F M^3 l^ V 35Bi iicuJ^db, 18)1. Class. Book- FA51 •y -2 £Bib I il - /I 7 ti/<^^^' / / 33 y A SERMON, OCCASIONED .^ .-I _^ »Y THE EXPECTED REMOVAL OF A NUMBER Of" FAMILIES TO NEW CONNECTICUT: AT WHICH TIME, A PART OF THEIR XUMBER WAS FORMED INTO A GOSPEL CHURCH; APRIL 3, 1811. /. BY JOEL BAKER, A. M. HINISTKIt OF THE MIDDLE PARISH, CBANTILLB. Jpartforti : PRINTED BY iiUO ON AND GOODWIN. 1811. F~ .'V'1 'I 35 B \i TO THOSE PERSONS WHO ARE REMOVING FROM GRANVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS, TO CHARLESTOWN, STATE OF OHIO ; THE FOLLOWING SERMON, TO WHOM IT WAS PREACHED, AND AT WHOSE REQUEST IT IS PUBLISHED, IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED ; BY THEIR AFFECTIONATE FRIEND AND BROTHER, JOEL BAKER. THE DIVINE PRESENCE NECESSARY, FOR THE DIRECTION AND SUPPORT OP CHRISTIAN TRAVELLERS. EXODUS xxxiii. 15. If thy presence go not loith me, carry tis not up hence. J. HE life of man is one continued journey, from the cradle to the grave. When the children of Israel came out of Egypt, they travelled three months, and came to Mount Sinai, in the wilderness, where they encamped many days, to receive instruction from the Lord, by the hand of Moses. Here they provoked God, to destroy many of them, by making and worshipping the golden calf. At this time, Moses was greatly distres- sed for the people ; and as their leader, he sensibly felt liis need of the divine presence. Accordingly, he \vafi disposed to make earnest supplication to God for his blessing and direction. Though Moses and the Isra- elites were now in a waste, howling wilderness, bound for Canaan, of which land many good things had been said, to increase their desire for it ; yet it seems Moses chose to live and die with God in that wilderness, rath- er than go up to that good land, without God's gracious presence. " If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence." The plain, important proposition, from the text, is this : God's gracious presence is desirable and neces- sary, to direct and prosper us, in the journey of life. I will 4 SERMON. I. Show our need of God's presence. II. The means we are to use to obtain it. III. When we may be said to have the presence of God. IV. Point out some of the blessed effects of it. 1. Under the first head, we remark, first, God's pres- ence is needful for us, because we have neither wisdom, nor ability, to plan and execute for ourselves. A man, left to his own direction, in this changing world, would be like a ship, in a storm, wiihout helm or compass. " It is not in man that walketh, to direct his steps. The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole dis- posing thereof is of the Lord." With all our activit)-, and resolution, to carry on and accomplish our worldly schem.es, we are wholly dependent on the blessing of God, to enable us to bring them to pass. " Without me" sa}s the Saviour, " ye can donothirg." This is true in temporal, as well as in spiritual concerns. We can never expect to prosper, when God does not smile upon our undertakings. How many, notwithstanding, seem to go on their journey in life, unmindful of any superiniending prov- idence ? If such persons are suffered to pro^^per for a time in this world, there is this bitter ingredient in their cup of blessings; they are receiving their good things in this life, but everlasting soriows av.ait ihem in the world to come. 2. We need the divine direction tliroiigli life, be- cause we are strongly inclined to walk iii forbidden paths. We learn by experience, and the word of God, tliai somelhing more than bible rules, and common grace, is necessary to keep men from the iove and practice of ^ i SEKMON. sin, and bii.g them to tlie love of the truth. Not- withstimding all the i!p:ht Vvdiich siiiners can possibly have, Without restraining grace, thiy would never break off from one sinful practice, nor be disposed to keep one of God's commandment:",. Neither is common grace sufficient, to lead real christians in the path of duty, and save them from sin- ful practices. JVioses m.anifests a full conviction of this truth, by that memorable prayer in my text. He docs not barely ask for the common and ordinary bles- sings of providence, to attend him. in his journey, but he pleads for the gracious, comforting and supporting pres- ence of God. That this was the irvport of Moses' prayer, is very evident. God had, before this, been wonderfully present ^ith RIoses and llie Israelites, ev- er since they came out of Egypt, by the pillar of cloud by day, imd of fire by night. Moses must therefore have asked something more ; and it is certain he ob- tained his request. (Verse 14) " And he said, my presence shall go with thee, and 1 will give thee peace." 3. We need the divine presence, to support and com.fort us, under the trials of life. Go where Vv'e v>ill, follow whatever employm.cnt in life, crosses "and disappointments Vi'ill attend us. The gracious presence of God is an unfailing support, un- der all the necessary evils of life. It will serA^e to smooth the rugged path of life, and to fortify the mi'id. against approaching evils. When God engages for a people, they have nothing to fear. Under his direction, ,,, ^ pcop_. God for their portion, li they are brought into great diificulties and troubles, they can say y/nh the Aptjstle, " Our light affliction, vrhich is but for a momer.t, work- eth for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." x'^nd if enemies beset them aroimd on every side, they may say vrith the Psalmist, " TJic Lord is my 6 SERMON. liglit and my salvation ; whom shall I fear ? The Lord is the strength of my life ; of whom shall I be afraid ?" II. We are to inquire what means are to be used to obtain the gracious presence of God. The principal, and most effectual mean of obtaining the divine presence, is earnest humble prayer to God. All temporal and spiritual mercies flow down to the children of men, through this channel. But how does it appeal-, that prayer is the most effectual mean of pro- curing the divine presence ? 1. Because it is of divine appointment. When God is about to bestow favors, he will first be sought unto by his people, to do it for them ; Ezekiel xxxvi. 37. He does not grant blessings for our pray- ers ; nor will he bestow them without our prayers. The wisdom and goodness of God are wonderfully manifested, by giving such things as we need, in ans- v^er to prayer : — His wisdom in bringing us to ac- knowledge the hand of the Author : — His goodness in preparing our minds to value the gift. Though God perfectly knows all our wants, and has determined beforeliand, ^^4lat mercies to grant ; yet he has also de- termined to make us sensible of our need of mercy, and humbly to ask for it, before he bestows it upon us. What if God has decreed whatsoever comes to pass ? The decrees of God do not exclude second causes, nor render our prayers unavailing. 2. Prayer is the most effectual mean of obtaining the gracious "presence of God, because it supposes that temper of mind which is necessary to the reception of it. One important part of prayer to God, is confession of sin ; it must therefore imply a sense of unworthiness, and a desire to be delivered from sin, and made holy. And these are the very persons whom God delightetli SERMON. 7 to honor with his holy presence, and supporting grace ; Isaiah Ixvi. 2. " But to this man will 1 look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit," &.c. The children of God sensibly feel their constant need of di- vine grace, to keep them from falling. It is well known, that every place, and every company has its snai'es and allurements. Hence the importance of com- mitting ourselves, and all our concerns, into the hands of God, by prayer every day. And especially when called to pass through new and untried scenes, to bid farewell to our native land, and to go with our families to a new and distant country : at such seasons, it is pe- culiarly proper, and a binding duty to pray for the gra- cious and supporting presence of God. 3. Prayer is the most effectual mean of obtainmg this blessing, as it supposes a feeling sense of depend- ence on God. There is nothing stands so nearly connected with promised blessings, as an humble resignation to the will of God. Psalm xxxvii. " Trust in the Lord, and do good ; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. — Delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Com- mit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass." We have no right to enter upon any undertaking, however flattering the prospect, without first asking counsel of the Lord. Those who live unmindful of the providence of God, who pass along through the journey of life in a heed- less manner, without feeling their dependence on the blessing of God, ought carefully to read and seriously to apply the words of the apostle James : " Go to, now, ye that say, to day, or^'to-morrow, we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain ; whereas ye know not what will be on the morrow," &c. We have an excellent example of humble dependence and prayer to God for temporal blessings, in Abraham's servant, when on his journey 8 SJERMON, to Mesopotamia ; Gen. xxiv. 12. " O Lord God of my master, Abraham, I pray thee send me good speed this day," &c. In this prayer he fidly acknowledges the sovereignty of providence, and his dependence iifu on the divine blessing, in all his ways. iq III. When may a people be said to have the gri cioLis presence of God v/ith them ? \li 1. When they live near to God. . u 2. Chron. xv. 2. " The Lord is with you, while ye be with him, and if ye seek him, he will be found of- you, but if ye forsake him, he will cast you off forever. '*= Do you ask the wiy to live near to God ? Strive to^^ honor and obey him, by endeavoring to walk in the - light of his holy word. In this way you will be cer- tain to obtain the honor and love of God. 1. Sam. ii. 30. " Them that honor me, I will honor, but they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed." 2. They may be said to have the presence of God wjth them, Mdio are engaged to do all the good they can. Mankind are capable of exercising benevolent af- fection, and of doing real good in the world. When true benevolence reigns in the heart, it will carry men above the narrow bounds of selfishness ; even to deny themselves, and to make great worldly sacrifices for the sake of advancing the cause of Christ. By this, some godly ministers, and other serious christians, when called to enter into the field of missionary labor, have been vvilling to break up all worldly connections, and leave their native country, to spend their lives in the wilderness, among heathen nations. And if it can be made to appear, that the good of Christ's kingdom calls for the present rapid settlement of the western world ; why ought not the people of God in every place, to feel willing to go themselves, and to encour- age others, notwithstanding ail the sacrifices they must make, and the inconveniences they must experience. SERMON. 9 Let it be first determined, in what part of the world we can do the most good, thither we may go, with as much safety, and with as great assurance of the divine presence, as Israel could follow the pillar of cloud by day, and of fire by night. 3. \ye may be sure to have the divine presence in dl our journeyings through life, when the glory of God is our chief end. If God made his own glory his chief end, in all his works, it is highly reasonable we should have this our leading object in all we do. It is not enough for us to aim at God's glory in some of the high acts of religion, and to be regardless of it in every thing else. I'he Apostle brings it down to small actions, and makes it necessary in every thing. " \^'hether ye eat or drink or whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God." It may be lawful for us to plan and execute our worldly business, to pursue our own lawful callings, and even to change our earthly property and place of residence, as convenience or necessity may reouire. But we have no right to any of these things without first con- sulting the mind 'dnd will of God. And if we find on examination, that our proposed undertakings will not be most for God's glory, we ought to be willing to re- linquish them, however flattering the prospect of worldly gain. * i ^^'f^u^^ "^ ^^^ ^ moment meditate upon the happy state ot those who have the divine presence with them through the journey of life. 1. It will tend to make us walk softly, and examine seriously what we are about to undertake. Those who aim to live constandv under the eye of God will be careful to walk by the light of his holy word, and to look to him at all times for direction and support. If they are called to transact important bu- siness, and to remove from place to place for the better 2 10 SERMON. accommodation of themselves and families," they will feel and express themselves as Moses did ; " If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence." 2. The gracious presence of God aflbrds comforta- ble evidence of the pardon of sin, and of reconciliation to God. And what can be more desirable than a well ground- ed hope and spiritual evidence that our sins are wash- ed away, through the blood of Christ ? The happiness of both worlds depends upon this. Psalm xxxii. " Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile." 3. The divine presence will reconcile us to the lot of providence. While passing along the journey of life, we may ex- pect to meet with many changes. Some of these will el- evate the mind in expectation of future scenes of pros- peritv ; but others again, will seem to cast a gloom upon all worldly prospects. In both these cases Ave need the divine presence, to enable us to bear prosper- ity and adversity with an equal mind. How miserable must be the condition of those who are brought into great trials, without the presences of God to support them ? Hear the bitter lamentation of king Saul ; " And he said, I am sore distressed, for the Philistines make war against me, ar.d God is departed from me, and answereth me no more." But how very different the language of king David, wh.o lived near to God, and was blessed widi the divine presence: "The Lord is my light and my salvation ; whom shall 1 fear ? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid V 4. The presence of God gives peace of mind in life smd in death. SIRMON. 11 The greatest misery attending mankind in this or a future world, is self condemnation. " There is no peace, saith m}' God, to the wicked." Their way is hard and difficult, because it is against the light of rea- son, and the dictates of their own consciences. "A wounded spirit who can bear." But look at those who have become reconciled to God, to whom God has granted his holy Spirit and blessed presence. They have that peace of mind, which the world can neither give r.or take a^vay. " Great peace have they that love the Lord, and nothing shall offend them. The work of righteousness shall be peace ; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. They that trust in the Lord, shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be moved. They shall moimt up with Avings, as eagles ; they shall run, and not be ^weary ; and they shall walk, and not faint." Such confidence in God supported Moses under all his trials. In an- swer to his prayer, God had promised his gracious presence, to go with him ; hence we may conclude, Moses never had occasion to repent of his undertaking to lead Israel into Canaan, though he wandered about forty years in the ^vilderness, and died at last, short of the promised land. He lived and died v*-ith God : this was all his salvation, and all his desire. Psalm xxxvii. 37. " Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace." IMPROVEMENT. Inference 1. If Vvt have so much need of the pres- ence of God, to direct and prosper us in all the jour- ney ings of life ; how must they stand reproved, who depend on human wisdom for direction, to the neglect of divine providence ? Are there not many among us, who set out, and feel confident of success in worldly lousiness, without any regard to the governing providence of God ? Alas ! how few attentively consider that solemn truth, Eccle. ix. 1. " The righteous and the wise and their works 12 SiRMON. are in the hands of God." Inconsiderate nien often enter upon the business -. f life without consulting the mind and will of God. Their conduct shows a wish to be independent, and a resolution to stand accountable to no other being in the universe, but to themselves. All such vain confidence will, in the end, produce sor- row and vexation of spirit. " For he who exalteth him- self shall be abased." Let those who boast of human wisdom, and refuse submission to the government of God, remember, that their wisdom will fail them when they are in perishing need of help. And what will greatly aggravate their misery, " God will laugh at their calamity, and mock when their fear cometh." Inference^ If prayer is the most effectual means of obtaining the divine presence, what shall we think of those who live in the neglect of this great duty ? Can they hope to be succeeded in their lawful undertak- ings ? There are some who seem to make wise calculations for this world, and are careful to do every thing else to make the journey of life prosperous ; and yet they neglect this one thing needful. With those of this character, God cannot be well pleased ; nor has he given any encouragement in his word, that he will bless and prosper them. All God's promised bless- ings are given in answer to prayer. The Apostle? and primitive christians believed this, and practised accor- dingly. When they were called to travel into distant parts, and leave their brethren, it was their practice to assemble and pray for the divine blessing upon each other before they separated. Thus when Paul was about to sail from Tyre to Jerusalem, the brethren all assembled with their whole families, to take their leave of each other; Acts xxi. 5. "And wc kneeled down on the shore and prayed. And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship, and they re- turned home again." S£RMON. 13 Inference 3. If all our worldly prosperity depends upon Go<.l's blessing, how unreasonable is it to be proud ol what we possess ? If God is the giver of all our mercies, why should we glory in these things, as though they were the ef- fects of our superior wisdom ? It is a mark of great weakness, to see pride and haughtiness of spirit arise with men, in proportion as their worldly prospects in- crease. 'Inhere are some Avho need a double share of grace, to keep them humble in the days of prosperity. We are taught by long experience, that it is as difficult for men to be humble m prosperity, as to be cheerful in adversity. Riches are a snare ; poverty is a snare ; but a competency is desirable. For this we may pray as Agur did, " Give me neither poverty nor riches ; feed me with food convenient for me ; lest I be full and deny thee, and say, who is the Lord ? or lest I be poor and steal, and take the name of my God in vain." The heart of good Hezekiah was lifted up with pride, because the Lord had blessed him, and multiplied his earthly treasures. This appears from his taking so much pains to show to the servants of the king of Babylon, all the riches and ornaments of his house. But while he was thus acting out the pride of his heart, God was preparing for him that sorrowful message, by the prophet Isaiah, 2. Kings, xx. 17. " Behold the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon : nothing shall be left, saith the Lord." If therefore, you wish to possess and enjoy the good things of this Avorld, indulge not pride, nor vain glory, but remember the fashion of this world passeth away. Inference 4. If we need the divine presence and blessing, in all the common concerns of life, it must be peculiarly needful for those who are entering upon new and difficult undertakings. Esj^ecially for those who 14 SERMON. expect shortly to remove with their families, from this to a far distant country. My brethren and friends, your present undertaking is of no small importance, to you, and your families, and to succeeding generations. Both your temporal and spiritual interest are involved in this enterprise. As it respects those relations and friends, whom you expect to leave behind, j^our removal will be like death, to cut off all hopes of future social enjoyment. But if the door of Providence is open for your removal, we have no \vish to discourage you, by holding to view all the difficulties and disappointments you may meet with. We trust your journey will not be forty years in the wilderness. Nor will you probably meet with so many powerful enemies as the children of Israel did in their journey to the promised land. But for your encour- agement, be assured, if the presence of God be with you, though the Egyptians should pursue after you, and all the inhabitants of the land should rise up against you, they would fall before you. " If God be for us, who can be against us ?" We are highly pleas- ed with your present resolutions to follow the footsteps of Providence. And we are also satisfied with the methods you have taken to be embodied into a distinct Gospel Church this day. Is not this the way to hope for the blessing of God to attend you on your journey, and in your new setdement ? We trust you will attend to the exhortation of St. Paul to Timothy, " Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." Being formed into a church, before you remove from us, will give you more freedem to admonish and watch over each other. It will have a tendency to renew and in- crease your sense of dependence on God. And it may, in the Providence of God, prepare the way for you the sooner to partake of christian ordinances in your new settlement. Our prayer to God for you is that you may carry religion in name and in reality. You may be sensible that the habits which are first carried into a town, will establish the character of the place for many SERMON. 15 years. If, therefore, you wish to do good in the world, to yourselves and to succeeding generations, see that you begin to li\'e conformably to the rules of that holy religion you profess. Carefully guard yourselves against temptation — See that you neglect not the education of your children — Let them remember their Creator in the days of their youth — Remember the sabbath to keep it holy in all your journey ings, and in all your dwellings. And if the Lord should carry you up safe- ly to the good land, in prospect, let it be your first bu- siness to erect altars for prayer and praise to God. Be always ready to assemble for social prayer — Think not to excuse yourselves because your number is small. " Where two or thi'ee are met together in Christ's name he will be in the midst of them, and bless them." You must expect for a time to live destitute of the stated ministration of God's word. But you will feel obligated to strive earnestly for the early settlement of gospel ordinances among you. We trust you will be much in prayer to God, for the outpouring of his spirit, and for the enlargement of his kingdom ; that you will cultivate christian unity, and brotherly love, " Giving diligence to make your calling and election sure : for if ye do these things ye shall never fall. For so an en- terance shall be ministered unto you, abundantly, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." AMEN. ?i