  rather  to  the 
 very  existence,  of  a  church,  that  its  members  as- 
 semble together  for  religious  purposes,  and  that 
 these  meetings  be  conducted  in  such  a  manner  as 
 is  best  calculated  to  promote  the  general  edifica- 
 tion. In  the  administration  of  their  public  ser- 
 vices, it  may  be  necessary  to  introduce  various 
 rites  and  ceremonies ;  but  much  judgment  and 
 discretion  will  be  needful  in  the  selection,  ar- 
 rangement, and  use  of  them.     Each  society  may 
 
 FF2 
 
4,35         ON  THE  CHRISTIAN  SACRAMENTS. 
 
 claim  a  right  to  appoint  particular  forms  for 
 itself;  but  regard  should  be  had  in  all  to  sim- 
 plicity, order,  and  solemnity,  that  superstition 
 may  be  avoided  and  true  seriousness  maintained: 
 and  in  the  regulation  of  these  different  ecclesi- 
 astical institutions,  mutual  concessions  should  be 
 made,  in  tilings  indifferent,  for  the  preservation 
 of  peace,  and  union. 
 
 These  "  ordinances  of  man,"  if  not  contrary 
 to  the  express  command  of  Christ  or  a  good  con- 
 science, should  be  submitted  to  "  for  the  Lord's 
 sake."  But  as  they  are  arbitrary,  so  they  will 
 admit  of  change.  It  is  otherwise  in  those  things, 
 which  originated  from  the  immediate  direction. 
 of  the  great  Head  of  the  church.  They  arc 
 binding  upon  all  his  members  in  every  place, 
 where  compliance  is  possible,  and  they  must  re- 
 main the  same,  fixed  and  unalterable,  to  the  very 
 end  of  time.  Some  such  positive  institutions  we 
 meet  with  in  the  gospel ;  and  the  authority  of 
 our  Lord,  by  whom  they  are  founded,  renders 
 them  as  obligatory  as  any  moral  duties.  They 
 cannot  be  neglected  without  a  manifest  contempt 
 of  the  government  of  Christ.  A  difference  of 
 circumstances  may  prevail  in  the  mode  of  admi- 
 nistration, where  yet  the  original  appointment, 
 as  10  its  substance,  is  maintained  with  equal  ex- 
 actness and  precision  :  and  Christians,  so  differ- 
 ing, should  learn  to  exercise  mutual  candour  and 
 benevolence. 
 
ON  THE  CHRISTIAN  SACRAMENTS.        43/ 
 
 Among  other  general  and  divine  ordinances, 
 the  Christian  Sacraments  claim  our  pecu- 
 liar attention.  These  are  certain  symbolical  rites, 
 or  figurative  actions,  intended  to  be  the  medium 
 of  conveying  instruction  and  grace  to  the  parti- 
 cipants. The  word  Sacrament  is  not  to  be 
 found  in  the  sacred  writings;  but  this  will  not 
 be  urgec\  as  an  objection  to  the  use  of  it  by  those, 
 who  consider  how  many  terms  there  are,  and 
 must  be,  in  all  theologieal  discussions,  which  do 
 not  occur  in  the  volume  of  inspiration.  Though 
 the  expression  be  not  there,  the  thing  we  mean 
 by  it  is  frequently  to  be  met  with,  that  is,  a  mys- 
 tical ceremony.  It  pleased  God  from  the  begin- 
 ning to  instruct  men  in  spiritual  things  by  objects 
 proposed  to  their  senses,  which  were  calculated 
 to  fix  an  abiding  impression,  and  which  they 
 were  taught  to  regard  with  reverence  as  signi- 
 ficant and  emblematical.  Thus  there  were  sacra- 
 ments in  Paradise  :  for  what  else  were  "  the  tree 
 of  life,"  and  "  the  tree  of  knowledge  of  good 
 and  eviir"  The  Mosaic  institution  abounded 
 with  rites,  which  were  of  a  sacramental  nature : 
 besides  occasional  and  extraordinary  ones,  it  ap- 
 pointed two,  of  perpetual  obligation,  Circumci- 
 sion and  the  Passover,  which  are  exactly  similar 
 to  those  we  celebrate.  The  evangelical  sacra- 
 ments are  the  subject  of  our  consideration ';  and 
 they  are  in  every  view  most  important.  They 
 represent  to  us  matters  of  the  highest  value,  and 
 assure  us  of  their  reality. 
 
43S        ON  ?H£  christian  SACRAMENTS". 
 
 We  enquire  then,  what  mysterious  or  symbol 
 lical  ceremonies  the  Lord  Christ  has  ordained  in 
 his  church,  the  devout  observance  of  which  he 
 demands  from  all  his  members.  It  is  surprising, 
 that  controversies  have  been  raised  upon  a  point 
 so  obvious  and  simple.  We  need  scarcely  to  ad- 
 vert to  them :  but  we  may  briefly  remark,  that 
 the  superstition  of  former  ages,  in  oraer  to  stamp 
 the  greater  sanctity  on  certain  rites,  very  impro- 
 perly styled  them  sacraments*  Let  us  adhere 
 to  the  definition  given  in  our  Catechism,  than 
 which  no  better  can  be  proposed,  and  every  diffi- 
 culty will  be  removed.  By  the  word  Sacrament 
 we  mean  u  an  outward  and  visible  sign  of  an 
 inward  and  spiritual  grace  given  unto  us,  or- 
 dained by  Christ  himself,  as  a  means  whereby 
 we  receive  the  same,  and  a  pledge  to  assure  us 
 thereof."  With  this  description  "  two  only"  will 
 accord :  "  those  five,"  which  the  Church  of 
 Rome  hath  received  for  sacraments,  we  must  ex- 
 clude from  the  number ;  "  that  is  to  say,  con- 
 firmation, penance,  orders,  matrimony,  and 
 extreme  unction."  Some  of  these  we  allow  are 
 expedient  and  useful ;  they  claim  our  reverence, 
 and  deservedly  hold  a  high  place  in  our  church ; 
 but  in  the  others,  as  practised  by  the  Catholics, 
 we  discover  a  dangerous  superstition,  or  "  a  cor- 
 rupt following  of  the  apostles;"  and  we  refuse  to 
 give  to  any  of  them  the  honour  due  to  a  Christian 
 
ON  THE  CHRISTIAN  SACRAMENTS.        43() 
 
 Sacrament,  because  they  were  not  appointed  of 
 Christ  to  be  the  symbols  of  spiritual  blessings*. 
 
 But  while  we  reject  those  we  have  mentioned 
 from  the  rank,  so  improperly  assigned  to  them, 
 We  maintain  that  there  are  two  sacred  institutions, 
 and  "  two  only,"  which  possess  the  true  nature, 
 and  answer  to  the  just  description,  of  a  Christian 
 Sacrament,  "  that  is  to  say,  Baptism,  and  the 
 Supper  of  the  Lord  f."  These  are,  not  only  of 
 high  antiquity,  but  of  divine  appointment ; — 
 not  merely  occasional  or  temporary  forms,  but 
 permanent ; — not  intended  exclusively  for  certain 
 states  and  conditions  of  life,  but  universally  bind- 
 ing on  all  the  disciples  of  Christ ; — public  decla- 
 rations of  our  attachment  and  obedience  to  one 
 common  Master,  and  the  means  of  producing  and 
 carrying  on  a  mysterious  union  with  him  ; — cal- 
 culated to  do  more  than  preserve  order  and  de- 
 corum in  the  church,  to  communicate  life  and 
 vigour  to  the  soul ; — not  simply  to  be  recom- 
 mended as  decent  and  proper,  but  to  be  insisted 
 on  iC  as  generally  necessary  to  salvation."  We 
 do  not  represent  them  as  absolutely  or  indispen- 
 sably necessary  to  salvation,  but  in  a  general  way 
 they  are  so.  Cases  may  be  supposed,  in  which 
 there  may  be  a  pardonable  ignorance  or  misap- 
 prehension of  the  duty ;  or,  there  may  be  no  time 
 or  opportunity  afforded  for  the  performance.    But 
 
 *  Article  XXV,  t  Catechism. 
 
440         ON  THE   CHRISTIAN   SACRAMENTS. 
 
 let  not  this  candid  and  charitable  allowance  lead 
 to  a  contemptuous  neglect  or  light  estimation  of 
 them.  They  are  "  ordained  of  Christ,"  and  are 
 "  not  only  badges  or  tokens  of  christian  men's  pro- 
 fession ;  but  rather  they  be  certain  sure  witnesses, 
 and  effectual  signs  of  grace,  and  God's  good- 
 will towards  us,  by  the  which  he  doth  work  in- 
 visibly in  us,  and  doth  not  only  quicken,  but  also 
 strengthen  and  confirm  our  faith  in  him  V  This 
 cannot  be  declared  of  any  other  religious  ordi- 
 nances whatever.  Let  us  yield  to  them  the 
 reverence  they  deserve,  and  be  solicitous,  in  vin- 
 dicating their  authority  and  importance,  to  derive 
 from  them  all  the  benefit  they  were  intended  to 
 convey. 
 
 The  same  general  description  will  apply  to 
 both. 
 
 1.  They  contain  "  an  outward  and  visible 
 sign."  We  are  creatures  of  sense,  and  capable 
 of  receiving  the  best  instruction  and  most  useful 
 impressions  from  external  objects,  when  abstract 
 reasoning  would  fail.  There  may  be  a  danger  of 
 depending  upon  forms,  of  resting  in  them,  or  re- 
 garding them  with  superstitious  veneration:  but 
 their  utility  is  generally  felt  and  confessed.  On 
 this  account  we  admire  the  condescension  and 
 kindness  of  our  Lord.  He  accommodates  himself 
 to  our  weakness,  and  takes  occasion  from  the 
 
 *  Article  XXV. 
 
ON  THE  CHRISTIAN  SACRAMENTS.        44  i 
 
 exercise  of  our  senses,  and  by  certain  perceptions 
 or  actions  of  the  body,  to  produce  intellectual 
 improvement,  to  excite  and  invigorate  the  noblest 
 principles  and  affections  of  the  mind.  Thus  he 
 spake  by  parables ;  and  he  will  continue  to 
 preach  to  his  church,  even  to  the  end  of  time,  by 
 the  sacramental  water,  by  the  symbolical  elements 
 of  bread  and  wine. 
 
 2.  They  are  intended  to  be  significative  "  of 
 an  inward  and  spiritual  grace  given  to  us."  This 
 is  their  chief  excellence ;  and,  if  it  be  overlooked, 
 we  degrade  these  sacred  ordinances  into  frivolous 
 and  unmeaning  ceremonies,  however  we  may 
 pretend  to  revere  them.  Through  the  baptismal 
 ablution  or  sprinkling,  we  look  for  "  the  wash- 
 ing of  regeneration,"  or  "  the  sprinkling"  of  that 
 "  clean  water,"  which  Li  will  cleanse  us  from  all 
 our  filthiness  V'  In.  the  feast  of  the  Eucharist 
 {i  we  do  shew  the  Lord's  death,"  and  expect  a 
 participation  of  its  benefits.  "  The  cup  of 
 blessing  which  we  bless,  is  it  not  the  communion 
 of  the  blood  of  Christ?  the  bread  which  we 
 break,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  body  of 
 Christ  f  ?"  For  these  purposes  indeed,  prayer  is 
 to  be  made,  and  faith  is  to  be  exercised ;  and 
 then  the  most  lively  hopes  may  be  cherished. 
 But  take  away  the  hidden  and  spiritual  meaning, 
 "  the  thing  signified;"  and  what  is  left  us,  but  a 
 lifeless  form,  "  a  body  without  the  spirit  ?" 
 
 *  Titus  iii.  5,    Ezek.  xxxvi.  25.         f  1  Cor.  x.  1 6.    xi.  26. 
 
44$        ON  THE  CHRISTIAN  SACRAMENT S. 
 
 3.  They  are  "  ordained  by  Christ  himself."* 
 We  profess  allegiance  to  him,  and  should  there- 
 fore reverence  his  authority.  It  is  this  consi- 
 deration, which  stamps  a  peculiar  sanctity  on 
 these  institutions^  and  binds  his  disciples  to  the 
 observance.  Let  due  honour  be  given  to  those  ce- 
 remonies of  human  appointment,  which  are  cal- 
 culated to  promote  the  good  order  and  edification 
 of  the  church  :  a  meek  and  peaceable  disposition 
 will  yield  a  ready  compliance  with  them  :  but 
 let  them  not  be  placed  on  a  level  with  those 
 things*  which  derive  their  origin  immediately 
 from  the  command  of  Christ.  These  are  obliga- 
 tory on  the  conscience,  and  none  who  are  faithful 
 to  Him  can  treat  them  with  indifference.  The 
 injunctions  are  express,  that  all  his  members  be 
 "  baptized  into  one  body,"  and  that  all  both  eat 
 the  bread  and  drink  the  cup  "  in  remembrance 
 of  him  *."  Let  these  solemnities  then  be  duly 
 celebrated  for  the  honour  of  the  Lord  Christ,  and 
 every  participant  say,  "  I  do  this  in  obedience 
 to  Him,  and  henceforth  dedicate  myself  to  his 
 service." 
 
 4.  They  were  instituted,  not  only  as  emble- 
 matical of  grace,  but  "  as  means  whereby  we  re- 
 ceive the  same."  Were  they  intended  to  represent 
 spiritual  blessings,  and  to  excite  our  desires  after 
 them  ?     May  we  not  thence  conclude,  that  our 
 
 *  1  Cor.  xi.  24,  25.     xii.  13. 
 
ON  THE  CHRISTIAN  SACRAMENTS.        443 
 
 desires  will  be  fulfilled,  and  that  these  will  be 
 the  channels  of  conveyance  ?  In  the  administra- 
 tion of  these  sacred  rites  our  faith  should  be 
 called  forth  into  liveliest  exercise,  and  our  ex- 
 pectations enlarged.  The  very  act  of  participating 
 implies,  that  the  favours  which  God  tenders  to 
 us,  we  put  forth  our  hand  to  receive.  This  is 
 the  part,  which  belongs  to  us :  we  come  in  obe- 
 dience to  our  Lord's  command,  we  implore  the 
 grace  here  signified,  we  accept  it  freely  as  it  is 
 offered. — We  depend  not  on  the  performance  of 
 the  ceremony,  however  exact  or  devout,  as  if  it 
 were  meritorious  or  entitled  us  to  any  compen- 
 sation :  we  expect  the  blessing  through  Him 
 alone,  who  died  to  procure  it  for  us.  Nor  do 
 we  imagine,  with  the  superstitious  devotees  of 
 the  church  of  Rome,  that  any  spiritual  virtue  or 
 teal  efficacy  necessarily  attaches  to  either  of  these 
 sacraments.  We  know  they  may  fail  of  pro- 
 ducing the  proper  end,  as  sad  experience  evinces: 
 and  it  is  a  righteous  thing  with  God  to  with- 
 hold his  promised  grace  from  those,  who  attend 
 even  upon  his  own  appointed  ordinances  with- 
 out faith  or  due  reverence  of  mind.  But  that 
 we  may  cheerfully  look  for  his  blessing,  we 
 remark, 
 
 5.  They  are  tc  pledges  to  assure  us  thereof," 
 He  proposes  the  covenant  of  mercy  to  our  ac- 
 ceptance,  and  by  these  external  tokens  holds  it 
 up  to  our  view.     They  are  the  seals,  by  which 
 6 
 
444        ON  THE   CHRISTIAN   SACRAMENTS. 
 
 he  declares  his  kind  intentions  of  bestowing  his 
 favours  upon  us,  and  by  which  he  binds  himself 
 to  fulfil  his  engagements.  While  we  look  upon 
 these  symbols,  we  feel  our  minds  impressed 
 with  his  condescension  and  love,  our  faith  in 
 Ins  promises  is  confirmed,  and  the  most  devout 
 affections  towards  him  are  excited.  They  are 
 meant  to  assure  us  of  his  grace.  On  our  part 
 also  they  are  seals,  by  which  we  enter  into  the 
 most  solemn  obligations  with  him,  according  to 
 the  terms  of  his  covenant.  We  dedicate  our- 
 selves and  our  all  to  him  ;  and  while,  by  the  re- 
 ception of  these  visible  tokens,  we  profess  to 
 a  lay  hold  upon  the  hope  set  before  us,"  we 
 form  an  express  contract,  that  we  will  be  the 
 Lord's  alone,  and  the  Lord's  for  ever.  We  do, 
 as  it  were,  declare  it  upon  oath :  and  the  word 
 Sacrament  was  anciently  understood  to  signify  an 
 oath,  especially  the  oath  of  allegiance  and  subjec- 
 tion, which  soldiers  take  to  their  commander. 
 
 The  sacraments,  then,  are  federal  transactions: 
 ihey  are  sacred  covenants  between  God  and  our 
 souls.  Are  we  properly  mindful  of  our  obliga- 
 tions ?  Are  we  giving  diligence  to  prove  ourselves 
 faithful;  and  to  n  perform  to  the  Lord  our  oaths." 
 He  will  not  forget  his  engagements ;  but  let  us 
 - .  lest  we  aggravate  our  guilt  and  condemnation 
 by  a  species  of  perjury,  of  all  others  the  most  base 
 and  detestable;   "  The  vows  of  the  Lord  are  upon 
 
ESSAY    LXXXVIIL 
 
 ON     CHRISTIAN     BAFT.1SM. 
 
 PART  I. 
 
 Baptism  was  appointed  by  Christ,  as  an  initiatory 
 rite, — had  been  practised  by  the  Je-zvs.—  has  been, 
 and  should  still  be,  retained  In  the  church.  — is  a 
 badge  of  our  christian  profession, — a  significant 
 emblem  and  public  uvowal  of  certain  fundamental- 
 principles, — a  federal  transaction, — exhibits  spiri- 
 tual blessings, — and  is  the  way  in  which  they 
 should  be  sought  and  expected \ — but  should  not  be 
 presumptuously  depended  on.  ■ 
 
 The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  has  evinced  his  care  for 
 the  continuance  and  prosperity  of  his  church  by 
 the  ordinances,  which  he  hath  instituted.  By 
 the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  according  to  his  di- 
 rection, men  are  every  where  to  be  called  to  the 
 knowledge  and  the  faith  of  Him  ;  and  all  who 
 profess  to  be  iiis  disciples  are  to  be  incorporated 
 into  one  society  by  Baptism.  So  he  commanded, 
 "  Go  ye,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them 
 
446  ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM. 
 
 in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and 
 of  the  Holy  Ghost  *•*  Such  is  the  origin  of  that 
 sacrament,  we  now  proceed  to  consider.  What 
 their  Lord  enjoined,  the  apostles  went  forth  to 
 execute,  and  practised  every  where.  Churches 
 were  formed,  the  members  of  which  were  united 
 together  by  this  external  sign,  this  common  badge 
 of  their  profession  f. 
 
 The  rite  itself,  though  not  expressly  appointed 
 in  the  old  testament,  had  long  been  in  use  among 
 the  Jews.  They  admitted  no  proselytes  of  the 
 Gentiles  to  the  participation  of  their  religious  pri- 
 vileges, without  certain  ablutions,  or  the  affusion 
 of  water,  as  an  outward  symbol  of  purification. 
 When  John  therefore  appeared,  and  attached 
 disciples  to  himself  by  this  very  mode,  a  surprise 
 was  expressed,  not  that  baptism  was  adminis- 
 tered, but  that  he  should  assume  authority  to  per- 
 form it  J.  Our  Lord  gave  a  decided  proof  of  his 
 approbation,  by  submitting  to  the  ordinance;  and 
 when  he  entered  on  his  public  ministry,  he  fol- 
 lowed John's  example,  directing  all  his  disciples 
 to  be  baptized. 
 
 The  custom  thus  introduced  has  continued  in 
 the  christian  church  without  intermission.  One 
 sect  only,  of  modern  date,  and  of  no  considerable 
 magnitude,  has  declined  the  practice,  supposing 
 the  outward  sign  of  no  importance,  and  insisting 
 
 *  Matt,  xxviii.  19.         f  Acts  ii.  41.     viii.  12.     x.  47,  48. 
 xvi.  15,  33.  }  John  i.  25. 
 
ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM.  447 
 
 altogether  upon  the  inward  and  spiritual  grace, 
 the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  as  the  sole  requi- 
 site. For  the  refutation  of  their  error  it  may  be 
 sufficient  to  remark,  that  our  Lord's  command  to 
 baptize  all  nations  must  be  interpreted  of  the 
 baptism  of  water,  inasmuch  as  man  can  admi- 
 nister no  other,  and  that  all  the  primitive  con- 
 verts were  admitted  into  the  church  by  an  appli- 
 cation of  that  very  element  V  Shall  we  pretend 
 to  a  more  pure  and  spiritual  worship  ?  or  why 
 should  "  any  man  forbid  water  ?"  It  is  a  suitable 
 and  significant  emblem  of  grace,  and  ought  to  be 
 retained  in  obedience  to  the  appointment  of 
 Christ. 
 
 We  are  aware,  that  true  religion  consists  chiefly 
 in  a  right  state  of  the  heart,  which  no  exactness 
 in  the  performance  of  external  ceremonies  can 
 produce.  But  ceremonies  are  not  therefore  to  be 
 contemned  ;  those  especially,  which  are  of  divine 
 institution,  demand  from  us  a  punctual  and  reve- 
 rential observance.  "  The  circumcision  of  the 
 heart"  was  what  the  Lord  principally  regarded 
 in  his  covenant  people.  But  were  they  therefore 
 at  liberty  to  omit  the  symbolical  action,  and  de- 
 cline the  painful  operation  upon  themselves  or 
 their  children  ? — "  He  is  not  a  Jew,  which  is  one 
 outwardly;  neither  is  that  circumcision,  which  is 
 outward  in  the  flesh  :   but  he  is  a  Jew^  which  is 
 
 *  John  iii.  23.     Acts  viii.  ZO,  38.     x.  47. 
 
448  osr    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM. 
 
 one  inwardly;  and  circumcision  is  that  of  the 
 heart,  in  the  spirit,  and  not  in  the  letter ;  whose 
 praise  is  not  of  men,  but  of  God  *."  Yet,  be  it 
 remembered,  that  the  contemptuous  neglect  of 
 the  mere  outward  rite,  was  highly  displeasing  to 
 God,  and  incurred  the  penalty  of  death.  "  The 
 uncircumcised  man-child,  whose  flesh  of  his 
 foreskin  is  not  circumcised,  that  soul  shall  be  cut 
 off  from  his  people :  he  hath  broken  my  cove- 
 nant t." 
 
 What  circumcision  was  in  the  Jewish  church, 
 baptism  is  in  the  Christian.  It  is  a  a  token  of 
 the  covenant  between  God  and  us :"  it  is  the 
 mode,  by  which  we  are  required  to  devote  our- 
 selves to  Him  through  Christ  Jesus.  The  visible 
 sign  is  instructive :  it  is  of  divine  appointment. 
 Who  shall  presume  to  alter  the  plan,  or  super- 
 sede even  the  external  observance,  as  if  it  were 
 useless  ?  Let  us  beware  of  danger,  and  firmly 
 resist  so  profane  an  interference.  Shall  the  Lord 
 be  jealous  for  the  honour  of  circumcision,  and 
 give  its  a  licence  to  set  aside  the  ordinance  of 
 baptism  ?  But  while  we  plead  for  its  continuance 
 in  the  church,  we  are  anxious  that  its  nature  and, 
 importance  should  be  understood,  that  it  be  per- 
 formed with  seriousness  and  fervour  of  devotion, 
 and  that  all  who  receive  it  may  feel  its  benefits 
 and  obligations. 
 
 *  Rom.  ii.  23,  2qf.  f  Gen.  xvii.  M, 
 
ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM.  44Q 
 
 Let  the  following  remarks  then  be  attended  to. 
 
 1.  It  is  "a  badge  or  token  of  our  christian 
 profession."  By  this  initiatory  rite  we  are  ad- 
 mitted into  the  church,  and  become  entitled  to  a 
 participation  of  its  privileges.  We  are  named 
 by  the  name  of  Christ,  and  declare  ourselves  to 
 be  his  disciples.  This  is  an  honourable  distinc- 
 tion., which  we  should  contemplate  with  grateful 
 reverence.  But  does  it  not  also  call  us  to  the 
 performance  of  various  duties  ?  Shall  we  be  satis- 
 fled  with  assuming  the  garb,  and  not  be  anxious 
 to  possess  the  tempers,  and  discharge  the  obliga- 
 tions, of  the  faithful  servants  of  Christ  ?  As  mem- 
 bers of  his  church,  do  we  act  consistently  with 
 our  high  and  holy  calling,  by  a  devout  attend- 
 ance upon  all  instituted  ordinances,  and  by  a  dili- 
 gent improvement  of  them  for  our  spiritual  pro- 
 gress ?  Let  the  appellation,  we  received  at  our 
 baptism,  continually  remind  us  of  what  we  owe 
 to  our  divine  Master:  and  "  let  every  one  that 
 nameth  the  name  of  Christ  depart  from  iniquity  V 
 2.  It  is  a  significant  emblem,  and  a  continual 
 public  avowal,  of  certain  fundamental  principles 
 of  our  religion.  The  application  of  water  to  the 
 body  clearly  denotes  the  original  defilement  of 
 the  soul,  and  the  necessity  of  an  internal  purga- 
 tion. Is  it  so,  that  every  one  must  undergo  this 
 ablution,  in  order  to  be  incorporated  into  the 
 
 *  2  Tim.  ii.  XQ. 
 VOL,   UL  G    G 
 
4,50  ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM.'^ 
 
 church  ?  Then  all  are  naturally  denied,  "  con- 
 ceived  and   born    in   sin," — u  the    children    of 
 wrath :"  and  with  the  utmost  propriety  we  pray 
 that  the  baptismal  water  may  be  "  sanctified  to 
 the  mystical  washing  away  of  sin/'  and  be  "  the 
 laver  of  regeneration'*  to  those  who  receive  it. 
 Are  we  suitably  impressed  with  these  acknow- 
 ledged truths  ?  Are  we  aware,  that  we  come  into 
 the  world  in  such  a  state  of  pollution  ?  Or  have 
 we  attained  the  purification  of  the  heart,  which 
 is  so  indispensably  requisite  ?  Our  baptism  is  in 
 effect  a  confession  of  guilt,  and  binds  us  to  an 
 entire  renunciation  of  every  evil  way.     It  is  an' 
 application  to  the  Saviour  for  his  pardoning  and 
 renewing  grace,  and  should  be  accompanied  by 
 a  dependence  upon  him.     "  Repent  and  be  bap- 
 tized every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
 Christ  for  the  remission  of  sins." — "  If  thou  be- 
 lievest  with  all  thine  heart,  thou  mayest  be  bap- 
 tized *."     Every  one,  then>  presented  to  God  in 
 this  holy  sacrament^  must  be  considered  as  de- 
 claring, "  I  desire  most  unreservedly  to  forsake 
 sin,  which  has  defiled  my  soul^  and  rendered  me 
 obnoxious  to  the  divine  displeasure :  I  accept  the 
 invitation  to  come  into  the  ark  of  Christ's  church, 
 and  I  rely  upon  the  promises  of  God  through 
 this  dear  Redeemer  for  my  entire  salvation.     Let 
 his  name  be  named  upon  me;  and  henceforth 
 
 *  Acts  ii.  38.     Yiii.  37. 
 
ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM.  451 
 
 may  I  continue  his  faithful  servant,  even  to  my 
 life's  end!" 
 
 The  ordinance  is  directed  to  be  administered 
 "  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and 
 of  the  Holy  Ghost."  The  very  act  is  a  declara- 
 tion of  belief  in  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity,  and 
 affords  a  security  that  the  church  shall  be  pre- 
 served steadfast  in  that  faith.  The  three  divine 
 persons  constitute  the  one  Jehovah,  whom  wc 
 worship.  To  each  of  them  we  are  solemnly  de- 
 dicated by  this  rite ;  and,  their  name  being  in- 
 voked upon  us,  we  owe  to  each  the  same  adora- 
 tion and  service.  Are  we  willing  to  abide  by  this 
 transaction  ?  and  are  we  solicitous  to  fulfil  the 
 terms,  by  yielding  ourselves  a  living  sacrifice  to 
 the  triune  God  ?  Otherwise,  we  do  in  fact  re- 
 nounce our  baptism,  refusing  to  confirm  its  en- 
 gagements. 
 
 3.  It  partakes  of  the  nature  of  a  covenant,  in 
 which  there  are  two  contracting  parties  mutually 
 pledged  to  each  other.  Circumcision  was  thus 
 described  by  the  Lord  himself,  "  It  shall  be  a 
 token  of  the  covenant  betwixt  me  and  you : — 
 and  my  covenant  shall  be  in  your  flesh  for  an 
 everlasting  covenant  *."  By  that  institution  h» 
 received  the  seed  of  Abraham  into  a  peculiar 
 relation  and  assured  them  of  his  regard;  while 
 they  were  required  to  swear  allegiance  to  Him. 
 
 *  Gen.  xvii.  II,  13. 
 G    G    2 
 
452  ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM. 
 
 He  said  of  them,  "  It  is  my  people  j"  and  they 
 said,  "  The  Lord  is  my  God  *."  The  case  is 
 exactly  similar  in  the  christian  church.  Baptism 
 is  a  federal  rite :  it  is  a  seal,  or  a  solemn  declara- 
 tion, both  on  God's  part  and  our's.  It  is  a  mark 
 of  his  favourable  kindness,  of  his  readiness  to 
 bestow  the  grace  of  his  Holy  Spirit  for  the  cleans- 
 ing of  our  souls :  it  is  also  an  avowal  of  our 
 grateful  acceptance  of  his  mercy,  and  of  our 
 determination  to  persevere  in  his  service.  This 
 is  a  transaction  never  to  be  forgotten.  The  pro- 
 mises which  he  has  made,  "  he  will  surely  keep 
 and  perform."  "  The  Lord  abideth  faithful." 
 But  do  we  bear  in  mind,  to  whom  we  are  bound  I 
 Or  do  we  not  treacherously  violate  our  vows  ? 
 
 4.  It  is  not  only  a  lively  exhibition  of  spiritual 
 blessings,  but  the  appointed  way  in  which  we 
 should  seek  and  expect  them.  Our  eye  should 
 not  rest  upon  the  figure,  but  fix  its  attention  on 
 the  thing  signified.  What  then  do  we  behold, 
 but  God  in  Christ  waiting  to  be  gracious,  dis- 
 pensing the  water  of  life  ?  Is  it  not  his  own  in- 
 stitution ?  And  could  it  be  intended  on  his  part 
 to  be  a  mere  dead,  unavailing  ceremony,  to  mock 
 our  expectations  ?  May  we  not  hope,  that  with 
 the  pledge  he  will  bestow  the  gift  ?  that  he  will 
 honour  his  own  ordinances,  and  that  the  baptized 
 shall  indeed  be  "  regenerated  with  his  Holy  Spi- 
 
 *  Zech.  xiii.  9. 
 
ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM.  453 
 
 nt,  received  for  his  own  children  by  adoption, 
 and  incorporated  into  Christ's  holy  church,  as 
 lively  members  of  the  same  ?" 
 
 We  offer  up  our  united  prayers,  we  wait  in 
 faith  for  the  communication  of  divine  grace,  and 
 we  give  thanks  under  the  confidence  that  our 
 supplications  are  heard.  All  this  may  be  pro- 
 per: but,  we  dare  not  go  further,  or  conclude 
 with  some  persons,  that  a  saving  efficacy  must  in 
 every  case  accompany  the  sacrament.  In  con- 
 formity with  the  decision  of  the  church  of  Eng- 
 land, we  judge  that  children  who  are  baptized, 
 and  die  in  their  infancy,  are  saved.  But  what 
 shall  we  say  of  those,  who  grow  up  in  ignorance 
 of  God,  with  unsanctified  tempers,  and  in  habits 
 of  profaneness  ?  Shall  we  suppose,  that  they  have 
 been  born  of  God,  and  renewed  in  the  spirit  of 
 their  minds  ?  Docs  their  baptism  constitute  them 
 Christians,  not  in  name  only,  but  in  deed  and  in 
 truth  ?  Or  shall  we  encourage  them  to  presume 
 upon  their  admission  into  the  visible  church,  that 
 they  have  been  truly  united  to  Christ,  and  now 
 stand  in  need  only  of  a  little  amendment,  not  of 
 an  entire  renovation  of  heart  t  Such  is  not  the 
 doctrine  of  the  sacred  scriptures;  for  they  teach 
 us,  "  Whosoever  is  born  of  God  doth  not  commit 
 sin  *  :" — and  if  "  baptism  doth  now  save  us,"  the 
 
 *  1  John  iii.  9.     See  this  subject  discussed  in  Essay  XXXIX. 
 Vol.  11. 
 
454  ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM. 
 
 efficacy  is  not  derived  from  the  mere  external 
 ablution  of  the  body ;  it  is  "  not  the  putting  away 
 of  the  filth  of  the  flesh,  but  the  answer  of  a  good 
 conscience  toward  God  V 
 
 Shall  the  Jew  be  reminded,  that,  without  "the 
 circumcision  of  the  heart,"  his  exact  conformity 
 to  the  Mosaic  rites  will  avail  him  nothing,  tjjat 
 he  is  not tc  an  Israelite  indeed  ?" — that  ".  circum- 
 cision verily  profiteth,  if  he  keep  the  law ;  but 
 that  if  he  be  a  breaker  of  the  law,  his  circumci- 
 sion is  made  uncircumcision  f  ?"  And  shall  we 
 not  detect  the  hypocrisy,  and  try  to  alarm  the 
 fears,  of  the  nominal  Christian,  who  depends 
 upon  his  baptism  ?  Our  church  speaks  of  the 
 advantages  which  accrue  to  those,  "  who  receive 
 baptism  rightly  J:"  the  very  expression  implies, 
 that  in  some  cases  it  may  not  be  received  rightly, 
 or  that  the  outward  and  visible  sign  may  possibly 
 be  administered  without  the  inward  and  spiritual 
 grace.  Whatever  we  may  hope  or  conclude  in 
 charity  concerning  the  state  of  a  baptized  person, 
 his  future  conduct  and  tempers  can  alone  enable 
 us  to  ascertain,  whether  indeed  he  has  obtained 
 <c  a  death  unto  sin  and  a  new  birth  unto  right- 
 eousness." 
 
 We  fear,  there  are  those,  who  in  their  zeal  to 
 maintain  the  honour  of  this  sacrament,  have 
 spoken  of  it  incautiously,  and  in  a  way  that  is 
 
 *  1  Pet,  iii.  21.         f  Rom,  ii.  25.         J  Article  XXVII. 
 
ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM.  455 
 
 liable  to  much  abuse.  It  has  been  described, 
 with  a  sort  of  Popish  superstition,  as  if  the  mere 
 i  juernal  performance,  the  orus  operatum,  would 
 infallibly  secure  grace  and  salvation.  Some  have 
 thought,  that  in  every  baptized  person  original 
 sin  is  entirely  done  away  and  eradicated,  in  op- 
 position to  whom  our  ninth  article  declares  that 
 "this  infection  of  nature  doth  remain;"  and 
 others  have  affirmed,  that  after  baptism  "  they 
 can  no  more  sin  as  long  as  they  live  here  *."  All 
 these  we  conceive  to  be  erroneous  and  dangerous 
 
 o 
 
 positions:  but  we  enter  no  further  into  the  dis- 
 cussion. Let  us  however  solemnly  remind  our- 
 selves and  others.  ri  that  baptism  doth  represent 
 unto  us  our  profession,  which  is,  to  follow  the 
 example  of  our  Saviour  Christ,  and  to  be  made 
 like  unto  Him ;  that  as  He  died  and  rose  again 
 for  us,  so  should  we,  who  are  baptized,  die  from 
 sin,  and  rise  again  unto  righteousness ;  continu- 
 ally mortifying  all  our  evil  and  corrupt  affec- 
 tions, and  daily  proceeding  in  all  virtue  and  god- 
 liness of  living  f." 
 
 *  Article  XVI.  f  Oiikc  of  Baptism, 
 
ESSAY   LXXXIX, 
 
 ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM. 
 PART    II. 
 
 Controversy  lamented.  In  Christian  baptism  con- 
 sider, I  The  mode  of  administration, — Immersion, 
 however  pleaded  for,  is  not  necessary.— -No  certain 
 proof  of  its  usage. — Strong  reasons  for  the  pouring 
 or  sprinkling  of  water, — A Jo  particular  quantity  of 
 water  essential  to  the  ordinance. — 77.  The  proper 
 subjects : — not  only  all  adult  converts,  but  the  in- 
 fant children  of  professing  parents, — as  may  be 
 argued  from  the  divine  institution  of  circumcision, 
 — from  our  Lord's  regard  to  little  children, — 
 from  the  practice  of  the  apostles, — and  from  the 
 general  usage  of  the  church.  The  propriety  of 
 admitting  children  to  answer  by  proxy,  and  of 
 calling  them  to  ratify  their  vows  by  confirmation, 
 Address  to  parents,  —  sponsors,  —  and  young 
 people. 
 
 What  has  not  human  depravity  perverted  ? 
 Those  very  ordinances,  which  were  designed  to 
 cement  the  whole  body  of  Christians  in  closest 
 union,  have  proved  the  source  of  angry  strife, 
 
ON  CHRISTIAN  BAPTISM.  457 
 
 contention,  and  separation.  "  By  one  Spirit  are 
 we  all  baptized  into  one  body  *,  But  even  bap- 
 tism, which  should  be  considered  as  the  token 
 and  pledge  of  our  mutual  love  and  fellowship, 
 and  of  our  common  attachment  to  one  Master, 
 has  given  us  occasion  to  debate,  and  quarrel,  and 
 divide.  Let  us  labour  to  repair,  rather  than  to 
 widen,  the  breaches.  Let  us  entreat  the  vehe- 
 ment disputants  on  both  sides  to  lay  aside  their 
 animosities,  and  to  cultivate  towards  each  other 
 a  spirit  of  forbearance,  candour,  and  good-will. 
 Let  us  beware  of  magnifying  the  importance  of 
 any  points,  for  which  we  may  contend;  that  wc 
 may  not  rashly  condemn  others  who  differ  from 
 us,  or  endanger  the  peace  and  unity  of  the 
 church. 
 
 With  reference  to  the  controversies  about 
 christian  baptism,  we  may  consider 
 
 I.  The  mode  of  administration.  Among  those 
 who  allow  the  application  of  water,  as  the  out- 
 ward and  visible  sign,  for  the  proper  performance 
 of  this  rite,  there  are  who  maintain  the  necessity 
 of  an  entire  immersion  of  the  body.  They  argue, 
 that  in  primitive  times  the  baptized  were  uni- 
 versally plunged,  as  they  are  described  going 
 into  (it;)  and  coming  out  of  (U)  the  water; — 
 that  this  action  was  intended  to  be  an  emblem  of 
 their  conformity  to  the  death,  burial,  and  resur- 
 
 *  1  Cor.  xii.  13. 
 3 
 
458  ON   CHRISTIAN  BAPTISM. 
 
 rection,  of  Jesus  Christ  • — and  that  no  other  mode 
 will  fulfil  the  original  institution,  or  answer  the 
 meaning  of  the  word  Bazrl^u. 
 
 In  opposition  to  these  persons  the  church  of 
 England  holds,  not  that  immersion  is  improper 
 in  itself  (for  she  allows  it  in  the  case  of  infants, 
 when  no  danger  is  likely  to  result),  but  that  it  is 
 not  necessary,  or  essential  to  the  ordinance,— 
 that  the  command  of  Christ  is  as  punctually 
 obeyed,  and  its  designs  as  fully  complied  with, 
 by  the  pouring  or  sprinkling  of  water  -, — and  that 
 there  are  strong  reasons  to  be  urged  in  favour  of 
 such  an  administration. 
 
 If  it  were  indispensably  requisite,  that  the 
 whole  body  of  the  person  to  be  baptized  should 
 be  plunged  into  water,  we  might  expect  a  full 
 and  explicit  account  of  such  an  operation  being 
 performed  by  the  apostles.  But  it  is  remarkable, 
 that,  whatever  may  be  our  opinions  of  the  pri- 
 mitive usage,  there  is  no  certain  proof  that  im- 
 mersion was  practised  in  any  instance.  The 
 Anabaptists  lay  an  unjustifiable  stress  upon  the 
 expressions  going  into  and  coming  out  op  the 
 water.  A  very  superficial  acquaintance  with  the 
 Greek  language  might  convince  them,  that  the 
 prepositions  la  and  l*  do  not  necessarily  mean 
 more  than  to  and  from,  and  that  all  we  can 
 safely  conclude  from  the  scripture  history  is,  that 
 those  who  were  baptized  went  to  the  water  and 
 returned   from  it;   which  must  be  true  upon 
 
ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM.  45g 
 
 every  supposition.  In  some  of  the  cases  recorded 
 the  probability  lies  against  immersion.  When 
 it  is  said  that  three  thousand  were  incorporated 
 into  the  church  by  baptism  "  on  the  same  day," 
 we  conclude  that  the  time  would  scarcely  suffice 
 for  any  other  operation,  than  the  sprinkling  or 
 pouring  of  water  upon  them  *.  The  jailor  at 
 Philippi  and  all  his  family  were  baptized  in  the 
 dead  of  the  night :  and  we  cannot  suppose,  that 
 upon  an  occasion  so  perfectly  unexpected  his 
 house  could  immediately  furnish  accommoda- 
 tions for  their  entire  immersion  f. 
 
 St.  Paul  instructs  the  Romans,  as  the  Anabap- 
 tists contend,  that  in  consequence  of  their  christian 
 profession,  which  they  entered  upon  by  baptism, 
 they  were  laid  under  indispensable  obligations  to 
 be  conformed  to  their  Lord,  in  his  death,  his  bu- 
 rial, and  resurrection.  But  there  is  no  proof, 
 that  he  meant  to  allude  to  the  mode  of  perform- 
 ing that  ordinance,  as  being  an  exact  representa- 
 tion of  those  events  J.  At  least,  it  cannot  certainly 
 be  inferred  from  his  words,  that  the  rite  must 
 necessarily  and  in  all  cases  be  administered  by 
 immersion.- — The  pouring  and  sprinkling  of 
 water,  which  we  plead  for  as  being  sufficient  to 
 answer  all  the  ends  of  the  institution,  arc  recom- 
 mended to  us  by  peculiar  considerations.  They 
 are  far  more  suitable  in  these  cold  climates,  not 
 
 *  Acts  ii.  41.  f  Acts  xvi.  33.  1  Rom.  vi.  3,  4. 
 
460  ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM. 
 
 endangering  the  life  or  the  health,  as  plunging 
 would  frequently  do.  And  remembering  Who 
 "hath  said;  "  I  will  have  mercy  and  not  sacrifice  *VT 
 we  ci  doubt  not  but  that  he  favourably  alloweth 
 this  charitable  work  of  our's."  They  are  also 
 proper  emblems  of  the  thing  signified,  the  com- 
 munication of  divine  grace,  which  was  promised 
 to  the  church  under  those  symbolical  figures. 
 Thus  saith  the  Lord,  "  I  will  pour  out  my  Spirit 
 upon  all  flesh: — Then  will  I  sprinkle  clean 
 water  upon  you,  and  ye  shall  be  clean  f .*'  Let 
 none  therefore  rashly  condemn  those  methods  of 
 administering  the  sacrament,  which  afford  such 
 appropriate  instruction  upon  the  occasion,  and  to 
 which  the  inspired  language  of  prophecy  seems 
 to  direct  us. 
 
 It  is  contended,  that  the  very  word,  by  which 
 the  rite  was  first  ordained,  directs  the  precise 
 mode,  in  which  it  should  be  performed.  Ba7r7/f«, 
 it  is  said,  means  only  to  dip  or  to  plunge.  But 
 the  argument  fails :  for  it  has  been  ably  shewn  by 
 many  writers  on  the  subject,  that  this  is  not  the 
 sole  or  exclusive  sense  in  which  that  word  is  used. 
 It  is  frequently  applied  to  things,  which  are  not 
 immersed,  but  upon  which  water  is  merely 
 poured,   scattered,   or  sprinkled:    and  therefore 
 
 *  Matt.  ix.  13. 
 f  Joel  ii.  28.     Ezek.  xxxri.  25. 
 
ON    CHRISTIAN   BAPTISM.  46*1 
 
 one  method  as  well  as  the  other  will  fulfil  the 
 command  *. 
 
 Upon  the  whole,  those,  who  so  strenuously 
 insist  on  the  necessity  of  immersion,  appear  to 
 give  a  very  undue  importance  to  the  quantity  of 
 water.  Let  the  outward  and  visible  sign  obtain 
 a  proper  degree  of  reverence:  but  some  variety 
 may  be  allowed  in  the  mode  of  application. 
 Water  is  the  appointed  sign :  but  we  are  not  told 
 that  any  particular  measure  of  it  is  requisite  to 
 constitute  christian  baptism.  The  case  is  exactly 
 similar  in  the  Lord's  supper.  Bread  and  wine, 
 are  commanded  to  be  received :  but  who  ever 
 maintained,  that  we  may  not  participate  of  that 
 holy  communion  by  the  smallest  quantity  of  the 
 outward  elements,  as  well  as  by  the  largest  abun- 
 dance ?  Be  it  our  concern,  not  so  much  to  debate 
 about  the  external  symbol,  as  to  secure  the  divine 
 blessing  by  faith  and  prayer.  Let  us  not  be  dis- 
 turbed or  shaken  in  mind,  though  others  mav 
 contend  for  a  different  mode ;  and  let  us  not 
 break  the  peace  or  unity  of  the  church  by  desert- 
 ing its  communion,  or  forming  divisions,  under 
 the  pretext  of  obtaining  a  more  pure  and  effective 
 administration  of  baptism. — We  consider 
 
 *  The  design  of  this  publication  being  popular,  the  author 
 forbears  to  enter  further  into  any  critical  examination  of  the 
 proper  construction  of  the  Greek  words  here  mentioned.  It 
 would  be  easy  to  produce  unquestionable  authorities  for  the 
 
 interpretation  now  advanced. 
 
462  ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM. 
 
 II.  The  proper  subjects  for  this  ordinance.     It 
 is  universally  agreed,   that  all  adult  persons  are 
 to  be  admitted  into  the  church  by  this  initiatory 
 rite,  upon  their  credible  profession  of  repentance 
 and  faith.     When  the  apostles  went  forth,  agree- 
 ably to  their  commission,  to  propagate  Christianity, 
 they  must  of  necessity  address  themselves  to  men, 
 who  had  not  been  previously  baptized  in  the 
 name  of  Christ.     Those   therefore,   whether  of 
 mature  or  even  of  old  age,  who  appeared  to  re- 
 ceive their  doctrine,  were  exhorted,  upon  the  pre- 
 sumption of  their  conversion,  to  join  the  society 
 of  the  faithful  by  receiving  the  sacramental  laver 
 of  regeneration.   Accordingly,  the  accounts  which 
 are  given  us  of  the  first  planting  or  enlargement 
 of  christian  churches  relate  chiefly  to  the  case  of 
 adults:   and  this  very  circumstance  must  occur, 
 whenever  the  gospel  is  preached  with  success  in 
 heathen  countries. 
 
 The  only  question  is,  whether  the  infant  chil- 
 dren of  disciples  are  to  be  admitted  as  members 
 of  the  christian  church  together  with  their  pa- 
 rents. For  some  time  past,  at  least,  the  point 
 has  been  debated,  and  with  a  considerable  degree 
 of  warmth.  Many,  who  are  respectable  for  their 
 piety,  totally  exclude  from  the  sacrament  of  bap- 
 tism all  infants,  as  being  incapable  of  understand- 
 ing it,  of  consenting  to  its  terms,  or  answering 
 its  designs.  Our  national  establishment  on  the 
 contrary  declares,    "  The    baptism    of  young 
 
ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM.  4G3 
 
 children  is  in  any  wise  to  be  retained  in  the 
 church,  as  most  agreeable  to  the  institution  of 
 Christ*:"  and  we  apprehend  that  strong  argu- 
 ments may  be  produced  in  defence  of  this  opinion. 
 The  regard  paid  to  children,  under  the  dis- 
 pensations of  the  old  testament,  may  properly  be 
 urged  in  its  support.  By  the  express  appoint- 
 ment of  God  himself,  the  seed  of  Abraham  in 
 their  infant  state  were  received  into  the  church 
 by  the  initiatory  seal  of  circumcision.  This  was, 
 like  baptism,  a  sort  of  federal  transaction,  in 
 consequence  of  which  they  were  admitted  to  cer-' 
 tain  privileges,  and  were  bound  to  the  performance 
 of  certain  duties,  when  they  should  be  able  to 
 discharge  them.  u  Their  little  ones"  were  re- 
 quired to  appear  with  them  "  before  the  Lord, 
 that  they  should  enter  into  covenant  with  the 
 Lord  their  God,  and  into  his  oath  j\*  Now, 
 whatever  objections  may  be  brought  against  in- 
 fant baptism,  they  would  lie  with  full  strength 
 against  the  divine  institution  of  infant  circum- 
 cision:  and  this  single  consideration  is  a  suffi- 
 cient reply.  Shall  it  be  thought  that  our  gracious 
 God  is  less  merciful  to  the  children  of  Christians 
 than  he  was  to  those  of  the  Jews  ?  or  that  he 
 meant  to  diminish  their  privileges  and  advantages 
 under  the  gospel  dispensation  ?     If  however  it 
 
 *  Article  XXVIf . 
 f  Peat.  xxix.  10—12.     2  Gfaron.  ix.  13. 
 
464  ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM. 
 
 was  indeed  his  plan  to  exclude  them  from  the 
 christian  church,  we  might  expect  that  he  would 
 explicitly  declare  it.  There  could  be  no  need 
 for  a  direct  command  for  their  admission.  The 
 apostles,  who  were  Jews,  must  have  been  disposed 
 by  their  education,  unless  they  had  been  prohi- 
 bited, to  initiate  them  by  baptism,  which,  as  the 
 external  seal  of  the  covenant,  so  exactly  cor- 
 responds to  circumcision.  Bat  can  such  a  pro- 
 hibition be  found  in  the  new  testament  ?  Its 
 very  silence  we  consider  as  a  sufficient  warrant 
 for  our  practice. 
 
 "  They  brought  young  children  to  Christ,  that 
 he  should  touch  them  •,  and  his  disciples  rebuked 
 those  that  brought  them.  But  when  Jesus  saw- 
 it,  he  was  much  displeased,  and  said  unto  them, 
 Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto  me,  and 
 forbid  them  not  :  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of 
 God. — And  he  took  them  up  in  his  arms,  put 
 his  hands  upon  them,  and  blessed  them  *."  The 
 whole  passage  is  admirably  calculated  to  conci- 
 liate our  tenderest  regard  to  infants,  and  may 
 encourage  us  to  dedicate  them  to  the  Saviour  in 
 his  church.  Shall  we  fear  a  repulse  from  Him,  who 
 invites  them  to  himself,  who  is  ready  to  embrace 
 them,  and  pronounces  a  benediction  upon  them  ? 
 Rather,  let  us  dread  incurring  his  displeasure  by 
 excluding  them  from  the  privileges  of  his  house. 
 
 *  Marks.  13 -16 
 
ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM.  465 
 
 Here  is  no  command  indeed  to  baptize  them,  for 
 that  ordinance  was  not  then  instituted  as  the  ge- 
 neral badge  of  discipleship  ;  but  from  our  Lord's 
 condescending  kindness  to  them,  we  cannot  sup- 
 pose that  he  meant  to  deprive  them  of  former 
 advantages.  From  his  declarations  we  conclude, 
 they  are  capable  of  being  received  into  his  king- 
 dom of  glory,  and  therefore  much  more  so  into 
 his  kingdom  of  grace.  The  most  strenuous  op- 
 posers  of  their  baptism  will  scarcely  deny  salva- 
 tion to  them,  dying  in  their  infancy.  But  salvation 
 they  cannot  attain  without  the  internal  i€  washing 
 of  regeneration  and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost:" 
 and  if  they  may  participate  "  the  inward  and 
 spiritual  grace/'  why  are  they  to  be  debarred  of 
 "  the  outward  and  visible  sign  ?"  Or  why  may 
 we  not  in  their  case,  as  well  as  in  that  of  adults, 
 expect  the  blessing  of  Christ  upon  his  own 
 ordinance  ? 
 
 Were  the  apostles  less  merciful  than  their 
 Master?  Or  do  we  read,  that,  while  they  were 
 enlarging  the  church  by  the  admission  of  new 
 converts,  they  carefully  excluded  their  infant 
 seed?  Whole  families  were  received  in  their 
 collective  capacity,  not  one  being  denied  the  pri- 
 vilege of  baptism  :  so  that  if  there  were  any  chil- 
 dren in  those  families  (and  how  improbable  must 
 the  contrary  supposition  be  !),  then  is  our  point 
 established  by  apostolical  usage.  "  Lydia  was 
 baptized,  and  her  household  ;"  the  jailor  also  at 
 
 VOL.  III.  H  H 
 
466  ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM* 
 
 Philippi,  "  he  and  all  his  ;"  and  St.  Paul  him- 
 self administered  the  ordinance  to  "  the  house- 
 hold of  Stephanas*."  These  accounts  must  be 
 allowed  to  be  favourable  to  our  purpose:  for,  if 
 it  were  intended  to  describe  the  custom  of  initiat- 
 ing into  the  church  both  parents  and  children 
 together,  what  other  language  could  we  adopt  ? 
 Could  stronger  or  more  comprehensive  terms  be 
 devised  ? 
 
 We  are  also  informed,  that  the  children  of  a 
 believing  father  were  universally  considered  by 
 the  first  Christians  as  sanctiiied  in  Him.  The 
 apostle  of  the  Gentiles  declares,  "  Now  are 
 they  holy,"  and  argues  upon  it  as  a  proposition, 
 to  which  all  consented  j-.  This  is  proof  decisive 
 of  what  was  then  the  general  practice,  and  clearly 
 shews  that  they  were  received  to  an  equal  parti- 
 cipation of  the  same  external  privileges  with  their 
 parents,  that  they  were  taken  into  the  church,  as 
 holy  by  profession,  and  bound  by  covenant  to  be 
 the  Lord's.  This  is  the  fair  interpretation  of  .the 
 words :  on  any  other  supposition,  the  force  and 
 consistency  of  the  passage  are  entirely  destroyed. 
 
 An  impartial  view  of  ecclesiastical  history 
 will  confirm  our  opinion,  that  infant- baptism 
 was  established  by  the  apostles.  Within  two  or 
 three  centuries  after  their  decease,  there  is  unde- 
 niable evidence  that  the  practice  was  universally 
 
 *  Acts  xvi.  15,  33.    1  Cor.  i.  10.  f  1  Cor  ?ii.  14. 
 
 3 
 
ONT    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM.  46? 
 
 received  among  all  the  churches,  nor  do  we  read 
 that  it  was  ever  condemned,  or  that  any  protested 
 against  it  as  unscriptural,  except  some  notorious 
 heretics  who  wished  the  entire  abolition  of  bap- 
 tism. If  it  were  an  innovation,  when  and  where 
 did  it  commence  ?  If  it  were  so  displeasing  to 
 God,  as  certain  modern  religionists  represent, 
 how  shall  we  account  for  it,  that  He  permitted 
 so  great  a  corruption  in  the  purest  ages  of  Chris- 
 tianity ;  and  that  many  of  those,  who  zealously 
 defended  it,  were  eminently  distinguished  by  his 
 regard  ?  Not  till  the  twelfth  century  after 
 Christ  do  we  find  any  regular  opposition  raised 
 against  it:  and  shall  we  allow,  that  then  only  for 
 the  first  time  was  the  institution  of  Christ  pro- 
 perly understood,  or  administered  in  its  original 
 purity  ?  Let  us  not  scruple  to  adhere  to  a  custom, 
 which  comes  recommended  to  us  from  the  best 
 and  primitive  ages,  and  which,  we  will  add,  may 
 be  traced  to  the  very  days  of  the  apostles  ? 
 
 Still  the  question  will  recur,  "  If  repentance 
 and  faith  be  requisite,  why  are  infants  baptized, 
 when  by  reason  of  their  tender  age  they  cannot 
 perform  them  ?"  Our  church  has  provided  a 
 proper  answer :  "  Because  they  promise  them 
 both  by  their  sureties ;  which  promise,  when 
 they  come  to  age,  themselves  are  bound  to  per- 
 form." Their  obligations  are  acknowledged; 
 and  to  the  discharge  of  these  duties  they  are 
 bound  by  the  most  strict  and  solemn  engagement, 
 h  h  2 
 
4S£  ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM. 
 
 Perhaps  the  nature  of  this  engagement  may  not 
 be  sufficiently  understood ;   and  therefore  some 
 explanation  may  be  necessary  to  vindicate  the 
 institution.     It  is  allowed  that  in  common  con- 
 cerns infants  may  enter  into  covenant  by  proxy, 
 or  by  their  legal  representatives.     Their  guar- 
 dians are  empowered  to  act  for  them,  to  procure 
 advantages,  and  to  promise  the  performance  of 
 conditions.     Thus  they  may  purchase  a  posses- 
 sion, enter  upon  an  inheritance,  and  be  bound  to 
 certain  payments  and  services.     At  the  age  of 
 maturity,  when  they  come  forward  to  transact 
 their  own  affairs,  they  ratify  or  reject  the  con- 
 tracts, which  were  made  for  them  in  their  mi- 
 nority.    Why  may  it  not  be  so  in  the  business  of 
 religion  ?     Thus  Jewish  parents  introduced  their 
 children  into  the  church,  made  them  parties  in 
 the  divine  covenant,  which  laid  them  under  in- 
 dispensable obligations  to  be  subject  to  the  law 
 of  Moses.     Why  may  not  the  disciples  of  Jesus 
 be  allowed  to  initiate  their  infant  offspring  into 
 the  christian  church,  and  bind  them  to  be  the 
 Lord's  ? 
 
 When  they  are  capable  of  answering  for  them- 
 selves, we  call  upon  our  young  people  to  make 
 a  public  avowal  of  their  repentance  and  faith, 
 and  to  declare  their  readiness  to  abide  by  the 
 terms  of  their  baptism,  as  well  as  to  claim  its 
 privileges.  This  is  done  in  confirmation,  which 
 is  properly  considered  as  the  completion  of  their 
 6 
 
ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM.  469 
 
 baptism,  and  makes  the  transaction  their  own. 
 Then  they  are  charged  to  deliberate,  determine, 
 and  declare,  whom  they  will  serve,  and  whether 
 their  desire  and  purpose  is  "  to  continue  Christ's 
 faithful  soldiers  and  servants  unto  their  life's  end." 
 What  can  be  better  calculated  for  utility  ?  Does 
 not  this  plan  contain  in  it  the  advantages  of  adult 
 baptism  ?  What  more  can  be  wanted  than  the 
 serious  and  devout  observance  of  the  institution  ? 
 There  is  indeed  in  this,  as  in  many  other  respects, 
 a  shameful  ignorance  and  neglect  of  duty  among 
 us,  which  we  lament  and  should  endeavour  to 
 remedy.  May  it  please  God  to  restore  our  eccle- 
 siastical constitution  to  its  pristine  vigour,  by 
 inspiring  its  members  with  love  and  zeal  for  its 
 essential  principles  !  So  would  objections  against 
 it  be  most  effectually  answered,  and  our  Jerusa- 
 lem would  become  "  a  praise  in  the  earth  * !" 
 
 The  subject  claims  the  peculiar  attention  of 
 parents.  If  you  be  duly  sensible  of  the  import- 
 ance of  your  charge,  you  feel  many  anxious  cares 
 and  painful  apprehensions  for  your  dear  offspring. 
 But  the  assurance  that  "  the  promise  is  unto  you, 
 and  to  your  children  f ,"  should  cheer  your  hearts, 
 and  excite  your  liveliest  hopes.  Be  encouraged 
 to  bring  them  in  the  arms  of  faith,  and  offer 
 them  up  to  God  in  his  covenant.  And  while 
 you  present  them  at  the  baptismal  font,    you 
 
 *  Iiaiab  Ixii.  7,  f  Acts  ii.  39, 
 
470  ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM. 
 
 should  ardently  implore  and  expect  the  divine 
 blessing.     Revere  the  ordinance  -,  and,  by  your 
 exemplarily  pious  attendance  upon  it,  rescue  it 
 from  contempt.     You  must  not  treat  it  as  an 
 useless  form,  or  make  it  an  occasion  for  idle  mer- 
 riment  and   intemperate  feasting.     Alas!    what 
 sad  profanations  of  this  holy  sacrament  do  we 
 witness !     It  will  not  however  be   sufficient  to 
 dedicate  your  infant  seed  to  God  :  that  solemnity 
 alone,  though  most  seriously  performed,  is  not  a 
 full  discharge   of  your  duty.     You  must  watch 
 over  them  with  unceasing  care,  as  they  are  rising 
 up  in  life,  labour  to  regulate  their  tempers  and 
 instil  right  principles,  administer  correction  and 
 instruction,  remind  them  of  their  baptismal  en- 
 gagements,  and  call  upon    them  to  ratify  and 
 fulfil  those  vows  and  promises,  which  were  made 
 in  their  name  and  on  their  behalf.     This  is  in 
 fact    no   other   than   the   apostle's   exhortation : 
 "  Bring  them  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition 
 of  the  Lord  *." 
 
 The  church  has  with  great  propriety  required 
 some  additional  security  for  the  education  of  her 
 infant  members  in  the  christian  faith.  They 
 must  be  presented  to  her  by  sponsors,  who  vo- 
 luntarily undertake  the  important  office  of  acting 
 as  their  guardians  and  sureties,  so  far  as  religious 
 instruction  and  admonition  may  be  wanted  and 
 
 *  Eph.  vi.  4. 
 
ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM.  47 1 
 
 can  be  given.  Let  those,  who  have  entered  into 
 this  stipulation,  consider  well  its  nature  and  ex* 
 tent.  Your's  is  a  charitable  work,  and  your 
 pious  exertions  may  be  of  the  highest  advantage. 
 Many  indeed  conscientiously  decline  the  task, 
 under  the  idea  that  it  is  impossible  for  them  to 
 perform  it.  But  in  this  case  the  engagement  is 
 misunderstood.  You  do  not,  you  cannot,  pledge 
 yourselves,  that  those  whom  you  represent  shall 
 certainly  preserve  inviolate  their  vow  and  cove- 
 nant. They  may  possibly  refuse  to  confirm  what 
 you  have  done,  and  may  renounce  their  baptism : 
 and  if  you  have  faithfully  warned  them,  you  are 
 not  further  responsible.  But  do  not  therefore 
 treat  the  whole  business  as  an  obsolete  form  or 
 unmeaning  ceremony.  You  are  laid  under  a 
 strict  obligation  to  exert  your  influence,  in  aid  of 
 the  parents,  for  the  christian  education  of  the 
 children.  "  It  is  your  parts  and  duties  to  see 
 that  they  be  taught,  so  soon  as  they  shall  be  able 
 to  learn,  what  a  solemn  vow,  promise,  and  pro- 
 fession, they  have  made  by  you.  And  that  they 
 may  know  these  things  the  better,  ye  shall  call 
 upon  them  to  hear  sermons  ;  and  chiefly  ye  shall 
 provide,  that  they  may  learn  the  creed,  the 
 Lord's  prayer,  and  the  ten  commandments,  and 
 all  other  things  which  a  Christian  ought  to  know 
 and  believe  to  his  soul's  health ;  and  that  they 
 may  be  virtuously  brought  up  to  lead  a  godly  and 
 a  christian  life  *." 
 
 *  .Exhortation  in  the  public  Baptism  of  Infants. 
 
472  ON    CHRISTIAN    BAPTISM. 
 
 We  may  be  allowed,  in  the  conclusion,  to 
 turn  oLir  address  to  those,  who  have  been  so  de- 
 dicated to  God ;  for  the  subject  is  particularly 
 interesting  to  young  persons,  who  were  baptized 
 in  their  infancy.  We  ask,  Are  you  properly 
 aware  of  the  high  privileges,  to  which  you  are 
 called  by  your  admission  into  the  church  of 
 Christ  ?  And  do  you  understand  the  nature  of 
 that  covenant  by  which  you  are  bound  ?  Will 
 you  then  ratify  the  transaction  in  your  person  ? 
 We  call  upon  you  to  avow  your  determination 
 to  be  the  disciples  of  Jesus  Christ.  It  will  be 
 proper  for  you  to  do  it  by  receiving  the  ancient 
 rite  of  confirmation  :  it  will  also  be  requisite 
 that  you  seal  your  vows  at  the  Lord's  table. 
 But  especially  we  exhort  and  entreat  you  to  be 
 sincere  and  consistent  in  your  profession ;  be 
 firm  and  persevering.  We  encourage  you  not  to 
 trust  in  your  baptism,  as  if  it  would  ensure  your 
 salvation ;  but  you  may  with  confidence  maintain 
 its  sufficiency,  in  opposition  to  those  who  deny 
 its  validity,  and  who  boast  of  a  more  scriptural 
 administration  of  the  ordinance.  Beware  of  rend- 
 ing the  church,  already  too  much  weakened  by 
 schismatical  separations.  Be  solicitous  rather  to 
 heal  its  wounds,  and  to  unite  its  members  in  the 
 bonds  of  christian  fellowship.  "  Be  perfect,  be 
 of  good  comfort,  be  of  one  mind,  live  in  peace ; 
 $nd  the  God  of  love  and  peace  shall  be  with 
 you*/'    Amen. 
 
 *i  2  Cor.  xiii.  11. 
 
ESSAY  XC 
 
 ON     THE    LORD  S    SUPPER, 
 PART  I. 
 
 Christ  appointed  one  of  the  sacraments  to  promote 
 the  spiritual  progress  of  his  people.  Why  it  is 
 called  The  Lord's  Supper. — 7/  succeeded  the 
 Jewish  passover. — When  and  how  instituted. — 
 //  is  intended  to  keep  up  the  remembrance  of  Christ, 
 — of  his  death, — of  his  sacrifice, — is  not  a  repeti- 
 tion of  that  sacrifice, — does  not  make  expiation, — - 
 is  commemorative  of  the  benefits  of  Christ, — in- 
 tended to  be  perpetual.  Both  bread  and  wine 
 should  be  received, — not  worshipped, — do  not  un- 
 dergo any  transubstantiation, — represent  the  body 
 and  blood  of  Christ, — which  are  verily  and  indeed 
 taken, — but  only  by  the  faithful.  What  is  the  sin 
 of  receiving  unworthily, — a?id  what  its  condemna- 
 tion. 
 
 It  was  the  design  and  the  command  of  the  great 
 Head  of  the  church,  that  his  members  should 
 maintain  a  visible  communion  with  each  other. 
 They  are  incorporated  together  by  one  sacrament, 
 and  by  another  they  are  required  to  avow  their 
 continued  adherence  to  Him  and  their  mutual 
 
474        ON  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 
 
 fellowship.  Their  spiritual  prosperity  and  per- 
 severance are  intended  to  be  promoted,  as  by 
 other  means,  so  more  especially  by  the  frequent 
 participation  of  that  peculiar  solemnity,  which  is 
 the  subject  of  our  present  consideration,  The 
 Lord's  Supper. 
 
 Such  is  the  honourable  appellation  given  by 
 St.  Paul  to  this  standing  ordinance  of  the  church, 
 and  for  obvious  reasons.  It  was  first  instituted 
 at  the  time  of  supper ;  but  it  were  absurd  to 
 argue  from  that  circumstance,  that  it  should  al- 
 ways be  celebrated  at  the  close  of  the  day:  the 
 precise  hour  formed  no  part  of  Christ's  injuries 
 tions  concerning  it.  It  was  his  last  supper,  and 
 ordained  by  Him  for  the  spiritual  sustenance  and 
 refreshment  of  his  people.  It  is  therefore  pro- 
 perly called  "  the  supper  of  the  Lord  ;"  because 
 the  Lord  himself  appointed  it,  and  we  receive  it 
 in  obedience  to  his  authority :  He  gives  the  invi- 
 tation, furnishes  the  rich  provision,  and  promises 
 his  own  gracious  presence :  "  he  will  sup  with 
 us,  and  we  with  him  *."  He  constitutes  its  very 
 essence,  and  accordingly  our  supreme  regard 
 should  be  fixed  upon  Him  :  otherwise  it  will  be 
 degraded  into  a  mere,  lifeless,  unprofitable  cere- 
 mony, into  something  worse  than  a  common  en- 
 tertainment. 
 
 It  is  to  be  considered  as  the  highest  festival  of 
 
 *  Rev.  iii.  20. 
 
ON    THE    LORD'S    SUPPER.  4?5 
 
 Christians,  taking  place  of  the  passover,  the  prin- 
 cipal feast  of  the  Jewish  church.  It  was  insti- 
 tuted at  that  solemn  season,  when  our  Lord  was 
 eating  the  paschal  lamb  with  his  disciples,  the 
 night  before  he  suffered.  He  was  about  to  fulfil 
 .in  himself,  and  so  to  terminate,  that  typical  ob- 
 servance by  the  sacrifice  of  himself :  but  while  he 
 abolishes  the  Jewish  sacrament,  he  ordains  an- 
 other more  appropriate  to  his  own  followers,  and 
 more  clearly  expressive  of  their  redemption.  Yet 
 between  the  christian  rite  and  that  of  the  ancient 
 Hebrews,  which  it  succeeded,  we  trace  an  in- 
 structive resemblance.  Both  of  them  were  in- 
 tended to  celebrate  deliverance  from  captivity  and 
 death  -,  and  in  both  cases  that  deliverance  was 
 accomplished  by  blood.  Of  the  one  as  well  as 
 of  the  other,  all  the  members  of  the  church  were 
 required  to  participate,  and  the  mode  of  partici- 
 pation is  exactly  similar:  there  must  be  an  actual 
 reception.  The  lamb  without  blemish  is  slain, 
 the  blood  is  sprinkled,  the  flesh  is  eaten.  4;  Christ 
 our  passover  is  sacriiiced  for  us :  therefore  let  us 
 keep  the  feast  *." 
 
 The  circumstances,  attending  the  original  in- 
 stitution of  the  christian  Eucharist  were  deeply 
 impressive,  and  most  strongly  commend  ii  to  our 
 serious  regard.  Our  Lord  was  on  the  point  of 
 closing  his  life  by  an  ignominious  and  agonizing 
 
 *  1  Cor.  v.  ;,  8, 
 
470  OV    THE    LORD'S    SUPPER. 
 
 death.  He  was  just  entering  on  the  bloody  con- 
 diet,  and  having  assembled  his  disciples  to  par- 
 take of  his  last  supper,  he  apprized  them  of  his 
 approaching  departure,  and  delivered  to  them 
 appropriate  instructions  for  their  own  private 
 consolation,  and  for  the  public  discharge  of  their 
 ministry.  At  that  awful  moment,  with  the  typi- 
 cal representation  of  his  sacrifice  before  them, 
 "  he  took  bread,  and  when  he  had  given  thanks, 
 lie  brake  it,  and  said,  Take,  eat :  this  is  my  body, 
 which  is  broken  for  you :  this  do  in  remembrance 
 of  me.  After  the  same  manner  also  he  took  the 
 cup,  when  he  had  supped,  saying,  This  cup  is 
 the  new  testament  in  my  blood :  this  do  ye,  as 
 oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me*." 
 This  plain,  unadorned  account  is  sufficient  to 
 explain  the  grand  design  of  the  important  solem- 
 nity, to  convince  us  of  our  obligations  to  main- 
 tain its  observance,  and  to  interest  our  warmest 
 and  best  affections. 
 
 If  then  the  question  be  proposed,  "  Why  was 
 the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  supper  ordained  ?" 
 we  answer  with  the  church,  "  For  the  continual 
 remembrance  of  the  sacrifice  of  the  death  of 
 Christ,  and  of  the  benefits  which  we  receive 
 thereby  t." — It  is  commemorative  of  the  highest 
 personage  and  greatest  benefactor  the  world  ever 
 knew.     He  has  quitted  the  earth ;  the  heavens 
 
 *  1  Cor.  xi.  23—25.  f  Catechism. 
 
on  rut  lord's  suppjer.  477 
 
 have  received  him  again  ;  our  bodily  eyes  cannot 
 behold  him :  but  at  the  sacramental  table  he  pre- 
 sents himself  to  our  view,  by  the  mystical  tokens 
 of  his  love,  and  says,  Remember  me  !   Alas  !  we 
 are  prone  to  forget  him.     Though  our  obliga- 
 tions to  him  are  immense,  though  he  possesses 
 in  himself  all  excellence  and  glory,  though  he  is 
 ever  mindful  of  us,  transacting  our  affairs  in  the 
 court  of  heaven^  and  daily  pouring  down  his  be- 
 nefits upon  us,  and  though  we  believe  he  is  soon 
 to  appear  again  to  be  our  judge ;   yet  we  do  not 
 think  of  him  as  we  ought,  we  suffer  every  worldly 
 trifle  to  occupy  our  minds  and  to  banish  his  re- 
 membrance.    How  expedient  then  is  the  frequent 
 recurrence  of  this  sacred  ordinance  to  recal  our 
 attention  and  to  rekindle  our  affection  to   our 
 kindest  and  best  friend  ! 
 
 It  is  a  memorial  of  his  death.  That  was  an 
 event  of  greatest  magnitude,  the  most  striking 
 proof  of  the  strength  of  his  love:  and  it  is  here 
 held  up  to  our  view  by  an  impressive  representa- 
 tion. "  Before  our  eyes  Jesus  Christ  is  evidently 
 set  forth  crucified  among  us  *."  Such  is  St. 
 Paul's  interpretation,  "  As  often  as  ye  eat  this 
 bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  shew  the  Lord's 
 death  till  he  comef."  The  history  of  the  cross 
 is  to  be  preserved  in  the  church,  and  to  be  trans- 
 mitted to  the  latest  posterity.     We  shall  not  bo 
 
 *  Gal.  Hi.  1.  t  1  Cor,  xi.  26. 
 
47&  ON    THE    LORD'S    SUPPER. 
 
 faithful  in  the  trust  committed  to  us,  unless  by 
 our  devout  observance  of  this  rite  we  deliver  it 
 over  to  the  next  generation.  We  shall  then 
 preach  by  our  conduct  to  our  children,  and  say, 
 "  Do,  as  we  have  done :  forget  not  the  dying 
 Saviour:  let  his  memory  be  ever  dear  to  you: 
 and  by  your  frequent  appearance  at  his  table  tes- 
 tify your  grateful  admiration  of  his  condescension 
 and  kindness  in  his  humiliation  and  sufferings 
 for  you  \"  Is  there  any  scene  more  affecting,  or 
 more  instructive,  than  what  is  here  exhibited  ? 
 And  do  we  not  all  stand  in  need  of  its  reviving, 
 animating  influence  *  Let  us  come  again  and 
 again  to  contemplate  the  wondrous  object,  till 
 our  hearts  burn  within  us,  and  we  be  constrained 
 to  dedicate  our  whole  selves  to  Him,  who  hath 
 so  loved  us,  as  to  give  himself  for  us  ! 
 
 It  was  intended  to  exhibit  the  death  of  the 
 Lord  Jesus  as  a  sacrifice.  Such  is  the  fair  and 
 obvious  inference  to  be  drawn  from  the  words  of 
 the  institution  :  "  This  is  my  body,  which  is  bro- 
 ken for  you  : — This  is  my  blood  of  the  new  tes- 
 tament, which  is  shed  for  many  for  the  remis- 
 sion of  sins."  We  should  therefore  regard 
 him,  in  the  mystical  representation  on  the  sacra- 
 mental table,  as  expiating  our  guilt  by  his  vica- 
 rious sufferings.  The  atonement  of  Christ,  or 
 reconciliation  by  his  blood,  is  the  principal  object 
 presented  to  us;  and  if  that  be  denied,  the  sub- 
 lime ordinance  sinks  down  into  a  low  and  trifling 
 
ON    THE    LORD'S    SUPPER/  4?7Q 
 
 formality.  We  may  weep  at  the  recollection  of 
 the  cruelties,  the  agonies,  and  tortures  inflicted 
 on  him  :  so  we  may  at  any  tragical  exhibition  of 
 injured  innocence :  but  unless  we  look  through 
 the  bread  and  wine  to  the  Lamb  slain  to  take 
 away  the  sin  of  the  world,  and  seek  redemption 
 through  his  cross,  we  can  derive  no  real  benefit 
 from  the  service,  we  pervert  and  abuse  it. 
 
 It  is,  as  we  have  said,  a  commemoration,  but 
 not,  as  the  church  of  Rome  would  have  it,  a  re- 
 petition of  the  sacrifice  of  Christ.  We  do  not 
 really  and  literally  offer  up  Him  on  the  altar.  He 
 is  not  now  capable  of  suffering  what  he  once 
 did :  and  such  was  the  value  and  efficacy  of  his 
 death,  there  can  be  no  need  of  any  fresh  obla- 
 tion. An  inspired  writer  maintains,  that  He 
 could  not  offer  himself  often,  and  that,  if  he  did 
 so,  the  shedding  of  his  blood  upon  the  cross  has 
 not  made  a  full  atonement ;  but  that  "  he  ap- 
 peared once  to  put  away  sin  by  the  sacrifice  of 
 himself,"  and  that  having  done  this  cf  he  for  ever 
 sat  down  on  the  right  hand  of  God,"  never  more 
 to  repeat  his  work  of  suffering ;  "  for  by  one 
 offering  he  hath  perfected  for  ever  them  that  are 
 sanctified  *." — This  sacrament  may  indeed  in  a 
 figurative  sense  be  called  a  sacrifice ;  so  may  all 
 our  other  services  of  a  spiritual  nature,  presented 
 to  God  in  faith  j*:  but  let  us  beware  of  detracting 
 
 *  Heb.  ix.  15,  20.     x.  12,  [4. 
 %  Heb.  xiii.  15,  l6\   .1  Pet.  ii.  5. 
 
480  ON    THE    LORD'S    SUPPER, 
 
 from  the  merit  or  sufficiency  of  the  Redeemer, 
 as  we  most  assuredly  do,  if  we  trust  to  this  obser- 
 vance as  an  expiatory  oblation.  Yet  are  there 
 not  such  inconsistent  Protestants,  who  manifest 
 the  very  spirit  of  Popery,  and  subvert  the  foun- 
 dation of  the  gospel,  by  placing  their  dependence 
 for  pardon  and  salvation  on  their  appearance  at 
 the  Lord's  table  ?  Are  their  consciences  burdened 
 with  guilt,  and  terrified  at  the  remembrance  of 
 heinous  and  accumulated  offences  ?  They  pre- 
 sume that  they  shall  settle  the  account,  and  wipe 
 off  the  score,  by  partaking  of  the  Eucharist.  The 
 same  expedient  is  superstitiously  and  profanely 
 resorted  to,  as  a  sovereign  antidote  against  the 
 fear  of  death,  and  is  supposed  to  convey  an  infal- 
 lible passport  to  heaven.  Alas  !  what  deplorable 
 ignorance,  what  a  fatal  contempt  of  Christ  does 
 this  betray  ! 
 
 All  our  expectation  should  be  from  Him ;  and 
 here  we  are  reminded,  not  only  of  his  atoning 
 sacrifice,  but  "  of  the  benefits  which  we  receive 
 thereby."  How  great  their  number ;  how  ines- 
 timable their  value  !  From  his  death,  as  the  price 
 of  our  redemption,  we  derive  all  spiritual  bless- 
 ings;— forgiveness  of  sin,  reconciliation,  and 
 adoption ;  the  renovating,  strengthening,  and 
 cheering  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit ;  access  to 
 God  with  confidence,  and  communion  with  him  ; 
 all  necessary  supplies  for  our  present  support, 
 and  a  sanctified  improvement  of  every  afflictive' 
 
ON    THE    LORD'S    SUPPER.  481 
 
 (dispensation  ;  deliverance  from  enemies,  triumph 
 over  deaths  and  admission  to  everlasting  glory. 
 These  are  some  of  the  gifts  which  he  hath  pur- 
 chased and  received  for  us,  arid  to  them  our  view 
 should  be  directed,  while  we  look  upon  the  ex- 
 ternal emblems  of  Christ  crucified.  Should  not 
 the  sight  exhilarate  our  minds,  enkindle  desires 
 after  the  blessings  proposed,  and  enlarge  our 
 expectations  ?  Is  there  any  thing  needful  or  ex- 
 pedient for  us,  which  we  may  not  now  ask  or 
 hope  for  ?  While  we  take  the  bread  and  the 
 wine,  we  may  rejoice  in  the  rich  provision  made 
 for  us,  and  say  with  grateful  admiration,  "  He 
 that  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered  him 
 up  for  us  all,  how  shall  he  not  with  him  also 
 freely  give  us  all  things*  ?" 
 
 The  ordinance  in  question  was  intended  to  be 
 perpetual: — "for  the  continual  remembrance 
 of  the  sacrifice  of  the  death  of  Christ."  It  must 
 remain  in  the  church  to  the  end  of  time  as  a 
 standing  exhibition  of  the  stupendous  transac- 
 tion, which  took  place  on  mount  Calvary,  and 
 as  the  means  of  securing  in  the  world  a  devout 
 regard  to  the  atonement.  "  As  often  as  ye  eat 
 this  bread  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  shew  the 
 Lord's  death  till  He  come."  What  a  wise 
 and  gracious  appointment,  for  perpetuating  the 
 belief  of  facts  and  doctrines  the  most  important, 
 
 *  Komans  viii.  32. 
 VOL.  Ill,  I   I 
 
482  ON    THE    LORD  S    SUPPER. 
 
 and  for  promoting  the  spiritual  edification  of  real 
 Christians !    Let  us  not  counteract  the  plan,  by 
 neglecting  to  discharge  the  necessary  duty  of  at- 
 tending at  the  Lord's  table.     Have  we  no  desire, 
 that  future  generations  may  remember  the  death 
 of  Christ,  and  that  u  his  name  may  be  continued 
 as  long  as  the  sun  ?"    Or  do  we  not  ourselves 
 stand  in  need  of  frequent  applications  to  this  so- 
 lemnity for  its  cheering,  animating  influence  ? 
 Why  then  are  we  so  reluctant  to  come  ?    or  why 
 so  unfrequent  in  our  attendance  ?    How  unlike 
 are  we  to  the  primitive  believers,  who  with  ardent 
 devotion  celebrated  the  holy  festival  at  least  on 
 every  return  of  the  Lord's  day !  Our  opportunities 
 are  few,  and  those  few  are  shamefully  and  impi- 
 ously disregarded.    When  the  invitation  is  given,, 
 how  many  make  light  of  it,  and  give  their  whole 
 hearts  to  their  secular  engagements,  as  matters  of 
 far  higher  moment. 
 
 That  we  may  the  better  understand  the  nature 
 of  this  sacrament,  and  derive  from  it  the  greater 
 advantage,  we  should  enquire  what  are  its  con- 
 stituent parts.  We  are  taught,  that  the  outward 
 signs  are  "  bread  and  wine,  which  the  Lord  hath 
 commanded  to  be  received  :*'  and  that  the  things- 
 signified  are  "  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ, 
 which  are  verily  and  indeed  taken  and  received 
 by  the  faithful  in  the  Lord's  supper." 
 
 The  due  administration  of  the  external  symbols 
 might  seem  an  uninteresting  subject;  but  the 
 
 6 
 
ON    THE    LORD  S    SUPPER.  483 
 
 ignorance  and  superstition  of  some  persons  have 
 made  the  consideration  necessary.  There  are 
 those,  who  totally  disclaim  the  use  of  them,  and 
 will  allow  nothing  but  the  spiritual  meaning. 
 They  therefore  virtually  set  aside  the  sacrament 
 altogether.  Others,  who  profess  an  almost  ido- 
 latrous veneration  for  this  sacred  rite,  mutilate 
 and  dishonour  it,  by  taking  away  one  of  the  ele- 
 ments, withholding  the  cup  from  the  laity,  We 
 shall  not  follow  them  through  all  their  subtle 
 argumentations ;  remarking  only,  the  injunctions 
 of  our  Lord  are  express,  that  we  should  eat  of 
 the  bread  and  drink  of  the  cup.  Why  should 
 we  refuse  an  entire  and  implicit  obedience  to  his 
 precepts  ?  Or  who  shall  authorize  us  to  intro- 
 duce any  alterations  in  his  appointments,  where 
 he  has  given  us  such  clear  and  minute  direc- 
 tions ?  It  would  be  presumption,  it  would  be 
 sacrilege,  to  keep  back  either  the  bread  or  the 
 wine,  both  of  which  the  Lord  hath  commanded 
 all  his  followers  to  receive. 
 
 We  should  participate  the  outward  elements, 
 but  we  should  not  look  on  them  with  adoration. 
 They  are  fit  emblems  of  Him,  who  is  our  spiri- 
 tual food  and  sustenance,  but  they  are  not,  as  He 
 is,  the  proper  object  of  worship.  "  This  is  my 
 body,"  said  Christy  "  and  this  is  my  blood  :** 
 which  implied  only  that  they  were  suitable  re- 
 presentations of  himself.  But  shall  we  therefore 
 say  with  the  church  of  Rome,  that,  when  so  set 
 I  I  2 
 
4-84  ON    THE    LORD'S    SUPPEft. 
 
 apart,  they  are  really  turned  into  the  very  sub- 
 stance of  Christ's  body  and  blood,  and  are  no 
 longer  what  they  were  ?  Such  a  notion  involves 
 in  it  absurdities  so  many  and  so  gross,  that  it  is 
 scarcely  requisite  to  attempt  its  refutation.  It 
 gives  the  lie  to  the  clearest  information  of  our 
 senses,  it  is  replete  with  contradictions  and  im- 
 possibilities, it  leads  to  consequences  the  most 
 dangerous  and  fatal.  Let  it  be  exploded  with 
 the  abhorrence  it  deserves. 
 
 But  let  us  not  overlook  the  spiritual  meaning, 
 which  is  of  unspeakable  importance.  The  bread 
 and  the  wine  retain  all  their  former  qualities,  but 
 on  the  sacramental  table  they  very  strikingly  ex- 
 hibit Him,  who  gave  his  body  to  be  broken,  and 
 his  blood  to  be  shed  for  us.  We  behold,  as  it 
 were,  the  very  sacrifice  of  the  cross :  the  wounded 
 and  the  bleeding  victim  is  in  lively  figures  pre- 
 sented to  our  view.  In  the  reception  of  the 
 symbols  we  are  encouraged  to  expect  the  inward 
 grace  which  is  signified  :  they  are  appointed  "  as 
 a  pledge  to  assure  us  thereof."  To  that  grace 
 therefore  we  should  ardently  aspire,  and  dread 
 the  thought  of  resting  in  the  external  observance 
 without  an  experience  of  the  spiritual  benefit. 
 
 "  The  body  and  blood  of  Christ  are  verily  and 
 indeed  taken  and  received  by  the  faithful  in  the 
 Lord's  supper."  His  real  presence  we  acknow- 
 ledge and  rejoice  in,  but  the  notion  of  his  bodily 
 presence  vve  reject  as  gross  and  inconsistent.     It 
 
ON    THE    LORD  S    SUPPER.  485 
 
 is  only  in  a  figurative  and  spiritual  meaning  that 
 he  says,  "  This  is  my  body,"  and  "  This  is  my 
 blood:"  but  they  are  "  verily  and  indeed,"  that 
 is  virtually  and  efficaciously,  in  all  their  saving 
 benefits,  communicated  to  the  devout  participant. 
 Jesus  exhibits  himself  by  the  symbols  of  his  own 
 appointment ;  and  we  resort  to  his  table,  to  meet 
 him  there,  to  see  his  glory,  to  be  enriched  with 
 his  gifts.  The  eye  of  faith  beholds  him,  the 
 hand  of  faith  is  stretched  out  to  receive  him, 
 "  We  spiritually  eat  the  flesh  of  Christ,  and  drink, 
 his  blood  ;  we  dwell  in  Christ,  and  Christ  in  us  ; 
 we  are  one  with  Christ,  and  Christ  with  us.' 
 Therefore  (<  to  such  as  rightly,  worthily,  and 
 with  faith  receive  the  same,  the  bread  which  we 
 break  is  a  partaking  of  the  body  of  Christ ;  and 
 likewise  the  cup  of  blessing  is  a  partaking  of  the 
 blood  of  Christ."— Thus  «  the  body  of  Christ  is 
 given,  taken,  and  eaten  in  the  Supper,  only  after 
 an  heavenly  and  spiritual  manner.  And  the 
 mean  whereby  the  body  of  Christ  is  received  and 
 eaten  in  the  Supper  is  faith  *." 
 
 But  let  not  ignorant  and  careless  worshippers 
 presume.  If  they  will  rashly  obtrude  themselves, 
 and  demand  admission  to  the  sacred  mysteries, 
 they  can  derive  no  advantage  from  the  mere 
 "  opus  operatum."  No  spiritual  objects  are  pre- 
 sented to  their  view,  no  spiritual  food  is  tasted, 
 
 *  Communion  Service  and  Article  XXVIII, 
 
4S6  ON    THE    LORD'S    SUPPER. 
 
 no  heavenly  joy  experienced  by  them.  It  is  al- 
 together a  lifeless  ceremony:  it  is  an  act  of  hypo- 
 crisy;  it  is  an  aggravation  of  guilt.  Thus  speaks 
 our  church  in  the  language  of  St.  Augustine, 
 "  The  wicked,  and  such  as  be  void  of  a  lively 
 faith,  although  they  do  carnally  and  visibly  press 
 with  their  teeth  the  sacrament  of  the  body  and 
 blood  of  Christ ;  yet  in  no  wise  are  they  partakers 
 of  Christ,  but  rather,  to  their  condemnation  do 
 eat  and  drink  the  sign  or  sacrament  of  so  great  a 
 thing*." 
 
 Very  tremendous  is  the  sentence  of  an  apostle 
 upon  this  point :  "  He  that  eateth  and  drinketh 
 unworthily,  eateth  and   drinketh  damnation  to 
 himself,  not  discerning  the  Lord's  body  f."     It  is 
 of  importance  that  we  understand  this  decision. 
 Doubtless  it  \vas  intended  to  vindicate  the  ho- 
 nour of  the  divine  ordinance,  and  impress  the 
 mind  of  every  participant  with  reverential  awe. 
 It  should  repel  the  man,  whose  affections  are 
 carnal,  who  understands  not  the  meaning  of  the 
 sacred  mysteries,  or   who  arrogantly   presumes 
 upon  his  own  goodness.     "  To  cat  and  drink  un- 
 wolthily,',  whatever  it  maybe,  is  a  heinous  of- 
 fence, and  therefore,  like  any  other  sin,  justly 
 exposes  the  transgressor  to  God's  righteous  judg- 
 ment or  condemnation.     In  the  church  of  Co- 
 rinth it  was  marked  by  "  divers  diseases  and  sun- 
 
 *  Article  XXIX.  +  1  Cor.  xi.  29. 
 
ON    THE    LORD  S    SUPPER.  487 
 
 dry  kinds  of  death."  It  is  not  now  punished  by 
 such  inflictions,  but  it  ought  not  therefore  to  be 
 made  light  of,  or  explained  away.  It  must  still 
 be  offensive  to  God,  and  deserving  of  his  heavy 
 displeasure.  In  this,  as  in  every  other  case,  the 
 sinner  has  need  to  dread  the  threatened  wrath. 
 But  though  it  merit  damnation,  it  is  not  therefore 
 unpardonable:  nor  should  any  one,  however  con- 
 scious of  having  profaned  the  sacred  rite,  con- 
 clude that  his  case  is  desperate,  or  that  he  cannot 
 now  be  an  object  of  mercy.  There  is  forgive- 
 ness with  God  for  those  who  might  justly  perish. 
 To  the  man,  who  is  most  guilty,  we  would  say, 
 <c  Repent,  and  thine  iniquity  sjiall  be  pardoned  !" 
 But  what  is  the  particular  nature  of  this  of- 
 fence ?  It  is,  in  few  words,  an  ignorance  or  con- 
 tempt of  Christ,  or  the  want  of  dependence  upon 
 him : — "  not  discerning  the  Lord's  body."  If 
 the  eucharist  be  considered  as  a  common  enter- 
 tainment, it  is  treated  with  irreverence  :  if  the 
 sacrifice  of  the  cross  be  overlooked -,  if  the  com- 
 municant fix  his  regard,  and  place  his  reliance, 
 upon  his  own  duties,  then  he  sees  not  the  mean- 
 ing of  what  he  does ;  his  heart  belies  the  profes- 
 sions of  his  tongue;  and  with  the  emblems  of  the 
 death  of  Christ  in  his  hands,  he  says  in  effect, 
 "  I  stand  in  no  need  of  such  an  atonement:"  He 
 is  therefore  "  guilty  of  the  body  and  blood  of  the 
 Lord*."    To  how  many  does  this  apply!   To 
 
 *  1  Cor.  xi.  27. 
 
488  ON    THE    LORD'S    SUPPER. 
 
 the  worldling,  the  hypocrite,  the  formalist,  the 
 ^self-righteous.  Are  such  persons  to  be  nattered 
 that  they  are  acceptable  guests,  or  that  they  shall 
 receive  any  blessing  at  the  Lord's  table  ?  Rather, 
 let  the  alarm  be  given  to  their  fears:  their  "  sacri- 
 fice is  an  abomination  to  the  Lord  *.*' 
 
 But  let  not  the  sentence  be  so  interpreted,  as 
 to  repel  the  penitent  believer,  however  weak  in 
 himself,  and  conscious  of  his  own  demerit.  He 
 may  be  ready  to  say,  "  Such  is  the  imperfection 
 and  defilement  of  all  my  services,  that  if  I  com- 
 municate at  all,  it  must  be  unworthily.  May 
 I  not  therefore  dread  the  doom  of  eating  and 
 drinking  damnation  to  myself  ?"  We  reply,  There 
 is  no  just  cause  for  these  painful  apprehensions. 
 You  "  discern  the  Lord's  body."  you  look  through 
 the  outward  elements  to  the  crucified  Redeemer, 
 and  desire  to  feed  upon  his  flesh  and  his  blood. 
 You  are  therefore  expressly  invited ;  and,  while 
 the  careless  and  the  self-sufficient  shall  be  re- 
 jected, you  are  assured  of  a  gracious  reception. 
 Thus  speaks  the  great  Master  of  the  feast : 
 u  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labour  and  are 
 heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  restf  !" 
 
 *  Prov.  xv.  8.  f  Matt.  xi.  28. 
 
ESSAY  XCI. 
 
 ON  THE  LORDS  SUPPER, 
 
 PART  II. 
 
 We  should  be  instructed  to  answer  enquiries  about 
 this  sacrament,  and  to  shew,  I.  What  are  its 
 advantages  \ — the  previous  preparation,  and  the 
 actual  participation,  useful, — the  divine  blessing 
 to  be  expected, — -for  the  strengthening  and  re- 
 freshing of  our  souls.  II.  What  is  required  of 
 communicants, — among  other  things  they  should 
 examine  themselves, — as  to  their  repentance  for 
 the  past  and  purposes  for  the  future, — as  to  their 
 faith  in  Christ  and  gratitude  to  him, — and  as  to 
 their  universal  benevolence  or  charity. 
 
 The  members  of  the  Jewish  church  were  in- 
 structed to  answer  enquiries  concerning  the  inten- 
 tion of  their  high  festival,  the  Passover.  The 
 disciples  of  Jesus  surely  should  be  equally  pre- 
 pared to  give  an  account  of  that  holy  feast,  which 
 is  their  grand  solemnity,  the  Supper  of  their 
 Lord.     But  is  the  institution  devoutly  regarded  ? 
 
4gO  ON  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 
 
 Is  it  clearly  understood  !  If  the  question  be 
 asked,  "  What  mean  ye  by  this  service  *  ?n  can 
 we  describe  in  a  satisfactory  and  scriptural  man- 
 ner its  nature,  design,  and  benefit  ?  These  are 
 points,  to  which  our  most  serious  attention 
 should  be  directed.  For  otherwise  we  may  justly 
 be  reproached  as  despising  our  Lord's  injunc- 
 tions, and  disgracing  our  religion  by  our  igno- 
 rance of  its  principles,  or  our  hypocritical  per- 
 formance of  its  duties. 
 
 In  addition  to  what  has  been  said  upon  the 
 subject,  we  now  propose  to  consider, 
 
 I.  What  are  the  advantages,  which  the  faithful 
 communicants  receive.  Can  they  encourage 
 others  to  associate  with  them  by  a  declaration  of 
 their  own  experience  of  pleasure  or  of  profit  ? 
 What  is  the  good  they  have  found  ?  To  these 
 enquiries  we  may  reply,  No  man  will  serve  God 
 for  nought.  Every  act  of  obedience  to  Him 
 brings  with  it  a  present  reward  :  and  with  full 
 confidence  we  may  expect  our  divine  Master  to 
 bless  those,  who  comply  with  his  invitation,  and 
 who  eat  and  drink  at  his  table  in  faith  and 
 love. 
 
 This  particular  part  of  our  worship  is  admi- 
 rably calculated  to  excite  and  increase  in  us  all 
 holy  principles  and  devout  affections.  The 
 very    preparation    for    it,    which    is   generally 
 
 *  Exod.  xii.  26, 
 
ON  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  4Q\ 
 
 thought  necessary,  may  produce  the  best  effects. 
 We  are  aware  of  the  dangers  resulting  from  for- 
 mality, and  from  a  dependence  upon  the  duties 
 of  a  few  days  preceding  the  ordinance.  But  it 
 is  every  way  expedient  that  no  man  should  ap- 
 proach to  it  without  a  peculiar  solemnity  and 
 increased  attention  to  his  spiritual  concerns. 
 Let  a  serious  enquiry  be  made  into  the  state  of 
 the  soul,  into  its  plans  and  principles,  its  pro- 
 gress or  declension,  let  former  vows  and  resolu- 
 tions be  reviewed,  let  the  covenant  again  to  be 
 ratified  be  seriously  considered  in  all  its  parts 
 and  bearings,  let  appropriate  and  fervent  prayer 
 be  offered  unto  God, — and  who  will  say  that  the 
 tendency  of  all  this  is  not  most  salutary  and 
 beneficial  ? 
 
 Let  the  communicant  then  draw  near  with  a 
 sacred  awe  upon  his  mind.  He  is  called  to  rise 
 above  the  wrorld,  to  join  in  services  the  most 
 sublime  and  heavenly  which  can  be  conceived, 
 to  bow  down  with  confessions  of  guilt  before  the 
 holy  Lord  God,  to  contemplate  an  object  of  all 
 others  the  most  interesting,  the  cross  of  his  Re- 
 deemer, to  bind  himself  by  repeated  promises 
 and  oaths  to  follow  him,  and  to  declare  an  union 
 of  heart  with  all  his  faithful  disciples.  Is  there 
 no  benefit  likely  to  accrue  to  the  devout  receiver? 
 Will  not  the  carnal  principle  become  more  sub- 
 dued ;  and  "  all  things  belonging  to  the  Spirit 
 live  and  grow  in  him  ?"     Will  not  unfeigned 
 
49^  CN  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 
 
 humility  and  penitential  sorrow  be  increased, 
 while  he  views  the  magnitude,  of  the  ransom 
 required  for  his  deliverance  ?  With  the  repre- 
 sentation of  his  Saviour's  agonizing  death  before 
 him,  will  not  hope  and  peace  and  joy  spring  up 
 in  his  heart  with  fresh  vigour?  Will  not  his 
 love  and  zeal  break  forth  into  a  brighter  flame  ? 
 Will  he  not  proceed  to  his  Master's  work  with 
 more  determined  resolutions  of  diligence  and 
 perseverance  ?  Will  not  envy,  resentment,  and 
 all  the  malevolent  affections  be  mortified,  and  the 
 principle  of  pure  and  universal  charity  more 
 entirely  prevail  over  and  actuate  his  soul  ? 
 
 Such  are  the  advantages  to  be  expected,  yet 
 not  on  the  ground  of  common  probability,  or  as 
 the  natural  and  necessary  effect  of  the  consecrated 
 elements,  but  from  God's  fidelity  fulfilling  his 
 own  engagements,  by  the  rich  communications 
 of  his  grace.  The  sacrament,  being  his  own 
 institution,  is  a  solemn  pledge  from  himself,  that 
 on  the  faithful  receiver  he  will  bestow  the  spi- 
 ritual blessings  represented  by  the  outward  sym- 
 bols. It  amounts  therefore  to  a  promise,  which 
 warrants  the  hope,  that  we  shall  "  verily  and 
 indeed"  participate  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ. 
 What  blessings  they  procure  and  convey,  we  are 
 informed  by  our  Lord  himself.  u  My  flesh," 
 said  he,  "  is  meat  indeed,  and  my  blood  is  drink 
 indeed.  He  that  eatcth  my  flesh,  and  drinketh 
 my  blood,  dwelleth  in  me,  and  I  in  him: — even 
 
Gtt  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  40 
 
 he  shall  live  by  me*/'  Fixing,  then,  our  devout 
 regard,  and  firm  reliance,  upon  the  propitiatory 
 sacrifice  exhibited  before  us,  we  shall  obtain  in 
 this  heavenly  feast  renewed  supplies  of  strength 
 and  consolation.  The  principle  of  divine  life 
 within  us  will  be  invigorated ;  fresh  sources  of 
 spiritual  enjoyment  will  be  opened  to  us.  What 
 less  can  we  conclude  from  the  gracious  declara- 
 tions of  our  Redeemer  ? 
 
 This  account  perfectly  coincides  with  the  in- 
 structions of  our  catechism,  wherein  it  is  declared 
 that  "  the  benefits,  whereof  we  are  partakers,  are 
 the  strengthening  and  refreshing  of  our  souls  by 
 the  body  and  blood  of  Christ,  as  pur  bodies  are 
 by  the  bread  and  wine.,,  How  desirable,  how 
 needful  are  these  effects !  We  feel  unequal  to 
 the  daily  work  assigned  us :  but  on  some  spe- 
 cial occasions  we  are  called  to  arduous  duties 
 and  severe  trials.  How  shall  we  be  enabled  to 
 maintain  our  post,  and  persevere  in  our  Master's 
 service  ?  Every  day  we  must  derive  assistance 
 from  heaven  by  faith  and  prayer :  but  on  certain 
 solemn  seasons  the  table  of  the  Lord  is  spread, 
 and  the  provisions  are  adapted  to  our  case.  We 
 receive  spiritual  sustenance :  we  eat  and  drink, 
 and  having  renewed  our  strength  we  gird  up  the 
 loins  of  our  mind,  and  more  vigorously  pursue 
 our  appointed  labour. — But  more  than  this:  it  is 
 
 *  John  vi.  55—57. 
 
494  ON  the  lord's  supper. 
 
 "  a  feast  of  fat  things/'  and  they,  who  have  a 
 proper  relish  for  the  rich  and  exquisite  repast, 
 •will  experience  in  it  a  gratification  and  delight 
 not  to  be  described.  Do  not  our  spirits  faint, 
 and  often  sink  down  in  deep  distress?  Are  there 
 not  seasons  of  fear,  when  our  gloomy  apprehen- 
 sions almost  drive  us  to  despondency  ?  What 
 ordinance  is  so  calculated  to  raise  the  drooping 
 mind,  to  inspire  hope  and  joy  ?  Here,  while  we 
 take  the  pledges  of  our  Saviour's  love,  we  are 
 comforted :  we  feel  superior  to  every  discou- 
 ragement ;  we  receive  a  foretaste  of  the  heavenly 
 bliss. 
 
 Let  us  then  thankfully  accept  our  Lord's  invi- 
 tation, and  come  at  his  bidding.  To  them  "  that 
 labour  and  are  heavy-laden,"  he  declares,  "  I  will 
 give  you  rest*." — "He  giveth  power  to  the 
 faint ;  and  to  them  that  have  no  might,  he  in- 
 creaseth  strength  f." — "  Men  have  not  heard, 
 nor  perceived  by  the  ear,  neither  hath  the  eye 
 seen,  O  God,  beside  thee,  what  thou  hast  pre- 
 pared for  him  that  waiteth  for  thee.  Thou 
 meetest  him  that  rejoiceth  and  worketh  righte- 
 ousness J."  Is  this  what  we  have  known  ?  Or 
 why  have  we  failed  of  obtaining  the  pleasure  or 
 the  profit  ?  Is  there  not  some  obstruction  in 
 ourselves  ?  some  very  culpable  remissness,  some 
 predominating  evil  temper  ?     Let  the  cause  be 
 
 *  Matt.  xi  28.        f  Isaiah  xl.  29.         $  Isaiah  lxiv.  4,5. 
 
ON  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  495 
 
 ascertained,  and  instantly  removed.  Let  us  not 
 presume  to  act  the  part  of  dissemblers  with  God. 
 He  is  not  mocked.  May  he  not  justly  say  to  us, 
 *'  When  ye  spread  forth  your  hands,  I  will  hide 
 mine  eyes  from  you ;  yea,  when  ye  make  many 
 prayers,  I  will  not  hear :— Wash  ye,  make  you 
 
 clean  *." — We  consider  therefore, 
 
 II  "  What  is  required  of  them,  who  come  to 
 the  Lord's  supper  ?"  This  might  open  a  wide 
 field  for  serious  discussion :  for  many  points  of 
 previous  and  necessary  preparation  might  be 
 suggested*  But  we  shall  confine  our  attention 
 to  the  important  duty  of  self-examination,  pre- 
 scribed by  the  church,  or  rather  by  divine  au- 
 thority: for  thus  writes  an  inspired  apostle,  "Let 
 a  man  examine  himself,  and  so  let  him  eat  of 
 that  bread,  and  drink  of  that  cup  f."  It  is  indeed 
 expedient,  that  Christians  should  constantly  live 
 in  the  practice  of  holy  vigilance,  and  be  so  re- 
 gardful of  their  own  hearts,  that  they  may  never 
 be  strangers  to  their  real  state  and  prevailing  dis- 
 positions. But  there  is  especial  need  for  a  solemn 
 enquiry  to  be  instituted,  when  they  are  purposing 
 to  enter  into  this  sacramental  covenant  with  the 
 Lord  and  his  people.  Then,  with  a  more  than 
 common  strictness,  let  the  trial  be  made  by  the 
 infallible  criterion  of  the  law  and  the  testimony, 
 whether  they  are  the  persons  who  may  justly 
 
 *  Isaiah  i.  15,  16,  f  I  Cor.  xi.  2E. 
 
4g5  ON  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 
 
 look  for  the  divine  acceptance,  and  whether  they 
 possess  the  principles  which  the  service  before 
 them  indispensably  requires.  In  other  words, 
 for  their  duty  cannot  be  better  expressed,  They 
 should  "  examine  themselves,  whether  they  re- 
 pent them  truly  of  their  former  sins,  steadfastly 
 purposing  to  lead  a  new  life; — have  a  lively  faith 
 in  God's  mercy  through  Christ,  with  a  thankful 
 remembrance  of  his  death  ; — and  be  in  charity 
 with  all  men  *."  Here  are  three  points  of  enquiry, 
 on  which  we  would  ground  an  earnest  and  prac- 
 tical exhortation. 
 
 3 .  Let  your  repentance  be  tried.  What  are 
 your  views  of  sin,  and  of  your  own  particular 
 guilt  ?  Are  you  deeply  conscious  of  your  de- 
 merit, and  your  iiablencss  to  severest  condemna- 
 tion ?  Look  back  on  the  days  and  years  that  are 
 passed :  alas  !  what  scenes  of  folly,  what  numerous 
 instances  of  base  transgression,  are  brought  be- 
 fore your  view  1  How  are  you  impressed  by  the 
 recollection  ?  Is  the  remembrance  grievous  to 
 you  ?  Is  the  burden  intolerable  ?  Do  you  abhor 
 yourselves,  and  repent  in  dust  and  ashes  ?  If  it 
 be  so,  you  are  so  far  in  the  proper  frame  of  mind 
 to  commemorate  the  death  of  Christ.  For  what 
 is  that  death  to  you,  unless  there  be  a  painful 
 conviction  fixed  in  your  heart,  that  without  it 
 you  must  perish  eternally  ?     You  will  be  called 
 
 *  Catechism. 
 
4y7 
 
 om  to  make  confessions,  which  will  be  unmeaning 
 and  hypocritical,  if  you  do  not  know  and  feel 
 that  you  arc  miserable  offenders  against  the  di- 
 vine majesty,  and  have  most  justly  provoked  his 
 wrath  and  indignation  against  you.  But  while 
 you  mourn  with  penitential  sorrow,  you  may  hope 
 to  be  comforted,  and  to  receive  in  exchange  "  the 
 garment  of  praise  for  the  spirit  of  heaviness  *." 
 
 You  must  however  give  another  proof  of  your 
 sincerity.  It  is  not  sufficient  to  cry,  "  I  have 
 sinned ;"  you  must  "  put  away  the  evil  of  your 
 doings."  No  amendment  or  restitution  on  your 
 part  can  ever  expiate  your  guilt  before  God ;  but 
 they  are  necessary.  You  "must  approach  to  the 
 holy  supper  "  steadfastly  purposing  to  lead  a 
 new  life."  By  a  faithful  appeal,  then,  to  your 
 own  heart,  enquire,  What  are  your  plans  for  the 
 future,  what  your  desires  and  resolutions.  This 
 should  be  the  language  of  every  penitent  and 
 of  every  communicant,  u  Henceforth  I  am  the 
 Lord's :  the  remnant  of  my  days  I  dedicate  to 
 Him  :  I  yield  my  members,  faculties,  and  talents, 
 to  be  employed  in  his  service,  as  instruments  of 
 righteousness  unlo  God  :  and  my  prayer  is,  that 
 with  unvaried  course  to  the  very  end  of  life  I 
 may  glorify  Him  in  my  body,  and  in  my  spirit, 
 wdiich  are  His."  Such  are  the  vows  you  are  to 
 make  and  seal  before  the  Lord.    If  you  be  willing 
 
 *  Isaiah  lxi.  3, 
 VOL.  Ill,  K  K 
 
4Q8  ON  THE  LORD  S  SUPPER. 
 
 to  enter  into  this  engagement,  and  abide  by  its 
 terms,  we  say  to  you,  u  Come,  and  join  your- 
 selves to  the  Lord  in  a  perpetual  covenant,  that 
 shall  never  be  forgotten  *." 
 
 2.  Examine  the  ground  of  your  hope,  and  the 
 state  of  your  heart  toward  the  Lord  Jesus.  Un- 
 less you  have  some  trust  in  God's  mercy,  your 
 fears  will  drive  you  from  his  presence.  How 
 can  you  approach  him  in  this  sacred  solemnity, 
 so  long  as  you  consider  him  as  implacable,  and 
 armed  with  vengeance  to  destroy  you  ?  Here 
 indeed  he  proclaims  himself  "  merciful  and  gra- 
 cious,— forgiving  iniquity,  and  transgression,  and 
 sin."  But  he  proposes  to  you  reconciliation  and 
 peace,  only  through  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  If 
 you  discern  not  the  Lord's  body,  that  is,  the  sa- 
 crifice of  Christ  as  the  propitiation  for  your  sins, 
 you  overlook  the  main  desiga,  you  eat  and  drink, 
 unworthily.  Let  it  be  ascertained  then,  on  what 
 foundation  your  reliance  is  fixed.  Is  it  placed 
 on  Christ  alone,  to  the  exclusion  of  every  other 
 plea  and  dependence  ?  "  No  man  cometh  unto 
 the  Father  but  by  him." 
 
 Have  you  "  a  lively  faith  in  God's  mercy 
 through  Christ?"  That  question  may  discourage 
 you,  exciting  a  painful  apprehension  of  your  un- 
 fitness to  receive  the  holy  communion.  You 
 allege,  "  If  I  may  not  come  without  "  a  lively 
 
 *  Jer.  1.  5. 
 
ok  the  lokd's  supper.  499 
 
 faith/'  I  cannot  come  at  all ;  because  that  prin- 
 ciple, if  indeed  it  exist  in  my  heart,  is  in  a  very 
 weak  and  languid  state."  That  it  ought  to  be 
 strong  and  vigorous,  and  that  you  should  be 
 ashamed  of  its  deficiency,  we  readily  admit :  but 
 it  is  the  quality,  rather  than  the  measure,  of  your 
 faith,  which  should  determine  the  point  before 
 us,  "  A  lively  faith,"  in  the  language  of  the 
 church,  does  not  signify  that  merely,  which  is 
 accompanied  with  warm  affections  or  rapturous 
 enjoyments ;  for  those  are  not  necessary  for  your 
 approaching  to  the  Lord's  table  with  acceptance 
 and  advantage ;  but  rather  that  sincere  reliance 
 upon  Christ,  which  is  produced  by  the  quicken- 
 ing Spirit,  and  becomes  a  vital  principle  in  the 
 soul,  bringing  forth  good  fruits,  as  opportunity 
 shall  be  given.  This  is  opposed  to  "  a  dead 
 faith,  which  is  idle,  barren,  and  unfruitful  *."  If 
 your  belief,  then,  be  truly  operative  and  influen- 
 tial upon  your  conduct,  though  but  in  a  small 
 degree,  it  is  that  we  enquire  after  :  it  implies  the 
 existence  of  spiritual  life :  you  may  and  you  should 
 come,  in  order  to  confirm  and  improve  it. 
 
 But  we  ask  also,  whether  you  possess  "  a  thank- 
 ful remembrance  of  Christ's  death."  You  cannot 
 forget  that  stupendous  event,  which  hath  opened 
 for  you  the  way  of  access  to  God.   This  sacrament 
 
 *  See  this  subject  clearly  stated  in  the  Homily  upon  th« 
 true,  lively,  and  christian  faith. 
 
 K  K  2 
 
500  0X  THE  LORD  S  SUPPER. 
 
 is  a  figurative  representation  of  it,  calculated  to 
 impress  the  mind  most  deeply,  and  excite  the 
 most  devout  affections.  In  striking  emblems  you 
 see  your  crucified  Lord,  and  you  hear  him  deliver 
 the  solemn  charge,  "Remember  mc."  Will  not 
 the  recollection  of  his  sufferings  stir  up  the 
 warmest  gratitude  and  love  to  him  ?  These  are 
 the  dispositions  which  you  should  cultivate,  and 
 with  which  especially  you  should  draw  near  to 
 this  sacred  ordinance.  How  suitable  an  occasion 
 does  it  afford  you,  to  raise  your  thanksgivings  to 
 Him,  who  has  laid  you  under  such  immense 
 obligations!  But  what  should  the  cold,  frozen- 
 hearted  formalist  do  at  this  table  :  Let  him  not 
 pollute,  it  by  his  hypocritical  attendance  ;  nor 
 provoke  the  Saviour  by  professions  of  cordial 
 attachment,  which  he  never  felt. 
 
 3.  You  must  also  search  and  try  yourselves, 
 whether  the  malignant  affections  be  subdued  in 
 you,  and  you  be  u  in  chanty  with  all  men." 
 This  is  a  feast  of 'love.  It  contains  the  most  sur- 
 prising exhibition  of  the  love  of  God,  and  is 
 intended  to  bind  us  in  strictest  union  to  one  an- 
 other. The  wondrous  sight  we  here  behold,  the 
 numerous  benefits  we  receive,  should  mortify  and 
 kill  in  us  all  our  evil  passions,  and  dispose  us  to 
 be  kind  and  forgiving,  and  to  do  good  to  all, 
 after  the  example  set  before  us.  "  Herein  is 
 love,  not  that  we  loved  God,  but  that  He  loved 
 us,  and  sent  his  Son  to  be  the  propitiation  for 
 7 
 
ON  THE  LORD  S  SUPPER.  501 
 
 our  sins.  Beloved,  if  God  so  loved  us,  we  ought 
 also  to  love  one  another. — Be  ye  therefore  fol- 
 lowers of  God  as  dear  children ;  and  walk  in  love, 
 as  Christ  also  hath  loved  us,  and  hath  given 
 himself  for  us  an  offering  and  a  sacrifice  to  God 
 for  a  sweet-smelling  savour*." 
 
 You  allow  the  suitableness  and  necessity  of 
 such  dispositions:  but  are  they  your's  ?  What 
 is  the  state  of  your  minds  towards  others  ?  Are 
 there  no  schemes  of  fraud  or  violence  in  con- 
 templation ?  Is  there  no  resentment  cherished  ? 
 Are  there  no  contentions  unhealed  ?  Or  have 
 all  endeavours  been  used  to  repair  every  breach, 
 and  to  restore  peace  and  union,  where  they  have 
 been  interrupted  ?  Bitterness  and  wrath,  at  all 
 times  inconsistent  with  the  meekness  and  gentle- 
 ness of  Christ,  are  more  especially  incongruous 
 and  offensive  at  the  Lord's  table.  How  could 
 you  stretch  forth  your  hand  to  receive  a  pardon 
 from  your  Judge,  when  you  refuse  forgiveness 
 to  your  fellow-servant?  Or  if  you  be  the  offend- 
 ing party,  how  can  you  possess  any  confidence 
 towards  God,  till  you  have  humbled  yourselves 
 before  your  injured  brother,  and  professed  a 
 readiness  to  make  satisfaction  to  the  utmost  of 
 your  power  ?  "  ]i  thou  bring  thy  gift  to  the 
 altar,  and  there  remembered  that  thy  brother 
 hath  ought  against  thee;   leave   there  thy   gift 
 
 *   1  Johniv.  ]0;  11.     Fpk  v.  1,2. 
 
502  ON  THE  LORD  S   SUPPER. 
 
 before  the  altar,  and  go  thy  way  ;  first  be  recon- 
 ciled to  thy  brother,  and  then  come  and  offer  thy 
 gift*," 
 
 The  charity  you  should  exercise  must  not  be 
 partial.  It  should  be  extended  to  men  of  dif- 
 ferent sects  and  persuasions.  There  is  not  an 
 individual  of  the  human  race,  to  whom  you 
 ought  not  to  feel  sentiments  of  good  will,  or  from 
 whom  you  may  withhold  any  act  of  kindness 
 within  your  ability.  But  the  faithful  disciples 
 of  your  Lord  and  Master  should  be  especially 
 dear  to  you  for  his  sake :  and  those  of  them, 
 who  belong  to  the  same  christian  society,  with 
 whom  you  participate  in  the  same  holy  myste- 
 ries, have  a  peculiar  claim  to  your  tenderest 
 affection.  You  have  communion  together  at  the 
 same  table.  Let  those  bonds  be  held  sacred,  by 
 which  you  are  so  connected.  "  You,  being  many, 
 are  one  bread,  and  one  body  f.n  Beware,  that  you 
 do  not  give  or  take  offence,  that  you  do  not  pro- 
 mote or  countenance  any  schism  or  separation. 
 You  should  seek  and  rejoice  in  the  welfare  of 
 every  member,  and  labour  what  in  you  lies  for  the 
 edification  and  union  of  the  whole. 
 
 With  such  tempers  as  these,  how  delightful 
 would  be  your  seasons  of  intercourse  at  the  sacred 
 supper !  Then  would  be  renewed  among  our- 
 selves the  observation  made  on  primitive  believers, 
 
 *  Matt.  v.  23,  2-t.  t  i  c^r-  x«  ]7- 
 
ON  THE  LORD  S  SUPPER.  503 
 
 "  See,  how  these  Christians  love  one  another!'* 
 Then  would  our  churches  exhibit  some  resem- 
 blance of  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  and  each  devout 
 communicant  would  receive  a  foretaste  of  its 
 blessedness.  O  for  the  Spirit  to  be  poured  out 
 upon  us  from  on  high,  to  give  life  and  efficacy  to 
 our  ordinances,  to  subdue  in  us  all  corrupt  affec- 
 tions, and  to  inflame  our  hearts  with  pure  and 
 ardent  love  both  to  God  and  to  oae  another  ! 
 Amen, 
 
ESSAY  XCII: 
 
 ON  THE  RESURRKCTION  OF  THE  BODY. 
 
 Review  of  the  system. — Plan  of  redemption  will  be 
 completed  by  the  resurrection, — which  will  be  a 
 revival  of  the  body, —  of  the  same  body, — and  of 
 the  zvhole  human  race.  The  doctrine  proved, — 
 not  from  reason,-^-but  from  revelation, — from  the 
 old  testament, — especially  from  the  new.  What 
 will  precede  the  resurrection, — the  millennium, — 
 a  general  apostasy, — the  appearance  of  Chrih, — ■ 
 the  sound  of  the  trumpet.  The  dead  will  be 
 raised  in  a  moment, — the  living  changed, — a  sepa- 
 ration made,- — the  world  destroyed, — and  all  man- 
 kind summoned  to  judgment. — Objections  answered, 
 — The  consolation  to  be  derived. 
 
 At  length  we  are  drawing  near  to  the  close  of 
 the  plan  laid  down.  We  have  brought  forwards 
 the  chief  subjects  of  revealed  religion,  in  the  way 
 of  devout  meditation  and  practical  improvement. 
 The  principal  doctrines  and  duties  of  Christianity 
 have  passed  in  review  before  us.  Let  us  pause 
 and  recollect.     Under  a  conviction  of  the  divine 
 
ON  THE  RESURRECTION  O^  THE  BODY.       505 
 
 authority  of  the  Bible,  we  have  carefully  examined 
 its  contents.  From  the  declarations  of  that  in- 
 spired volu  ,  we  have  endeavoured  to  ascertain 
 the  character  of  God,  and  the  present  state  of 
 fallen  man.  Our  attention  has  been  arrested  by 
 the  appearance  of  Jesus  Christ;  and  we  have 
 been  required  to  fix  our  regard  on  the  glory  of 
 his  person,  the  work  he  has  performed,  and  the 
 benefits  he  hath  procured.  Another  divine  agent 
 in  the  great  scheme  of  salvation  has  also  been 
 introduced  to  our  notice  ;  and  we  have  contem- 
 plated in  their  order  and  succession  the  various 
 operations  and  gracious  influences  of  the  Holy 
 Spirit.  Hence  we  have  been  gradually  led  to 
 investigate  the  character,  experience,  and  privi- 
 leges, of  the  redeemed  ;  and  we  have  carefully 
 examined,  what  are  their  hopes,  enjoyments, 
 tempers,  principles,  and  conduct.  We  have  ex- 
 plained at  large  the  nature  and  extent  of  their 
 obedience,  the  petitions  they  are  daily  presenting 
 at  the  throne  of  grace,  their  union  and  fellow- 
 ship  in  the  visible  church  of  Christ,  and  the 
 sacraments  appointed  for  their  initiation  into  his 
 mystical  body  and  for  their  progress  in  the  divine 
 life". 
 
 Have  we  not  then  unfolded  the  grand  outlines, 
 of  the  christian  system  ?  And  now  the  impor- 
 tant enquiry  meets  us,  What  remains  to  be  ac- 
 complished in  the  divine  economy?  What  more 
 is  to  be  done  for  the  completion  of  the  wondrous 
 
50(3   ON  THE  KESURKECTION  OF  THE  BODY. 
 
 plan  ?  The  members  of  Christ  continue  but  a 
 short  season  in  their  present  militant  state ;  they 
 are  removed  in  succession  to  an  invisible  world, 
 dropping  their  earthly  tabernacles  in  the  dust. 
 Their  numbers  will  soon  be  accomplished,  and, 
 the  gracious  designs  of  God  being  finished,  they 
 will  be  collected  in  one  glorious  company, — a 
 multitude  which  no  man  can  number.  Death 
 seems  to  cast  a  gloom  upon  their  views;  but  the 
 gospel  draws  aside  the  vail,  opens  to  them  the 
 prospect  of  unutterable  and  endless  felicity.  The 
 dissolution  of  the  body  does  not  terminate  their 
 enjoyments;  nay  rather,  it  gives  an  enlargement 
 and  perfection  to  them.  Their  mortal  frame,  in- 
 deed, is  doomed  to  moulder  in  the  grave ;  but 
 the  voice  of  the  almighty  Saviour  declares,  (i  I 
 will  raise  it  up  at  the  last  day: — O  death,  I  will 
 be  thy  plagues;  O  grave,  I  will  be  thy  destruc- 
 tion *!" 
 
 A  new  state  of  things,  then,  lies  before  us. 
 There  shall  be  a  resurrection  of  the  dead.  How 
 interesting  is  the  expectation!  Let  us  dwell 
 upon  it,  that  we  may  improve  it  for  our  encou- 
 ragement to  persevere  in  the  spiritual  conflict, 
 and  for  every  practical  purpose.  Without  it  our 
 religious  system  will  be  radically  defective  and 
 erroneous.  It  forms  an  important  and  essential 
 part  of  the   christian  creed.     We    believe  that 
 
 *  John  vi.  40.     Hosea  xiii.  14. 
 
ON  THE  RESURRECTION  OF   THE  BODY.       507 
 
 these  earthly  tabernacles,  which  must  be  totally 
 taken  down,  will  hereafter  be  rebuilt ;  that  the 
 various  members  of  the  human  frame,  which  after 
 death  are  separated  and  reduced  to  their  original 
 dust,  will  be  again  collected,  re-animated,  and 
 united  to  their  former  spiritual  inhabitant. 
 
 Consider  the  full  import  of  this  doctrine.    The 
 resuscitation,  of  which  we  speak,  does  not  relate 
 to  the  soul,  which  ceases  not  to  exist  and  there- 
 fore needs  not  to  be  restored,   but  to  the  flesh  or 
 the  body.     It  is  that  alone,  which  is  consigned 
 to  the  grave,  and  moulders  away;  and  it  is  that 
 alone  which  will  be  raised  up.    It  will  be  a  revival 
 pf  the  same  body,  which  the  immortal  spirit  dwelt 
 in  and  actuated  upon  earth.     For  though  it  is 
 not  necessary,  that  we  state   precisely,   or  even 
 understand    wherein   the    identity   consist's,   yet 
 without  a  real  identity  there  cannot  properly  be 
 a  resurrection.     There  may  be,   there  must  be, 
 some  considerable  changes  -}   but  if  a  body  alto- 
 gether different  and  new  be  produced,   it  should 
 be  denominated  a  creation  :   and  unless  the  soul 
 be  fixed  again  in  its  former  residence,  and  joined 
 to  the  same  companion  it  once  had,   with  a  full, 
 consciousness   of  its  past  conduct  in   that  very 
 body,  there  could  be  no  retribution  ;   no  remu- 
 neration for  the  faithful  services  they  performed 
 together,  no  punishment  for  the  transgressions 
 they  assisted  each  other  to  commit. 
 
 We  believe  too,  that  the  resurrection  will  be 
 
508       ON  THE  RESURRECTION   OF  THE  BODY. 
 
 general,  not  confined  to  any  class  or  description 
 of  men.  Not  the  redeemed  alone,  but  the  impe- 
 nitent, shall  live  again  in  their  respective  bodies, 
 which  shall  be  fitted  for  their  future  and  everlast- 
 ing condition.  tc  There  shall  be  a  resurrection 
 both  of  the  just  and  unjust*."  Each  individual 
 also  of  these  different  characters,  or,  in  other 
 words,  the  whole  human  race,  whom  death  shall 
 have  swept  away  from  the  face  of  the  earth,  shall 
 appear  again  in  their  corporeal  form.  So  spake 
 the  lips  of  truth,  u  The  hour  is  coming,  in  the 
 which  all  that  are  in  the  graves — shall  come 
 forth  ;  they  that  have  done  good  unto  the  resur- 
 rection of  life,  and  they  that  have  done  evil  unto 
 the  resurrection  of  damnation  j\" 
 
 This  is  a  doctrine  which  admits  of  the  most 
 indubitable  proofs.  But  from  what  source  shall 
 we  derive  our  arguments  ?  We  make  not  our 
 appeal  to  man's  unenlightened  reason,  which  in 
 its  highest  state  of  culture  and  improvement 
 never  enabled  him  to  arrive  at  this  conclusion. 
 The  immortality  of  the  soul  was  a  question  much 
 agitated  among  the  ancient  philosophers,  but 
 they  did  not  agree  in  their  opinion,  or  obtain 
 full  satisfaction  even  upon  that  point.  The  resur- 
 rection of  the  body  formed  no  subject  of  debate ; 
 they  seem  not  to  have  conceived  the  idea;  and 
 when  it  was  proposed  to  them  and  maintained 
 
 *  Acts  xxiv.  15.  t  John  v.  28,  2wQ. 
 
ON  THE  RESURRECTION  OF  THE  BODY.       50$ 
 
 with  that  sublimity  of  wisdom  and  eloquence, 
 which  was  peculiar  to  the  great  apostle  of  the 
 Gentiles,  they  derided  it  as  a  vain  illusion,  or  an 
 impossibility,  and  rejected  it  with  a  scornful 
 contempt  *. 
 
 It  is  altogether  a  matter  of  divine  revelation. 
 It  has  pleased  God  to  declare  it  with  such  clear- 
 ness and  fulness  of  expression,  as  excludes  all 
 doubt  and  hesitation  from  our  minds.  Some  in- 
 deed have  questioned  whether  the  doctrine  was 
 known  from  the  beginning,  or  with  what  decree 
 of  light  it  was  discovered  by  the  ancient  church 
 in  its  different  periods.  Curious  speculations  of 
 this  kind  might  be  instituted,  but  to  us  they 
 would  be  uninteresting  and  useless.  It  is  how- 
 ever of  importance  to  remark,  that  our  Lord 
 condemned  the  Sadducees  of  his  time  for  their 
 ignorance  and  infidelity  in  not  collecting  this 
 point  even  from  the  Pentateuch.  "  Ye  do  err,*' 
 said  he,  "  not  knowing  the  scriptures,  nor  the 
 power  of  God  : — That  the  dead  are  raised,  even 
 Moses  shewed  at  the  bush,  when  he  calleth  the 
 Lord  the  God  of  Abraham,  and  the  God  of  Isaac, 
 and  the  God  of  Jacob.  For  he  is  not  a  God  of 
 the  dead,  but  of  the  living:  for  all  live  unto 
 Him  f."  It  was  therefore  the  Lord's  design,  that 
 his  people  from  the  beginning  should  be  cheered 
 with  the  hope  of  a  resurrection  to  life  eternal. 
 
 *  Acts  xvii.  18—32. 
 f  Matt.  r*ii.  29.     Luke  xxi.  ?,?,  3S. 
 
510       ON  THE  RESURRECTION  OP  THE  BODY. 
 
 Such  was  the  expectation,  which  supported 
 and  animated  Job  under  his  complicated  suffer- 
 ings. He  speaks  indeed  of  death  as  the  termi- 
 nation of  all  his  present  employments  and 
 connections:  "  Man  lieth  down,  and  riseth  not, 
 till  the  heavens  be  no  more,  they  shall  not  awake, 
 nor  be  raised  out  of  their  sleep  V  Yet  even 
 here  is  an  intimation,  that  the  moment  may  ar- 
 rive, when,  upon  the  dissolution  of  these  visible 
 heavens,  the  dead  shall  come  forth  from  their 
 graves  to  enter  upon  a  new  state.  Many  of  his 
 expressions  however  more  explicitly  declared  the 
 hope  of  his  living  again  in  the  body;  especially 
 that  most  memorable  profession  of  his  faith,  in 
 which  he  anticipated  the  felicity  of  meeting  his 
 God  and  Saviour  even  in  the  body,  which  could 
 not  otherwise  be  realized  than  by  a  resurrection. 
 "  I  knovv,,r  said  he,  cc  that  my  Redeemer  liveth, 
 mid  that  he  shall  stand  at  the  latter  day  upon  the 
 earth  :  and  though  after  my  skin  worms  destroy 
 this  body,  yet  in  my  flesh  shall  I  see  God,  whom 
 I  shall  see  for  myself,  and  mine  eyes  shall  behold, 
 and  not  another;  though  my  reins  be  consumed 
 within  me  f ."  Let  no  sophisticated  interpreta- 
 tion explain  away  the  force  of  this  sublime  pas- 
 sage, which  stands  as  an  irrefragable  proof  that 
 the  doctrine  in  question  was  the  support  and 
 consolation  of  very  ancient  believers. 
 
 *  Job  xiv.  12.  t  Job  xix.  25—27. 
 
ON   THE  RESURRECTION  OP  THE  BODY.       511 
 
 The  important  truth  was  more  clearly  revealed 
 by  the  prophets.  iC  As  for  me,''  said  the  royal 
 Psalmist,  "  I  will  behold  thy  face  in  righteous- 
 ness:  I  shall  be  satisfied,  when  I  awake  with  thy 
 likeness*."  With  the  same  spirit  of  faith  Isaiah 
 triumphed  in  the  prospect;  "  The  Lord  God  will 
 swallow  up  death  in  victory,  and  wipe  away  tears 
 from  off  all  faces :"  and  with  that  expectation  he 
 encouraged  the  church  to  commit  her  children 
 to  the  grave ;  "  Thy  dead  men  shall  live,  together 
 with  my  dead  body  shall  they  arise:  Awake,  and 
 sing,  ye  that  dwell  in  dust^  for  thy  dew  is  as  the 
 dew  of  herbs,  and  the  earth  shall  cast  out  the 
 deadf."  This  great  event,  and  the  final  con- 
 summation of  all  things,  Daniel  described  in 
 language  too  plain  to  be  misunderstood  or  per- 
 verted: "  Many  of  them  that  sleep  in  the  dust  of 
 the  earth  shall  awake,  some  to  everlasting  life, 
 and  some  to  shame  and  everlasting  contempt  J." 
 By  Hosea  the  Saviour  himself  spake,  and  pre- 
 dicted the  complete  deliverance  of  his  people  in 
 their  resurrection :  "  I  will  ransom  them  from 
 the  power  of  the  grave :  I  will  redeem  them  from 
 death  §." 
 
 It  is  not  the  exclusive  doctrine  of  the  new 
 testament,  but  there  especially  it  appears  most 
 conspicuous.     Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  taught  it 
 
 *  Psalm  xvii.  15.  f  Isaiah  xxv.  S.     xxvi.  1Q. 
 
 t  Dan,  xii.  2,  §  Hosea  xiii.  14. 
 
512       ON  THE  RESURRECTION   OP   THE  BODt. 
 
 without  reserve;  and  in  himself  he  gave  the 
 strongest  proof  and  most  illustrious  example. 
 He  declared  in  the  presence  of  his  malignant 
 enemies,  that  as  "  the  Son  of  man''  he  was  in- 
 vested with  authority  to  raise  the  dead,  and 
 finally  to  judge  the  whole  human  race  :  "  Marvel 
 not  at  this;  for  the  hour  is  coming,  in  the  which 
 all  that  are  in  the  graves  shall  hear  his  voice,  and 
 shall  come  forth;  they  that  have  done  good,  unto 
 the  resurrection  of  life  ;  and  they  that  have  done 
 evil,  unto  the  resurrection  of  damnation  *."  He 
 frequently  predicted,  that  his  own  body,  about 
 to  be  exposed  to  unparalleled  cruelties,  to  die 
 upon  the  cross,  and  to  lie  in  the  grave,  would 
 return  to  life,  and  ascend  up  to  heaven.  The 
 wondrous  fact  was  accomplished,  and  has  been 
 proved  by  many  infallible  signs  and  indubitable 
 witnesses.  "  The  Lord  is  risen  indeed  !"  He 
 rose  as  the  conqueror  of  death ;  "  because  it  was 
 not  possible  that  he  should  be  holden  of  itf." 
 He  rose  in  the  capacity  of  a  public  person,  the 
 head  and  representative  of  his  people,  that  he 
 might  exhibit  in  himself  a  pledge  and  a  specimen 
 of  their  triumphant  resurrection  at  the  last  day. 
 He  is  accordingly  "  become  the  first-fruits  of 
 them  that  slept  it." 
 
 Some  instances  of  a  resuscitation  to  life  are 
 recorded  in  the  old  testament,  and  others  in  the 
 
 *  John  v.  23,  2q.         f  Acts  ii.  24,         $   1  Cor.  xv.  20, 
 
ON  THE  RESURRECTION  OF   THE  BODY.       513 
 
 new  *.  When  our  Lord  arose,  having  unsealed 
 the  sepulchres  of  the  dead,  he  called  forth  a  mul- 
 titude of  the  faithful,  and  took,  with  him  the 
 goodly  company.  "  Many  bodies  of  the  saints 
 which  slept  arose,  and  came  out  of  the  graves 
 after  his  resurrection  j\"  These  examples  may 
 tend  to  confirm  the  doctrine ;  but  our  strongest 
 arguments  and  our  sublimest  hopes  are  derived 
 from  the  case  of  the  great  Captain  of  our  salva- 
 tion. We  should  therefore  chiefly  consider  Him, 
 "  that  liveth,  and  was  dead,  and  behold,  He  is 
 alive  for  evermore,  and  hath  the  keys  of  hell  and 
 of  death  J." — "  For  if  we  believe  that  Jesus  died 
 and  rose  again,  even  so  them  also  which  sleep  in 
 Jesus  will  God  bring  with  him  §." 
 
 The  apostles,  who  had  once  "  questioned  what 
 the  rising  from  the  dead  should  mean  ||,"  having 
 received  full  demonstration  that  their  crucified 
 Master  was  restored  to  life  and  received  up  to 
 heaven,  went  forth  and  with  unshaken  zeal 
 "  preached  through  Jesus  the  resurrection  from 
 the  dead  **."  On  this  article  as  a  firm  basis  they 
 grounded  their  system,  and  drew  from  it  their 
 numerous  sources  of  instruction,  teaching  the 
 ignorant,  animating  the  faithful,  alarming  the 
 
 *  1  Kings  xvii.  22.  2  Kings  iv.  32—35.  xiii.  21, 
 Luke  vii.  14,  15.     viii.  54,  55.     John  xi.  43,  44. 
 
 f  Matt,  xxvii.  52,  53.  J  Rev.  i.  18. 
 
 §  1  Thess.  iv.  14.  j|  Mark  ix.  10.  **  Acts  iv.  2. 
 
 VOL.  III.  L    L 
 
514       ON  THE  RESURRECTION  OP    THE   BODY. 
 
 impenitent.  Such  was  the  uniform  tenor  of  their 
 declarations ;— "  God  hath  both  raised  up  the 
 Lord,  and  will  also  raise  up  us  by  his  own  power : 
 — We  must  all  appear  before  the  judgment- seat 
 of  Christ,  that  every  one  may  receive  the  things 
 done  in  his  body,  according  to  that  he  hath  done, 
 whether  it  be  good  or  bad  *." 
 
 Many  circumstances  relating  to  the  general 
 resurrection  are  concealed  from  us;  but  others 
 are  detailed  with  exactness,  and  form  a  most  in- 
 teresting description.  The  event  may  yet  be 
 distant ;  but  the  time  is  fast  approaching,  and  it 
 is  not  difficult  to  perceive,  from  the  present  dis- 
 pensations of  God's  providence  compared  with 
 his  prophecies,  a  gradual  preparation  for  it.  He 
 is  evidently  proceeding  with  the  execution  of  his 
 own  plan  ;  nor  should  we  doubt  of  its  final  com- 
 pletion. A  large  portion  of  it,  as  revealed  to  us 
 in  his  word,  has  been  already  fulfilled,  and  soon 
 will  "  the  seventh  angel  pour  out  his  vial  into 
 the  air,  and  there  will  come  a  great  voice  out  of 
 the  temple  of  heaven  from  the  throne,  saying, 
 "  It  is  done  f." 
 
 We  presume  not  to  determine,  what  revolu- 
 tions in  the  nations  of  the  earth,  or  what  changes 
 he  state  of  the  christian  church  may  yet  take 
 for  some  years  to  come ;  but  it  is  expressly 
 declared,  that  before  the  grand  consummation 
 
 *   l  Cor.  vi.  14.    2  Cor.  v.  10,  f  Rev.  xvi.  17. 
 
ON  THE  RESURRECTION  OB'  THE  BODY.       515 
 
 u  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  shall  become  the 
 kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  of  his  Christ  *."  In 
 no  one  point  are  the  prophecies  more  explicit : 
 and  whatever  variety  of  interpretation  may  pre- 
 vail respecting  some  of  the  circumstances  pre- 
 dicted, the  grand  outlines  of  the  expected  period 
 are  described  with  sufficient  clearness.  After  a 
 few  more  years  of  sin  and  misery,  in  which  Satan 
 appears  to  triumph,  the  Lord  God  will  arise  to 
 maintain  his  own  cause  of  truth  and  righteous- 
 ness. The  reign  of  Antichrist  shall  cease,  and  all 
 opposition  to  the  gospel  be  removed.  The  word 
 of  grace  and  salvation  shall  be  preached  in  its 
 purity,  and  with  universal  efficacy,  "  to  every 
 nation,  and  kindred,  and  tongue,  and  people  ;" 
 and  men  every  where  shall  be  subdued  to  u  the 
 obedience  of  faith."  "  The  fulness  of  the  Gen- 
 tiles shall  come  in; — and  all  Israel  shall  be 
 saved  f."  A  blessed  season,  in  which  the  reli- 
 gion of  Jesus  Christ  shall  be  known  and  mani- 
 fested in  all  its  excellency,  in  which  holiness  and 
 peace  and  love  and  joy  shall  exhibit  upon  earth 
 a  bright  resemblance  of  heaven !  Nor  will  its 
 continuance  be  short :  it  will  last  "  a  thousand 
 years:"  for  so  long  will  that  old  serpent  the  devil 
 be  bound  and  shut  up  that  he  deceive  not  the 
 nations :   and  so  long  will  Christ  reign  with  his 
 
 *  Rev.  xi.  15.  t  Rom.  xi.  25,  26. 
 
 iLf2 
 
bl6      ON  THE  KESUKKECTIOtf  OF  TH£  BODY.- 
 
 saints  *.  u  This  is  the  first  resurrection,"  It 
 may  well  be  denominated  "  life  from  the  dead  j*." 
 Yet  this  holy  and  happy  state  will  not  remain 
 to  the  end.  It  is  as  expressly  predicted,  that 
 there  will  be  a  sad  defection,  a  general  apostasy, 
 which  will  terminate  the  present  system  of  things. 
 How  deplorable  the  change !  and  how  unaccount- 
 able, but  on  the  supposition  of  man's  entire  de- 
 pravity, excited  and  actuated  by  the  malignity  of 
 the  devil !  a  When  the  thousand  years  are  ex* 
 pired,  Satan  shall  be  loosed  out  of  his  prison,  and 
 shall  go  out  to  deceive  the  nations,  which  arc  ift 
 the  four  quarters  of  the  earth  j."  In  consequence 
 of  the  permission  so  given  him,  by  far  the  greater 
 part  of  mankind  shall  be  seduced  from  the  faith, 
 shall  plunge  themselves  into  the  grossest  sen- 
 suality, become  scoffers  and  persecutors  of  the 
 few  saints  that  remain,  and  presumptuously  laugh 
 at  the  idea  of  Christ's  coming  to  judgment.  "  As 
 it  was  in  the  days  of  Noah  and  of  Lot,"  in  which 
 wickedness  and  infidelity  triumphed,  and  all  op- 
 position to  them  seemed  ineffectual, — "  even  thus 
 shall  it  be  in  the  day  when  the  Son  of  man  shall 
 be  revealed  §,"  "  There  shall  come  in  the  last 
 days  scoffers,  walking  after  their  own  lusts,  and 
 saying,  Where  is  the  promise  of  his  coming  ||  ?" 
 It  shall  be  a  season  of  tremendous  persecution: 
 
 *  Rev.  xx.  2-6.  f  Rom.  xi.  15.  %  Rev.  xx-7,  8. 
 
 §  Luke  xvii.  26—30.  ||  2  Peter  iii.  3,  4. 
 
ON   THE  RESURRECTION  OF  THE  BODY.       517 
 
 the  church  of  Christ  shall  be  restricted  within 
 narrow  bounds,  and  its  very  existence  threatened. 
 Satan  shall  gather  together  his  forces  to  battle  ; 
 "  the  number  of  whom  is  as  the  sand  of  the  sea : 
 and  they  shall  go  up  on  the  breadth  of  the  earth, 
 and  compass  the  camp  of  the  saints  about,  and 
 the  beloved  city*." 
 
 Then  shall  the  end  come.  When  matters  ap- 
 pear to  be  desperate,  as  if  the  Lord  had  forsaken 
 the  earth,  that  will  be  the  proper  moment  for  his 
 interposition,  to  confound  and  destroy  his  ene- 
 mies, to  rescue  his  oppressed  people,  to  plead  his 
 own  cause,  to  complete  his  plan,  by  the  universal 
 judgment  and  the  everlasting  separation  of  the 
 righteous  and  the  wicked.  "  The  Lord  Jesus 
 shall  be  revealed  from  heaven  with  his  mighty 
 angels  j\"  The  myriads  of  celestial  spirits  shall 
 form  his  retinue,  proclaim  his  approach,  and 
 summon  the  whole  race  of  Adam  to  stand  before 
 his  tribunal.  **  He  shall  descend  from  heaven 
 with  a  shout,  with  the  voice  of  the  archangel, 
 and  with  the  trump  of  God  $;*•  The  effect  will 
 be  instantaneous :  u  in  a  moment,  in  the  twink- 
 ling of  an  eye,  at  the  last  trump,  for  the  trumpet 
 shall  sound,  the  dead  shall  be  raised,"  and  the 
 living  "  shall  be  changed  §."  Both  the  earth  and 
 the  sea  shall  give  up  the  dead  which  are  in  them, 
 
 *  Rev.  xx.  8,  g.  f  2  Thess.  i.  %. 
 
 1    I  Thess.  iv.  \Q.  §  1  Cor.  xv.  52. 
 
518       ON  THE  RESURRECTION   OF   THE  BODY. 
 
 an  innumerable  company!  The  scattered  dust 
 shall  be  collected,  the  bones  shall  come  together, 
 bone  to  his  bone :  the  fallen  tabernacles  shall  be 
 reared  up  again,  and  their  former  inhabitants,  the 
 separated  spirits,  shall  return  to  their  abode.  The 
 resurrection  extends  not  to  those,  who  shall  be 
 found  alive  at  that  eventful  period ;  but  even 
 with  them  the  effect  produced  will  be  the  same. 
 A  similar  alteration,  corresponding  to  their  dif- 
 ferent characters,  will  pass  both  upon  their  souls 
 and  bodies.  "  We  shall  not  all  sleep,  but  we 
 shall  all  be  changed  *."  Then  tc  the  angels  shall 
 come  forth,  and  sever  the  wicked  from  among 
 the  just f."  How  unlike  to  one  another !  And 
 how  immense  the  distance,  at  which  they  will  be 
 placed  ! 
 
 The  redeemed  of  the  Lord  will  be  invested 
 with  a  radiance  and  a  glory,  similar  to  that  which 
 surrounds  their  ascended  Saviour.  H  He  shall 
 change  their  vile  body,  that  it  may  be  fashioned 
 like  unto  his  glorious  body,  according  to  the  work- 
 ing whereby  he  is  able  even  to  subdue  all  things 
 unto  himself  J."  And  they  "  shall  shine  forth  as 
 the  sun  in  the  kingdom  of  their  Father  §."  How 
 wonderful  and  excellent  the  change,  when 
 that  which  "  is  sown  a  natural  body,"  shall  be 
 "  raised  a  spiritual  body!"  It  shall  be  a  fit 
 companion  for  a  pure  spirit ;   perfectly  and  for 
 
 *  1  Cor.  xv.  51.  f  Matt.  xiii.  4g. 
 
 t   Phil.  iii.  21.  §  Matt.  xiii.  43. 
 
ON"  THE  RESURRECTION  OF   THE   BODY.       5\Q 
 
 ever  freed  from  suffering,  from  infirmity,  from 
 wrong  propensities,  and  temptations.  It  will 
 possess  a  high  degree  of  perpetual  activity  and 
 vigour ;  it  will  put  on  incorruption  and  immor- 
 tality ;  it  will  be  capable  of  the  employments  and 
 felicities  of  heaven.  "  Then  shall  be  brought  to 
 pass  the  saying  that  is  written,  Death  is  swallowed 
 up  in  victory  *." 
 
 The  impenitent  shall  "  awake  to  shame  and 
 everlasting  contempt  f."  With  what  reluctance 
 and  horror  will  they  come  forth  to  meet  their 
 Judge,  and  receive  their  everlasting  doom  !  With 
 what  eyes  will  they  look  on  the  compassionate 
 Redeemer,  whom  they  formerly  despised,  now 
 armed  with  vengeance  to  destroy  them !  In  vain 
 will  they  attempt  to  hide  themselves,  and  cry  to 
 the  mountains  and  rocks,  "  Fall  on  us,  and  hide 
 us  from  the  face  of  Him  that  sitteth  on  the 
 throne,  and  from  the  wrath  of  the  Lamb :  for 
 the  great  day  of  his  wrath  is  come ;  and  who 
 shall  be  able  to  stand  J  ?"  A  state  of  never- 
 ending  misery  awaits  them,  to  which  they  will 
 be  consigned  by  an  irreversible  decree.  Their 
 bodies  shall  be  punished  for  the  part  which  they 
 had  acted  in  the  commission  of  sin  ;  and  there- 
 fore in  the  resurrection  they  will  be  fitted  to 
 endure  the  torments  prepared,  the  burning  of 
 "  the  fire,  that  never  shall  be  quenched."  The 
 prospect  is  tremendous.     "  Who  among  us  shall 
 
 *  1  Cor.  xv.  42—54.       f  Dan.  xii.  2.       $  Rev.  vi.  15—1- 
 
520       ON  THE  RESURRECTION  OF  THE  BODY. 
 
 dwell  with  the  devouring  fire?    who  among  us 
 shall  dwell  with  everlasting  burnings  *  r" 
 
 This  grand  event  of  the  resurrection  being 
 accomplished,  nothing  will  remain  but  finally 
 to  terminate  the  present  system  of  things  by 
 the  general  conflagration  of  our  habitable 
 globe,  and  by  the  universal  judgment.  "  The 
 heavens  shall  pass  away  with  a  great  noise,  and 
 the  elements  shall  melt  with  fervent  heat,  the 
 earth  also  and  the  works  that  are  therein  shall  be 
 burned  up."  "  The  dead,  small  and  great,  shall 
 stand  before  God ;  and  the  books  shall  be 
 opened ,— and  the  dead  shall  be  judged  out  of 
 those  things  which  are  written  in  the  books, 
 according  to  their  works  f ." 
 
 Yet  numerous  and  express  as  the  declarations 
 of  scripture  are,  there  are  many  that  say,  "  How 
 can  these  things  be  ?"  Now,  whatever  apparent 
 difficulties  may  be  involved  in  the  subject,  no 
 impossibility  or  inconsistency  can  be  shewn. 
 The  unlimited  wisdom  and  power  of  God  are 
 sufficient  to  surmount  every  difficulty,  and  to 
 accomplish  the  events  predicted.  He  can  be  at 
 no  loss  to  contrive  or  to  effect  the  reproduction 
 of  those  bodies,  which  He  at  first  created,  how- 
 ever the  materials  of  them  may  be  scattered  and 
 mixed  with  other  substances.  "  Why  should  it 
 be  thought  a  thing  incredible  with  you,  that 
 God   should  raise    the  dead  J?"     Is  the  thing 
 
 *  Isaiah  xxxiii.  14.  f  2  Peter  iii.  10.     Itev.  xx.  12. 
 
 %  Acts  xxvi.  8. 
 
ON  THE  RESURRECTION  OP  THE  BODY.       521 
 
 improbable  from  his  character  ?  Is  it  not  rather 
 to  be  expected  from  his  equity,  that  he  may 
 €C  judge  the  world  in  righteousness,"  and  "  render 
 to  every  man  according  to  his  deeds  ?"  By  such 
 a  retribution  he  will  correct  the  seeming  imper- 
 fections and  inequalities  of  his  present  plan,  and 
 vindicate  before  the  assembled  universe  the  wis- 
 dom and  justice  of  his  government.  Thus  the 
 whole  will  terminate  in  the  happiness  of  his 
 people,  the  destruction  of  his  enemies,  and  the 
 manifestation  of  his  own  glory. 
 
 Is  it  still  enquired,  ce  How  are  the  dead  raised 
 up  ?  and  with  what  body  do  they  come  ?"  The 
 resurrection,  however  wonderful  and  mysterious, 
 is  only  analogous  to  what  we  constantly  witness 
 in  the  common  course  of  divine  providence. 
 What  does  every  returning  spring  exhibit,  but  a 
 resurrection  in  the  vegetable  creation  ?  Whence 
 arises  the  vast  increase  of  grain,  but  from  the 
 seed,  which  corrupted  and  apparently  perished 
 in  the  earth  ?  *$  That  which  thou  sowest,  is  not 
 quickened,  except  it  die*."  Here  is  life  conse- 
 quent upon  death,  and  even  resulting  from  it. 
 Such  a  revival  is  not  less  mysterious,  than  that 
 which  we  look  for  at  the  final  consummation. 
 Let  us  relinquish  all  vain  controversies,  and 
 curious  enquiries,  which  would  betray  our  igno- 
 rance or  our  presumption.  We  should  rest  in  a 
 general  persuasion  that  iC  nothing  is  impossible 
 with  God ;"  and  be  satisfied  with  his  express 
 
 *  1  Cor.  xv.  30. 
 
522       ON  THE  RESURRECTION  OP  THE  BODY. 
 
 assurances,  that  "  He,  who  raised  up  the  Lord 
 Jesus,  shall  raise  up  us  also  by  Jesus  #." 
 
 This  event  will  complete  the  work  of  Christ, 
 and  fulfil  all  his  engagements.  Let  us  learn  to 
 trust  in  him  with  implicit  and  unreserved  con- 
 fidence, and  "  wait  for  the  adoption,  to  wit,  the 
 redemption  of  our  body  j\"  We  should  be  con- 
 soled and  animated  by  his  gracious  declaration, 
 u  I  am  the  resurrection  and  the  life:  he  that 
 believeth  in  me,  though  he  were  dead,  yet  shall 
 he  live:  and  whosoever  liveth  and  believeth  in 
 me,  shall  never  die  J."  Ci  Concerning  them 
 which  sleep  in  Jesus,  we  sorrow  not,  even  as 
 others  which  have  no  hope. — God  will  bring 
 them  with  him  §."  We  take  up  our  own  cross 
 with  patience  and  courage :  we  bear  our  infir- 
 mities and  pains,  and  even  look  to  the  dissolution 
 of  our  bodies,  with  tranquillity  and  joy,  knowing 
 that  "  this  corruptible  must  put  on  incorruption, 
 and  this  mortal  must  put  on  immortality  ||." 
 Let  death  perform  its  work  upon  us ;  let  the 
 grave  open  its  mouth  and  prepare  its  worms  to 
 devour  us ; — yet  "  in  our  flesh  we  shall  see  God." 
 — "  O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  ?  O  grave,  where 
 is  thy  victory  ? — Thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth 
 us  the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ**!" 
 Amen. 
 
 *  2  Cor  iv.  14.         f  Rom.  viii.  23.  {  John  xi.  25,  26. 
 
 §  1  Thess.  iv.  1 3.  14.      ||  1  Cor.  xv.  53.     **  1  Cor.  xv. 55, 57. 
 
ESSAY   XCIII. 
 
 ON    THE    LIFE'  EVERLASTING. 
 
 After  the  resurrection  a  final  separation  of  characters 
 will  he  made.  The  life  everlasting  may 
 apply  to  the  righteous.  In  what  different  degrees 
 they  possess  this  life,  now, — at  the  hour  of  deaths 
 — and  after  the  judgment.  They  will  he  delivered 
 from  all  trials, — admitted  to  complete  felicity, — 
 and  that  not  for  a  time,  hut  for  ever. — The  life 
 everlasting  may  also  he  referred  to  the  wicked, 
 — whose  future  punishment  will  he  not  only  a  total 
 privation  of  happiness, — hut  a  positive  infliction 
 of  consummate  misery, — hoth  on  the  hody  and  the 
 soul.  Its  eternity,  in  the  full  sense,  is  expressly 
 declared. — The  completion  of  the  whole  system. 
 
 The  resurrection  of  the  dead  will  open  a  new 
 scene,  and  introduce  a  system  of  things,  which 
 will  admit  of  no  termination  or  change.  The 
 whole  race  of  mankind  shall  no  sooner  be 
 restored  to  life,  than  they  shall  be  summoned  to 
 the  tribunal  of  Christ,  and  receive  from  his  righ- 
 teous lips  the  sentence  of  their  final  destination. 
 He  will  judge  according  to  equity;  and  after  the 
 
524  ON  THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING. 
 
 most  minute  and  impartial  scrutiny,  having  de- 
 clared and  manifested  every  man's  character,  he 
 will  pronounce  them  blessed  or  accursed,  and  fix 
 them  by  his  own  irreversible  decree  in  their  re- 
 spective states  of  happiness  or  misery.  How 
 wide  the  separation  !  How  immense  the  diffe- 
 rence !  Yet  in  this  point  their  condition  will  be 
 similar :  both  the  one  and  the  other  will  be  end- 
 less and  unalterable.  There  will  be  no  more 
 death,  or  any  variation.  The  "  great  gulf"  be- 
 tween them  will  be  impassable.  The  judgment 
 is  conclusive,  and  all  beyond  it  is  permanent  and 
 eternal.  Such  is  the  last  article  of  our  creed,  by 
 which  we  profess  to  believe  in  "  the  life 
 everlasting,"  the  consideration  of  which  will 
 form  a  proper  close  for  these  practical  reflections 
 on  the  christian  system.  May  we  enter  upon  it 
 with  all  that  solemnity,  which  its  importance  de- 
 mands, and  may  it  leave  upon  our  minds  an  im- 
 pression most  favourable  to  true  religion,  never 
 to  be  effaced  ! 
 
 I.  We  may  apply  the  subject  to  the  case  of  the 
 righteous.  The  words  are  intended  to  refer  to 
 their  blessedness,  as  they  stand  in  the  symbol  of 
 our  faith,  which  thus  enumerates  their  high  pri- 
 vileges, "  the  communion  of  saints,  the  forgive- 
 ness of  sins,  the  resurrection  of  the  body,  and  the 
 life  everlasting."  It  must  also  be  granted,  that 
 the  expression  as  it  occurs  in  the  sacred  writings 
 is  generally  if  not  always  intended  to  describe 
 
ON  THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING.  525 
 
 exclusively  the  state  of  future  felicity  prepared 
 for  them.  "  He  that  soweth  to  the  Spirit  shall 
 of  the  Spirit  reap  life  everlasting  *  :"  and  no  other 
 person  will  be  admitted  to  that  happiness.  The 
 salvation,  which  believers  receive  in  Christ  Jesus, 
 is  not  temporary,  but  of  an  endless  duration. 
 The  work,  which  He  has  wrought  in  them,  is 
 begun  indeed  upon  earth,  but  it  will  be  perfected 
 in  the  kingdom  of  his  glory.  To  that  consum- 
 mation of  their  bliss  let  our  attention  be  directed. 
 There  is  a  sense,  in  which  the  life  everlasting 
 is  their  present  possession.  Being  justified  by 
 the  righteousness  of  Christ,  in  Him  they  are  en- 
 titled to  it.  Being  also  quickened  by  his  grace, 
 they  begin  to  live  anew;  and  the  vital  principle 
 implanted  in  their  souls  is  no  other  than  the 
 commencement  of  heaven.  It  is  "  the  well  of 
 water  springing  up  into  everlasting  lifef."  They 
 participate  of  a  joy,  superior  to  all  earthly  and 
 sensual  gratifications,  the  foretaste  of  that  exalted 
 blessedness,  which  is  "  at  God's  right  hand  for 
 evermore."  The  full  and  uninterrupted  fruition 
 is  what  they  are  incapable  of  in  this  state  of  im- 
 perfection and  defilement ;  but  it  is  ensured  to 
 them  by  the  most  sacred  pledges  and  inviolable 
 engagements.  "  Their  life  is  hid  with  Christ  in 
 God :"  and  He,  a  who  dieth  no  more,"  declares 
 
 *  Gal.  vi.  8.  f  John  iv.  14. 
 
526  ON  THE    LIFE   EVERLASTING. 
 
 for  their  encouragement,  "  Because  I  live,  ye 
 shall  live  also*.'* 
 
 They  quit  their  earthly  tabernacles  for  a  sea- 
 son :  but  the  intermediate  state  is  to  them  a  con- 
 dition of  high  enjoyment.  Their  disembodied 
 spirits  are  released  from  every  thing  painful,  made 
 perfect  in  holiness,  and  admitted  to  such  a  view 
 of  the  ever-blessed  God,  and  assurance  of  his 
 favour,  as  must  produce  inexpressible  delight. 
 "With  him  the  souls  of  the  faithful  are  in  joy 
 and  felicity  f-"  "  Whilst  they  are  at  home  in 
 the  body,  they  are  absent  from  the  Lord ;" — and 
 therefore  they  "  are  willing  rather  to  be  absent 
 from  the  body,  and  to  be  present  with  the  Lord.'' 
 "  To  die  is  gain;" — for  they  know,  that  "  to  de- 
 part is  to  be  with  Christ,  which  is  far  better  J." 
 Yet  their  happiness  is  partial :  it  is  not  that  of  the 
 whole  man.  The  grand  consummation  is  re- 
 served for  a  future  period:  it  will  take  place 
 upon  the  re-union  of  the  soul  and  body. 
 
 In  considering  the  life  everlasting  we  should 
 extend  our  views  beyond  the  resurrection  and 
 the  decisions  of  the  last  day.  After  the  judg- 
 ment, the  sentence  shall  be  carried  into  imme- 
 diate execution :  the  final  separation  of  men  shall 
 be  made  according  to  their  characters,  and  "  the 
 righteous  shall  go  into  life  eternal  §."     The  full 
 
 *  Col.  iii.  3.     John  xiv.  19.  f  Burial  Service. 
 
 %  2  Cor.  v.  G>  8.     Phil.  i.  21,  23.  §  Matt.  xxv.  4Q. 
 
ON  THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING, 
 
 Dl/ 
 
 import  of  the  expression  cannot  be  unfolded ;  we 
 must  "  inherit  the  kingdom,"  before  we  can  form 
 any  adequate  conceptions  of  its  felicity.  It  is 
 however  a  felicity,  adapted  to  all  our  faculties 
 corporeal  and  spiritual,  enlarged  and  purified  as 
 they  will  then  be.  Each  part  of  the  man  will  be 
 capable  of  appropriate  enjoyments,  and  each  part 
 will  receive  its  share  of  recompense  proportioned 
 to  its  faithful  services  upon  earth.  The  body 
 and  the  soul,  which  had  been  partners  both  in 
 active  exertions  and  in  patient  endurance  for  their 
 Lord,  shall  hereafter  be  partners  in  that  state  of 
 high  enjoyment,  to  which  he  will  admit  them. 
 
 It  is  only  a  negative  description  of  their  hap- 
 piness, when  we  say,  that  they  will  be  delivered 
 from  all  that  is  painful  and  defiling.  How  many 
 are  the  sources  of  distress  in  the  present  life ! 
 Our  intercourse  with  a  world  abounding  with 
 misery,  our  intimate  connection  with  friends  and 
 relations,  overwhelmed  with  afflictions  or  become 
 infamous  by  misconduct,  our  own  personal  suf- 
 ferings through  disappointed  schemes  and  em- 
 barrassed circumstances,  through  bereavements, 
 through  maladies  both  of  body  and  mind, — these, 
 among  other  causes,  draw  forth  our  tears,  and 
 darken  our  brightest  days.  But  sharper  trials  of 
 a  spiritual  nature  are  experienced  by  every  be- 
 liever. The  christian  life  is  a  perpetual  conflict. 
 The  scornful  derisions  of  ungodly  men,  if  not 
 their  violent  opposition  :   the  subtle  and  malig- 
 
528  ON  THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING. 
 
 nant  attacks  of  our  adversary  the  devil,  soliciting 
 our  consent  to  the  commission  of  evil,  under- 
 mining the  foundation  of  our  faith  and  hope, 
 harassing  us  with  imaginations  of  impurity,  blas- 
 phemy, or  despair  j  especially  our  own  corrupt 
 nature,  with  a  variety  of  vile  propensities  and 
 affections,  striving  for  the  mastery,  and  often 
 prevailing  against  our  better  desires  and  general 
 principles,  grieving  and  quenching  the  Spirit; — 
 these  things  may  frequently  involve  us  in  extreme 
 difficulties,  interrupt  our  peace,  and  fill  us  with 
 anguish  and  horror,  during  our  abode  on  earth. 
 But  they  shall  have  no  place  in  heaven.  "  God 
 shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  the  eyes"  of  his 
 redeemed ;  "  their  warfare  is  accomplished ;" 
 "  there  shall  be  no  more  curse  $"  they  shall  weep 
 no  more,  and  they  shall  sin  no  more  *. 
 
 There  are  higher  considerations,  of  a  positive 
 nature.  In  the  life  everlasting  we  must  include, 
 not  only  perfect  deliverance  from  evil,  but  the 
 possession  of  all  good.  The  descriptions  given 
 of  it  are,  and  must  be,  inadequate  -,  but  they  will 
 elevate  our  minds  in  the  contemplation  of  its 
 blessedness,  and  quicken  our  desires  for  its  at- 
 tainment. We  are  taught  to  conceive  of  it  as  a 
 state  of  unutterable  bliss, — u  fulness  of  joy,  and 
 pleasures  for  evermore  f:"  but  we  do  not  clearly 
 comprehend,  what  will  be  its  exalted  gratifica- 
 
 *  Rev,  -vii.  17.     xxii.  3.  f  Psalm  xvi.  11. 
 
ON  THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING.  529 
 
 tions.  An  enlarged  intellect,  perpetually  disco- 
 vering new  wonders  in  the  attributes  and  works 
 of  Jehovah,  will  be  an  inexhaustible  source  of 
 exquisite  delight.  "  Now  we  see  through  a  glass 
 darkly;  but  then  face  to  face  :  now  we  know  in 
 part;  but  then  shall  we  know,  even  as  also  we 
 are  known  #."  Marks  of  honourable  distinction 
 await  the  righteous,  and  in  different  degrees. 
 Every  thing  splendid  and  magnificent  upon  earth 
 is  brought  forward  to  assist  our  conceptions  of 
 that  "  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of 
 glory,"  "  reserved  in  heaven  for  them/'  They 
 shall  be  invested  with  "  authority  over  many 
 cities."  They  shall  shine  forth  with  a  radiance 
 brighter  than  the  sun.  Their  Lord  and  Master 
 will  bestow  on  them  "  a  crown  of  righteousness 
 and  of  glory,"  they  shall  "  enter  into  the  joy  of 
 their  Lord,"  and  they  shall  "  sit  with  him  in  his 
 throne  f ."  Their  society,  their  employment,  for 
 they  will  all  be  of  one  heart,  constantly  occupied 
 in  admiring  and  praising  the  God  of  their  salva- 
 tion, will  add  to  their  bliss.  But  especially  their 
 immediate  sight  of  God  and  their  communion 
 with  Him  will  produce  in  them  unutterable  rap- 
 tures. Yet  all  these  together  would  fail  of  se- 
 curing their  happiness,  without  their  own  per- 
 sonal and  immaculate  holiness.     "  Behold,  the 
 
 *  1  Cor.  xiii  12. 
 f2Cor.  iv.  17.     Lukexix.  17.    Dan.  xii.  3.    2  Tim.  iv.  8. 
 1  Pet.  V.  4.     Matt.  xxv.  21.     Rev.  iii.  21. 
 YOL,  III.  M  M 
 
530  ON  THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING. 
 
 tabernacle  of  God  is  with  men,  and  he  will  dwell 
 with  them,  and  they  shall  be  his  people,  and  God 
 himself  shall  be  with  them,  and  be  their  God." 
 "  It  doth  not  yet  appear,  what  we  shall  be :  but 
 we  know  that  when  he  shall  appear  we  shall  be^ 
 like  him;  for  we  shall  see  him  as  he  is*."  Such 
 is  the  beatific  vision,  to  which  those  will  be  ad- 
 mitted, who  "  have  washed  their  robes  and  made 
 them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb  j\" 
 
 This  is  life,  in  the  most  enlarged  sense,  and 
 it  is  everlasting.  If  it  were  not  of  an  endless 
 duration,  it  could  not  be  a  state  of  felicity.  The 
 fear  of  a  termination  would  be  a  painful  inter- 
 ruption, or  rather  an  entire  privation,  of  the  en- 
 joyment. But  on  this  subject  there  can  be  no 
 reasonable  doubt ;  so  clear  and  decided  are  the 
 declarations  of  the  sacred  oracles.  The  full  and 
 proper  eternity,  not  only  of  the  glories  of  heaven, 
 but  of  the  blessedness  of  the  righteous  who  are 
 u  heirs  of  the  kingdom,"  is  asserted  in  so  many 
 unequivocal  expressions,  and  indeed  this  part  of 
 the  article  of  our  creed  is  so  generally  allowed, 
 that  it  seems  needless  to  enter  upon  the  discus- 
 sion. It  should  be  remarked  however  from  the 
 following  passages,  that  the  doctrine' depends  not 
 on  the  meaning  of  a  single  word,  though  that 
 word  is  not  ambiguous,  but  that  it  is  conveyed 
 to  us  by  a  variety  of  phrases,  as  if  to  guard 
 
 *  Rev.  xxi.  3.     1  John  iii.  2.  f  Rev.  vii.  14. 
 
 7 
 
ON  THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING.  531 
 
 against  misconstruction  and  equivocation. — "  Ye 
 have  your  fruit  unto  holiness,  and  the  end  ever- 
 lasting life  : — for  the  gift  of  God  is  eternal  life 
 through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord." — "  I  give  unto 
 them  eternal  life;  and  they  shall  never  perish, 
 neither  shall  any  pluck  them  out  of  my  hand." 
 "  Whosoever  liveth  and  believeth  in  me  shall 
 never  die." — "  So  shall  we  ever  be  with  the 
 Lord." — This  is  u  an  inheritance  incorruptible, 
 and  undeflled,  and  that  fadeth  not  away/' — 
 "  Him  that  overcometh  will  I  make  a  pillar 
 in  the  temple  of  my  God,  and  he  shall  go  no 
 more  out." — "  There  shall  be  no  more  curse ; 
 — and  there  shall  be  no  night  there ; — and  they 
 shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever  *." — Our  conclusion 
 then  is,  that  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord  will  finally 
 be  established  in  a  place  of  high  exaltation  and 
 consummate  enjoyment,  beyond  the  possibility  of 
 removal  or  change;  that  their  felicity  will  be 
 fixed  and  unalterable  as  the  throne  of  God. 
 
 This  is  not  a  subject  of  mere  curious  specula- 
 tion :  it  is  replete  with  instruction.  Among  other 
 lessons,  we  should  learn  from  it,  to  "  seek  first 
 the  kingdom  of  God,"  and  that  "  righteousness" 
 which  is  requisite  for  our  admission.  We  must 
 therefore  seek  it  by  faith,  for  our  Lord  has  taught 
 us,  that  "  He  is  the  way,  and  that  no  man 
 cometh  unto  the  Father,  but  by  Him."     He  is 
 
 *  Rom.  vi.  22,  23.     John  x.  28.     xi.  26.     1  Thess.  iv.  \"J. 
 
 I  Pet.  i.  4.     Rev.  iii.  12.     xxii.  3.  5. 
 
 M  M  2 
 
532  ON  THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING. 
 
 "  the  forerunner,  who  is  for  us  entered."     "  I 
 go,"  said  he,  "  to  prepare  a  place  for  you : — I 
 will  come  again,  and  receive  you  unto  myself; 
 that  where  I  am,  there  ye  may  be  also*."     How 
 strong  is  the  consolation  !    What  support,  what 
 courage,  and  vigour  should  it  give  to  our  minds, 
 in  all  the  complicated  trials  of  our  christian  war- 
 fare !   "  Be  patient,  therefore,  brethren  ;  stablish 
 your  hearts :  for  the  coming  of  the  Lord  draweth 
 nighf."     With  the  prospeet  of  such  a  happy 
 termination,  complain  not  of  the  magnitude,  the 
 number,  orihe  duration  of  your  sufferings.   They 
 *c  are  not  worthy  to  be  compared  with  the  glory, 
 which   shall   be  revealed  in    us  J."     Nay,  you 
 should  even  rejoice  in  your  tribulations :   they 
 will  brighten  your  future  crown,  and  prepare 
 you  for  its  possession.     u  Your  light  affliction, 
 which  is  but  for  a  moment,  worketh  for  you  a 
 far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory  §." 
 To  this  blissful  inheritance  your  eyes  should 
 be  continually  directed.     Indulge  the  most  eager 
 desires  for  its  attainment,  and  with  increasing 
 animation  press  forwards  to  it.     Let  not  the  trifles 
 of  earth  engross  your  attention  ;  but  rise  above 
 them  in  the  full  persuasion  that  u  it  is  your  Fa- 
 thers good  pleasure  to  give  you  the  kingdom  ||." 
 Let  your  whole  deportment  be  suited  to  the  cha- 
 
 *  Heb.  vi.  20.    John  xiv.  2,  Z3  6.         f  James  v.  j,  8. 
 |  Rom,  viii.  18,         $  2  Cor.  iv.  1 7.         \\  Luke  xii.  32v 
 
ON  THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING.  533 
 
 racter  and  expectation  of  the  citizens  of  the  hea- 
 venly Jerusalem :  so  shall  you  be  able  to  declare 
 with  the  apostle,  "  Our  conversation  is  in  heaven; 
 from  whence  also  we  look  for  the  Saviour,  the 
 Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  who  shall  change  our  vile  body, 
 that  it  may  be  fashioned  like  unto  his  glorious 
 body,  according  to  the  working  whereby  he  is 
 able  even  to  subdue  all  things  unto  himself*." 
 
 But  a  different  scene  demands  our  notice.  We 
 remark  that  "  the  life  everlasting,"  as  importing 
 a  continued  state  of  existence,  extends  to  men  of 
 opposite  characters.     Therefore 
 
 J  I.  We  may  with  propriety  apply  the  article 
 before  us  to  the  future  condition  of  the  wicked. 
 They  will  be  raised  from  their  graves.,  tried,  and 
 condemned  by  the  righteous  Judge,  in  order  that 
 they  may  "  receive  the  things  done  in  their 
 body f."  The  question  is,  of  what  sort  will  be 
 their  retribution.  If  they  live  again,  will  they 
 continue  to  do  so  ?  and  in  what  situation  will 
 they  be  fixed  ?  On  this  subject  we  are  not  left  to 
 doubtful  conjectures.  Enough  at  least  is  told  us, 
 to  exclude  all  hope  of  their  deliverance  from 
 misery,  or  of  any  mitigation  of  their  torments. 
 They  "  shall  be  punished  with  everlasting  de- 
 struction from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  from 
 the  glory  of  his  power  J."  Such  is  the  declara- 
 tion of  truth  and  justice :  who  are  we,  that  we 
 
 *  Phil.  iii.  20,  31,         f  2  Cor.  v.  10.        %  2  Thess.  i  Q. 
 
534  ON  THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING. 
 
 should  controvert  and  deny  it  ?  Are  we  wiser 
 than  God  ?  Shall  we  make  Him  a  liar  ?  Or  shall 
 we  presume  to  charge  him  with  cruelty  or  injus- 
 tice ?  On  what  ground  then  shall  we  maintain, 
 as  many  do,  that  he  will  not  punish  the  finally 
 impenitent,  or  that  he  will  not  punish  them  for 
 ever  ?  What  arrogant  interpretation  is  it,  which 
 refuses  to  admit  an  eternity  of  misery,  and  erases 
 the  doctrine  of  everlasting  damnation  out  of  the 
 christian  system  ? 
 
 Future  punishment  is  sometimes  described  as 
 a  privation  of  happiness.  "  The  unrighteous 
 shall  not  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God :" — they 
 "  shall  not  see  life  *."  They  are  therefore  said 
 to  be  "lost;" — their  "  end  is  destruction  ;" — it 
 is  "  the  perdition  of  ungodly  men  :"  they  "  die  ;" 
 they  "  perish  j-.1'  From  such  accounts  it  has 
 been  rashly  concluded,  that  they  will  be  annihi- 
 lated, or  cease  to  exist:  the  inference  cannot  fairly 
 be  drawn  from  these  phrases.  They  imply  only, 
 that  they  are  cut  off  from  all  enjoyment,  deprived 
 of  every  thing  good  and  desirable,  rendered  inca- 
 pable of  ever  employing  their  faculties  in  the 
 service  of  God,  and  consigned  to  a  state  of  hope- 
 less ruin.  These  are  considerations,  which  must 
 excite  the  most  poignant  sensations  of  remorse, 
 of  horror,  and  despair.    Can  there  be  any  thought 
 
 *   ]  Cor.  vi.  9.     John  iii.  36. 
 
 t  2  Cor.  iv.  3.     Phil-  i".  *9-     2  Pet.  iii.  7.     Rom.  viii.  13. 
 
 2  Cor.  ii.  15.  . 
 
ON  THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING,  535 
 
 more  insupportable  than  this,  that  all  is  lost, — . 
 the  immortal  soul,  the  salvation  of  Christ,  the 
 favour  of  God,  the  felicities  of  heaven  ?  Such  is 
 the  loss  they  sustain,  and  it  is  never  to  be  re- 
 paired. 
 
 Other  descriptions  prove,  that  their  punish- 
 ment is  more  than  a  privation  of  happiness,  that 
 it  is  a  positive  infliction  of  misery,  under  which 
 they  will  continue  to  live,  and  never  cease  to 
 suffer.  "  The  wrath  of  God  abideth  on  them  *V 
 and  t€  who  knoweth  the  power  of  his  anger  r" 
 He  will  pour  out  "  indignation  and  wrath,  tri- 
 bulation and  anguish,  upon  every  soul  of  man 
 that  cloeth  evil."  They  shall  be  "  cast  into  a 
 furnace  of  fire;  there  shall  be  wailing  and  gnash- 
 ing of  teeth."  They  shall  "  go  into  hell,  into 
 the  fire  that  never  shall  be  quenched  :  where 
 their  worm  dieth  not,  and  the  fire  is  not  quench- 
 ed*." Are  these  things  consistent  with  the  no- 
 tion of  their  annihilation,  or  of  any  the  most 
 distant  termination  of  their  torment? 
 
 The  holy  scriptures  have  not  determined,  what 
 is  the  precise  nature  of  their  punishment.  It  will 
 be  inflicted  doubtless  upon  the  body  as  well  as 
 upon  the  soul.  They  sinned  together,  and  they 
 will  suffer  together.  We  cannot  otherwise  ac- 
 count for  the  resurrection  of  the  unjust.     Why 
 
 *  Johu  ill .  36.     Psalm  xc.  11.     Rom.  ii.  8,  9.     Matt.  xiii.  42. 
 Mark  ix.  43,  44. 
 
536  Oft   THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING. 
 
 are  they  again  to  be  clothed  in  flesh,  but  that 
 they  may  display  the  justice  of  God  even  in  their 
 corporeal  pains  ?  But  adverting  only  to  the  state 
 of  their  minds,  it  is  not  possible  for  us  to  con- 
 ceive the  excruciating  misery  they  will  endure* 
 The  unrestrained  violence  of  all  their  malignant 
 passions  would  of  itself  be  a  perpetual  source  of 
 insupportable  anguish.  They  will  bewail  their 
 folly  and  madness,  yet  repent  not  of  their  sins : 
 they  will  gnash  their  teeth,  in  the  extremity  of 
 their  tortures,  filled  with  rage,  and  overwhelmed 
 with  all  the  horrors  of  despair.  They  will  curse 
 and  torment  each  other,  and  vent  their  blasphe- 
 mous execrations  against  God  himself.  Their 
 sharpest  sufferings  will  arise  from  the  feeling  and 
 the  dread  of  his  fierce  anger :  and  the  vials  of  his 
 wrath  will  be  continually  poured  out  upon  them 
 "  without  mixture."  Such  are  the  general  ac- 
 counts, and  they  are  enough  to  convince  us,  that 
 the  wretchedness  of  those,  who  are  c^eigned  to 
 "  outer  darkness,"  will  exceed  all  the  conceptions 
 we  can  now  form. 
 
 But  is  there  no  limit  to  its  duration  ?  No : 
 there  can  be  no  termination,  unless  there  should 
 come  a  change  in  the  mind  of  God,  or  of  sin- 
 ners. Is  this  to  be  expected  ?  or  is  it  possible  ? 
 So  long  as  He  remains  the  just  and  righteous 
 governor,  he  will  continue  to  hate  and  punish 
 the  workers  of  iniquity,  except  they  submit,  and 
 a  reconciliation  be  effected.     The  case  therefore 
 
ON  THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING.  537 
 
 is  hopeless.  They  will  persist  in  their  enmity 
 and  rebellion  :  the  very  pains  of  hell  will  render 
 them  more  obdurate.  No  change  of  character 
 can  take  place,  but  by  a  divine  interposition ; 
 and  that  interposition  will  not  be  extended  be- 
 yond the  present  life.  This  is  the  only  "  day  of 
 salvation:"  there  will  be  no  other  season  of  grace, 
 no  further  exercise  of  mercy. 
 
 The  conclusion,  then,  which  forces  itself  upon 
 us,  is,  that  damnation  is  eternal :  not  only  that 
 hell  will  for  ever  exhibit  the  justice  and  ven- 
 geance of  almighty  God,  but  that  the  persons, 
 who  shall  be  doomed  to  it  by  the  sentence  of  the 
 last  day,  will  never  be  released  from  their  tor- 
 ments, or  obtain  any  mitigation.  The  language 
 of  scripture,  asserting  this  doctrine,  is  too  strong 
 to  be  explained  away;  and  in  fairness  of  criticism 
 it  will  not  admit  of  any  other  interpretation. 
 Nor  does  our  inference  rest  upon  the  meaning 
 of  a  single  word :  The  expressions  are  varied 
 and  multiplied :  and  all  declare  the  same  thing. 
 Not  only  are  the  punishment  and  the  fire  said  to 
 T)e  "  everlasting,"  but  such  other  descriptions  are 
 given  of  them,  as  necessarily  connect  with  them 
 a  full  and  proper  eternity.  The  fire  is  "  un- 
 quenchable,' '  and  "  the  smoke  of  their  torment 
 ascendeth  up  for  ever  and  ever  f." 
 
 May  the  consideration  of  this  awful  and  tre- 
 
 *  Matt.  iii.  12.     Rev.  xiv.  II. 
 VOL.  III.  N  N 
 
538  ON  THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING, 
 
 mendous  subject  produce  a  salutary  and  lasting 
 influence  upon  our  minds  !  Let  us  learn  to  fear 
 God,  "  who  is  able  to  destroy  both  soul  and  body 
 in  hell*."  Alas  !  "  who  may  stand  in  his  sight, 
 when  once  he  is  angry f  ■"  Be  it  our  object  to 
 enquire,  in  what  way  we  may  "  flee  from  the 
 wrath  to  come."  Why  are  we  not  already  "  suf- 
 fering the  vengeance  of  eternal  fire  V*  "  It  is  of 
 the  Lord's  mercies  that  we  are  not  consumed  J." 
 We  have  abused  his  patience ;  but  let  us  trifle 
 no  longer.  Let  us  seize  the  present  moment, 
 and  lay  hold  on  the  sceptre  of  his  grace,  still 
 stretched  out  to  us,  that  we  may  i(  make  peace 
 with  him."  Jesus  hath  appeared  to  obtain  recon- 
 ciliation ;  and  He  arrests  the  arm  of  justice,  that 
 it  may  not  fall  on  those,  who  believe  in  his  name. 
 He  solicits  our  acceptance  of  the  complete  deli- 
 verance he  hath  procured  :  and  he  offers  it  to  us, 
 in  the  only  way  in  which  we  can  receive  it, 
 ^  without  money  and  without  price."  "  He  that 
 believeth  on  him  is  not  condemned, — and  he 
 shall  not  come  into  condemnation,  but  is  passed 
 from  death  unto  life  §." 
 
 Such  will  be  the  completion  of  the  christian 
 system.  The  wicked  '*  shall  go  away  into  ever- 
 lasting punishment:  but  the  righteous  into  life 
 eternal  ||."     The  wondrous  plan,  which  has  been 
 
 *  Matt.  x.  28.         f  Psalm  Ixxvi.  7.         %  Lam.  iii.  22. 
 §  John  iii.  18.     v.  24.  ||  Matt.  xxv.  46. 
 
 3 
 
ON  THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING.  539 
 
 carrying  on  from  the  beginning,  will  be  termi* 
 nated  by  this  final  separation  ;  and  the  whole 
 will  issue  in  the  manifestation  of  the  glory  of 
 God.  His  various  perfections  will  have  their 
 fall  exercise  and  display:  and  myriads  of  pure 
 and  holy  beings,  the  elect  angels  and  redeemed 
 sinners,  will  unite  in  admiring  the  counsels  of 
 his  wisdom,  and  the  dispensations  both  of  his 
 justice  and  his  grace.  Let  us  listen  to  the  ac- 
 count of  one,  who  was  "  caught  up  into  para- 
 dise :"  "  I  heard  a  great  voice  of  much  people 
 in  heaven,  saying,  Alleluia !  Salvation,  and  glory, 
 and  honour,  and  power  unto  the  Lord  our  God; 
 for  true  and  righteous  are  his  judgments! — And 
 a  voice  came  out  of  the  throne,  saying,  Praise 
 our  God,  all  ye  his  servants,  and  ye  that  fear 
 him,  both  small  and  great.  And  I  heard  as  it 
 were  the  voice  of  a  great  multitude,  .and  as  the 
 voice  of  many  waters,  and  as  the  voice  of  mighty 
 thunderings,  saying,  Alleluia  :  for  the  Lord  God 
 Omnipotent  reigneth*!"     Amen. 
 
 *  Rev.  xix.  I — 0. 
 
 THE     END. 
 
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